United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Southwestern Region

Publication No. MB-R3-12-03

June 2014

Draft Environmental Impact 

Statement for Travel Management 

on the Tonto National Forest

Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai Counties, 

Arizona
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Printed on recycled paper – June 2014
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for

Travel Management

Tonto National Forest

Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai Counties, Arizona

Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service

Cooperating Agencies: Arizona Game and Fish Department

Responsible Official: Neil Bosworth, Forest Supervisor

2324 E. McDowell Road

Phoenix, Arizona 85006

For Information Contact: Anne Thomas, Interdisciplinary Team Leader

2324 E. McDowell Road

Phoenix, Arizona 85006

(602) 225-5213

Abstract: The Tonto National Forest proposes changes to motorized use on roads, trails, and 

areas to meet requirements of Executive Order 11644, as amended by Executive Order 11989, and 

in the Travel Management Rule regulations (36 CFR 212, Subpart B). Routes and areas not 

designated for motorized use would be prohibited from motorized travel unless authorized under 

an exemption in the Travel Management Regulations. This involves amending the Tonto National 

Forest Plan to restrict cross-country motorized travel in all nondesignated areas and amending 

other direction related to motorized use that does not comply with the Travel Management Rule. 

Three action alternatives (Alternatives B, C, and D) propose changes to the current system of 

National Forest System roads, trails, and areas for motorized use. This draft environmental impact 

statement (EIS) documents the analysis of the no action, a modified proposed action, and two 

alternatives to the proposed action to designate motorized use on the Tonto National Forest. 

Alternative A proposes no change from the existing condition. Current management plans would 

continue to guide management of the project area. No changes would be made to the current 

National Forest transportation system. The Travel Management Rule would not be implemented 

and no Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) would be produced. This action would not comply with 

the Travel Management Rule1

.

Alternative B proposes approximately 2,367 miles of roads for decommissioning, resulting in 

approximately 894 miles of designated roads and 1,666 miles of motorized trails open to public 

use. This alternative prohibits cross-country motorized travel except within 300 feet on both sides 

of designated roads and motorized trails for personal fuelwood gathering in permitted areas. The 

emphasis of Alternative B is limited motorized access across the Tonto National Forest and was 

developed in response to comments received during scoping. 

1 Forest Service Travel Management Final Rule Website

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest i

 
Abstract

Alternative C is a modification of the proposed action scoped in February 2013 and proposes

approximately 1,290 miles of roads for decommissioning, resulting in approximately 1,340 miles 

of designated roads and 2,230 miles of motorized trails open to public use. This alternative 

prohibits cross-country motorized travel except in eight proposed OHV areas totaling 

approximately 6,791 acres. It would also allow motorized access, up to one mile on both sides of 

designated roads and motorized trails, for retrieval of legally harvested elk and bear (totaling 

approximately 1,293,178 acres), a corridor of 100 feet on both sides of designated roads and 

motorized trails for dispersed camping, and corridor 300 feet on both sides of designated roads 

and motorized trails for personal use fuelwood gathering in permitted areas. 

Alternative D was developed in response to public comments received on the proposed action and 

provides the highest level of motorized recreation opportunities and access across the forest. This 

alternative proposes approximately 194 miles of roads for decommissioning, resulting in 

approximately 3,347 miles of designated roads and 1,520 miles of motorized trails open to public 

use. This alternative prohibits cross-country motorized travel except in eight proposed OHV areas 

totaling approximately 6,791 acres. It would also allow motorized access, up to one mile on both 

sides of designated roads and motorized trails, for retrieval of legally harvested mule deer, white 

tail deer, elk and bear (totaling approximately 2,068,208 acres), a corridor of 300 feet on both 

sides of designated roads and motorized trails for dispersed camping and for personal use 

fuelwood gathering in permitted areas. 

Of the alternatives under consideration at this stage, Alternative C is preferred by the responsible 

official. However, this document is the draft Environmental Impact Statement and does not 

commit the responsible official or the Tonto National Forest to any one alternative.

Reviewers should provide the Forest Service with their comments during the review period of the 

draft environmental impact statement. This will enable the Forest Service to analyze and respond 

to the comments at one time and to use information acquired in the preparation of the final 

environmental impact statement, thus avoiding undue delay in the decision making process. 

Reviewers have an obligation to structure their participation in the National Environmental Policy 

Act (NEPA) process so that it is meaningful and alerts the agency to the reviewers’ position and 

contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). 

Environmental objections that could have been raised at the draft stage may be waived if not 

raised until after completion of the final environmental impact statement. City of Angoon v. 

Hodel (9th Circuit, l986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. 

Wis. 1980). Comments on the draft environmental impact statement should be specific and should 

address the adequacy of the statement and the merits of the alternatives discussed (40 CFR 

1503.3).

Send Comments to: Tonto National Forest: Travel Management Comments

2324 E. McDowell Road

Phoenix, AZ 85006

Fax number: (602) 225-5295

comments-southwestern-TMRTonto@fs.fed.us

Date Comments Must Be Received: The 45-day comment period will commence once the 

Notice of Availability is published in the Federal Register. The Tonto National Forest will post the 

date comments must be received by once it is published in the Federal Register to the Web site 

Tonto National Forest Travel Management.

ii Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Summary

The Tonto National Forest proposes to designate a system of roads and motorized trails, in 

addition to prohibiting motorized cross-country travel, except in designated motorized areas and 

fixed-distance corridors solely for the purpose of motorized dispersed camping or motorized big 

game retrieval. The area affected by the proposal includes the entire Tonto National Forest. This 

action is needed because the increasing number of unmanaged motorized recreationists on the 

forest has been contributing to resource damage. The project area being analyzed in this

document is the entire Tonto National Forest.

On November 2, 2005, the Forest Service announced the final Travel Management Rule 

regulations governing off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and other motor vehicle use on national 

forests and grasslands. Under the new regulations, which reiterate direction given in previous 

Executive Orders (11644 and 11989), forests that do not already restrict OHV travel to designated 

roads and trails must do so. Motor vehicles, including OHVs, must remain on designated roads 

and trails systems or in designated areas while on the national forest.

Currently, the Tonto National Forest does not have a forestwide designated road or trail system; 

cross-country motorized travel is permitted except in areas that are signed closed or restricted to 

seasonal use. To date, four ranger districts (Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto Basin) are 

closed to cross-country travel by Closure Orders, direction in the 1985 Tonto National Forest 

Plan, or other designation that restricts motor vehicle use.

The Tonto National Forest published a proposed action in the Federal Register on February 1, 

2013. This original proposed action would have resulted in approximately 3,812 miles of 

designated National Forest System road and trails and 1,417 acres of designated areas open to 

motor vehicles on the National Forest, adding approximately 280 miles of unauthorized routes. 

This alternative was eliminated from detailed study to reflect updated data and in response to 

public comments and replaced by newly developed Alternative C, which is the preferred 

alternative. Two other action alternatives (B and D) were developed in addition to the no action 

Alternative A, which proposes no change from the existing condition. 

All three action alternatives (B, C, and D) would require amendments to the Forest Plan. 

Alternatives A and D would only allow one permit zone, Bulldog Canyon. Alternative B includes 

the addition of five motorized permit zones, while alternative C includes the addition of four 

motorized permit zones. Motorized big game retrieval of elk and bear is allowed in Alternatives C 

and D—up to one mile on both sides of all designated motorized routes—but alternative D also 

allows retrieval of white tail and mule deer, which nearly doubles the affected acreage.

Alternative B does not allow for motorized retrieval off of designated roads or motorized trails.

Dispersed camping is restricted to 65 acres in Alternative B. In contrast, Alternatives C and D 

would allow motor vehicle use for dispersed camping in designated corridors; alternative C 

proposes 100 feet on both sides of all designated motorized routes, while Alternative D proposes 

300 feet on both sides of all designated motorized routes. To clarify, the alternatives are 

summarized in alphabetical order:

• Alternative A proposes no change to existing conditions. This alternative would not 

comply with the Travel Management Rule.

• Alternative B, developed in response to public comments during scoping, has the fewest 

miles of roads and motorized trails open to the public and the most miles of roads 

proposed for decommissioning. It is the only alternative which does not allow motor 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest iii
Summary

vehicle use for big game retrieval and motor vehicle use for dispersed camping to

designated sites only. This alternative does allow for cross-country travel, up to 300 feet 

both sides of all designated motorized routes, for fuelwood gathering within designated

areas.

• Alternative C has the second lowest number of miles of roads designated to be open to 

the public, but has the most miles of motorized trails. 

• Alternative D has the most miles of motorized roads open to travel by the public and the 

most acres of cross-country travel for the purposes of dispersed camping and big game 

retrieval. 

Overall, the modified proposed action, Alternative C, would provide the most balance between 

protection of the natural and cultural resources, while still providing motorized access to the 

public for a variety of recreational opportunities. All of the action alternatives (one of which must 

be implemented as per the final rule) increase the forest’s ability to protect resources and manage 

the transportation system more effectively.

Based upon the effects of the alternatives, the responsible official will decide which of the action 

alternatives will be chosen to implement the Travel Management Rule.

iv Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
List of Acronyms

ADEQ Arizona Department of 

Environmental Quality

ADOT Arizona Department of 

Transportation

AZGFD Arizona Game and Fish 

Department

APE Area of potential effect

ARPA Archaeological Resources 

Protection Act

ATV All-terrain vehicle

BA Biological assessment

BE Biological evaluation

BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs 

BLM Bureau of Land Management 

BMPs Best management practices

BOR Bureau of Reclamation

CAA Federal Clean Air Act

CEQ Council on Environmental 

Quality

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CO2 Carbon dioxide

DEIS Draft environmental impact 

statement

DO Dissolved oxygen

EIS Environmental impact 

statement

EPA Environmental Protection 

Agency

FR Federal Register

FS Forest Service

FSH Forest Service Handbook

FSM Forest Service Manual

FY Fiscal year

HUC Hydrologic unit code

GIS Geographic information system

GMU Game management unit

HDMS Heritage data management 

system

ID Interdisciplinary (as in ID 

Team)

IBA Important bird area

IRA Inventoried roadless area

LEI Law enforcement and 

investigations

MBGR Motorized big game retrieval

MIS Management indicator species

MRS Minimum road system

ML Maintenance level

ML 1 Maintenance level 1 (closed to 

public motorists)

ML 2 Maintenance level 2

ML 3 Maintenance level 3

ML 4 Maintenance level 4

ML 5 Maintenance level 5

MVUM Motor vehicle use map

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality 

Standards

NEPA National Environmental Policy 

Act

NF National Forest

NFS National Forest System

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest v
List of Acronyms

NFMA National Forest Management 

Act 

NHPA National Historic Preservation 

Act

NOx Nitrogen oxides

NVUM National visitor use monitoring

NRIS Natural resource information 

system

OHV Off-highway vehicles

PA Programmatic agreement

PAC Protected activity center 

PFA Post fledgling area

PNVT Potential Natural Vegetation 

Type 

PM Particulate matter

R3 Region 3

RARE Roadless area review and 

evaluation

RATM Resource access-travelway 

management

RD Ranger District

RFA Recreation facility analysis

RNA Research natural area

ROS Recreation opportunity 

spectrum

SHPO State Historic Preservation 

Officer

SIP State implementation plan

SMS Scenery management system

SPNM Semiprimitive nonmotorized

SUV Sports utility vehicle

TES Terrestrial ecosystem survey

TEUI Terrestrial Ecological unit 

inventory

TM Travel Management

TMDL Total maximum daily load

USC United States Code

USDA United States Department of 

Agriculture 

USFS United States Forest Service

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife 

Service

VMS Visual management system 

VMT Vehicle miles traveled

VOC Volatile organic compounds

VQO Visual quality objective

vi Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Contents

Summary ....................................................................................................................................... iii

List of Acronyms ........................................................................................................................... v

Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action................................................................................ 1

Introduction................................................................................................................................. 1

Document Structure.................................................................................................................... 1

The Travel Management Rule ..................................................................................................... 2

Location of Proposed Travel Management................................................................................. 3

Background of Motor Vehicle Use and Management on the Tonto National Forest ................. 5

Existing and Desired Conditions.................................................................................................. 6

Existing Condition.................................................................................................................... 6

Desired Condition.................................................................................................................... 8

Purpose of and Need for Changes to Travel Management......................................................... 8

Decision Framework.................................................................................................................... 8

Public Involvement...................................................................................................................... 9

Consultation and Communication with Tribes.......................................................................... 10

Issues Associated with Motorized Travel .................................................................................. 10

Designation of Roads, Motorized Trails, and OHV Areas...................................................... 11

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval............................................................................ 12

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping ........................................................................... 12

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action......................................................... 13

Introduction............................................................................................................................... 13

Development of Alternatives .................................................................................................... 13

Alternatives Considered in Detail.............................................................................................. 14

Alternative A – No Action...................................................................................................... 15

Alternative B.......................................................................................................................... 28

Alternative C.......................................................................................................................... 35

Alternative D.......................................................................................................................... 47

Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study .................................................. 56

Original Proposed Action Published in the Federal Register................................................. 56

Development of Existing Condition from Current Database................................................. 57

Alternative Submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity ............................................... 59

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest vii
Contents

Comparison of Alternatives....................................................................................................... 61

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences................................... 71

Analysis Process......................................................................................................................... 71

Cumulative Effects..................................................................................................................... 72

General Assumptions and Limitations....................................................................................... 72

Resource Reports ...................................................................................................................... 73

Legal and Regulatory Compliance ............................................................................................. 74

Transportation Facilities............................................................................................................ 74

Affected Environment ........................................................................................................... 74

Environmental Effects ........................................................................................................... 75

Recreation Resources................................................................................................................ 83

Affected Environment ........................................................................................................... 83

Environmental Effects ........................................................................................................... 94

Wilderness, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Inventoried Roadless Areas, and Special Management 

Areas........................................................................................................................................ 122

Designated Wilderness Areas.............................................................................................. 122

Wild and Scenic Rivers......................................................................................................... 132

Inventoried Roadless Areas................................................................................................. 141

Special Management Areas................................................................................................. 150

Visual Resources...................................................................................................................... 152

Affected Environment ......................................................................................................... 153

Environmental Effects ......................................................................................................... 154

Socioeconomics....................................................................................................................... 163

Affected Environment ......................................................................................................... 163

Environmental Effects ......................................................................................................... 182

Heritage Resources.................................................................................................................. 189

Affected Environment ......................................................................................................... 189

Environmental Effects ......................................................................................................... 191

Contemporary Indian Uses...................................................................................................... 205

Affected Environment ......................................................................................................... 205

Environmental Effects ......................................................................................................... 206

viii Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Contents

Game and Nongame Species (Wildlife Related Recreation) ................................................... 215

Affected Environment ......................................................................................................... 216

Environmental Effects ......................................................................................................... 222

Law Enforcement..................................................................................................................... 233

Existing Conditions .............................................................................................................. 234

Environmental Effects ......................................................................................................... 235

Wildlife and Plant Habitat Resources...................................................................................... 244

Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Sensitive Species.............................................. 245

Management Indicator Species........................................................................................... 355

Migratory Birds.................................................................................................................... 443

Noxious/Invasive Weeds..................................................................................................... 450

Hydrological Resources ........................................................................................................... 454

Affected Environment ......................................................................................................... 454

Environmental Effects ......................................................................................................... 458

Soil Resources.......................................................................................................................... 471

Affected Environment ......................................................................................................... 472

Environmental Effects ......................................................................................................... 476

Air Quality................................................................................................................................ 484

Affected Environment ......................................................................................................... 484

Environmental Effects ......................................................................................................... 487

Climate Change........................................................................................................................ 489

Affected Environment ......................................................................................................... 489

Environmental Effects ......................................................................................................... 490

Short-term Uses and Long-term Productivity ......................................................................... 491

Unavoidable Adverse Effects................................................................................................... 493

Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources..................................................... 493

Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination...................................................................... 495

Preparers and Contributors..................................................................................................... 495

Distribution of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement ................................................... 498

Glossary of Terms ..................................................................................................................... 505

References .................................................................................................................................. 517

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest ix
Contents

Appendix A: Proposed Changes to the Forest Plan ............................................................... 527

List of Tables

Table 1: Existing Road System......................................................................................................... 7

Table 2: Current Roads and Trails (No Action) .............................................................................. 15

Table 3: Roads and Trails for Alternative B ................................................................................... 28

Table 4: Unauthorized Routes Proposed for Inclusion for Alternative B ...................................... 29

Table 5: Permit Zones for Alternative B ........................................................................................ 29

Table 6: Roads and Trails for Alternative C ................................................................................... 36

Table 7: Unauthorized Routes Proposed for Inclusion for Alternative C ...................................... 36

Table 8: OHV Areas for Alternative C ............................................................................................ 37

Table 9: Permit Zones for Alternative C ........................................................................................ 39

Table 10: Retrieval of Elk and Bear Data for Alternative C............................................................ 43

Table 11: Roads and Trails for Alternative D................................................................................. 48

Table 12: Unauthorized Routes Proposed for Inclusion for Alternative D.................................... 48

Table 13: Retrieval of Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Elk, and Bear Data for Alternative D.............. 52

Table 14: Side-by-Side Comparison of Alternatives...................................................................... 61

Table 15: Comparison of Effects for Alternatives by Resource..................................................... 64

Table 16: Summary of Road Receiving Annual Maintenance by Maintenance Level (in Miles)... 76

Table 17: Road Needing Maintenance by Maintenance Level (in Miles) for Each Alternative..... 77

Table 18: Road Miles Needing Maintenance by Maintenance Level for Alternative A ................ 78

Table 19: Road Miles Needing Maintenance by Maintenance Level for Alternative B................. 78

Table 20: Road Miles Needing Maintenance by Maintenance Level for Alternative C................. 79

Table 21: Road Miles Needing Maintenance by Maintenance Level for Alternative D ................ 79

Table 22: Routine and Deferred Maintenance Cost Estimates for Existing NFS Roads 

(RATM) By Maintenance Level ...................................................................................................... 79

Table 23: Maintenance Cost Estimates for Alternative A (based on 2006 figures) ...................... 80

Table 24: Maintenance Cost Estimates for Alternative B (based on 2006 figures)....................... 81

Table 25: Maintenance Cost Estimates for Alternative C (based on 2006 figures)....................... 81

Table 26: Maintenance Cost Estimates for Alternative D (based on 2006 figures) ...................... 82

Table 27: Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Classes for the Tonto National Forest (1985) ........ 87

Table 28: Modified ROS for Current Condition (2013).................................................................. 89

Table 29: Occurrences of Motor Vehicle Routes Crossing Arizona Trail – Alternative A.............. 99

Table 30: Occurrences of Motor Vehicle Routes Crossing Arizona Trail – Alternative B ............ 104

Table 31: Changes in ROS - Alternative B.................................................................................... 105

Table 32: Occurrences of Motor Vehicle Routes Crossing Arizona Trail – Alternative C ............ 110

Table 33: Changes in ROS - Alternative C .................................................................................... 111

Table 34: Occurrences of Motor Vehicle Routes Crossing Arizona Trail – Alternative D............ 117

Table 35: Changes in ROS – Alternative D................................................................................... 118

Table 36: Motorized Routes in Wilderness by Alternative.......................................................... 127

x Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Contents

Table 37: Effects on Wilderness Characteristics by Alternative.................................................. 129

Table 38: Motorized Dispersed Camping Opportunities within Wild and Scenic River 

Corridors...................................................................................................................................... 135

Table 39: Number of Motorized Crossings for Potential Wild and Scenic Rivers ....................... 138

Table 40: Miles of Motorized Routes within Potential Wild and Scenic River Corridors............ 139

Table 41: Motorized Dispersed Camping Opportunities within Potential Wild and Scenic 

River Corridors............................................................................................................................. 140

Table 42: Motorized Routes in IRAs by Alternative..................................................................... 145

Table 43: Direct and Indirect Effects to IRA Characteristics by Alternative ................................ 146

Table 44: Motorized Routes within Special Management Areas by Alternative ........................ 150

Table 45: Race/Ethnicity of Population for 2011 by County, including Four-County Area 

and U.S......................................................................................................................................... 167

Table 46: Disability Status Related to Recreational Activities..................................................... 171

Table 47: Land Ownership for 2011 by County, including Four-County Area and U.S................ 172

Table 48: Components of Federal Land Payments to State/Local Governments, FY 2012......... 173

Table 49: Changes in Employment by Industry ........................................................................... 175

Table 50: Government Employment for 2011 by County, including Four-County Area 

and U.S......................................................................................................................................... 178

Table 51: Distribution of Race/Ethnicity by Four-County Area and Tonto National Forest........ 180

Table 52: Archaeological Survey of Unauthorized Routes by Alternative................................... 203

Table 53: Hunt Applicants and Permits Issued by GMU on Tonto National Forest in 2011 ....... 217

Table 54: Violation Notices, Warnings, and Incident Reports for Tonto National Forest,

including Bulldog Canyon OHV Area ........................................................................................... 236

Table 55: Description and Acreage of Potential Natural Vegetation Types Present on 

Forest........................................................................................................................................... 246

Table 56: Miles of Roads and Road Density in Each PNVT and Acres of Each PNVT 

Impacted by Five Analysis Factors under Each Alternative......................................................... 251

Table 57: Species Considered Sensitive on the Tonto National Forest....................................... 354

Table 58: Habitat Types and Trends for Management Indicator Species on the Tonto

National Forest............................................................................................................................ 357

Table 59: Total Acres of Ponderosa Pine Forest Mild and Mixed Conifer with Aspen Habitat 

Impacted under Each Alternative................................................................................................ 368

Table 60: Total acres of Pinyon-Juniper Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper Grassland, Madrean 

Encinal Woodland, and Interior Chaparral Habitat Impacted under Each Alternative............... 384

Table 61: Total acres of Semidesert Grassland Habitat Impacted under Each Alternative ........ 402

Table 62: Total acres of Desert Communities Habitat Impacted under Each Alternative .......... 409

Table 63: Total Acres of Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest Habitat Impacted under Each 

Alternative................................................................................................................................... 417

Table 64: Total acres of Mixed Broadleaf Deciduous Riparian Forest Habitat Impacted under 

Each Alternative .......................................................................................................................... 429

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest xi
Contents

Table 65: Tonto National Forest Migratory Bird Species of Concern.......................................... 444

Table 66: Water Quality Categories ............................................................................................ 454

Table 67: Riparian Vegetation on Tonto National Forest............................................................ 458

Table 68: Road Density by Ranger District .................................................................................. 462

Table 69: Forest Wide Changes from Existing Conditions—Alternative B .................................. 462

Table 70: Route Density by Ranger District—Alternative B ........................................................ 464

Table 71: Forest Wide Changes from Existing Conditions—Alternative B .................................. 465

Table 72: Route Density by Ranger District—Alternative C ........................................................ 466

Table 73: Forestwide Changes from Existing Conditions—Alternative C.................................... 467

Table 74: Route Density by Ranger District—Alternative D........................................................ 469

Table 75: Forestwide Changes from Existing Conditions—Alternative D ................................... 469

Table 76: Erosion Risks on Tonto National Forest (Existing Roads) ............................................ 472

Table 77: Soil Strength on Tonto National Forest (Existing Roads)............................................. 475

Table 78: Sediment Delivery to Streams from Road Buffers and Stream Crossings................... 476

Table 79: Miles of Unpaved Roads and Projected 2013 Baseline Uncontrolled Emissions for 

Alternative A................................................................................................................................ 486

Table 80: General Conformity Emissions Thresholds by SIP Planning Area................................ 487

Table 81: Specific Changes to the Tonto National Forest Plan Related to ORV and Cross 

Country Use................................................................................................................................. 527

Table 82: Specific Changes to the Tonto National Forest Plan Related to Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum................................................................................................................. 528

List of Figures

Figure 1: Map of the Tonto National Forest, including Ranger Districts......................................... 4

Figure 2: Map of Permit Zones for Alternative A .......................................................................... 18

Figure 3: Map of Game Management Units Overlapping the Tonto National Forest................... 20

Figure 4: Map of Motorized Big Game Retrieval for Alternative A ............................................... 22

Figure 5: Map of Dispersed Camping for Alternative A................................................................. 24

Figure 6: Map of Fuelwood Areas for Alternative A...................................................................... 26

Figure 7: Map of Permit Zones for Alternative B .......................................................................... 30

Figure 8: Map of Dispersed Camping for Alternative B................................................................. 32

Figure 9: Map of Fuelwood Areas for Alternative B...................................................................... 34

Figure 10: Map of OHV Areas for Alternatives C........................................................................... 38

Figure 11: Map of Permit Zones for Alternative C ........................................................................ 40

Figure 12: Map of Motorized Big Game Retrieval for Alternative C ............................................. 42

Figure 13: Map of Dispersed Camping Corridors for Alternative C............................................... 44

Figure 14: Map of Fuelwood Areas for Alternative C.................................................................... 46

Figure 15: Map of Permit Zones for Alternative D ........................................................................ 49

Figure 16: Map of Motorized Big Game Retrieval for Alternative D............................................. 51

Figure 17: Map of Dispersed Camping Corridors for Alternative D .............................................. 53

Figure 18: Map of Fuelwood Areas for Alternative D.................................................................... 55

xii Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Contents

Figure 19: Map of Recreation Opportunity Spectrum for the Tonto National Forest (1985)....... 88

Figure 20: Map of Modified ROS for Current Condition (2013) .................................................... 90

Figure 21: Map of Distance to Nearest Designated Road or Motorized Trail – Alternative A ...... 98

Figure 22: Map of Distance to Nearest Designated Road or Motorized Trail – Alternative B .... 103

Figure 23: Map of ROS for Alternative B ..................................................................................... 106

Figure 24: Map of Distance to Nearest Designated Road or Motorized Trail – Alternative C .... 109

Figure 25: Map of ROS for Alternative C ..................................................................................... 112

Figure 26: Map of Distance to Nearest Designated Road or Motorized Trail – Alternative D.... 116

Figure 27: Map of ROS for Alternative D..................................................................................... 119

Figure 28: Map of Wilderness Areas within and Adjacent to the Tonto National Forest........... 124

Figure 29: Map of Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Tonto National Forest ................................... 133

Figure 30: Map of Potential Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Tonto National Forest.................... 137

Figure 31: Map of Inventoried Roadless Areas on the Tonto National Forest............................ 143

Figure 32: Map of the Tonto National Forest and the Four-County Area (Gila, Maricopa, 

Pinal, and Yavapai Counties) ....................................................................................................... 165

Figure 33: Percent Change in Population by County, the Four-County Area, and U.S................ 166

Figure 34: Median Age by County, with U.S., for 2000 and 2011 ............................................... 167

Figure 35: Age Distribution of Tonto National Forest Visitors, 2008 .......................................... 169

Figure 36: Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Tonto National Forest Visitors, 2008 ......................... 170

Figure 37: Components of Federal Land Payments per Fiscal Year for the Four-County Area... 173

Figure 38: Allocation of Federal Land Payments for the Four-County Area ............................... 175

Figure 39: Employment Related to Farming as a Percent of Total Employment, 2011 .............. 176

Figure 40: Employment Related to Mining as a Percent of Total Employment, 2011................ 177

Figure 41: Employment Related to Timber as a Percent of Total Employment, 2011................ 178

Figure 42: Individuals and Families below Poverty for 2011 by County and Four-County 

Area ............................................................................................................................................. 181

Figure 43: Federal Land Payments, Percent of Total General Government Revenue, Fiscal 

Year 2007..................................................................................................................................... 183

Figure 44: Federal Land by Agency, Percentage of Total Land Area ........................................... 183

Figure 45: Map of Major Fishable Waters on the Tonto National Forest................................... 219

Figure 46: Arizona Hunting License Sales, 2000-2012................................................................. 221

Figure 47: Arizona Fishing License Sales, 1980-2008 .................................................................. 221

Figure 48: Map of Impaired Streams and Water Bodies within Tonto National Forest.............. 456

Figure 49: Map of Areas with Moderate to Soil Erosion Risk...................................................... 474

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest xiii

Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

Introduction

Motor vehicles are used for many activities on the Tonto National Forest, such as sightseeing, 

camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, recreational riding, and collecting fuelwood and other forest 

products, as well as permitted and administrative uses. Current regulations prohibit trail 

construction and operation of vehicles in a manner that is damaging to the land, wildlife, or 

vegetation (36 CFR 261—Prohibitions). However, these regulations have not proven sufficient to 

control the addition of routes or environmental effects. 

The project area being analyzed in this document is the entire Tonto National Forest. Of the six 

ranger districts that make up the Tonto National Forest, two currently permit cross-country 

motorized travel (Payson and Pleasant Valley), except in areas that are closed by forest order; 

restricted to seasonal use; or designated by Congress, such as wilderness areas. The other four 

ranger districts (Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto Basin) are closed to cross-country travel per 

the 1985 Tonto National Forest Land and Resources Management Plan (Forest Plan).

This draft environmental impact statement (draft EIS) describes the proposed project to improve 

the management of motorized vehicle use on National Forest System lands on the Tonto National 

Forest in accordance with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212, 251, and 261). The project 

will result in the publication of a motor vehicle use map (MVUM) showing those roads, trails and 

areas designated for motor vehicle use. After the MVUM has been released to the public, travel 

off the designated system will be prohibited unless authorized by permit or as allowed by the 

Travel Management Rule and the designated Responsible Official.

The Tonto National Forest has evaluated alternatives and is issuing this draft EIS to disclose the 

potential effects of changes to the existing system of National Forest System roads, prohibiting 

cross-country travel, and designating a system of roads, trails, and areas where motorized travel 

can occur on the forest in order to comply with the Travel Management Rule.

Document Structure

The Forest Service has prepared this draft EIS in compliance with the National Environmental 

Policy Act (NEPA) and other relevant Federal and State laws and regulations. This draft 

environmental impact statement discloses the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental 

impacts that would result from the proposed action and alternatives.

The document is organized into four chapters:

Chapter 1. Purpose and Need for Action: The chapter includes information on the history of 

the project proposal, the purpose of and need for the project, and the Agency’s proposal for 

achieving that purpose and need. This section also details how the Forest Service informed 

the public of the proposal and how the public responded.

Chapter 2. Alternatives, including the Proposed Action: This chapter provides a more detailed 

description of the Agency’s proposed action as well as alternative methods for achieving the 

stated purpose. These alternatives were developed based on significant issues raised by the 

public and other agencies. This discussion also includes mitigation measures. Finally, this 

section provides a summary table of the environmental consequences associated with each 

alternative.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 1
Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences: This chapter describes 

the existing condition of the project area and the environmental effects of implementing the 

proposed action and other alternatives. This analysis is organized by resource area.

Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination: This chapter provides a list of preparers and 

agencies consulted during development of the environmental impact statement.

Additional documentation, including detailed analyses of project area resources, may be found in 

the project record located at the Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 2324 E. McDowell 

Road, Phoenix, Arizona and on the Forest website at: Tonto National Forest Travel Management 

Project Documents

The Travel Management Rule

On November 9, 2005, the Forest Service published travel management regulations governing 

off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and other motor vehicles on national forests and grasslands. This is 

referred to as the Travel Management Rule or “final rule.” The final rule was developed in 

response to the substantial increase in use of OHVs on National Forest lands and related damage 

to forest resources caused by unmanaged OHV use over the past 20 to 30 years. The regulations 

implement Executive Order (EO) 11644 and EO 11989 regarding off-road use of motor vehicles 

on Federal lands. The final rule “provides for a system of [National Forest System] NFS roads, 

NFS trails, and areas on NFS lands that are designated for motor vehicle use.... Motor vehicle use 

off designated roads and trails and outside of designated areas is prohibited” (36 Code of Federal 

Regulations (CFR) 212.50). Per the final rule, forests that do not already restrict motorized travel 

to designated roads, trails, and areas must do so. Designated roads, trails, and areas shall be 

identified on a motor vehicle use map (MVUM) and made available to the public.

Once roads, trails, and areas on the Tonto National Forest have been designated 

and identified on the MVUM, motor vehicle use off of the designated system is 

prohibited. The following vehicles and uses are exempted from this prohibition: 

(1) aircraft; (2) watercraft; (3) over-snow vehicles2

; (4) limited administrative use 

by the Forest Service; (5) use of any fire, military, emergency, or law 

enforcement vehicle for emergency purposes; (6) authorized use of any combat 

or combat support vehicle for national defense purposes; (7) law enforcement

response to violations of law, including pursuit; and (8) motor vehicle use that is 

specifically authorized under a written authorization issued under Federal law or 

regulations (36 CFR 251.51).

The rule further states that “the responsible official may incorporate previous 

administrative decisions regarding travel management made under other 

authorities, including designations and prohibitions of motor vehicle use, in 

designating NFS roads, trails, and areas” (36 CFR 2212.50(b)). The final rule 

does not require reconsideration of any previous administrative decisions that 

allow, restrict, or prohibit vehicle use on NFS roads, trails or areas and that were

made under other authorities. However, the responsible official may choose to 

2 Over snow vehicle use on the Tonto National Forest is limited to occasional use during infrequent heavy snowfall in 

the northern ranger districts of Payson and Pleasant Valley, mostly for emergency ingress and egress to private land. 

Such use is minimal and will not be covered in this decision. 

2 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

 
Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

reconsider past decisions, with public involvement, as necessary to achieve the 

purposes of the final rule (Federal Register, vol. 70, no. 216, p. 68269). This 

NEPA analysis concerns changes to the system that are needed to meet the Travel 

Management Rule.

As part of the process in complying with the final travel management regulations, the Tonto 

National Forest conducted a forestwide travel analysis process in 2006, reviewing the entire 

current road system. The intent of this process was to identify needed changes to the existing road 

and motorized trail systems. In early 2013, with the development of an environmental impact 

statement to analyze the effects of implementing the travel management rule, forest staff 

reviewed and refined the proposed designated road and motorized trail system to ensure 

protection, while providing for administration and utilization, of National Forest System lands (36 

CFR 212.5(b)). 

For the purposes of this analysis, the term “road” or “trail” is defined as a National Forest System

road or trail that is designated for motor vehicle use pursuant to 36 CFR 212.51. An unauthorized 

road or trail is, “a road or trail that is not a forest road or trail or a temporary road or trail and that 

is not included in a forest transportation atlas” (36 CFR 212.1). Unauthorized routes have 

generally developed without agency authorization, environmental analysis, or public involvement 

and do not have the same status as National Forest System roads or trails included in the forest 

transportation system. 

The travel management rule employs an iterative, ongoing process that begins with an analysis of 

the transportation system, which is then carried into a NEPA analysis for proposed changes to the 

system of roads, trails, and areas. This results in the designated transportation system, which can 

be adapted over time. The motor vehicle use map will show this system and will be valid until the 

forest issues a new map based on system changes found to be necessary. The final rule states that 

this map will be reissued every year, which would be reflective of any changes made to the 

designated system.

Location of Proposed Travel Management

The Tonto National Forest covers approximately 2,964,308 acres in central Arizona and is the 

fifth largest national forest in the National Forest System. The Tonto National Forest spans a

range of ecosystems from the Sonoran Desert through a variety of chaparral and pinyon

pine/juniper up to the mixed conifer and ponderosa pine of the Mogollon Rim. The Tonto 

National Forest is divided into six ranger districts: Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, Payson, Pleasant 

Valley, and Tonto Basin (Figure 1).

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 3
4 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

Figure 1: Map of the Tonto National Forest, including Ranger Districts
Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

The Tonto National Forest abuts the northern edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area, which has a 

population of more than four million people. The city of Phoenix itself has a population of 

approximately 1.5 million3

, making it the sixth largest city in the United States. The Phoenix area 

is a popular destination for conferences, conventions, and tourism with its warm and sunny yearround climate, wide variety of business, cultural, and recreational offerings, serviced by many 

direct flights from most major U.S. cities. These factors combine to make the Tonto National

Forest one of the most heavily visited national forests (U.S. Forest Service, 2005a), with nearly 5 

million recreational visitors annually (U.S. Forest Service, 2012). 

Many of these visitors drive through the Tonto National Forest for sightseeing the natural 

landscape or on their way to other destinations, such as the Grand Canyon or other northern, highelevation locations to escape the Phoenix Valley’s summer heat. Others come for the variety of 

water-based recreation such as fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, rafting, or to picnic near 

picturesque desert lakes and rivers. 

Background of Motor Vehicle Use and 

Management on the Tonto National Forest

Motor vehicles are used for many activities on the Tonto National Forest. These activities include 

sightseeing, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, recreational riding, and collecting fuelwood and 

other forest products, as well as permitted and administrative uses. Motor vehicle use is both a 

form of access to nonmotorized activities on the Forest and a form of recreation in and of itself. 

On Arizona National Forests and other public lands, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use varies

depending on terrain and user preferences: off-road motorcycles, including dirt bikes, have a 

narrow wheelbase width and can be ridden on single-track trails; all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) often 

have a wheelbase width of 50 inches or less and riders straddle the vehicle, with multiple riders 

sitting one in front the other; utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) allow riders to sit side-by-side and 

may have a wheelbase width greater than 50 inches; and full-sized vehicles, which have a high 

enough clearance and traction to drive off paved roads. 

During the past ten years, OHV use has increased dramatically across the nation and on millions 

of acres of public land in the western U.S. In Arizona, sales of OHVs increased 623 percent, from 

1995 to 2006 (Arizona State Parks, 2009). Prior to 2001, the majority of OHV sales in Arizona 

consisted of ATVs; however, by 2008 UTVs had surpassed the sales of ATVs in Maricopa County 

(Arizona State Parks, 2009). According to a survey conducted by Arizona State Parks (2009), 22 

percent of adult Arizona residents have participated in motorized recreation, with nearly 11 

percent indicating that motorized vehicle use accounts for the majority of their recreation. Riding 

a motorized vehicle off designated and maintained roads and trails can result in effects to 

resources, including increased soil erosion, decreased water quality, decreased air quality, damage 

to cultural resources, disruptions to wildlife, changes in natural vegetation, or conflicts with forest 

users seeking a nonmotorized experience. Managing motorized recreation is particularly 

challenging on the Tonto National Forest as the desert ecosystem does not provide many natural 

barriers to prevent users from riding anywhere their vehicle will take them. The Tonto National 

Forest is the most heavily-used national forest for motorized recreation, with nearly a million 

visitors using OHVs on the Forest annually (English et al., 2004).

3 According to the U. S. Census Bureau 2012 population estimates (U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts: States accessed 

on June 14, 2013).

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 5 
Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

The issue of increasing motorized use is not specific to the Tonto National Forest. Unmanaged 

recreation, including motor vehicle use, was listed as one of the four key threats to the health and 

sustainability of national forests by former Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth. In November 

2005, a Travel Management Rule was established as a regulation to improve management of 

motorized use by defining where motorized use is acceptable and where it is not. More 

specifically, this rule requires Forest Service staff at each national forest and grassland to 

designate motor vehicle use on roads, trails, and areas by vehicle class and time of year if 

appropriate. After designation, motor vehicle use not in accordance with the designation is 

prohibited, except for those exemptions listed in the Travel Management Rule, such as limited 

administrative use by the Forest Service or permitted activities (36 CFR 212.51). The Travel 

Management Rule only applies to motorized vehicle use and does not affect or prohibit any 

nonmotorized access. 

Existing and Desired Conditions

Existing conditions describe the current management situation and environmental conditions 

within the project area. Desired Conditions describe the goals for travel management as defined 

by Forest Plan guidance, the Travel Management Rule and other regulations, as well as the 

public’s needs. The topic areas below represent broad-scale features associated with a district 

transportation system. Additional information about existing conditions related to specific 

resources can be found in Chapter 3 of this document.

Existing Condition

Motor vehicles are used to access the forest and engage in a wide variety of activities on the 

Tonto National Forest. Additionally, forest visitors use the existing transportation system to 

support their lifestyle with activities such as firewood collection and hunting/game retrieval. 

Currently, motor vehicles may drive on any open road as well as access the forest interior by 

driving “cross-country” or off of forest roads, except where prohibited by existing off-road 

closure areas. These “motorized travel restricted” areas are closed to cross country travel to 

protect sensitive soil and vegetation, wetlands, wilderness areas, and non-motorized recreational 

opportunities. These areas have been closed by previous official Forest Orders or legislative 

actions, such as congressionally designated wilderness.

The Forest Service uses five maintenance levels (ML) to classify roads, ranging from ML 1 

indicating intermittent service roads closed to vehicular use, to ML 5, indicating roads that 

provide a high degree of user comfort and convenience. ML 3, 4, and 5 roads are those suitable 

for passenger cars. Some of these roads are dirt, some are gravel, and some are paved. ML 3, 4, 

and 5 roads are subject to the Highway Safety Act; therefore, they generally receive more 

maintenance than level 1 and 2 roads. This report will refer to passenger car roads (ML 3, 4, and 5 

that a typical sedan could drive down) and high clearance roads (ML 2) that are maintained for 

high clearance vehicles.

According to the current database for roads on the Tonto National Forest, there are approximately 

2,952 miles of roads open to the public: 645 miles for passenger vehicles and 2,308 miles for high 

clearance (Table 1). This database shows that there are 1,739 miles of ML 1 (closed to vehicular 

use) roads and 267 miles of decommissioned routes. However, after reviewing updated satellite 

imagery and gathering on-the-ground information from ranger district personnel, Forest Service

Law Enforcement Officers, and Arizona Game and Fish Department employees, it was 

6 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

determined that many of the ML 1 and decommissioned routes are quite likely still open to the 

public and being used currently by motor vehicles. Because of this inconsistency, it was decided 

that the existing condition for the roads system on the Tonto National Forest, the baseline for 

which the effects of the proposed changes to the road system for this project, results in 

approximately 5,000 miles of roads open to motor vehicle use4

. Currently, there are no trails 

designated for motorized use only.

Table 1: Existing Road System

Road Maintenance Level Miles

Percent of 

Total

Not Under Forest Service Jurisdiction 13 n/a

Decommissioned n/a 0

Level 1 n/a 0

Level 2 2,308 47

Level 3 458 9

Level 4 136 3

Level 5 50 1

FS Roads Likely Open to Public, ML Unknown 2,006 40

Total (FS Jurisdiction) 4,958 100 

In addition to the forest roads described above, the Tonto National Forest has seen the 

proliferation of unauthorized, or “user-created,” routes5

. In most cases, these roads appear as “two 

track” roads that access popular areas for dispersed recreation (camping, hunting, horseback 

riding, etc.). These roads are not kept in the Forest Service roads inventory, and do not receive 

maintenance to ensure environmental impacts are minimized. The number of unauthorized routes 

continues to grow as more and more visitors use the area and drive vehicles off road. Most of 

these routes include unauthorized travel for which the forest currently has no data6 and routes that 

have been created by repeated off-road travel in areas where cross-country travel was permitted.

Additionally, unauthorized routes have been created in areas where cross-country travel was not 

permitted but existing prohibitions or enforcement of such prohibitions were not adequate. 

A more detailed description of the existing conditions, including specific mileage for roads, can 

be found in Chapter 2; the No Action Alternative (Alternative A).

4 A more detailed discussion of the inconsistencies between what is in the Tonto National Forest databases for roads 

and trails and what is currently on the ground can be found in the Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from 

Detailed Study section of Chapter 2 of this document.

5 36 CFR 212.1 Defines an unauthorized road or trail as: A road or trail that is not a forest road or trail or a temporary 

road or trail and that is not included in a forest transportation atlas.

6 Per the final Travel Management Rule, an exhaustive inventory of unauthorized routes was not conducted on the 

Tonto National Forest, nor is there any expectation that such an inventory will be conducted. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 7 
Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

Desired Condition

The Tonto National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) is the guiding 

document for Forest Service management of natural resources and uses of the forest. Currently, 

the Tonto National Forest allows motorized cross-country travel throughout the forest except in 

three types of areas: congressionally designated wilderness, areas closed to motorized use in the 

forest plan, or areas closed to motorized use in a forest closure order. Areas closed to motorized 

use in the forest plan and areas closed to motorized use in a closure order can be seasonal 

closures. In addition, the Travel Management Rule directs the Forest Service to provide for a 

system of NFS roads, NFS trails, and areas on NFS lands that are designated for motor vehicle 

use and by class and time of year (if appropriate) (36 CFR 212.50). Part of the desired condition 

is that the forest road system is the minimum system necessary to provide safe and efficient travel 

for the administration, utilization, and protection of NFS lands considering long-term funding 

expectations while ensuring that the identified system minimizes adverse environmental impacts 

(36 CFR 212.5 (b)). The desired condition is a designated system of roads, motorized trails, and 

OHV areas that are managed and sustainable, which accommodate motorized access needs 

consistent with the Forest Plan and the 2005 Travel Management Rule.

Purpose of and Need for Changes to Travel 

Management

The purpose of this project is to comply with the Travel Management Rule by providing a system 

of roads, trails, and areas designated for motor vehicle use by class of vehicle and time of year on 

the Tonto National Forest. In addition, the magnitude and intensity of motor vehicle use has 

increased to the point that the intent of EO 11644 and EO 11989, both pertaining to the use of 

motorized vehicles on public land, cannot be met while still allowing unrestricted cross-country 

travel. There is a need to determine which, if any, authorized National Forest System roads 

currently open should be closed to motorized travel. In addition, there is a need to determine 

which, if any, authorized roads currently closed should be open to motorized travel. There is also 

a need to identify any restrictions on allowed uses, classes of vehicles, and/or seasons of use for 

specific routes. There is also a need to determine which, if any, unauthorized routes should be 

added to National Forest System as trails or roads open for motorized access. Furthermore, there 

is a need to determine if, when, where, and how far motor vehicles may be driven off designated 

roads for the sole purpose of motorized dispersed camping, motorized big game retrieval, and 

collection of forest products. Finally, there is a need to amend the Forest Plan7

, in part, to prohibit 

motor vehicle use off designated National Forest System roads, trails, and areas except as shown 

on the motor vehicle use map and to revise wording for consistency regarding definition to 

comply with Travel Management Rule, 36 CFR 261.13. 

Decision Framework

The Tonto National Forest Supervisor is the responsible official and will decide the following:

• Changes to the existing road system;

• Changes to existing motorized trails and areas open to cross-country motorized travel;

7 A detailed account of plan amendments associated with the action alternatives can be found in Appendix A of this 

document. 

8 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

• The distance motor vehicles may travel off specific designated routes for the purpose of

dispersed camping , big game retrieval, and collection of forest products; and

• Language and content changes to the Tonto National Forest Plan via a forest plan

amendment through use of the 1982 rule procedures as allowed by the transition language

of the 2012 planning rule (36 CFR 219.17(b)(3)).

The decision will be based on a consideration of the environmental effects of implementing the 

proposed action or alternatives developed in response to significant issues. The Forest Supervisor 

may select the proposed action, an alternative analyzed in detail, or a modified proposed action or 

alternative within the project's range of alternatives. The Tonto National Forest Supervisor, 

responsible official for this environmental impact statement process, chose to focus this analysis 

and subsequent decision on meeting the primary purpose and intent of the Travel Management 

Rule to designate National Forest System roads, trails, and areas on Forest Service managed lands 

for motor vehicle use (36 CFR 212.51). Previous administrative decisions concerning 

development of existing National Forest System roads and trails, road construction, road 

reconstruction, motorized trail construction, and land suitability for motorized use on existing 

roads are outside of the scope of this analysis. This analysis does not preclude a planning effort 

that considers changes to the motorized route system at a later date. Any such future proposal 

would require an appropriate environmental analysis and documentation in a NEPA decision. 

Furthermore, this environmental analysis process is focused on implementing 36 CFR 212 

Subpart B of the Travel Management Rule. This decision will not affect the terms and conditions 

associated with special use authorization of National Forest System land, outlined in 36 CFR 251, 

including motorized access for grazing and livestock use and minerals. 

Furthermore, over snow vehicle use on the Tonto National Forest is limited to occasional use 

during infrequent heavy snowfall in the northern ranger districts of Payson and Pleasant Valley, 

mostly for emergency ingress and egress to private land. Such use is minimal and will not be 

covered in this decision.

Public Involvement

In October 2009, the forest released a proposed action. Seven public meetings were held 

throughout the communities within and proximate to the forest in November and December 2009 

to gather input about the proposed action, including roads and trails proposed for motorized use.

Comments to the proposed action were accepted through December 4, 2009. A draft version of an 

environmental assessment was released for public comment on January 6, 2012 for a 30-day 

comment period. Due to the length and complexity of the environmental assessment and requests 

from the public, an additional 30-day comment period began on February 5, 2012. Approximately 

300 letters were received during these two comment periods. 

After initiating compliance with the Travel Management Rule under an environmental 

assessment, the Tonto National Forest determined that the level of significance reached a point 

that environmental analysis for travel management under an environmental impact statement 

(EIS) would be more appropriate. On February 1, 2013, a notice of intent to prepare an EIS was 

published in the Federal Register, initiating a 30-day scoping period that ended March 4, 2013. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 9 
Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

Approximately 1,794 postcards and 1,673 emails were sent to interested and affected parties8. 

Approximately 120 replies were received, including 20 form letters from Rim County Riders 

ATV Club members.

Consultation and Communication with Tribes

Communication with Tribes interested and affected by travel management on the Tonto National 

Forest has been ongoing since 2009. The following is a list of the Tribes and Tribal communities 

that have provided comments about travel management and a summary of their issues and 

concerns:

• Fort McDowell Yavapai – supports closure of routes that access their adjacent reservation 

to protect from vandalism.

• Gila River Indian Community and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community – wants 

the forest to maintain existing roads as they are now, without adding roads or 

unauthorized routes, and focus on enforcement to protect heritage sites.

• Hopi – supports the most restrictive action for travel management, limiting motorized 

access, decreasing motorized route mileage, and prohibiting cross-country travel. 

• San Carlos Apache Tribe – wants the identification and protection of historic sites, while 

allowing for continued access for Tribal members to sacred, holy, traditional, cultural,

and heritage resource sites. They also encourage the forest to decommission all 

unauthorized routes and as many roads as possible. 

• White Mountain Apache Tribe – wants all cultural heritage resources to be protected by 

closing routes and limiting motorized access in areas on the forest that are adjacent to 

tribal land.

• Yavapai Apache Nation and Tonto Apache Tribe – supports an action that is most 

restrictive for motorized access and use.

• Yavapai Prescott Indian Community – also supports an action that is most restrictive for 

motorized access and use.

• Ak-Chin Indian Community – supports a plan that will protect the land and wildlife from 

damage associated with motor vehicle use.

Issues Associated with Motorized Travel

Issues serve to highlight effects or unintended consequences that may occur from the proposed 

action and alternatives, giving opportunities during the analysis to reduce adverse effects and 

compare trade-offs for the decision maker and public to understand. Issues help set the scope of 

the actions, alternatives, and effects to consider in our analysis (Forest Service Handbook 

1909.15.12.4).

Comments from the public and other agencies submitted during the scoping period were used to 

formulate issues concerning the Proposed Action. An issue is a point of dispute or disagreement 

with the Proposed Action based on some anticipated environmental effect. The interdisciplinary 

8 There was duplication in some instances with the postcards and emails where individuals and groups received both

notifications.

10 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

 
Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

team separated the issues into two groups: significant and nonsignificant. Significant issues were 

defined as those directly or indirectly caused by implementing the Proposed Action. 

Nonsignificant issues were identified as those:

• Outside the scope of the proposed action;

• Already decided by law, regulation, policy, the forest land and resource management

plan, or other higher level decision;

• Irrelevant to the decision to be made; or

• Conjectural and not supported by scientific or factual evidence.

The Council on Environmental Quality NEPA regulations explains this delineation in Sec. 1501.7. 

“...identify and eliminate from detailed study the issues which are not significant or which have 

been covered by prior environmental review....” 

Designation of Roads, Motorized Trails, and OHV 

Areas

1a. The amount of roads and motorized trails in the proposed action does not meet 

the current and future needs for motorized recreation and access throughout the 

Tonto National Forest. 

Unit of measure: Miles of roads and trails designated open to motorized vehicles.

1b. The proposed action does not meet the needs for diverse motorized recreation 

opportunities.

Unit of measure: Miles of trails designated for the following motorized users: single 

track/motorcycle; ATV (less than 50 inches wide); UTV; or full-sized vehicles. 

1c. Designation of roads and motorized trails would result in user conflict.

Unit of measure: Distance to nearest motorized road or trail and changes in recreation 

opportunities across the forest. 

1d. Designation of roads, motorized trails, and OHV areas would result in impacts 

to water and soil resources.

Unit of measure: Miles, acres, and percentage of roads and areas related to 

watersheds and soil categories.

1e. Designation of roads, motorized trails, and OHV areas would result in impacts to 

wildlife habitat.

Unit of measure: Density of roads and motorized trails in all habitat types for 

threatened, endangered, and Forest Service sensitive species. 

1f. Designation of roads, motorized trails, and OHV areas would result in impacts to 

cultural resources.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 11
Chapter 1. Purpose of and Need for Action

Unit of measure: Number of cultural resources impacted.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

2. Authorizing motorized big game retrieval off designated routes could impact 

water and soil resources, wildlife habitat, cultural resources, and nonmotorized

recreational experiences.

Unit of measure: Number of average off-road vehicular trips for motorized retrieval 

of big game by species, along with the potential acres allowed for motorized big 

game retrieval.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

3a. Limiting motor vehicle use to access dispersed camping to a specific distance

from designated roads or motorized trails or to designated dispersed sites may 

reduce dispersed camping opportunities, cause user conflict, and concentrate 

resource impacts.

Unit of measure: Acres of designated camping corridors or designated dispersed 

camping sites.

3b. Motorized dispersed camping corridors allow motorized use in areas that can 

cause impacts to water and soil resources, wildlife habitat, and cultural 

resources.

Unit of measure: Acres and intensity of designated motorized dispersed camping 

corridor use in sensitive wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and number of cultural 

resources impacted.

12 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the 

Proposed Action

Introduction

This chapter describes and compares the alternatives considered for the “Draft Environmental 

Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest” (draft EIS). It includes a 

description and maps of each alternative considered. Based on the issues and concerns identified 

in public comment on the proposed action, the Forest Service developed two alternative proposals 

that achieve the purpose and need differently than the Proposed Action. In addition, the Forest 

Service is required to analyze a No Action alternative. The No Action, a modified proposed action

replacing the original proposed action from the notice of intent to prepare an environmental 

impact statement, and two other action alternatives are described in detail in this chapter. In 

addition, alternatives considered but eliminated from detailed study are described. 

This chapter also presents the alternatives in comparative form, defining the differences between 

each alternative and providing a clear basis for choice among options by the decision maker and 

the public. Some of the information used to compare the alternatives is based upon the design of 

the alternative and some of the information is based upon the environmental, social, and 

economic effects of implementing each alternative. These effects are discussed in detail in 

Chapter 3, by resource area. 

Development of Alternatives

On February 1, 2013 the proposed action was scoped; it was modified from the proposed action 

in the draft environmental assessment (January 2012) in response to comments submitted.

Starting in January 2013, Tonto National Forest engineering staff reviewed the existing road 

system being managed by the Tonto National Forest and developed a system for classifying roads 

to develop a desired road network from the engineering staff perspective.

A set of targeted questions was developed to provide a basis for a rationalized analysis to 

determine this desired road network using existing National Forest System road information, 

allowing for the differentiation of aspects of transportation routes that may exist and function 

solely as a motorized trail and those which provide administration as part of an engineered road 

system or primary transportation group9

. Once nearly every road had been analyzed, the 

information was further reviewed on a district level, involving district rangers, Forest Service 

personnel familiar with the existing road and resource conditions, and Arizona Game and Fish 

Department Wildlife Managers whose wildlife management responsibilities overlapped with the 

corresponding district boundaries. This entire process took nearly four months, and allowed for 

the correction of some route alignment issues using aerial imagery gathered in 2012. The No 

Action Alternative, along with all the action alternatives, uses this corrected data. As a result of 

this process, Alternative C, a modified proposed action, replaced the original proposed action

scoped in February 2013. 

9 A detailed description of this analysis and the questions used for consideration of each route on the Tonto National 

Forest can be found in the Transportation Specialist Report, Appendix A, in the project record.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 13
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Alternatives Considered in Detail

The description of the four alternatives being analyzed, including the No Action, in this draft EIS 

are organized by six elements to help the reader understand the differences and similarities among 

them. These elements are:

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use: According to the Travel Management 

Rule, a National Forest System road is defined as a “forest road other than a road which has 

been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a State, county, or other local 

public road authority” (36 CFR 212.1). In addition, a road is defined as “a motor vehicle 

route over 50 inches wide, unless identified and managed as a trail” (36 CFR 212.1).

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use (open to travel off designated motor vehicle use 

routes): According to the Travel Management Rule, an area is defined as “a discrete, 

specifically delineated space that is smaller, and in most cases much smaller, than a Ranger 

District” (36 CFR 212.1).

Permit Zones: Are unique to the Tonto National Forest and are a discrete area where effects 

from OHV use are negatively impacting resources, but complete exclusion to the area by 

OHV use is not desirable. Currently there is one permit zone on the Tonto National Forest. In 

a permit zone, cross-country travel is not allowed. Instead, motorized vehicle users are 

required to get a permit to access the area, which would have locked gates and barriers 

restricting nonpermitted access.

Currently, there is no limit to the number of permits available. To obtain a permit, users 

would either obtain one in person at a designated Forest Service office or via the Internet. In 

both situations, interested users would be required to provide information to acquire a permit 

and the combination to the locked access gates. Once the user is granted a permit, additional 

instructions and a map would be provided detailing specific routes open for motorized use 

and a description of the penalties associated with driving off of the designated routes or 

providing access to users without a valid permit. Permits are valid for 6 months, but users can 

reapply for a permit for an additional 6 months of permitted use. 

Permits are not required for nonmotorized users such as equestrians and hikers. They may 

enter the zone through equestrian/ pedestrian gates. The number of permits issued for the 

Bulldog Canyon Permit Zone is estimated on average of 750 per month over the course of a 

year or 9,000 annually. During periods of high use (winter), permits issued can be up to 30-50 

permits per day.

While there is research into the effectiveness of face-to-face communication in increasing 

compliance in federal land users (such as Marion and Reid, 2007; Park et al., 2008; 

Roggenbuck, 1992), there is only anecdotal information regarding the improvement of 

resource conditions and their relationship to user compliance within the existing permit zone. 

Because of the lack of relevant quantitative or peer-reviewed qualitative analysis, roads and 

motorized trails within existing and proposed permit zones would not be treated differently 

than roads and motorized trails outside of these permit zones. This assumption will be used in 

the analysis for Chapter 3 of this document unless stipulations can be included in the permit 

as a form of mitigation (i.e., requiring vehicles to be washed clean of mud and plant debris 

that may result in the spread of noxious weeds).

14 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval: The Responsible Official may include in the 

designation the limited use of motor vehicles within a specified distance of designated routes, 

and if appropriate, within specified time periods solely for purposes of “...retrieval of a 

downed big game animal by an individual who has legally taken that animal” (36 CFR 

212.51 (b)). Motorized off-road travel for other hunting activities, such as scouting or 

accessing hunting sites, would be prohibited.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping: Similar to big game retrieval using motor 

vehicles, the Responsible Official “may include in the designation the limited use of motor 

vehicles within a specified distance of certain designated routes, and if appropriate within 

specified time periods, solely for the purposes of dispersed camping...” (36 CFR 212.51 (b)). 

Additional Information Pertaining to Motor Vehicle Use Designation: This section 

includes information about personal use fuelwood gathering. Currently, if a forest user 

receives a permit for personal use fuelwood, they are permitted to gather wood in specific 

areas during specified times (indicated by a packet with maps and regulations for gathering). 

The use of motorized vehicles to aid in the gathering of wood is not distance limited so long

as the user is within the permitted area and not causing resources damage. Since most of the 

fuelwood gathering areas are within parts of the forest that are currently open to crosscountry travel, designation of motor vehicle use for gathering will be analyzed in this draft 

EIS.

Alternative A – No Action

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations require the no action alternative be 

included as a baseline for comparison to all action alternatives. This alternative proposes no 

change to the existing management of motorized travel on the Tonto National Forest. 

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Currently, the Tonto National Forest has management jurisdiction for approximately 5,000 miles 

of system roads10 across the entire forest. Table 2 shows the type of use associated with the road 

system on the Tonto National Forest11. (Map A in the map packet shows the route system for this 

alternative.)

Table 2: Current Roads and Trails (No Action)

Type of Road/Trail Miles

Roads Open to Passenger Vehicles (ML 3-5) 644.72

Roads Open to High Clearance Vehicles (ML 2) 2,307.67

Motorized Trails (Single Track) 0.00

Motorized Trails (General) 0.00

10 A more detailed discussion of the inconsistencies between what is in the Tonto National Forest databases for roads 

and trails and what is currently on the ground can be found in this chapter in Alternatives Considered but Eliminated 

from Detailed study.

11 A detailed account of each route for the Tonto National Forest for the existing condition can be found in the project 

record.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 15

 
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Type of Road/Trail Miles

Administrative Use Only Road (ML 2 – ML 5) 0.00 

Administrative Use Only Motorized Trail 0.00 

FS Roads Likely Open to Public, ML Unknown12

2,006.20

Unauthorized (User Created) 672.34 

Total Motorized Routes Open to Public 4,958.58 

Total Motorized System 4,958.58 

Since 2007, the Tonto National Forest has collected or received geographic information about 

unauthorized routes that are either obvious on the ground or are being used for motorized travel, 

totaling approximately 672 miles to date. There are also numerous routes existing on the Forest 

not accounted for in this document. Most of these routes include unauthorized travel for which 

the forest currently has no data and routes that have been created by repeated off-road travel in 

areas where cross-country travel was permitted or areas where cross-country travel was not 

permitted but existing prohibitions or enforcement of such prohibitions were not adequate. 

Without site-specific information about these routes, a quantitative analysis of their effects cannot 

be conducted in this draft EIS. 

In addition to the mileage in Table 2, there are approximately 414 miles of roads that are within 

the forest boundaries but the forest does not manage, such as state highways and roads within 

private property. This data is not exhaustive, and as such, without site-specific information about 

these routes, a complete quantitative analysis of their effects cannot be conducted in this draft 

EIS.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country travel was restricted on the Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto Basin ranger 

districts per the Forest Plan, unless posted open. Other restricted areas across all ranger districts 

are closed to cross-country travel. These areas have been closed by the Forest Plan, previous 

Forest Closure Orders, and legislative actions, such as congressionally-designated wilderness. 

There are currently no designated cross-country travel areas on the Tonto National Forest per the 

Travel Management Rule definition; however, approximately 703,618 acres of land are currently 

open for unrestricted motorized cross-country travel on the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger 

Districts. In addition, hunters that qualify for the Arizona Game and Fish Department CHAMP 

permit13, which may be issued to persons who have a permanent disability or combination of 

disabilities, are restricted to the same acreage as is currently open to cross-country travel. 

12 An explanation of these routes can be found in the Existing and Desired Conditions section of Chapter 1 of this 

document. 

13 For more information about the CHAMP program with Arizona Game and Fish Department, go to Arizona Game 

and Fish Department Special Licenses

16 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Permit Zones

There is currently one permit zone on the Tonto National Forest, the Bulldog Canyon OHV Area

on the Cave Creek Ranger District, which is approximately 34,720 acres in size (Figure 2). 

Although the Bulldog Canyon OHV Area has “area” in the name, cross-country travel is not 

allowed. Instead, motorized vehicle users are required to get a permit to access the Bulldog 

Canyon OHV Area, which has locked gates and barriers restricting nonpermitted access. 

Motorized cross-country travel in the existing Bulldog Canyon OHV Area was restricted by 

Forest Order No. 12-152, due to considerable environmental damage occurring from uncontrolled 

vehicle use. The Order was signed by the Forest Supervisor on March 19, 1997, after completion 

of an environmental assessment. Findings of the analysis showed that uncontrolled vehicle use in 

Bulldog Canyon was contributing to significant soil and vegetation resource damage, but total 

closure was undesirable due to its proximity to the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 17
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 2: Map of Permit Zones for Alternative A

18 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is the state agency responsible for managing game and 

nongame species in Arizona. The Tonto National Forest is divided into game management units, 

each of which has a different set of species and seasons that hunting can take place (Figure 3). 

Arizona Game and Fish Department manages the hunting and fishing license program along with 

providing programs targeted at conserving Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and managing for 

safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 19
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 3: Map of Game Management Units Overlapping the Tonto National Forest

20 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Currently, within the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts, unless otherwise posted, 

motorized vehicles are allowed to travel cross-country for any number of activities, including 

retrieval of game (Figure 4). Hunters that qualify for the Arizona Game and Fish Department

CHAMP permit14, which may be issued to persons who have a permanent disability or 

combination of disabilities, are restricted to the same acreage as is currently open to cross-country 

travel. 

14 For more information about the CHAMP program with Arizona Game and Fish Department, go to Arizona Game 

and Fish Department Special Licenses

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 21
22 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 4: Map of Motorized Big Game Retrieval for Alternative A
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

In the remaining ranger districts, cross-country motorized travel is prohibited, unless posted open,

and the current Forest Plan does not address a need for motorized big game retrieval. As a result, 

motorized vehicles are not allowed to travel cross-country for the purpose of retrieving downed 

game animals in most of the Cave Creek, Mesa, Globe, or Tonto Basin ranger districts. However, 

hunters may still unknowingly travel on unauthorized routes to retrieve game because of the 

current lack of signs on the ground or unintentionally taking a well-defined unauthorized route 

thinking it was a designated road on the current forest visitor map.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Use of motor vehicles off National Forest System roads to access campsites is a popular activity 

on the Tonto National Forest. In some instances, forest visitors park their vehicles at trailheads or 

roadside locations and hike to their camping spots. Others will drive cross-country to their desired 

camping spot, often with a recreational vehicle or camping trailer. Frequently-used dispersed 

campsites, where evidence of past use exists, are located along both National Forest System roads 

and unauthorized routes throughout the Forest. Currently, the distance traveled from existing 

roads to frequently-used dispersed campsites can vary depending on the terrain and proximity to 

water and shade trees. Based on knowledge from Forest Service law enforcement officers and 

Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Managers, most of these dispersed campsites are within 300 feet 

of an existing road, including sites on the four districts where cross-country travel is currently 

prohibited. On the northern two ranger districts (Payson and Pleasant Valley), driving crosscountry has been permitted regardless of the distance from an existing road (Figure 5). On the 

four southern ranger districts, driving off road is prohibited unless posted open and campers have 

been cited for driving off roads illegally. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 23
24 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 5: Map of Dispersed Camping for Alternative A
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Within the last 15 years, Forest Service employees and contractors have mapped approximately 

999 dispersed campsites within the Tonto National Forest15. This data was collected in a targeted 

manner, and is not an appropriate representation of dispersed camping within the Tonto National 

Forest. This data is not exhaustive, and as such, without site-specific information about existing 

dispersed sites that have yet to be mapped or recorded, a quantitative analysis of their effects 

cannot be conducted in this draft EIS. In addition, the data that has thus far been collected does 

not indicate the size or condition of the site. On the ground, most of the sites are the size of the 

disturbance associated with camping. Based on knowledge from Forest Service law enforcement 

officers and Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Managers, these sites can range from less than 10 

feet by 10 feet to an area approximately 100 feet across. 

Additional Information Pertaining to Motor Vehicle Use 

Designation 

Personal use fuelwood gathering and other forest products: Currently, permits for personal 

use fuelwood gathering are limited to the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger 

districts. Currently, this area is approximately 1,345,998 acres (Figure 6). 

15 None of these inventoried dispersed camping sites are located in the Globe and Mesa ranger districts.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 25
26 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 6: Map of Fuelwood Areas for Alternative A
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Each year approximately 1,500 permits are issued and are for the Tonto National Forest only16. It 

does not allow cutting on other public land or on private land. Rules for permit holders include: 

Do not cut or remove wood from wilderness and experimental areas, campgrounds and picnic 

areas, restricted areas, administrative sites, ongoing commercial fuelwood or timber sales, special 

personal use areas, or nonharvest areas identified on the attached maps; and no fuelwood cutting 

is allowed on Mesa or Cave Creek ranger districts. 

According to a Tonto National Forest silviculturist, the 2012 fuelwood gathering season ran from 

March 1 to December 31 (which is a standard season). During that time period, approximately 

1,120 paid fuelwood permits for oak and juniper were issued, for a total volume of 4,484 hundred

cubic feet. In addition, 296 free fuelwood permits for pinyon pine and ponderosa were issued, for

a total volume of 1,184 hundred cubic feet.

Where fuelwood cutting is permitted, the following stipulations currently apply:

• Locate fuelwood before moving vehicle off route; take the most direct route to the

product.

• Do not damage other vegetation in route to product location.

• Return to the designated road on the same direct path used; cover your route with slash or

other available debris.

• If there is no good route; do not attempt to collect that fuelwood.

• Do not go off road when soils are wet or rutting may occur.

Additional forest products, such as seeds, cones, branches of shrubs, and driftwood, also need a 

permit to be gathered on the Tonto National Forest. The permits for most of these products are 

within existing permitted fuelwood gathering areas. Outside of these permitted areas, additional 

forest products would only be allowed using a motor vehicle on designated roads and in areas 

where motorized cross-country travel is permitted. 

Collection of forest resources by tribal members: Currently, the policy (in compliance with the 

American Indian Religious Freedom Act and the U.S. Forest Service Policy toward American 

Indians and Alaska Natives (FSM 1563)) for the Tonto National Forest requires a permit for 

timber products to be used for religious purposes. No Forest Service permit is required for the 

collecting of minor quantities of medicinal and ceremonial plants, acorns, pinyon nuts, agave, tree 

boughs, water, plants, quartz crystals, other minerals, soil, invertebrate fossil remains, rocks, trees 

less than six feet in height, and other food plants or other resources for personal (noncommercial) 

use in traditional cultural or religious activities, provided those activities are in accordance with 

Executive Order 13007, applicable laws and regulations, and Forest Service policies regarding 

special forest products and botanical products. For tribal members, no artifacts or other cultural 

items or remains may be collected from archaeological sites without a permit. Motorized use for 

the gathering of forest resources is only allowed on designated roads. A permit does not allow

cross-country vehicle travel.

16 There is currently not a limit to the number of permits issued.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 27
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Need to amend the Forest Plan to include language from the decision: Motorized travel 

currently follows the Forest Plan, forest order closures, and Congressional designations, such as 

wilderness areas. This alternative would result in no amendments to the Forest Plan.

Alternative B

This alternative provides less motorized access than the existing condition and the proposed 

action and was developed to address the following issues identified during the scoping of the 

proposed action:

• Designation of roads and motorized trails would result in user conflict;

• Designation of roads, motorized trails, and OHV areas would result in impacts to water

and soil resources;

• Designation of roads and motorized trails would result in impacts to wildlife habitat;

• Designation of roads and motorized trails would result in impacts to cultural resources;

• Authorizing motorized big game retrieval off designated routes could impact water and

soil resources, wildlife habitat, cultural resources, and nonmotorized recreational

experiences; and

• Motorized dispersed camping corridors allow motorized use in areas that can cause

impacts to water and soil resources, wildlife habitat, and cultural resources.

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Alternative B would result in 2,367 miles of roads proposed for decommissioning; some of these 

roads may already be effectively obliterated on the ground from lack of use or due to previous 

road closure efforts (Table 3). For public access, approximately 894 miles of designated roads and 

1,666 miles of motorized trails would be open; leaving approximately 144 miles of roads and 

355 miles of motorized trails restricted to public motorized use but authorized for administrative 

use17 by the Forest Service or permitted activities. (Map B in the map packet shows the route 

system for this alternative.) Designated National Forest System roads within existing seasonal 

closure areas would be seasonally designated for motor vehicle use18. 

Table 3: Roads and Trails for Alternative B

Type of Road/Trail Miles

Roads Open to Passenger Vehicles 353.38 

Roads Open to High Clearance Vehicles 540.13 

Motorized Trails (Single Track) 1.12 

Motorized Trails (General) 1,664.95 

Administrative Use Only Road 144.30 

Administrative Use Only Motorized Trail 355.04

17 Administrative use only means that motorized access is restricted, often with a locked gate, to Forest Service 

personnel or those that hold an authorized use permit to access the road or trail. These routes would not show up on the 

motor vehicle use map. Motorized user not authorized to be on these routes would be cited for being in violation.

18 A detailed account of each route for the Tonto National Forest for Alternative B can be found in the project record.

28 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Type of Road/Trail Miles

Closed 0.00 

Decommissioned Routes 2,367.03 

Total Motorized Routes Open to Public 2,559.57

Total Motorized System 3,058.90 

Of the unauthorized roads inventoried, Table 4 shows the mileage and proposed designation for 

this alternative.

Table 4: Unauthorized Routes Proposed for Inclusion for Alternative B

Type of Road/Trail Miles

Roads Open to Passenger Vehicles 4.12 

Roads Open to High Clearance Vehicles 6.45 

Motorized Trails (Single Track) 0.00 

Motorized Trails (General) 0.00 

Administrative Use Only Road 10.34 

Administrative Use Only Motorized Trail 29.53 

Total Motorized Open to Public 10.58 

Total Miles Proposed for Inclusion 50.44 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

In this alternative, there would be no designation of OHV areas. 

Permit Zones

For this alternative, there would be five permit zones where motorized vehicles have to stay on 

designated routes and cannot travel cross-country: Bulldog Canyon, Desert Vista, The Rolls, St. 

Clair, and Sycamore (Table 5 and Figure 7). 

Table 5: Permit Zones for Alternative B

Name of Permit Zone Ranger District Acres

Bulldog Canyon Mesa 34,720.0 

Desert Vista Cave Creek 33,479.3 

The Rolls Mesa 24,143.7 

St. Clair Cave Creek 24,454.9 

Sycamore Mesa 34,127.0 

Total 150,924.9 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 29
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 7: Map of Permit Zones for Alternative B

30 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

No motorized cross-county travel would be allowed for the retrieval of any game species in this 

alternative.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Motorized access for dispersed camping in this alternative would be limited to designated 

dispersed sites that are accessible by a designated road or motorized trail. As indicated in the No 

Action Alternative (alternative A), Forest Service employees and contractors have mapped 

approximately 999 sites within the Tonto National Forest. However, not all of these sites would 

be designated in this alternative. Using a mapping exercise to draw a 50 foot buffer around these

999 sites, those that intersected designated routes for this alternative and were not within 

wilderness or private property would be designated as dispersed camping sites that can be 

accessed using a motor vehicle (Figure 8). Using this mapping exercise, 414 sites, totaling 

approximately 65 acres, would be designated for this alternative.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 31
32 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 8: Map of Dispersed Camping for Alternative B
Additional Information Pertaining to Motor Vehicle Use 

Designation

Personal use fuelwood gathering: For some members of the public, especially those in remote 

towns located within the forest, fuelwood gathering on public lands is necessary to provide heat 

and a means for preparing food. As such, the use of a motorized vehicle for the purpose of 

collecting fuelwood would be permitted within 300 feet of a designated road or motorized trail 

within a woodcutting permit area, resulting in approximately 132,568 acres19 (Figure 9). 

19 For the purpose of this analysis, all currently foreseeable fuelwood gathering permit areas are represented. However, 

in practice, these areas are not all open for use every year; this is dependent on existing vegetation conditions and the 

need to decrease dead and down material.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 33
34 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 9: Map of Fuelwood Areas for Alternative B
Each year approximately 1,500 permits are issued and are for the Tonto National Forest only. 

Under this alternative, there is no quantitative information available that would indicate that the 

number of permits issued would change, either increasing or decreasing. 

Collection of forest resources by tribal members: For Alternative B, there would be no change 

from the existing condition.

Need to amend the Forest Plan to include language from the decision: Alternative B would 

require the Forest Plan to be amended. A table summarizing the proposed changes to the forest 

plan is in Appendix A. 

Alternative C

This alternative is a modified version of the proposed action scoped in February 2013 and was 

modified in response to comments received thus far in the project, along with feedback from 

Arizona Game and Fish Department, a Cooperating Agency for this project. The most notable 

change from the February 2013 proposed action is the designation of motorized trails for vehicles 

over 50 inches in width. Many comments came in indicating the need for motorized routes that 

provide a challenge and a range of opportunity greater than what ML 2 roads traditionally do. The 

ability to “rock crawl” and experience the opportunity to “conquer rough terrain” are potential 

elements that are not usually present on ML 2 roads that could be provided by the designation of 

motorized trails. Commenters also indicated that they would be inclined to volunteer with 

maintenance needs on motorized trails if they met the recreation needs, a Forest Service program 

called “Adopt a Trail.” Finally, comments received also indicated the need for retrieval of bear 

using a motor vehicle20. 

Alternative C also reflects changes that resulted from a review of the Tonto National Forest road 

system. This information was further reviewed on a district level, involving district rangers, 

Forest Service personnel familiar with existing road and resource conditions, and Arizona Game 

and Fish Department Wildlife Managers whose wildlife management responsibilities overlapped 

with the corresponding district boundaries. This process allowed for the correction of alignment 

of roads using aerial imagery gathered in 2012, as reflected in this alternative. In addition, roads 

that were incorrectly identified as a higher maintenance level were corrected when possible to 

reflect the current and desired use. More information on these changes is available in the project 

record. 

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Alternative C would result in 1,290 miles of roads proposed for decommissioning; some of these 

roads may already be effectively obliterated on the ground from lack of use or due to previous 

road closure efforts (Table 6). For public access, approximately 1,340 miles of designated roads 

and 2,230 miles of motorized trails would be open; leaving approximately 166 miles of roads and 

399 miles of motorized trails restricted to public motorized use but authorized for administrative 

use21 by the Forest Service or permitted activities. (Map C in the map packet shows the route 

20 Additional information and justification for the inclusion of bear can be found in the Game and Nongame section of 

Chapter 2 of this document.

21 Administrative use only means that motorized access is restricted, often with a locked gate, to Forest Service 

personnel or those that hold an authorized use permit to access the road or trail. These routes would not show up on the 

motor vehicle use map. Motorized users not authorized to be on these routes would be cited for being in violation.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 35
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

system for this alternative.) Designated National Forest System roads within existing seasonal 

closure areas would be seasonally designated for motor vehicle use22. 

Table 6: Roads and Trails for Alternative C

Type of Road/Trail Miles

Roads Open to Passenger Vehicles 544.47 

Roads Open to High Clearance Vehicles 795.70 

Motorized Trails (Single Track) 78.42 

Motorized Trails (General) 2,150.94 

Administrative Use Only Road 165.79 

Administrative Use Only Motorized Trail 398.58 

Closed 0.00 

Decommissioned Routes 1,289.80 

Total Motorized Open to Public 3,569.52 

Total Motorized System 4,133.90 

Of the unauthorized roads inventoried, Table 7 shows the mileage and proposed designation for 

this alternative.

Table 7: Unauthorized Routes Proposed for Inclusion for Alternative C

Type of Road/Trail Miles

Roads Open to Passenger Vehicles 4.12 

Roads Open to High Clearance Vehicles 6.45 

Motorized Trails (Single Track) 72.59 

Motorized Trails (General) 206.71 

Administrative Use Only Road 10.75 

Administrative Use Only Motorized Trail 29.53 

Total Motorized Open to Public 289.88 

Total Miles Proposed for Inclusion 330.16 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

In this alternative, motorized cross-county travel would be limited to four areas (Table 8 and 

Figure 10): The area around Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District) between the variable 

22 A detailed account of each route for the Tonto National Forest Alternative C can be found in the project record.

36 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
water level and the high water mark23; Golf Course (Globe Ranger District); the area around 

Roosevelt Lake (Tonto Basin Ranger District) between the variable water level and the high water 

mark24; and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) totaling approximately 6,779 acres. In addition, 

commenters indicated the need to provide an opportunity for youth riders just learning OHV use 

and safety. To address this need, there are four proposed “tot lots” totaling approximately 12 

acres. These areas would be limited to children and would allow them to learn to ride without the 

presence of other motorized users.

Table 8: OHV Areas for Alternative C

Name of OHV Areas Ranger District Acres

Bartlett Lake Cave Creek 922.2 

Golf Course Globe 17.3 

Roosevelt Lake Tonto Basin 4,507.6 

Sycamore Mesa 1,331.9 

Tot Lot Areas

532 Cave Creek 0.8 

Sycamore Mesa 3.0 

The Rolls Mesa 6.0 

Wildcat Cave Creek 1.6 

Total 6,790.4 

23 Some areas between the high water mark and the water will be prohibited to cross-country motorized travel to protect 

resources and to depict places where natural barriers and topography make motorized travel dangerous.

24 Ibid 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 37
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 10: Map of OHV Areas for Alternatives C

38 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Permit Zones

For this alternative, there would be four permit zones25 where motorized vehicles have to stay on 

designated routes and cannot travel cross-country: Bulldog Canyon (Mesa Ranger District); 

Desert Vista (Cave Creek Ranger District); The Rolls (Mesa Ranger District); and St. Clair (Cave 

Creek Ranger District) (Table 9 and Figure 11). 

Table 9: Permit Zones for Alternative C 

Name of Permit Zone Ranger District Acres

Bulldog Canyon Mesa 34,720.0 

Desert Vista Cave Creek 33,479.3 

The Rolls Mesa 24,143.7 

St. Clair Cave Creek 24,454.9 

Total 116,798 

25 The Sycamore OHV Permit Zone was removed from this alternative in response to input questioning the ability to 

effectively implement controlled access for this area.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 39
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 11: Map of Permit Zones for Alternative C

40 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Alternative C would allow motor vehicle use, up to one mile on both sides of all designated roads 

and motorized trails, solely for retrieving legally harvested elk and bear for all hunts26. 

Limitations to this corridor would be within congressionally designated areas where motorized 

travel is not permitted and other areas that would remain closed from existing closure orders. This 

results in approximately 1,293,178 acres where motorized retrieval would be permitted Figure 

12). 

26 Within this corridor, Arizona Game and Fish Department CHAMP holders would be permitted to hunt and retrieve 

per Arizona Game and Fish Department Special Licenses accessed May 16, 2013. Based on 2012 data provided by the 

Arizona Game and Fish Department (manger of the program), approximately 81 CHAMP permits were issued for game 

management units on the Tonto National Forest.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 41
42

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Figure 12: Map of Motorized Big Game Retrieval for Alternative C
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

The Arizona Game and Fish Department conducted an analysis to approximate the number of 

individuals that may use motorized big game retrieval on the Tonto National Forest for elk and 

bear27 to assist in the understanding of the intensity of retrieval using a motorized vehicle off 

designated roads and motorized trails for this alternative. 

Table 10 shows the approximate number of motorized trips that would be taken yearly, based on 

game management unit28 and species. 

Table 10: Retrieval of Elk and Bear 

Data for Alternative C

Game 

anagement 

Unit

Elk Bear

21 * 0.90

22 103.02 2.74

23 90.58 9.16

24A * 2.37

24B * 0.40

37B * 0.00

Total 193.60 15.57 

*

Permits for hunting elk are not issued for these

units or elk harvested on the Tonto National Forest

portions of these units and subsequent motorized big 

game retrieval is negligible.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Alternative C would allow motor vehicle use, up to 100 feet on both sides of all designated roads 

and motorized trails, for accessing dispersed camping sites (Figure 13). Limitations to this 

corridor would be in congressionally designated areas where motorized travel is not permitted 

and other areas that would remain closed from existing closure orders. For this alternative, an 

area of approximately 91,391 acres will be analyzed for the effects of motor vehicle use for

dispersed camping.

27 For a more detailed description of this analysis, see the Arizona Game and Fish Department Specialist Report in the 

project record.

28 A map showing the game management units within the Tonto National Forest can be found in the description of 

Alternative A in this chapter

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 43
44

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Figure 13: Map of Dispersed Camping Corridors for Alternative C

44 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Additional Information Pertaining to Motor Vehicle Use 

Designation

Personal use fuelwood gathering: Alternative C would limit the use of a motorized vehicle for 

the purpose of collecting fuelwood to within 300 feet of a designated road or motorized trail 

within a woodcutting permit area, resulting in approximately 161,785 acres29 (Figure 14). 

29 For the purpose of this analysis, all currently foreseeable fuelwood gathering permit areas are represented. However, 

in practice, these areas are not all open for use every year; it is dependent on existing vegetation conditions and the 

need to decrease dead and down material.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 45
46

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Figure 14: Map of Fuelwood Areas for Alternative C
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Each year approximately 1,500 permits are issued and are for the Tonto National Forest only. 

Under this alternative, there is no quantitative information available that would indicate that the 

number of permits issued would change, either increasing or decreasing. 

Additional forest products, such as seeds, cones, branches of shrubs, and driftwood, also need a 

permit to be gathered on the Tonto National Forest. In this alternative, collection of these products 

using a motor vehicle would only be permitted on designated roads and motorized tails.

Collection of forest resources by tribal members: For Alternative C, there would be no change 

from the existing condition.

Need to amend the Forest Plan to include language from the decision: Alternative C would 

require the Forest Plan to be amended. A table summarizing the proposed changes to the forest 

plan is in Appendix A. 

Alternative D 

This alternative provides more motorized access than the existing condition and the proposed 

action and was developed to address the following issues identified during the scoping of the 

proposed action:

• The amount of roads and motorized trails in the proposed action does not meet the

current and future needs for motorized recreation and access throughout the Tonto

National Forest;

• The proposed action does not meet the needs for diverse motorized recreation

opportunities; and

• Limiting motorized access to dispersed camping to 30 feet from designated roads may

reduce dispersed camping opportunities, cause user conflict, and concentrate resource

impacts.

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Alternative D would result in 194 miles of roads proposed for decommissioning; some of these 

roads may already be effectively obliterated on the ground from lack of use or due to previous 

road closure efforts (Table 11). For public access, approximately 3,347 miles of designated roads 

and 1,520 miles of motorized trails would be open; leaving approximately 49 miles of roads and 

297 miles of motorized trails restricted to public motorized use but authorized for administrative 

use30 by the Forest Service or permitted activities. (Map D in the map packet shows the route 

system for this alternative.) Designated National Forest System roads within existing seasonal 

closure areas would be seasonally designated for motor vehicle use31. 

30 Administrative use only means that motorized access is restricted, often with a locked gate, to Forest Service 

personnel or those that hold an authorized use permit to access the road or trail. These routes will not show up on the 

motor vehicle use map. Motorized users not authorized to be on these routes will be cited for being in violation.

31 A detailed account of each route for the Tonto National Forest for the Alternative D can be found in the project 

record. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 47
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Table 11: Roads and Trails for Alternative D

Type of Road/Trail Miles

Roads Open to Passenger Vehicles 546.97 

Roads Open to High Clearance Vehicles 2,798.91 

Motorized Trails (Single Track) 102.74 

Motorized Trails (General) 1,410.72 

Administrative Use Only Road 49.27 

Administrative Use Only Motorized Trail 296.54 

Closed 0.00 

Decommissioned Routes 201.22 

Total Motorized Open to Public 4,859.34 

Total Motorized System 5,205.15 

Of the unauthorized roads inventoried, Table 12 shows the mileage and proposed designation for 

this alternative: 

Table 12: Unauthorized Routes Proposed

for Inclusion for Alternative D

Type of Road/Trail Miles

Roads Open to Passenger Vehicles 4.77 

Roads Open to High Clearance Vehicles 131.20 

Motorized Trails (Single Track) 96.22 

Motorized Trails (General) 320.26 

Administrative Use Only Road 0.11

Administrative Use Only Motorized Trail 30.97 

Total Motorized Open to Public 552.45 

Total Miles Proposed for Inclusion 583.52 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

In this alternative, motorized cross-county travel would be limited to the same four areas and four 

“tot lots” that are being proposed in Alternative C. 

Permit Zones

For this alternative, there would be one permit zone, the currently existing Bulldog Canyon

Permit Zone on the Mesa Ranger District, totaling approximately 34,720 acres (Figure 15). 

48 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 15: Map of Permit Zones for Alternative D

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 49
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Alternative D would allow motor vehicle use, up to one mile on both sides of all designated roads 

and motorized trails, solely for retrieving legally harvested mule deer, white tail deer, elk, and 

bear for all hunts32. Limitations to this corridor would be within congressionally designated areas 

where motorized travel is not permitted and other areas that would remain closed from existing 

closure orders. This results in approximately 2,068,208 acres where motorized retrieval would be 

permitted (Figure 16). 

32 Within this corridor, Arizona Game and Fish Department CHAMP holders would be permitted to hunt and retrieve 

per Arizona Game and Fish Department Special Licenses accessed May 16, 2013.

50 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 51

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 16: Map of Motorized Big Game Retrieval for Alternative D
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Table 13 shows the approximate number of motorized trips that would be taken yearly33, based on 

game management unit34 and species. 

Table 13: Retrieval of Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Elk, and Bear

Data for Alternative D 

Game 

Management 

Unit

Mule Deer Whitetail Deer Elk Bear

21 25.86 20.08 * 0.90

22 22.36 44.39 103.02 2.74

23 52.41 65.93 90.58 9.16

24A 14.57 43.29 * 2.37

24B 18.61 32.32 * 0.40

37B 1.39 0.06 * 0.00

Total 135.26 206.07 193.60 15.57

*

Permits for hunting elk are not issued for these units or elk harvested on the Tonto National Forest portions of these

units and subsequent motorized big game retrieval is negligible.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Alternative D would allow motor vehicle use, up to 300 feet on both sides of designated roads 

and motorized trails, for accessing dispersed camping sites. Limitations to this corridor would be 

in congressionally designated areas where motorized travel is not permitted and other areas that 

would remain closed from existing closure orders. For this alternative, an area of approximately 

336,038 acres will be analyzed for the effects of motorized travel in relationship to dispersed 

camping (Figure 17). 

33 For a more detailed description of this analysis, see the Arizona Game and Fish Department Specialist Report in the 

project record.

34 A map showing the game management units within the Tonto National Forest can be found in the description of 

Alternative A in this chapter

52 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 53

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 17: Map of Dispersed Camping Corridors for Alternative D
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Additional Information Pertaining to Motor Vehicle Use 

Designation

Personal use fuelwood gathering: Alternative D would not limit the use of a motorized vehicle 

for the purpose of collecting fuelwood to those that have a personal use fuelwood cutting permit 

so long as they are within a woodcutting permit area. Just like the No Action Alternative, this area 

is approximately 1,345,998 acres 35 (Figure 18). 

35 For the purpose of this analysis, all currently foreseeable fuelwood gathering permit areas are represented. However, 

in practice, these areas are not all open for use every year; it is dependent on existing vegetation conditions and the 

need to decrease dead and down material.

54 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 55

Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Figure 18: Map of Fuelwood Areas for Alternative D 
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Collection of forest resources by tribal members: For Alternative D, there would be no change 

from the existing condition.

Need to amend the Forest Plan to include language from the decision: Alternative D would 

require the Forest Plan to be amended. A table summarizing the proposed changes to the forest 

plan is in Appendix A. 

Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from 

Detailed Study

The National Environmental Policy Act requires Federal agencies to rigorously explore and 

objectively evaluate all reasonable alternatives and to briefly discuss the reasons for eliminating 

any alternatives that were not developed in detail (40 CFR 1502.14). Public comments received in 

response to the proposed action provided suggestions for alternative methods for achieving the 

purpose and need. Some of these alternatives may have been outside the scope of the designation 

of roads, trails, and areas for motorized travel and the prohibition of cross-country travel on the 

Tonto National Forest, duplicative of the alternatives considered in detail, or determined to be 

components that would cause unnecessary environmental harm. Therefore, a number of 

alternatives were considered but dismissed from detailed consideration for reasons summarized 

below.

Original Proposed Action Published in the Federal 

Register

On February 1, 2013, a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement was 

published in the Federal Register. The original proposed action would result in approximately 

3,812 miles of designated NFS roads and trails and 1,411 acres of designated areas open to motor 

vehicles on the Tonto National Forest, with approximately 280 miles of user-created routes added 

to the forest transportation system. Specifically, approximately 2,567 miles of roads would be 

open to high clearance vehicles and approximately 967 miles would be open to passenger 

vehicles and approximately 1,187 miles of roads would be designated for administrative use only. 

Approximately 251 miles would be open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) travel only. 

In addition, approximately 1,417 acres of designated areas would be open to motor vehicles use. 

Motorized retrieval of big game species would be limited to one mile on both sides of designated 

roads to retrieve a downed elk or bear only by an individual who has legally taken the animal.

Motorized travel for the purpose of dispersed camping would not be allowed off designated roads 

and trails. Vehicles would be allowed to park one vehicle length, or up to 30 feet, from the edge 

of the designated road or trail.

Rationale for Elimination

This alternative was eliminated and replaced with alternative C, described in detail in this chapter, 

after considering all comments received thus far and a review of the existing road system using 

updated aerial imagery. The original proposed action scoped in 2013 was eliminated for the 

following reasons:

• Technical errors were found in the data within this alternative. Errors included such

things as: missing Forest Service constructed routes, wrong alignment, length errors,

56 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action 

maintenance level identification, and incorrect jurisdiction identification. Technical errors 

have been corrected in the other action alternatives. 

• Errors were found in the proposal (e.g., the proposed action originally proposed to close

routes that were identified as a need by the public or forest staff for administrative uses or

to access private inholdings).

• Distinctions between the original proposed action and Alternative C are not clear enough

to show a major difference.

• All of the elements of the proposed action can be found in the other action alternatives.

Development of Existing Condition from Current 

Database

Currently, National Forest System roads are those identified with a road maintenance level in the 

Forest’s road management records (call the Infrastructure or “Infra” database). This database was 

established to track and report on road management and maintenance level costs for Forest access 

and recreation. Though this database is updated regularly, it was never previously used to manage 

motor vehicle access on the Forest. The database had previously been used to identify a 

maintenance level for each road. Thus roads not receiving maintenance by the Forest Service and 

all motorized trails were often not included in the Infra database. On many forests, such as the 

Coconino National Forest, the Infra database was used as a template to identify the known road 

system, but was strongly supplemented with route information from public and agency input and 

site visits. The Infra database for the Tonto National Forest does not reflect the current condition 

to such a magnitude that it cannot be used as the existing condition.

Rationale for Elimination

On the Tonto National Forest, use of data in the Infra database as the current, existing condition 

would not provide a representative baseline from which to analyze because of actions that were 

taken, or often not taken, in tracking the current road system, as described below:

The 1985 Tonto National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan): The 

Forest Plan indicated that the road and trail system at the time was “substandard” and that road 

maintenance needed to be at a level that provided for user safety and protection of investments, 

soil, and water resources. Substandard roads would be closed. The plan also listed road system 

miles by road maintenance levels; defining maintenance levels as follows (pp. 10-11):

• Level 1 (242 miles): “Roads are not open to traffic; they are maintained to protect the

road investment and its surrounding resources. These roads may be opened for a specific

activity and returned to Level 1 upon completion of the project.”

• Level 2 (2246 miles): “Roads are maintained open for limited passage of traffic. Roads in

this maintenance level are primitive type facilities intended for high clearance vehicles.

Passenger car traffic is not a consideration.”

• Level 3 (480 miles): “Roads are maintained open and safe for travel by a prudent driver

in a passenger car. However, user comfort and convenience is not considered a priority.”

• Level 4 (140 miles): “Roads are maintained to provide a moderate degree of user comfort

and convenience at moderate travel speeds.”

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 57
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

• Level 5 (95 miles): “Roads are maintained to provide a high degree of user comfort and

convenience. These roads are normally two lanes with aggregate or paved surface.”

Resource Access-Travelway Management: After the decision on the Forest Plan, Tonto National 

Forest personnel conducted an intensive analysis of all inventoried roads on the forest, called the 

Resource Access-Travelway Management (RATM) process. A decision memo to implement the 

process was signed by the Forest Supervisor in 1990. The decision included miles of road system 

by road maintenance levels, including miles of roads to be obliterated: Level 1—1,906 miles; 

Level 2—2,198 miles; Level 3—399 miles; Level 4—83 miles; Level 5—77 miles; and 

Obliterated—13 miles. Once the RATM decision was signed, the information was documented in 

the Transportation Information Systems Database. 

The information from the Transportation Information Systems Database was then exported into 

the Infra database concurrent with the development and implementation of the I-Web 

computerized tracking program and geographic information system (GIS) currently used. The 

management decisions recorded in Transportation Information Systems Database and transferred 

to I-Web program are assumed to be a direct relation to the decisions of the RATM process. 

Changes which were recorded in the I-Web modules post transition from Transportation 

Information Systems Database also occurred and are assumed to have been based on District and 

Line Officer decisions as well as refinement of the datasets in GIS.

Guidelines for Road Maintenance Levels (Forest Service Handbook 7709.58): Direction for 

road maintenance and its existing condition perceived to be applied from a management and 

maintenance standpoint is referred to as the operational maintenance level. Future desired 

condition of the management and maintenance of a road is referred to as the objective 

maintenance level. Specifically, roads “may be currently maintained at one level and planned to 

be maintained at a different level at some future date. The operational maintenance level is the

maintenance level currently assigned to a road considering today's needs, road condition, budget 

constraints, and environmental concerns; in other words, it defines the level to which the road is 

currently being maintained. The objective maintenance level is the maintenance level to be 

assigned at a future date considering future road management objectives, traffic needs, budget 

constraints, and environmental concerns. The objective maintenance level may be the same as, or 

higher or lower than, the operational maintenance level. The transition from operational 

maintenance level to objective maintenance level may depend on reconstruction or 

disinvestment” (Forest Service Handbook 7709.58.12.3.1).

The decisions of the 1990 RATM process that were carried to I-Web form the basis for the GIS 

information and all other data related to the current condition of the Tonto National Forest road 

system. However, implementation of road management objectives previously assigned to roads 

from the RATM process was never fully implemented due to various factors, including lack of 

funding and changes in ranger district personnel. In many instances, roads that were listed with an 

operational maintenance level of 2 or higher were identified with an objective maintenance level 

of 1 (closed to vehicular traffic), resulting in approximately 90 percent or more of the roads 

which were identified to be managed and maintained as maintenance level 1 (intermittent/closed) 

never received a prescriptive treatment or maintenance to implement a custodial closure and 

remain currently open to motorized use. In similar fashion, a small percentage of roads which are 

recorded in the I-Web data and GIS as objectively being decommissioned36 were generally never 

36 Decommissioned is defined as the demolition, dismantling, removal, obliteration and /or disposal of a deteriorated or 

otherwise unneeded asset or component, including necessary cleanup work. This action eliminates the deferred 

58 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action 

implemented. In addition, many roads which were identified as operational maintenance level 1 

and objective level 1 in I-Web were seemingly incorrectly identified as “intermittent/closed” 

operationally to begin with. The result of the RATM process and how it was carried through 

several databases, along with the lack of implementation of proposed closed or decommissioned 

roads, results in a current situation on the Tonto National Forest where what is in the database for 

a road may not match what is currently on the ground. 

A Travel Analysis Process (TAP) was completed for the Tonto National Forest with the intent to 

identify opportunities for the national forest transportation system to meet current and future 

management objectives, and provide information that allows integration of ecological, social, and 

economic concerns into recommendations, which can be used to assist with future decisions. This 

process recommended a minimum road system that included some unauthorized routes. These

recommendations were presented to the public as the proposed action during scoping for the 

environmental assessment in 2009. While Tonto National Forest resource specialists were 

assembled to evaluate routes through the TAP based upon localized, site-specific resource risks 

(i.e., potential impacts to cultural resources and wildlife/habitat, etc.) and benefits (administrative 

needs, access to commercial facilities, recreational opportunities, etc.), the data collected is 

incomplete. As such, the recommendations that came from the TAP were not used to generate any 

of the action alternatives being considered in this analysis.

As part of this travel management process, the Tonto National Forest reviewed the existing road 

system (which was determined to be the objective maintenance level from RATM as adjusted 

based on other NEPA decisions) it currently manages. It was during this process, which included 

speaking with district personnel familiar with the roads, that the disparity between the current 

data for the forest’s road system and what exists on the ground was revealed. As an example, 

there are approximately 267 miles of roads in RATM that had an objective level of 

decommissioned. After completing the review, approximately 75 miles were recommended as 

potential motorized trails and approximately 3 miles were identified as part of the desired road 

network for Alternative C. Similarly, there are approximately 1,739 miles of roads in RATM that 

had an objective level of ML 1 (closed to all motorized travel). After completing the review, 

approximately 936 miles were recommended as potential motorized trails and approximately 98 

miles of roads were identified as part of the desired road network for Alternative C. 

In summary, the direction from the 1985 Forest Plan is outdated, the RATM decision was never 

fully realized or implemented, the TAP does not have the sufficient information to inform travel 

management decisions, and a recent review of the current road system exposed errors. Thus, the 

current Infra database is not an adequate baseline for this NEPA analysis and will be eliminated 

from detailed study.

Alternative Submitted by the Center for Biological 

Diversity

An alternative was submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity (Center), accompanied with 

route-specific lists detailing where motor vehicle use should be prohibited. In general, the 

Center’s proposal would limit motorized use: 

• In critical wildlife habitat and water resources (such as streams, lakes, and riparian areas)

to decrease potential effects. This includes prohibiting motorized use within 300 feet of

maintenance needs for the fixed asset. Portions of an asset or component may remain if they do not cause problems or 

require maintenance. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 59
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

streams and lakes and in areas that provide critical habitat for sensitive, threatened, and 

endangered wildlife species;

• In areas of primitive and semiprimitive nonmotorized recreation opportunity spectrum

classes from the 1985 Tonto National Forest Plan. This includes prohibiting motorized

use for dispersed camping and big game retrieval in these areas;

• In areas with high cultural resource site densities or sensitive cultural resource areas. This

includes prohibiting motorized use for dispersed camping and big game retrieval in these

areas; and

• In proximity to designated wilderness areas and inventoried roadless areas to decrease

potential effects associated with noise pollution and possible illegal intrusions by

motorized vehicles. This includes prohibiting motorized use within a quarter of a mile of

the wilderness boundary and within all inventoried roadless areas.

Rationale for Elimination

In order to spatially understand the Center’s proposal of the above recommendations, these 

elements where mapped using GIS. The suggested motor vehicle prohibitions associated with 

wildlife habitat and water resources were the most restrictive of the above list for OHV use across 

the forest. If all roads that met this criteria were proposed for closure or decommissioning (and 

those that would no longer be accessible as they would not connect to remaining designated 

roads), several large sections of the forest would be inaccessible except by non-motorized means. 

Three notable areas that would not be accessible by motorized means are: 

• Nearly the entire area of the Cave Creek Ranger District, including access to Bartlett

Reservoir, Horseshoe Reservoir, much of the Verdi River, and access to the western side

of the Mazatzal Wilderness;

• Nearly the entire area between State Routes 188 and 288, including very limited access to

Salome and Hells Gate Wilderness Areas, and access to the northern side of Roosevelt

Lake; and

• The area between the northern boundary of the Tonto National Forest along the Mogollon

Rim and the town of Payson, which includes Forest Service Road 64, also known as the

Control Road, developed and named because of its strategic location in controlling and

preventing wildland fires.

While the Travel Management Rule instructed consideration of effects on, “Damage to soil, 

watershed, vegetation, and other forest resources” and “Harassment of wildlife and significant 

disruption of wildlife habitats” (36 CFR 212.55 (b)(1) and 36 CFR 212.55 (b)(2)), it also 

stipulates consideration of effects on “...public safety, provision of recreational opportunities, 

access needs, conflicts among uses of National Forest System lands, the need for maintenance 

and administration of roads, trails, and areas that would arise if the uses under consideration are 

designated” (36 CFR 212.55 (a)). The motor vehicle use restrictions proposed by the Center 

would result in limiting access to areas on the Tonto National Forest that provide for opportunities 

for non-developed to low developed recreation sites. The potential result would be relocating 

those recreation users seeking a more primitive experience into areas already highly developed 

and lacking a primitive experience, such as the southern side of Roosevelt Lake, and the 

Superstition and Salt River Canyon Wilderness Areas. Much of the areas that would not permit 

motor vehicle access have steep terrain, resulting in limiting non-motorized access for some 

forest visitors. 

60 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Restricting access along the Control Road presents different concerns. There are many private 

property inholdings north of Payson along the Control Road, including Bonita Creek Estates and 

Tonto Village. Many of these inholdings have subdivisions, where multiple property owners live. 

While access to private property within the National Forest is permitted “...in order to reach their 

homes and to utilize their property” (36 CFR 212.6 (b)), visitors and services, such as mail 

delivery and utility service, would not be permitted under this provision in the rule.

Because of the limitations that potentially conflict with the Travel Management Rule, Forest Plan

direction which provides for a range of recreational opportunities and the administration of the 

Forest Transportation System, the broad alternative proposal submitted by the Center is being 

dismissed from further study. However, many of the components of this submitted alternative, 

especially where specific routes were mentioned, were included in Alternative B, which does not 

add unauthorized routes, limits the use of motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails, and 

proposes to close many of the suggested routes to motorized use.

Comparison of Alternatives

This section provides a summary of the alternatives and the potential effects of implementing 

each alternative considered in detail. Table 14 provides a side-by-side comparison of the 

alternatives by the six elements provided in the alternative descriptions earlier in this chapter.

Table 14: Side-by-Side Comparison of Alternatives

Empty Cell Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative D

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use (Miles)

Roads Open to Passenger 

Vehicles (ML 3-5)

644.72 353.38 544.47 546.97

Roads Open to High Clearance 

Vehicles (ML 2) 

2,307.67 540.13 795.70 2,798.91

Motorized Trails (Single Track) 0.00 1.12 78.42 102.74

Motorized Trails (General) 0.00 1,664.95 2,150.94 1,410.72

Administrative Use Only Road 

(ML 2 – ML 5)

0.00 144.30 165.79 49.27

Administrative Use Only 

Motorized Trail

0.00 355.04 398.58 296.54

Closed (ML 1) n/a 0.00 0.00 0.00

Decommissioned Routes n/a 2,367.03 1,289.80 201.22

Forest System Roads Likely 

Open to Public Use (ML 

Unknown)37

2,006.20 n/a n/a n/a

Unauthorized (User Created) 672.34 0.00 0.00 0.00

37 A detailed explanation of these routes can be found in the Existing and Desired Conditions section of Chapter 1 of 

this document.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 61

 
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Empty Cell Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative D

Total Motorized 

Open to Public

4,958.58 2,559.57 3,569.52 4,859.34

Total Motorized System 4,958.58 3,058.90 4,133.90 5,205.15

Inventoried Unauthorized Routes38 Proposed for Inclusion (Miles) 

Roads Open to Passenger 

Vehicles

n/a 4.12 4.12 4.77

Roads Open to High Clearance 

Vehicles

n/a 6.45 6.45 131.20

Motorized Trails (Single Track) n/a 0.00 72.59 96.22

Motorized Trails (General) n/a 0.00 206.71 320.26

Administrative Use Only Road n/a 10.34 10.75 0.11

Administrative Use Only 

Motorized Trail

n/a 29.53 29.53 30.97

Total Motorized 

Open to Public

n/a 10.58 289.88 552.45

Total Miles Proposed 

for Inclusion

n/a 50.44 330.16 583.52

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use (Acres)

Name of Area 

(Total Acres)

Payson and 

Pleasant Valley

Ranger Districts 

(703,618 total)

300 feet both 

sides of all 

designated 

roads and trails 

within fuelwood 

cutting permit 

areas 

(132,568 total)

Bartlett Lake

(922); Golf 

Course (17); 

Roosevelt Lake

(4,508); 

Sycamore 

(1,333); 4 Tot 

Lots (11) 

(6,790 total)

Same as 

Alternative C

(6,790 total)

Permit Zones (Acres)

Name of Permit Zone 

(Total Acres)

Bulldog Canyon 

(34,720 total)

Bulldog Canyon

(34,720); Desert 

Vista (33,479); 

The Rolls 

(24,144); St. 

Clair (24,455); 

Sycamore 

(34,127) 

(150,925 total)

Bulldog Canyon

(34,720); Desert 

Vista (33,479); 

The Rolls 

(24,144); St. 

Clair (24,455) 

(116,798 total)

Same as 

Alternative A

(34,720 total)

38 Since 2007, the Tonto National Forest has collected or received geographic information about unauthorized routes 

that are either obvious on the ground or are being used for motorized travel, totaling approximately 672 miles to date. 

62 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action 

Empty Cell Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative D

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval (Acres)

Total Acres Available 

(including Width of Corridor)

(Species Allowed)

703,618 

(elk, bear, mule 

deer, whitetail 

deer) 

No motorized 

big game 

retrieval would 

be allowed

1,293,178

(1 mile both 

sides of all 

designated 

routes) 

(elk, bear)

2,068,208

(1 mile both sides 

of all designated 

routes) 

(elk, bear, mule 

deer, whitetail 

deer) 

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping (Acres)

Distance from Designated 

Routes 

(Total Acres)

Driving off-road 

has been 

permitted in 

northern 

districts, 

prohibited in 

southern 

districts unless 

posted open 

(703,618 total)

414 Designated 

Sites (Buffered 

50 feet from 

center point) 

(65 total)

100 feet both 

sides of all 

designated 

routes 

(91,391 total)

300 feet both 

sides of all 

designated routes 

(336,038 total)

Additional Information Pertaining to Motor Vehicle Use

Personal Use Fuelwood 

Gathering 

(Total Acres)

Permitted to 

gather wood in 

designated 

woodcutting 

permit areas

(1,345,998 

total)

Within 300 feet 

of all designated 

routes within a 

designated 

woodcutting 

permit areas 

(132,568 total)

Within 300 feet 

of all designated 

routes within 

designated a 

woodcutting 

permit areas 

(161,785 total)

Same as 

Alternative A

(1,345,998 total)

Collection of Forest Resources 

by Tribal Members

Only allowed on 

designated 

routes.

Same as 

Alternative A

Same as 

Alternative A.

Same as 

Alternative A

Need to Amend Forest Plan Not necessary Would Require 

Forest Plan

Amendment39

Would Require 

Forest Plan

Amendment40

Would Require 

Forest Plan

Amendment41

Information below is focused on activities and effects where different levels of effects or 

outputs can be distinguished quantitatively or qualitatively among alternatives. Table 15 shows 

the comparison based on the resource areas from Chapter 3 of this document

39 The amendment would include striking language allowing cross-country travel on the entire Payson and Pleasant 

Valley Ranger Districts and modifying the current Recreation Opportunity Spectrum. A detailed summary of these 

amendments can be found in Appendix B.

40 Ibid 

41 Ibid 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 63
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Table 15: Comparison of Effects for Alternatives by Resource

Empty Cell Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Transportation Facilities

Maintenance cycle of 

designated roads

ML 2 roads would 

be a 5.9 year cycle; 

ML 3-5 roads would 

be a 2.1 year cycle.

ML 2 roads would be 

a 1.4 year cycle; ML 

3-5 roads would be a 

1.2 year cycle

ML 2 roads would 

be a 1.8 year 

cycle; ML 3-5 

roads would be a 

2.0 year cycle

ML 2 roads would 

be a 1.8 year cycle; 

ML 3-5 roads 

would be a 7.2 

year cycle

Recreation Resources

Roads and Trails

Recreation 

Opportunity

Motorized Trail 

Maintenance

Few opportunities to 

recreate way from 

roads, except in 

designated 

wilderness areas

No change from 

current ROS

There are 

currently no 

designated 

motorized trails 

($0 total)

Greatest ability to 

recreate away from 

motorized routes 

outside of designated 

Wilderness 

Greatest increase 

in nonmotorized 

opportunities; 

Greatest decrease 

in motorized 

opportunities 

$999,000 total

Ability to recreate 

away from 

motorized routes

would be greater 

than Alternatives 

A and D, but less 

than Alternative B

Increase of 

semiprimitive 

non-motorized 

from 

Alternative A 

$1,338,000 

total

Nearly identical to 

Alternative A

Greatest 

increase in 

motorized 

opportunities; 

Greatest 

decrease in 

nonmotorized 

opportunities 

$912,000 total

OHV Areas No areas would be 

designated 

OHV users could be 

dissatisfied at the lack 

of opportunity to 

travel off designated 

motorized route 

system

Provides 

opportunity to 

travel off 

designated 

motorized route 

system in 8 areas

Same as 

Alternative C

Big Game Retrieval Only allowed in 

Payson and Pleasant 

Valley Ranger 

Districts

Greatest increase in 

nonmotorized 

opportunities 

forestwide 

Has the potential 

to shift 

opportunities for 

nonmotorized 

recreation 

forestwide

Has the potential to 

shift opportunities 

for nonmotorized 

recreation 

forestwide 

Dispersed Camping Only allowed in 

Payson and Pleasant 

Valley Ranger 

Districts

Greatest potential for 

competition for sites, 

concentration of use 

and user conflict

Has the potential 

to shift 

opportunities for 

nonmotorized 

recreation 

forestwide

Has the potential to 

shift opportunities 

for nonmotorized 

recreation 

forestwide 

Roadless, Wilderness, and Special Areas

Wilderness No change from 

current conditions

Greatest opportunity 

for improving all four 

Wilderness characters

Improves all four 

Wilderness 

characters over 

current conditions

Improves all four 

Wilderness 

characters over 

current conditions

Wild and Scenic 

Rivers

No change from 

current conditions

Greatest decrease for 

motorized access; 

Greatest opportunity 

for solitude

Decrease in 

motorized access 

from current 

conditions; 

Increase in 

solitude from 

current conditions

Greatest increase 

for motorized 

access; Greatest 

decrease for 

solitude 

64 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action 

Empty Cell Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Visual Resources

Roads and Trails 

Designated for Motor 

Vehicle Use

Greatest potential for 

existing landscape 

character to become 

more natural in 

appearance; Greatest 

potential for forest to 

move toward the 

desired conditions 

for scenic quality.

Less than Alternative 

B, greater than 

Alternative D 

potential for existing 

landscape character to 

become more natural 

in appearance; Less 

than Alternative B, 

greater than 

Alternative D 

potential for forest to 

move toward the 

desired conditions for 

scenic quality.

Least potential for 

existing landscape 

character to 

become more 

natural in 

appearance; Least 

potential for forest 

to move toward 

the desired 

conditions for 

scenic quality.

Roads and Trails 

Designated for 

Motor Vehicle Use

Areas Designated for 

Motor Vehicle Use 

Greatest potential for 

existing landscape 

character to become 

more natural in 

appearance; Greatest 

potential for forest to 

move toward the 

desired conditions 

for scenic quality.

No change from 

existing conditions. 

No change from 

existing

conditions. 

Areas open to 

motorized crosscountry travel 

Motor Vehicle Use for 

Dispersed Camping

Within designated 

area: Least potential 

for existing 

landscape character 

to become more 

natural in 

appearance; Least 

potential for forest to 

move toward the 

desired conditions 

for scenic quality.

Within designated 

area: 

Less than Alternative 

D, greater than 

Alternative B 

potential for existing 

landscape character to 

become more natural 

in appearance; Less 

than Alternative D, 

greater than 

Alternative B 

potential for forest to 

move toward the 

desired conditions for 

scenic quality.

Within designated 

area: Greatest 

potential for 

existing landscape 

character to 

become more 

natural in 

appearance; 

Greatest potential 

for forest to move 

toward the desired 

conditions for 

scenic quality.

Motorized crosscountry travel for 

dispersed camping

Socioeconomics 

Social and Economic 

Trends of The FourCounty Area

Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

Environmental 

Justice: Access for 

fuelwood gathering, 

big game retrieval, 

dispersed camping 

using a motor vehicle

Access would 

continue 

Substantial decrease 

could 

disproportionately 

affect populations of 

concern 

Decrease in access 

for fuelwood, 

increase in access 

for retrieval and 

dispersed camping 

could affect 

populations of 

concern

Increase in 

motorized use 

access could 

positively affect 

populations of 

concern 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 65
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Empty Cell Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Heritage Resources

Effects of roads, 

motorized trails, and 

OHV areas

No change in current 

road system or crosscountry travel on 

Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger 

districts

Significantly reduce 

direct and indirect 

effects to cultural 

resources compared to 

current condition; 

Decreases access for 

monitoring and 

patrolling of sites

Significantly 

reduce direct and 

indirect effects to 

cultural resources 

compared to 

current condition

Significantly 

reduce direct and 

indirect effects to 

cultural resources 

compared to 

current condition

Contemporary Indian Uses

Effects of roads, 

motorized trails, and 

OHV areas on 

traditional use areas, 

sacred sites, and 

traditional activities; 

and Access to 

traditional resources 

and places of 

significance to Tribes

Continued crosscountry travel on 

Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger 

districts would result 

in an increase in the 

cumulative effect 

and may inhibit or 

limit the use of such 

areas; No change 

from existing 

conditions

Reduces effects to 

sacred sites and 

traditional use areas; 

May restrict access 

for the practice of 

known contemporary 

Indian uses

Reduces effects to 

sacred sites and 

traditional use 

areas; Provides

more access 

opportunities for 

known 

contemporary 

Indian uses

Reduces effects to 

sacred sites and 

traditional use 

areas; Provides the 

most access 

opportunities for 

known 

contemporary 

Indian uses

Game and Nongame Species

Estimated percent of 

Tonto National Forest

available for wildlife 

recreation (one mile 

buffer from 

roads/trails)

72%

2,050,400 acres

63%

1,813,400 acres 

73%

2,081,500 acres 

77%

2,204,500 acres

Estimated number of 

motorized big game 

retrievals

550

(elk, bear, mule deer, 

whitetail deer)

0 209

(elk, bear)

550

(elk, bear, mule 

deer, whitetail 

deer)

Estimated effect on 

satisfaction of wildlife 

related recreationists 

for motorized 

dispersed camping 

restrictions

Satisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied

Estimated direction of 

wildlife and wildlife 

habitat for desired 

future conditions 

Away from Towards Towards Away from

Law Enforcement

General Enforcement Difficult because of 

inconsistent rules

and laws

Likely to result in 

higher violation rates

Amount of access 

would likely 

garner public 

support and thus 

achieve more 

voluntary 

compliance

66 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action 

Empty Cell Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

OHV Areas Damage and route 

creation currently 

takes place in areas 

closed to crosscountry travel

Simplify enforcement 

as defense for driving 

off designated routes 

would be harder to 

defend

Designated areas 

may result in few 

attempts to travel 

off designated 

routes

Same as 

Alternative D

Permit zones Prevents or reduces 

significant road 

proliferation and 

successful 

enforcement of

driving off road 

violations in current 

permit zone

Increased 

effectiveness in 

enforcement within 

the permit zones; 

could move illegal 

uses to areas outside 

permit zones not 

currently impacted, 

Sycamore Permit 

Zone would be 

difficult to conduct 

efficient or successful 

enforcement

Same permit 

zones as 

Alternative B, 

except without 

Sycamore so 

effects similar

Same as the 

current condition

Wildlife and Plant Habitat Resources

Effects to lesser longnosed bat; Yuma 

clapper rail; 

Chiricahua leopard 

frog; Gila chub; 

desert pupfish; 

razorback sucker; 

and Gila topminnow

May affect the species but is not likely to adversely affect the species or its habitat

Effects to ocelot and 

loach Minnow

No effect to the species or its habitat

Effects to Western 

yellow-billed cuckoo 

and narrow-headed 

and northern 

Mexican gartersnakes

Not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the destruction 

or adverse modification of habitat

Effects to 

southwestern willow 

flycatcher and 

Mexican spotted owl

May affect the 

species and is likely 

to adversely affect 

the species or its 

habitat

May affect the species 

but is not likely to 

adversely affect the 

species or its habitat

May affect the species and is likely to 

adversely affect the species or its habitat

Effects to Colorado 

pikeminnow

May affect the 

species but is not 

likely to adversely 

affect the species or 

its habitat

No effect to the species or its habitat May affect the 

species but is not 

likely to adversely 

affect the species 

or its habitat

Effects to spikedace May affect the 

species but is not 

likely to adversely 

affect the species or 

its habitat

No effect to the 

species or its habitat

May affect the species but is not likely 

to adversely affect the species or its 

habitat 

Effects to Arizona 

cliffrose 

No effect to the species or its habitat May affect the 

species but is not 

likely to adversely 

affect the species 

or its habitat

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 67
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action

Empty Cell Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Effects to Arizona 

hedgehog cactus

May affect the species but is not likely to 

adversely affect the species or its habitat

May affect the species and is likely to 

adversely affect the species or its habitat

Effects to critical 

habitat for 

southwestern willow 

flycatcher 

likely to result in 

destruction or 

adverse modification 

of designated critical 

habitat for the 

species

not likely to result in 

the destruction or 

adverse modification 

of designated critical 

habitat for the species

likely to result in destruction or adverse 

modification of designated critical 

habitat for the species

Effects to critical 

habitat for Mexican 

spotted owl

Likely to result in destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat for 

the species

Effects to critical 

habitat for narrowheaded and northern 

Mexican gartersnakes

Not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat 

for the species

Effects to critical 

habitat for loach 

minnow

No effect to designated critical habitat for the species

Effects to critical 

habitat for spikedace; 

Gila chub; 

Chiricahua leopard 

frog; and razorback 

sucker

Not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical 

habitat for the species

Effects to all federal 

candidate species

Determination: Alternative may impact individuals of the species, but is not likely to 

result in a trend toward federal listing or loss of viability.

Effects to Forest 

Service sensitive 

species

Determination: Alternative may impact individuals of the species, but is not likely to 

result in a trend toward federal listing or loss of viability42. 

Effects to bald and 

golden eagles

Determination: Alternative may impact individuals of the species, but is not likely to 

result in a trend toward federal listing or loss of viability.

Effects to all 

Management 

Indicator Species 

No change in habitat 

quantity or quality 

for species. 

Maintains current 

population and 

habitat trends 

Increase in habitat 

quality for species. 

This increase would 

not alter forestwide 

habitat and population 

trends. Beneficial 

effects to habitat and 

populations 

Increase in habitat 

quality for 

species. This 

increase would 

not alter 

forestwide habitat 

and population 

trends. Beneficial 

effects over 

Alternative A and 

Alternative D 

Increase in habitat 

quality for species. 

This increase 

would not alter 

forestwide habitat 

and population 

trends. Beneficial 

effects over 

Alternative A

42 The following have a no impact on the species determination: Lizard, Bezy’s night (Alternative B); Springsnail, 

fossil (Alternative B); Bugbane, Arizona (Alternative B); Fleabane, Fish Creek (Alternative B); Sedge, Chihuahuan 

(Alternative B); Sedge, Cochise (Alternatives A, B, and C); and Vetch, horseshoe deer (Alternative B).

68 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 2. Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action 

Empty Cell Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Effects to macroinvertebrates

Road density would 

not decrease. 

Maintains current 

population and 

habitat trends

Decreased road 

density over all 

alternatives. 

Beneficial effects to 

habitat and 

populations over all 

alternatives

Reduces road 

density from 

Alternative A and 

Alternative D, 

increases road 

density from 

Alternative B. 

Beneficial effects 

over Alternative A 

and Alternative D

Reduces road 

density from 

Alternative A, 

increases road 

density from 

Alternative B and 

Alternative C. 

Beneficial effects 

over Alternative A

Effect to populations 

or habitat quality for 

Migratory Birds

Unintentional take is 

highly unlikely to 

occur at a level that 

would have a 

measurable effect

Greatest reduction in

areas of potential 

affects by reducing 

road density

Reduces areas of 

potential affects 

by reducing road 

density 

Similar to no 

action

Effects to Important 

Bird Areas

No change from 

current condition

Highest beneficial 

effect because 

reduction in miles of 

roads and trails open 

to public use

Beneficial effect 

because reduction 

in miles of roads 

and trails open to 

public use

Similar to no 

action

Effects associated 

with snags and 

dead/downed wood

No change from 

current condition

Positive effect 

because reduction in 

fuelwood gathering 

acres

Positive effect 

because reduction 

in fuelwood 

gathering acres

Similar to no 

action

Potential Spread of 

Noxious and Invasive 

Weeds (Cumulative 

Acreage)

24,782 4,336 20,739 25,852

Hydrological Resources

Motorized routes 

near streams (miles)

2,239 1,351 1,773 2,210

Motorized routes in 

riparian areas (miles)

415 242 314 395

Number of stream 

crossings

7,148 4,278 5,614 6,986

Soil Resources

Overall Effects of 

roads, motorized 

trails, and OHV areas

Continued effects to 

soils

Least overall effects 

to soils than the 

existing condition

Less overall effect 

to soils than the 

existing condition 

More overall 

effects than other 

action alternatives; 

similar to existing 

condition 

Air Quality

NAAQS Violation

Potential 

No change from 

existing

Reduction in 

emissions; Reduction 

in criteria pollutant 

emissions; Significant 

adverse air quality 

impacts are not 

expected

Same as 

Alternative B

Same as 

Alternative B

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 69

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and 

Environmental Consequences

This chapter summarizes the physical, biological, social, and economic environments on the 

Tonto National Forest and the effects of implementing each alternative on that environment. It 

also presents the scientific and analytical basis for the comparison of alternatives presented in the 

chapter 2. It is organized by individual environment or resource topic.

The Affected Environment section for each resource topic describes the existing or baseline 

condition against which environmental effects are evaluated and from which progress toward the 

desired condition can be measured. The Environmental Consequences section for each resource 

topic discusses direct, indirect, and cumulative effects, and applicable mitigation measures. 

Effects can be neutral, beneficial, or adverse. Environmental consequences form the scientific and 

analytical basis for comparison of the alternatives, through compliance with standards set forth in 

the 1985 Tonto National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan), as amended, 

with the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the 1976 National Forest 

Management Act. The Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources section is at the 

end of this chapter.

Analysis Process

The environmental consequences presented here address the impacts of the actions proposed in 

each alternative for the Tonto National Forest Travel Management Project. Each motorized route 

and cross-country area proposed in the alternatives has been reviewed by resource specialists.

Environmental effects are disclosed for the following types of actions common to all action 

alternatives:

• Prohibition of Cross-country Motor Vehicle Travel. The direct and indirect effects of

prohibiting motorized cross-country travel forestwide are described generally in each

alternative, considering both current conditions and projected trends. Both short-term and

long-term effects are presented.

• Determination for Motor Vehicles Driven Off Designated Routes. Effects resulting

from permitting motorized access for the sole purpose of motorized dispersed camping,

big game retrieval, or collection of forest products are described generally by alternative.

• Additions to the National Forest Transportation System of New Roads and

Motorized Trails. The effects of adding new routes by incorporating inventoried

unauthorized routes are analyzed by alternative in this chapter. For most resources, one or

more resource indicators or analysis measures are used to measure the direct and indirect

effects of each alternative. Both short- and long-term effects are presented.

• Changes to the Existing National Forest Transportation System. Effects caused by

changes to vehicle class, season of use, and proposed decommissioning are described

generally by alternative.

Additionally, effects are disclosed in this chapter for actions that are unique to an alternative.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 71
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Cumulative Effects

According to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA regulations, “cumulative 

impact” is the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action 

when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what 

agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such actions (40 CFR 1508.7). 

In order to understand the contribution of past actions to the effects of the proposed action and 

alternatives, 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.

This cumulative effects analysis does not attempt to quantify the effects of past human actions by 

adding up all prior actions on an action-by-action basis. There are several reasons for not taking 

this approach. First, a catalog and analysis of all past actions would be impractical to compile and 

unduly costly to obtain. Current conditions reflect innumerable actions over the last century (and 

beyond), and trying to isolate the individual actions that continue to have residual impacts would 

be nearly impossible. Second, providing the details of past actions on an individual basis would 

not be useful to predict the cumulative effects of the proposed action or alternatives. In fact, 

focusing on individual actions would be less accurate than looking at existing conditions, because 

there is limited information on the environmental impacts of individual past actions, and one 

cannot reasonably identify each and every action over the last century that has contributed to 

current conditions and what exactly that contribution was. Additionally, focusing on the impacts 

of past human actions would risk ignoring the important residual effects of past natural events, 

which may contribute to cumulative effects just as much as human actions. Looking at current 

conditions captures all the residual effects of past human actions and natural events, regardless of 

which particular action or event contributed those effects. Third, public scoping for this project 

has yet to identify any public interest or need for detailed information on individual past actions. 

Finally, the Council on Environmental Quality issued an interpretive memorandum on June 24, 

2005 regarding analysis of past actions, which states, “agencies can conduct an adequate 

cumulative effects analysis by focusing on the current aggregate effects of past actions without 

delving into the historical details of individual past actions.” For these reasons, the analysis of 

past actions in this section is based on current environmental conditions.

General Assumptions and Limitations

The following assumptions and limitations apply to the project and the decision that will be 

forthcoming:

• No NEPA decision is necessary to continue use of the National Forest Transportation

System (i.e. OHV and transportation) as currently designated and managed under the No

Action alternative. These decisions were made previously.

• Unauthorized or user-created roads, trails, and areas are not National Forest

Transportation System facilities. They are unauthorized. The agency never took action to

create, manage, or construct them for public use. They were created by the public as a

result of cross-country travel.

72 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

• Temporary roads, trails, and areas built to support emergency operations or temporarily 

authorized in association with contracts, permits, or leases are not intended for public use. 

They are not part of the National Forest Transportation System. Any proposal to add 

these temporary roads to the National Forest Transportation System will require a NEPA

decision.

• Any unauthorized routes not included in the action alternatives are not precluded from 

consideration for addition to the National Forest Transportation System in future travel 

management actions.

• “Designation” is an administrative act which does not trigger NEPA analysis. 

Designation technically occurs with printing of the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) 

and does not require additional analysis. 

Resource Reports

Each section in this chapter provides a summary of the project-specific reports, assessments, and 

input prepared by Forest Service resource specialists that are incorporated by reference in this 

draft EIS. The following reports are incorporated by reference:

• Transportation Facilities Report

• Recreation Report

• Wilderness, Wild & Scenic Rivers, Inventoried Roadless Areas, and Special Management 

Areas Report

• Visual Resources Report

• Socioeconomic Report

• Heritage Resources Report

• Contemporary Indian Uses Report

• Law Enforcement Report

• Arizona Game and Fish Department Report (Game and Nongame Species)

• Biological Assessment and Biological Evaluation (BA/BE) for Wildlife

• Management Indicator Species Report

• Migratory Bird Report

• Noxious Weed Risk Assessment (Noxious Weeds Report)

• Hydrology and Watershed Report

• Soils Report

• Air Quality Report

These reports are part of the project record on file at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Phoenix, 

Arizona. Copies of these reports are available upon request by contacting Anne Thomas, Project 

Leader, at (602) 225-5213 or by email at mariannethomas@fs.fed.us

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 73
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

NEPA at 40 CFR 1502.25(a) directs “to the fullest extent possible, agencies shall prepare draft 

environmental impact statements concurrently with and integrated with ...other environmental 

review laws and executive orders.” Each resource section includes a list of applicable laws, 

regulations, policies, and executive orders that are relevant to that resource. Surveys, analyses, 

and findings required by those laws may also be addressed in each of those sections.

Transportation Facilities 

This section discusses the effects of the alternatives on management and maintenance of National 

Forest System (NFS) roads and trails (i.e., transportation facilities). It addresses the extent to 

which the alternatives respond to the direction related to transportation facilities in the Tonto 

National Forest Plan (Forest Plan) (U.S. Forest Service, 1985) and considers whether changes to 

these facilities provide for adequate public safety and result in a sustainable route system.

Affected Environment

National Forest System roads are used for multiple purposes by various user groups. Forest staff 

utilizes the transportation system for a variety of administrative purposes, including fire 

management, law enforcement, and facilities management (e.g., utility, telecommunication, and 

mining facilities). Ranching, utility, telecommunication and mining permittees, and operators 

depend on the transportation system to maintain their permitted operations. Most roads on the 

forest are also used by hunters, for access to dispersed camping and by off-highway vehicle 

(OHV) recreationists. One example of a multiple-use road is Forest Road 24 on the Cave Creek

Ranger District, also known as Seven Springs Road. The road accesses private property, range 

improvements, administrative sites, mining resources and recreation sites; and is used by 

recreationists, hunters, FS staff, private landowners, and OHV users among others. This road is 

categorized as a principal feeder/trunk route serving as a connector road with minor system roads 

feeding into it. Forest Roads 41, 562, and 468 are examples of roads that feed into Forest 

Road 24. 

The Forest Service currently classifies maintenance of National Forest System roads by five 

maintenance levels (ML)43. This analysis refers to ML 3-5 roads that are maintained for prudent 

drivers in a standard passenger car, ML 2 roads that are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, 

ML 1 roads that are placed in storage for intermittent use. Utilization of roads identified as 

“administrative use only” is restricted to Forest Service personnel and emergency response 

personnel. Other authorized users of these routes can include special use and grazing permittees; 

mining companies; county, state, and Federal agencies; private land owners; and utility 

companies. 

According to the current database for roads on the Tonto National Forest, there are approximately 

2,952 miles of roads open to the public: 645 miles for passenger vehicles and 2,308 miles for high 

clearance. This database shows that there are 1,739 miles of ML 1 (closed to vehicular use) roads 

and 267 miles of decommissioned routes. However, after reviewing updated satellite imagery and 

gathering on-the-ground information from ranger district personnel, Forest Service Law 

Enforcement Officers, and Arizona Game and Fish Department employees, it was determined that 

43 For more information about the existing condition of the roads system, see that section in Chapter 1 of this document.

74 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

many of the ML 1 and decommissioned routes are currently open to the public and being used. 

Because of this, it was decided that the existing condition for the roads system on the Tonto 

National Forest, the baseline for which the effects of the proposed changes to the road system for 

this project, results in approximately 4,959 miles of roads open to motor vehicle use44 . 

One example of ML 1 roads still being utilized occurs in the Sugarloaf area on the Mesa Ranger 

District. Several roads feeding into the 1855 road that accesses the area, including forest roads 

1857, segments A and B of 1857, 3472, and 1877 (equating to approximately six miles) are still 

being used despite their ML 1 status.

The average annual road maintenance budget is $2,326,900 (based on fiscal year 2008 to fiscal 

year 2012). Though not every mile of NFS road requires yearly maintenance, the annual 

maintenance budget is insufficient for supporting the Forest’s annual maintenance needs. Only a 

percentage of the total roads on the forest are maintained each year, as opposed to the entire 2,757 

miles of ML 2 through ML 5 roads. Maintenance that goes unperformed each year is considered 

deferred maintenance. Over the years, the Tonto National Forest road system has accrued a 

substantial amount of deferred maintenance. The Tonto does have cooperative maintenance 

agreements with Gila and Maricopa counties to help address combined road maintenance needs. 

Approximately 514 miles of NFS roads (264 miles of ML 2 roads, 193 miles of ML 3 roads, 44 

miles of ML 4 roads, and 13 miles of ML 5 roads) are included in cooperative maintenance 

agreements with these counties45. 

Environmental Effects

Assumptions

The descriptions of the four alternatives being analyzed, including the No Action, in the draft EIS 

are organized by six elements discussed in Chapter 2. These elements affect the Forest System 

Roads differently and will require different assumptions to effectively analyze them. Roads and 

trails open to motorized travel will be analyzed further. The effect of the cross-country travel will 

not be analyzed further as routes created by cross-country travel are not considered U.S. Forest 

Service routes. 

The assumption for this analysis is that there are no additional impacts in road maintenance 

associated with special order (or seasonal) closures because road maintenance is planned around 

the closures. Therefore, seasonal closures will not be discussed further in this analysis. 

The assumption for this analysis is that motorized big game retrieval utilizes the existing forest 

roads and trails to the hunting destination. Therefore no additional analysis is needed. The 

retrieval efforts made off the forest roads and trails are not creating a road and therefore not 

analyzed as such. 

The assumption for this analysis is that there are no additional impacts in transportation 

maintenance costs associated with designation of permit zones. The maintenance costs associated 

with the gates and signage needed for managing permit zones are considered part of the annual 

44 A more detailed discussion of the inconsistencies between what is in the Tonto National Forest databases for roads 

and trails and what is currently on the ground can be found in Chapter 2, Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from 

Detailed study.

45 Forest Road Agreement between U.S. Forest Service and Gila County (2009) and Forest Road Agreement between 

U.S. Forest Service and Maricopa County (2011).

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 75
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

maintenance cost for that route. The construction of necessary fencing for permit zones however 

are considered project work and will not be analyzed as an annual cost in this analysis.

Motorized dispersed camping corridors are designated on several of the alternatives. However, 

there are no impacts in associated transportation maintenance costs that are not captured by total 

mileage of available NFS roads and motorized trails.

Methodology

The Forest Service does not receive sufficient funding to match the calculated estimates in Infra. 

Annualized items are funded on a project-by-project basis and are competed for regionally and 

nationally. Therefore, annual maintenance costs do not reflect the way the Forest actually 

maintains its road system. Every mile of road does not need to be maintained every year. Rather, 

roads are maintained on a cyclic basis and in response to safety hazards and situations where 

resource damage may occur. There are some high-use roads that receive maintenance every year 

to repair winter and storm run-off damage and damage due to heavy traffic loads. Other roads do 

not require more than periodic inspection and occasional maintenance to repair damage to the 

road surface and road structures, eliminate traffic hazards, and prevent resource damage. This is 

true of most of the existing roads maintained for high clearance vehicles (ML 2) and the roads 

and motorized trails proposed for addition to the system under the action alternatives.

Table 16 shows how many miles of road received annual maintenance from fiscal year 2009 to 

fiscal year 2012.

Table 16: Summary of Road Receiving Annual Maintenance by 

Maintenance Level (in Miles)

Maintenance 

Level FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 Average 

2 470 477 341 276 391 

3 279 298 255 173 252 

4 38 31 38 66 44 

5 13 10 2 3 7

Total 800 816 636 518 

The consideration of tracking the true cost of maintaining each mile of road is problematic. The 

costs and metrics that are currently available do not effectively convey how the annual road 

maintenance budget is being managed with respect to the roads that need maintenance. The Infra 

costs available would show that the needed budget to maintain our roads will exceed our 

available budget by five times. Although there is always a need for additional funds to maintain 

our roads, there has never been a time that the Forest has had the Infra-based funding available on 

an annual basis. The cost comparison will be included in the analysis; however the analysis will 

focus on the relative difference in cost between alternatives, not the discrepancy of available 

funding. 

The methodology compares the amount of roads that we have historically maintained with our 

budget as a percentage of the overall roads system to those of each alternative. This will 

76 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

effectively show how far our historical maintenance efforts would go toward maintaining the road 

system for each of the alternatives. The motorized trails would not be considered as a road as they 

would be analyzed through the recreation specialist report. 

Direct and Indirect Effects

The four alternatives vary greatly in the mileage of roads needing maintenance (Table 17). The 

mileage noted in this table represents the road system the Tonto National Forest Service is 

required to periodically maintain. A portion of the road system is open to the public, while a 

portion of the road system is open for administrative purposes only. The mileage noted below 

reflects the total road miles for each maintenance level category inclusive of the administrative 

use only roads, and will be used for the analysis. 

Table 17: Road Needing Maintenance by Maintenance Level (in Miles) for Each 

Alternative

Maintenance 

Level Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

3-5 645 376 572 548 

2 2,308 663 935 2,849 

Total 2,953 1,507 1,507 3,397 

Cycle-Time Analysis 

The metric used for comparison between the alternatives is the “cycle” time between regular 

forest road maintenance as a measure of years. The cycle time is the ratio of the total number of 

miles to the average miles maintained per year. The result will be a measure of how many years it 

would take to maintain every mile of road once before we start over. The lower the cycle time, the 

more often we maintain a forest road.

As an example, ML 2 roads designated in alternative A equates to 2,308 miles (Table 17). Table 

16 indicates the Tonto National Forest has maintained on average 391 miles of ML 2 roads per 

year. Dividing Alternative A ML 2 mileage (2,308) by the average number of miles of ML 2 roads 

maintained per year (391) results in a value of 5.9, indicating with the number of ML 2 roads in 

alternative A it would take 5.9 years to maintain each road one time. Similarly, if the total number 

of miles of ML 3-5 for alternative A (645), is divided by the average number of miles of ML 3-5 

roads maintained per year from table 4 (303), derived from adding averages for ML 3, 4 and 5, 

the result is 2.1. This indicates with the number of ML 3-5 roads in alternative A would take 

2.1 years to maintain each road one time.

Alternative A

The alternative would not add any new facilities to the existing transportation system. 

Maintenance, signing, and improvements of unauthorized routes would not occur, because 

appropriated road and trail maintenance funds are restricted to expenditure for system roads and 

trails. Initially this alternative requires the least expenditure of funds. However, it has the 

potential to increase the need for resource funding to repair damage and degradation caused by 

continued motorized use of existing unauthorized routes and the creation of new unauthorized 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 77
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

routes through continued cross-country travel (Table 18). Maintenance of the ML 2 roads would 

be a 5.9 year cycle (once every 5.9 years the road would be maintained). Maintenance of the ML

3-5 roads would be a 2.1 year cycle.

Table 18: Road Miles Needing Maintenance by Maintenance Level for 

Alternative A

Maintenance 

Level

Alternative A

(Miles)

Average

Maintenance* 

(Miles)

# of Years to Cycle 

all Roads

3-5 645 303 2.1

2 2,308 391 5.9

*

From data provided in Table 17

Alternative B

This alternative provides the least amount of motorized access of all alternatives. This alternative 

would result in the decommissioning of all roads not designated for motorized use. 

Administrative roads would remain open. Some of these roads may already be effectively closed 

on the ground from lack of use or due to previous road closure efforts. Maintenance of the ML 2 

roads would be a 1.7 year cycle (once every 1.7 years the road would be maintained) (Table 19). 

Maintenance of the ML 3-5 roads would be a 1.2 year cycle.

Table 19: Road Miles Needing Maintenance by Maintenance Level for 

Alternative B

Maintenance 

Level

Alternative A

(Miles)

Average

Maintenance* 

(Miles)

# of Years to Cycle 

all Roads

3-5 376 303 1.2 

2 663 391 1.7

*

From data provided in Table 17

Alternative C

This alternative is a modified version of the proposed action scoped in February 2013. It reflects 

the changes that resulted from a review of the desired road network that was discussed earlier in 

this chapter. This information was further reviewed on a district level, involving district rangers, 

Forest Service personnel familiar with the existing road and resource conditions, and Arizona 

Game and Fish Department enforcement officers whose game retrieval units overlapped with the 

corresponding district boundaries. This process allowed for the correction of alignment issues of 

roads using aerial imagery gathered in 2012, as reflected in this alternative. This alternative 

would result in the closure of all motorized routes (road and trails) not designated for motorized 

use that are not located within an area already closed to motorized use or entry. Some of the roads 

may already be effectively closed on the ground from lack of use or due to previous road closure 

efforts. Maintenance of the ML 2 roads would be a 1.9 year cycle (once every 1.8 years the road 

would be maintained) (Table 20). Maintenance of the ML 3-5 roads would be a 2.4 year cycle. 

78 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 20: Road Miles Needing Maintenance by Maintenance Level for 

Alternative C

Maintenance 

Level

Alternative A 

(Miles)

Average

Maintenance* 

(Miles)

# of Years to Cycle 

all Roads

3-5 572 303 1.9 

2 935 391 2.4 

*

From data provided in Table 17

Alternative D

This alternative provides the most motorized access of all alternatives. This alternative would 

result in the closure of all motorized routes (road and trails) not designated for motorized use that 

are not located within an area already closed to motorized use or entry. Some of these roads may 

already be effectively closed on the ground from lack of use or due to previous road closure 

efforts. Maintenance of the ML 2 roads would be a 1.8 year cycle (once every 1.8 years the road 

would be maintained) (Table 21). Maintenance of the ML 3-5 roads would be a 7.3 year cycle.

Table 21: Road Miles Needing Maintenance by Maintenance Level for 

Alternative D

Maintenance 

Level

Alternative A

(Miles)

Average

Maintenance* 

(Miles)

# of Years to Cycle 

all Roads

3-5 548 303 1.8 

2 2,849 391 7.3

*

From data provided in Table 17

Maintenance Cost Analysis 

The cost of National Forest System road maintenance occurs on an annual basis and varies by 

maintenance level46. The following table shows the funding requirements to perform routine and 

periodic maintenance for all existing system roads on an annual basis (Table 22). It does not show 

actual funding. The annual cost shown below would maintain the roads in their current condition 

and begin to address the backlog of deferred maintenance. Shortfalls in road maintenance funding 

have resulted in a large backlog of deferred maintenance needs. Deferred maintenance can be 

generally defined as annual or routine maintenance that was not completed when scheduled. 

Table 22: Routine and Deferred Maintenance Cost Estimates for 

Existing NFS Roads (RATM) By Maintenance Level

Maintenance 

Level # of Miles Annual Maintenance 

Needs per mile

Annual 

Cost

3-5 559 $8,230 $4,600,570 

2 2,198 $1,949 $4,283,902 

46 Consideration of costs for maintaining the additional routes that would become motorized trails is detailed further in 

the Recreation Section.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 79
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Maintenance 

Level # of Miles Annual Maintenance 

Needs per mile

Annual 

Cost

Totals 2,757 ------ $8,884,472 

The ability to perform road maintenance is limited by the availability of time, personnel, 

equipment, materials, and funding. The amount of road maintenance accomplished per day or per 

season is dependent on the road maintenance level and condition of the road being maintained. 

The condition of the road is affected by both the environment and the volume of traffic over the 

road between maintenance cycles. Environmental factors include soil moisture, tree and brush 

growth, storm and spring run-off, and other natural events such as floods.

The average annual road maintenance budget is $2,326,900 (based on fiscal year 2008 to fiscal 

year 2012). It is important to note that while the annual maintenance budget is insufficient for 

supporting the Forest’s annual maintenance needs, not every mile of NFS road or trail requires 

yearly maintenance. As shown in table 5, only a percentage of the total roads on the forest are 

maintained each year, as opposed to all 2,757 miles of ML 2 through 5 roads. Therefore, the 

difference between the annual maintenance budget and the annual needs is not as drastic as it 

appears. For example, in 2003, the estimated annual cost to maintain all NFS roads to standard 

was about $4.8 million. While this amount still exceeds the annual budget of approximately $2.3 

million, this is a significantly smaller annual difference.

Alternative A

The alternatives reflect the No Action and would not add any new facilities to the existing 

transportation system. Maintenance, signing, and improvements of unauthorized routes would not 

occur, because appropriated road and trail maintenance funds are restricted to expenditure for 

system roads and trails. Initially this alternative requires the least expenditure of funds. However, 

it has the potential to increase the need for resource funding to repair damage and degradation 

caused by continued motorized use of existing unauthorized routes and the creation of new 

unauthorized routes through continued cross-country travel (Table 23). The cost to maintain the 

ML 2 -5 routes within this alternative would be $9,718,195 which is 417 percent of our annual 

maintenance budget.

Table 23: Maintenance Cost Estimates for Alternative A 

(based on 2006 figures)

Maintenance 

Level # of Miles Annual Maintenance

Needs per mile

Annual 

 Cost 

3-5 645 $8,230 $5,308,350

2 2,308 $1,949 $4,498,292 

Totals 4,319 $9,718,195 

Alternative B

This alternative is a modified version of the proposed action scoped in February 2013. It provides 

the least amount of motorized access of all alternatives. This alternative would result in the 

decommissioning of all roads not designated for motorized use that are not located within an area 

80 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

already closed to motorized use or entry. Administrative roads would remain open. Some of these 

roads may already be effectively closed on the ground from lack of use or due to previous road 

closure efforts. The cost to maintain the ML 2 -5 routes within this alternative would be 

$4,386,667 which is 189 percent of our annual maintenance budget (Table 24). 

Table 24: Maintenance Cost Estimates for Alternative B 

(based on 2006 figures)

Maintenance

Level # of Miles Annual Maintenance

Needs per mile

Annual 

Cost

3-5 376 $8,230 $3,094,480

2 663 $1,949 $1,292,187 

Totals 4,319 $4,386,667 

Alternative C

This alternative is a modified version of the proposed action scoped in February 2013. The cost to 

maintain the ML 2 -5 routes within this alternative would be $6,529,875 which is 281 percent of 

our annual maintenance budget. (Table 25)

Table 25: Maintenance Cost Estimates for Alternative C 

(based on 2006 figures)

Maintenance

Level # of Miles Annual Maintenance

Needs per mile

Annual 

Cost

3-5 572 $8,230 $4,707,560 

2 935 $1,949 $1,822,315

Totals 4,319 $6,529,875

Alternative D

This alternative provides the most motorized access of all alternatives. This alternative would 

result in the closure of all motorized routes (road and trails) not designated for motorized use. 

Some of these roads may already be effectively closed on the ground from lack of use or due to 

previous road closure efforts. The cost to maintain the ML 2 -5 routes within this alternative 

would be $10,062,741 which is 432 percent of our annual maintenance budget. (Table 26) 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 81
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 26: Maintenance Cost Estimates for Alternative D (based 

on 2006 figures)

Maintenance

Level # of Miles Annual Maintenance

Needs per mile

Annual 

Cost

3-5 548 $8,230 $4,510,040

2 2849 $1,949 $5,552,701 

Totals 4,319 $10,062,741 

Summary of Direct and Indirect Effects 

The cost of NFS road maintenance would vary by alternative. Alternative D increases 

maintenance costs more than any alternative. Alternative B would reduce the annual maintenance 

needs by approximately $5.3 million per year compared to Alternative A, resulting in the lowest 

annual road maintenance cost. Alternative C would reduce the maintenance need by $3.2 million 

per year compared to Alternative A. These costs would offset some of the savings mentioned 

above. Based on this analysis, Alternative B is the preferred alternative.

To support the existing transportation system with current and projected appropriated and nonappropriated maintenance funding, routine maintenance is being reduced, maintenance cycles are 

extended, and selective repairs are made to ensure public safety and prevent resource damage. 

Major repairs such as resurfacing or new bridges are funded by special appropriations outside of 

the Forest’s annual budget. Current and projected funding levels do not cover deferred 

maintenance, which means that the deferred maintenance backlog grows annually.

All action alternatives would all create maintenance funding shortfalls to a greater degree than 

Alternative A, mostly because of adding motorized trails to the transportation system. Not 

performing routine annual maintenance on time may increase the amount of deferred 

maintenance. If annual maintenance was fully funded, it would still leave a large amount of 

deferred maintenance that would prioritized for completion upon identification of danger to the 

public or the potential for severe resource damage.

Cumulative Effects – All Alternatives

In addition to funding, the forest achieves yearly road maintenance goals by working in 

conjunction with county and state governments. Fluctuation of budgets with other governmental 

agencies could impact the total number of miles of maintenance achieved.

Potential effects on the road system from activities such as urban development, increased 

visitation, mineral exploration and other construction activities could include temporary increases 

in the amount of traffic and road use by OHV vehicles and larger vehicles, primarily construction 

trucks. Much of the cost of any additional road maintenance needed as a result of commercial 

activities proposed with these future projects would be borne by the purchaser of the commercial 

product, and any temporary road needed to access the product would be constructed and then 

decommissioned by the purchaser when no longer needed. 

The effects of cumulative activities, when added to the effects of the activities proposed with this 

project, would result in additional current maintenance needs. There is also the potential for 

82 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

increased conflict between commercial and noncommercial road users. Some roads and trails 

being designated as open for motor vehicle use could have an increased concentration of traffic, 

while other roads and trails could have a decreased concentration of traffic. Potential for conflict 

would be mitigated by the appropriate use of signing and traffic control during implementation of 

activities.

Recreation Resources

Unmanaged recreation has been identified by the Forest Service as one of four ―key threats to 

the nation‘s forests and grasslands. The use of OHVs is seen as a major component of unmanaged 

use (U.S. Forest Service, 2005b). During the past ten years, OHV use has increased dramatically 

across the nation and on millions of acres of public land in the Western United States. In Arizona, 

OHV use has increased by 347 percent since 1998 (Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2013a). 

Managing motorized recreation is particularly challenging on the Tonto National Forest with its 

fragile desert ecosystems and high demand for motorized access. The Tonto National Forest is the 

most heavily-used National Forest for motorized recreation, with nearly a million visitors using 

OHVs on the Forest annually (U.S. Forest Service, 2012). Currently, Payson and Pleasant Valley

Ranger Districts are open to motorized cross-country travel yearlong, unless otherwise restricted. 

Cross-country travel was restricted on the Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto Basin ranger 

districts per forest plan, unless posted open; however, illegal cross-country travel is known to 

occur. OHV use has occurred off forest system routes, in sensitive riparian areas, through heritage 

sites, in threatened or endangered species habitat, into designated wilderness areas, through 

streams and up stream banks, and across highly erodible slopes. 

Affected Environment

As a result of increasing population, housing development, and OHV use, an extensive network 

of unauthorized routes has been established on the Forest. Forestwide, unauthorized routes are 

associated with nearly every private parcel of land within or next to the Forest. This shows that 

motorized access to the Forest is important to the local population for hunting and other 

recreational opportunities. However, there is a growing contingent of the population, who also 

live at the Forest‘s edge, that is distressed by what they view as constant noise, dust, unchecked 

trespass, and resource damage associated with unmanaged motorized vehicle use47. 

User Conflicts

Because of an increase in OHV use, there is a greater chance for conflicts between users that 

favor motorized recreation and those that do not. The earliest approach to recreational conflict 

was to view it as competition for resources among user groups (Devall and Harry, 1981; Owens 

1985). Two more theoretically grounded and somewhat overlapping conceptualizations today are 

categorized as follows: conflict as goal interference and conflict based on differences in social 

values (MacLennan and Moore, 2011). Jacob and Schreyer (1980) conceptualized that goal 

interference can arise between recreationists on the basis of four distinct factors: activity style – 

the various personal meanings attached to an activity, resource specificity – the significance 

attached to using a specific recreation resource for a given recreation experience, mode of 

47 For more information, see the Law Enforcement section of this chapter.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 83
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

experience – the varying expectation of how a natural environment is perceived, and tolerance for 

lifestyle diversity – the tendency to accept or reject lifestyles different from one’s own. 

All of these types of conflict can arise between motorized and nonmotorized recreationists. Use 

conflict often can be “asymmetrical” in that one user group is generally more impacted by 

conflict than the other. The most often reported social and safety impacts are conflicts between 

OHV and nonmotorized users, displacement of users, conflicts with private land owners, and 

irresponsible OHV operation48. Often motorized and nonmotorized users share the same or 

similar goals, but those seeking quiet and solitude through nonmotorized means are more likely to 

be disturbed by engine noise from an ATV than are those traveling by motor vehicle. 

Members of the public, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and Arizona State Parks have shared 

their concerns about unrestricted OHV travel on public lands. Complaints focus on noise, litter, 

lack of environmental ethics and unsafe acts. In addition, “The Nonmotorized Arizona Trails 

2000” (Arizona State Parks, 1999, p. 60) showed that 82 percent of motorized and 81 percent of 

nonmotorized trail users expressed concern over behavior of other users.

While conflicts exist on the Tonto National Forest between motorized users and nonmotorized 

users such as vehicular trespassing along the nonmotorized Arizona Trail and vehicular trespass 

into wilderness areas, they also exist between various types of motorized recreational vehicles 

(OHV types).

Conflicts between OHV types occur between four-by-four (4X4) full-sized vehicles, ATVs, and 

off-road motorcycles because of preferences for width of routes, distance travelled, and speed. 

Full-sized, 4X4 vehicles prefer wide routes and traveling long distances, since they drive in 

comfort with their supplies and soft seat, along with means to cool or warm themselves. ATV and 

off-road motorcycles look for narrow, short routes, since they cannot carry supplies and exert 

more energy riding. In addition, 4X4 full-sized vehicles take corners more slowly because they 

are larger, heavier, and more difficult to maneuver than the lighter weight ATV and off-road 

motorcycles that travel fast around corners. Dangerous conditions arise when different classes of 

motorized recreational vehicles meet at blind corners or narrow passages where there is poor 

visibility.

Motor vehicles are a legitimate and appropriate way for people to enjoy their National Forests in 

the right places, and with proper management. Current regulations were developed when OHVs 

were less widely available, less powerful, and less capable of cross-country travel than today’s 

models. The growing popularity and capabilities of OHVs demand new regulations, so that the 

Forest Service can continue to provide these opportunities while sustaining the health of National 

Forest Service lands and resources.

Americans cherish the National Forests and Grasslands for the values they provide: opportunities 

for healthy recreation and exercise, natural scenic beauty, important natural resources, protection 

of rare species, wilderness, a connection with their history, and opportunities for unparalleled 

outdoor adventure. National Forests should provide access for both motorized and nonmotorized 

users in a manner that is environmentally sustainable over the long term. The National Forest is 

not reserved for the exclusive use of any one group, nor must every use be accommodated on 

48 GAO report June 2009 report to subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public lands, Committee on Natural 

Resources, House of Representatives; Enhanced Planning Could Assist Agencies in Managing Increased Use of OffHighway Vehicles

84 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

every acre. The Forests are managed by law for multiple uses. The Travel Management Rule 

supports the management of National Forest System (NFS) lands for multiple use as provided in 

the Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of 1960, which authorizes and directs the Secretary of 

Agriculture to develop and administer the renewable resources of timber, range, water, recreation, 

and wildlife on the national forests for multiple use and sustained yield of the products and 

services.

Recreation Opportunities

Visitor use on the Tonto National Forest is year round. Visitors flock to the forest’s lower Sonoran 

Desert in the winter and in the summer seek refuge from the heat at the Salt and Verde Rivers or 

at one of the six man-made reservoirs along these rivers. Summer travels also find visitors in the 

high country camping under tall pines or fishing meandering trout streams south of the Mogollon 

Rim. 

In addition to the large number of motorized recreationists described above, the Tonto National 

Forest also supports a wide range of nonmotorized recreation including hiking, backpacking, 

bicycling, horseback riding, watching and photographing wildlife and scenery, swimming, 

rafting, geo-caching, hunting, fishing, visiting archaeological and historical sites, and picnicking. 

Although some of these activities may include motorized travel to access them, the motorized 

travel is not the main point of the activity49. 

Permit Zones 

Additionally, forest users can receive a free permit to the Bulldog Canyon OHV Area (not 

considered an OHV area per the Travel Management Rule), where users are provided a map and 

regulations for use of the 30 miles system roads within. Forest Order No. 12-152 (signed by the 

Forest Supervisor March 19, 1997) restricted motorized travel in the existing permit zone due to 

considerable environmental damage occurring from uncontrolled vehicle use. Visitors currently 

receive a free permit and gate code from the Mesa Ranger District to access the Permit Zone. 

Motorized vehicles are required to stay on the high-clearance vehicle roads and passenger car 

roads. Motorized cross-country travel off these routes is prohibited within the Permit Zone. 

Permits are not required for non-motorized users such as equestrians and hikers. They may enter 

the zone through equestrian/pedestrian gates. The number of permits issued for the Bulldog 

Permit Zone is estimated on average of 750 per month over the course of a year, or 9,000 

annually. During periods of high use (winter), permits issued can be up to 30 to 50 permits per 

day.

Prior to 1997, Bulldog Canyon had issues including illegal activities: violent crimes; dumping of 

car parts and abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, and excessive trash; large parties/raves; target 

shooting, and extensive route proliferation. There were many conflicts between different OHV 

types and between motorized and non-motorized users. In addition, the impact of these issues 

degraded the natural desert landscape. Guided Jeep Tours also provide access to this area. 

49 For more detailed information about the recreational opportunities available on the Tonto National Forest, please see 

the Recreation Report in the project record.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 85
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Big game hunting is a popular activity on the Tonto National Forest that brings many highclearance and four-wheel drive vehicles to the Forest for both official hunting seasons and 

scouting for game before the seasons begin50. For purposes of motorized big game retrieval on 

the Tonto National Forest, big game often refers to black bear, and elk. These species may require 

a vehicle to retrieve them, whereas other game species, such as javelina, are typically retrievable 

without aid of a motor vehicle.

With no restriction to motorized cross-country travel on the Pleasant Valley and Payson ranger 

districts, big game retrieval using motor vehicles is currently allowed within all recreation 

opportunity classes of these two ranger districts. motorized big game retrieval using motor 

vehicles is not allowed, however is known to occur, on the Cave Creek, Globe, and Mesa ranger 

districts where the prohibition on cross-country travel is difficult to enforce.

Motor vehicles are not allowed to travel off-road for the purpose of game retrieval on the Cave 

Creek, Mesa, Globe, or Tonto Basin Ranger Districts. Instead, the Payson and Pleasant Valley

Ranger Districts currently allow motor vehicles to travel off-road to retrieve any downed game 

animal as there is no prohibition to cross-country travel on these two districts.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Generally, dispersed camping is more popular at higher elevations on Payson and Pleasant Valley

Ranger Districts from May through September, where cross-country travel is permitted. The Cave 

Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto Basin Ranger Districts are generally more popular during colder 

seasons (although cross-country travel on these four districts is prohibited). During hunting 

season, many hunters set up dispersed campsites in their favorite hunting area.

Recreational Opportunity Spectrum

National Forest visitors are diverse in their preferences for recreational settings, experiences, and 

activities. The Forest Service uses the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class system to 

help guide future development and management to provide the variety of recreation experience 

desired by the public. The ROS classes include: Primitive; Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized; SemiPrimitive Motorized; Roaded Natural; Rural; and Urban. ROS classes help match visitors with 

their preferred recreation setting. These objectives are general goals, not standards and guidelines, 

and do not strictly govern future development. 

In the early 1980s, the ROS Users Guide (U.S. Forest Service, 1982) was followed to inventory 

all areas of the forest according to their recreation opportunity spectrum. According to the 

inventory, urban settings occur on the Tonto National Forest adjacent to developed communities 

such as Payson, Globe, Pine, Strawberry, and Superior. Rural settings occur on forest lands 

extensively modified typically for residential development. Most areas of the Forest zoned 

Roaded Natural occur in state highway and NFS road corridors along with the Forest’s lakes. 

Semi-Primitive Motorized settings occur between areas classified as Roaded Natural and SemiPrimitive Non-Motorized while Primitive settings tend to be in wilderness areas.

50 For more information on hunter satisfaction, see the Game and Nongame section of this chapter.

86 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 27 and Figure 19 display the overall acres of the ROS classifications within the Tonto 

National Forest in 1985, when the Forest Plan was signed. 

Table 27: Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Classes 

for the Tonto National Forest (1985)

ROS Class Acres Percent of

Forest

Urban 31,373 1.1

Rural 41,859 1.4

Roaded Natural 613,448 20.7

Semiprimitive Motorized 994,373 33.5

Semiprimitive Nonmotorized 1,007,967 34.0

Primitive 260,506 8.8

Unknown 16,143 0.5

Total 2,965,669 100

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 87
88 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Figure 19: Map of Recreation Opportunity Spectrum for the Tonto National Forest (1985)
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

In the 1985 ROS inventory, there were only 260,506 acres designated as Primitive ROS, which is 

traditionally used when classifying Wilderness areas. Notes written by forest landscape architects 

documenting the inventory indicate that the Wilderness areas on the Tonto National Forest were 

inventoried exactly as non-wilderness areas of the forest, resulting in some of the wilderness 

areas not receiving the primitive ROS class that they should have. When the mapping process for 

the Forest Plan was completed in 1985, GIS systems did not exist. The original Mylar inventory 

maps were digitized and integrated into the GIS system in 2006. Since ROS maps were integrated 

into the Tonto National Forest GIS system, there have been numerous changes in the software 

used to manage geographic data. These changes have resulted in spatial differences, including 

forest and Wilderness boundaries, which have contributed to discrepancies in the Forest Plan for 

all ROS classes. 

Because of these inconsistencies and errors in the current database representing ROS on the Tonto 

National Forest, it was determined that more accurate representation of the existing conditions for 

ROS was necessary for this analysis. This was done by first assigning all Wilderness areas as 

Primitive. Next, the road system in the Infra database was buffered using the same process that 

was used in the Forest Plan51. The updated current condition for the forest includes 

approximately 30,939 acres in Urban settings, which is 434 acres less than in 1987, 41,691 acres 

in Rural settings (168 acres less than in 1987), 571,379 acres in Roaded Natural settings (42,069 

acres less acres than in 1987), and 519,259 acres in Semiprimitive Nonmotorized which is 

488,708 acres less than in 1987 (Table 28 and Figure 20). The majority of the Forest now has 

1,212,083 acres in Semiprimitive Motorized (217,710 acres more than in 1987). Approximately 

588,937 acres are in the Primitive ROS class, which is 328,431 acres more than was indicated in 

the Forest Plan. This new GIS ROS layer is the best available data. The Tonto National Forest is 

currently developing the formal ROS reinventory in preparation for Forest Plan Revision. When 

the new ROS inventory is completed in 2014, it will be used for all project level analysis in the 

future. 

Table 28: Modified ROS for Current Condition (2013)

ROS Class Acres Percent of Forest

Urban 30,939 1

Rural 41,691 1

Roaded Natural 571,379 19

Semiprimitive Motorized 1,212,083 41

Semiprimitive Nonmotorized 519,259 18

Primitive 588,937 20

Total 2,964,287 100 

51 For more information, see Appendix A of the Recreation Report in the project record.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 89
90

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Figure 20: Map of Modified ROS for Current Condition (2013)
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Arizona and Great Western Trail Opportunities

The Arizona Trail is an 800 plus mile National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Utah that connects 

mountain ranges, canyons, deserts, forests, wilderness areas, historic sites, trail system, points of 

interest, communities, and people52. The trail, which is predominantly nonmotorized, serves day 

hikers, backpackers, equestrians, mountain bicyclists, trail runners, nature enthusiasts, crosscountry skiers, snowshoers, and mule and llama packers. While all of these activities currently 

take place on the Arizona Trail, it is the intent for the Forest Service to manage the trail as a 

corridor and identify resources within the corridors that should be preserved. The trail travels 

though the Superstition, Four Peaks, and Mazatzal wilderness areas on the Tonto National Forest. 

The Arizona Trail Association divides the trail into “passages,” 192.8 miles of which are located 

on the Tonto National Forest. 

Since 1992, a diverse partnership of land management agencies, the Great Western Trail (GWT) 

Association, and the Arizona State Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs have worked to make the 

Arizona Section of the GWT a reality53. The GWT, one of 16 National Millennium Trails, is a 

nonexclusive corridor of routes that accommodates a diverse myriad of trail users, both motorized 

and nonmotorized. In Arizona, the GWT is a system of existing backcountry roads that run north 

and south from Mexico to Utah. The first segment of the Arizona section of the trail was 

established in 1996, of which 8 miles is located on the Bull Dog Canyon Trail on the Mesa

Ranger District. Another portion, the 71 mile Cave Creek segment was established in 1998. A 

total of 79 miles of the trail are located on the Tonto National Forest. 

National Recreation Trail Opportunities

Approximately 50 miles of the Highline National Recreation Trail provides nonmotorized hiking, 

mountain biking and horseback opportunities along the Mogollon Rim on the Payson Ranger 

District. The trail with its spectacular views, canyons, and brushy hills was established in 1870, 

with Zane Grey using it for hunting in the area. A 19-mile segment of the Highline coincides with 

the nonmotorized Arizona Trail, all of which is nonmotorized. The Highline National Recreation 

Trail is not open to motorized use.

Another National Recreation Trail, Sixshooter Canyon trail provides a 6-mile continuous climb 

through several life zones into the Pinal Mountains with splendid views of Miami/Globe and 

surrounding area. The trail may be accessed from the CCC trailhead or Ferndell Trailheads on the 

Globe Ranger District and provides opportunities for nonmotorized activities; it also is not open 

to motorized use. The trail provides access to an Arizona National Champion tree, a Canyon 

Maple54. 

National Visitor Use Monitoring Data

The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) survey process was designed to better understand 

recreation use of the National Forest System lands (U.S. Forest Service, 2012). The NVUM 

program provides science-based estimates of the volume and characteristics of recreation 

52 Additional information regarding the Arizona Trail can be found at Arizona Trail website 53 Additional information regarding the Great Western Trail can be found at Great Western Trail website 54 Additional information regarding National Recreation Trails can be found at American Trails website 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 91
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

visitation to the National Forest System55. Visitor use monitoring was collected on the Tonto 

National Forest during fiscal years56 2003, 2008, and is currently being collected for 2013. 

Information provided regarding NVUM data is from the 2008 surveys (U.S. Forest Service, 

2012) unless stated otherwise. The information gleaned from NVUM is valid and applicable at 

Forest, Regional, and National levels, but was not designed to be accurate at the district or site 

specific level. 

The total estimated site visits to the forest in fiscal year 2008 is 5,108,000 with 800,000 to 

developed day use sites, 961,000 to developed overnight use sites, 3,195,000 to general forested 

areas, and 152,000 to designated wilderness areas. A site visit is the entry of one person onto a 

National Forest site or area to participate in recreation activities for an unspecified period of time.

Demographic results show that over 72 percent of visits are made by males. Hispanics/Latinos 

(13 percent) are the most common racial or ethnic minority. There are relatively few people aged 

60 and up (12 percent) in the visiting population. Just over one third is in their thirties or forties 

and approximately 22 percent are under the age of 16. The Tonto National Forest serves a mostly 

local client base with the majority reporting that they are from Maricopa County. Nearly 73 

percent of visits come from people who live within 50 miles of the forest.

The eight most frequently selected main activities reported by those surveyed on the Tonto 

National Forest are hiking/walking (26.3 percent), viewing natural features (23.4 percent), 

relaxing (23.3 percent), motorized trail activity (17.7 percent), fishing (15 percent), viewing 

wildlife (14.8 percent), driving for pleasure (14.5 percent), and OHV use (11 percent). These use 

figures could likely underestimate users since they represent what users indicated as the primary 

purpose of their visit. Users may not have indicated their mode of travel as the primary purpose of 

their visit

In terms of motorized trails, currently there are no designated single or double tract motorized 

trails on the Tonto National Forest. Although, some visitors to the forest indicated they had used 

motorized trails, more than likely they were actually using forest system roads that have not been 

maintained or an unauthorized route. Without a dedicated motorized trail system, it may be 

assumed that the needs of those seeking a motorized trail experience are not being met. 

The overall satisfaction results showed that almost 73 percent of the people who visited were very 

satisfied with the overall quality of their recreation experience. Another 17 percent were 

somewhat satisfied. Less than 4 percent expressed any level of dissatisfaction. Developed 

facilities, access, and perception of safety all exceeded the target. The percent meeting 

expectation scores for all elements were fewer than 80 percent in Developed Sites.

To determine if current conditions met the needs of forest visitors, the NVUM survey conducted 

on the Tonto National Forest in 2008 included satisfaction questions. In the satisfaction portion of 

the survey, only “road condition” directly related to travel management. The majority of the 

visiting population felt roads and signage were very important. When visitors were asked about 

their satisfaction with the road conditions, approximately 50 percent were “very satisfied” and 

approximately 25 percent were “somewhat satisfied” (U.S. Forest Service, 2012). Less than 5 

percent of those surveyed indicated that they were “very dissatisfied” with the road conditions 

(U.S. Forest Service, 2012). Based on this information, it is assumed that the amount of roads 

55 Supporting data for the NVUM information above can be found at Forest Service Recreation website 56 Government fiscal years are October 1st through September 30th. 

92 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

available for motorized recreation is meeting the needs. Although, without site-specific data it is 

not possible to determine if the location or type of road (paved or dirt) is specifically meeting the 

needs based on the NVUM survey data. 

National Recreation Trends

Information from Outdoor Recreation Trends and Futures, a technical report by Cordell (2012), 

states one overriding national trend is quite evident: the mix of outdoor activities chosen by 

Americans and the relative popularity of activities overall have been evolving over the last 

several decades. One general category of activity showing growth in the first decade of the 21st 

century is nature-based recreation. Among types of nature based recreation, motorized activities 

showed growth up to 2005, but then showed a decrease up to 2009 that was similar to 2000. The 

trend in hunting, fishing, and backcountry activities remained relatively flat during this period. 

The clear growth area was within the overall group of activities oriented toward viewing and 

photographing nature. This study projects outdoor recreation activities to grow out to the year 

2060. The top five activities projected with the highest growth potential in terms of participants 

are developed and other skiing, challenge activities, equestrian activities, and motorized water 

activities. The lowest rate of projected participant growth are visiting primitive areas, motorized 

off road activities and motorized snow activities, hunting, fishing, and floating water activities. 

These projections differ from Arizona trends discussed below. 

Arizona Motorized Outdoor Recreation Trends

The 2013 Arizona Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) reports that 

based on the Arizona Trails 2010 Plan, OHV users represent almost 22 percent of the Arizona 

population which include residents who use motorized vehicle on trails for multiple purposes57. 

Of that, 11 percent of Arizona residents reported that motorized trail use accounted for the 

majority of their use and are considered “core users.” With Phoenix and surrounding communities 

being among the fastest growing populations in the State, adjacent forest areas can expect a large 

increase in visitation.

The Arizona Trails 2010 Plan (Arizona State Parks, 2009) first level priority motorized trail 

recommendations include the following: protect access to trails/acquire land for public access; 

maintain and renovate existing trails and routes; mitigate and restore damage to areas surrounding 

trails, routes and areas; and establish designated motorized trails, routes and areas. Second level 

priority motorized trail recommendations include the following: increase on-the ground 

management presence and law enforcement; provide and install trail/route signs; provide maps 

and trail/route information; and provide educational programs.

Arizona’s top priority issues identified in the SCORP include: secure sustainable funding; 

improve collaborative planning and partnerships; and respond to needs of special population and 

changing demographics. Second priority issues include: resolve conflicts; secure access to public; 

protect Arizona’s natural and cultural resources and communicate with and educate the public. 

The two tiers of issues and associated goals and action strategies are described in more detail in 

Chapter 6 of the SCORP. 

57 Additional information regarding SCORP can be found at Arizona State Parks website 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 93
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Trail Maintenance Costs

Currently there are no designated motorized trails on the Tonto National Forest. The budget 

allocated to maintain trails is currently, and has been historically, used to maintain non-motorized 

trails. However, as indicated in the NVUM survey results, many visitors to the Tonto National 

Forest believe they are recreating on motorized trails; likely ML 2 roads that have overgrown 

vegetation and challenging terrain.

Environmental Effects

Assumptions and Methodology

Assumptions 

Existing National Forest System roads offer a broad range of recreation opportunities providing 

access for nonmotorized activities such as: hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding and for 

motorized activities including OHV riding, motorized dispersed camping, and motorized big 

game retrieval. In the action alternatives, motorized trails can range from single track, that would 

accommodate a dirt bike, to the width of a standard dirt road, that could be drive by any vehicle 

with high enough clearance or appropriate suspension. For this analysis, unless otherwise 

indicated, roads and full-size, four-by-four (4X4) vehicle motorized trails will be treated the 

same.

Assumptions Associated with User Conflicts: Overall, user conflict on motorized routes is 

expected to be minimized by implementing the Travel Management, because the locations of 

motorized routes, motorized dispersed camping and big game retrieval corridors, designated 

OHV Areas, and permit zones would all be defined and published on the Motor Vehicle Use Map 

(MVUM). When a user’s expectations of what they will experience are aligned with the 

opportunities provided that user’s satisfaction is increased and conflict between users had the 

potential to be reduced. Researchers have found that such a system reduces direct conflicts 

(Filmore and Bury, 1978; Frost and McCool, 1988; Albritton and Stein 2007; Snyder et al., 2008). 

Assumptions Associated with Permit Zones: The roads and motorized trails within the permit 

zones will be analyzed no differently than the roads and motorized trails on the rest of the forest. 

Since the NVUM survey did not address permit zones specifically, there is a lack of information 

to determine the visitor use satisfaction with them. However, the Law Enforcement Report (in the 

project record) identifies compliance and enforcement issues associated with the permit zones.

Assumptions Associated with Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval and Dispersed 

Camping: Corridors for motorized dispersed camping and motorized big game retrieval would all 

be defined with locations and published on the motor vehicle use map (MVUM). This would 

offer the public a means to better plan their recreational pursuits based on the unique expectations 

of the individual. MVUM would be updated on an annual basis.

Assumptions Associated with Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping: The follow are 

assumptions that are common to all action alternatives:

• Implementing the travel management rule only affects motorized dispersed camping (i.e.,

traveling off the designated NFS road system with a vehicle to set up a camp); it does not

affect dispersed camping by any other nonmotorized means. Dispersed camping by any

other nonmotorized means, such as parking within one vehicle length (including vehicle

94 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

and trailer) alongside a designated open road and walking into a dispersed campsite to set 

up camp would continue to be allowed anywhere on the forest in all action alternatives.

• Corridors for motorized dispersed camping are meant solely for the purpose of motor

vehicle access to dispersed campsites. These corridors would be limited to what is needed

to provide direct ingress and egress to the campsite, with the campsite the base of

activity. These corridors would not be open to unrestrained motor vehicle use, i.e.,

driving a motor vehicle outside that which is needed to drive to and from the campsite.

• Outfitters would be limited to the same corridors proposed for motorized dispersed

camping. This has a potential to change the type of hunting opportunity provided to the

public.

Assumptions Associated with Trail Maintenance Costs: The follow are assumptions that are 

common to all action alternatives:

• There are no maintenance costs or needs for big game retrieval using motor vehicles

projected in any of the action alternatives, so this activity will not be analyzed in terms of

trail maintenance costs.

• There are no maintenance costs or needs for access of dispersed camping using motor

vehicles projected in any of the action alternatives so this activity will also not be

analyzed in terms of trail maintenance costs.

• There are no maintenance costs or needs for personal use fuelwood gathering and other

forest products projected in any of the action alternatives so this activity will also not be

analyzed in terms of trail maintenance costs.

• Decommissioning of unauthorized routes is not being considered under this analysis:

therefore, costs associated with decommissioning are not calculated.

Methodology 

Analysis methods included the use of Forest Service databases and Geographic Information 

System (GIS) data coverage for roads, trails, and with the current conditions for ROS from the 

Forest Plan amendment. The GIS mileage was used as a relative comparison for analyzing all 

resource areas. For this analysis, miles of roads and trails open or closed to different vehicles 

were calculated using the Forest Service GIS spatial data. Information about road and trail 

mileages is located in the Forest Service Infrastructure database (Infra) and in the project file. The 

Trails Infrastructure database is not completely linked to the GIS database. Calculations and 

numbers represent the GIS mileages of roads and trails within the administrative boundary of the 

forest, for comparative purposes. For Recreation Opportunities major Interstate and Highway 

mileages managed by other jurisdictions that travel within the Tonto National Forest boundary are 

included to display road opportunities available to visitors’ forest wide.

This analysis was completed using the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum framework outlined in 

The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Users Guide (ROS) (U.S. Forest Service, 1982). In SemiPrimitive Non-Motorized (SPNM) settings, roads are not compatible with motorized vehicle use. 

There are existing roads in this setting on the Tonto National Forest and there are roads proposed 

in SPNM in the action alternatives. Consistency with each ROS setting criterion (e.g., size, type, 

and degree of access; remoteness, etc.) is an ideal concept (U.S. Forest Service, 1986). When 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 95
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

considering real conditions on the ground, one or more of the setting criteria are routinely 

inconsistent with the “ideal” characteristics for that setting. Inconsistencies arise from a variety of 

causes, including earlier management actions or purposeful courses of action. For the latter, the 

apparently inconsistent factor might be completely in line with the type of opportunity most 

needed in the area (U.S. Forest Service, 1986).

The designations identified for ROS within the Forest Plan and amended Forest Plan are 

objectives to meet management goals to optimize users’ recreation experiences on the Tonto 

National Forest. These categories are not prescriptive; for example the ROS categories of SemiPrimitive Motorized and Roaded Natural do not require a minimum miles of roads or motorized 

trails within these Opportunity Classes.

Data Limitations 

There is no data available regarding user conflicts. Violation notices that have been issued on the 

Forest are discussed in the Law Enforcement section of this chapter. National Visitor Use 

Monitoring data is presented in the background section. This data pertains to the forest level and 

is not site specific. Estimates of motorized use are described in Alternative A – No Action 

Alternative. There is not a complete inventory of site locations or use data for dispersed sites. The 

Infra database does not contain a complete listing of trailheads located on the forest. With this 

data limitation, a comparison of existing motorized access to trailheads with the motorized access 

proposals within the action alternatives is not feasible. 

Alternative A – Direct and Indirect Effects

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Management of motorized recreation on the Tonto National Forest would not change from the 

existing condition. The existing total of 2,953 miles of road open to passenger and high clearance 

vehicles on the Tonto National Forest would remain open to the public for motorized travel by 

previous decision. In addition, 2,006 miles of open routes, where the maintenance level is 

unknown, would likely continue to be used by motorists. There are currently no motorized trails 

designated for general motorized use or for single track motorcycle use.

Under current conditions it is often not clear which routes are intended for motorized and 

nonmotorized activities. Lack of a designated route system does not provide for a diverse range of 

safe, motorized recreational opportunities and does not meet the expectations or desires of OHV 

enthusiast. This lack leads to an increase in the number of unauthorized routes. As the number of 

users continue to increase, the demand for additional motorized routes for recreation activities is 

likely to increase.

The No Action Alternative does not provide many opportunities to recreate in the forest without 

being near a road, except in designated wilderness areas (Figure 21). Currently approximately 59 

percent of the forest is within 0.5 miles of an open motorized route, with no areas outside of 

Wilderness located greater than 4 miles away from a road. Of the non-wilderness, 1.5 percent of 

the forest is located within 2 to 4 miles from an open motorized route. Currently designated 

wilderness provides the only opportunity for those forest visitors seeking solitude where they can 

recreate in a setting greater than four miles from an open road. The road system provides access 

to all recreation niche settings particularly front country and linear adventure. The current mix of 

motorized and nonmotorized recreation opportunities does not appear to be meeting the needs of 

96 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

the motorized public. This could be attributed to the fact that currently there is not a designated 

motorized trail route system on the Tonto National Forest.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 97
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

98 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Figure 21: Map of Distance to Nearest Designated Road or Motorized Trail – Alternative A
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Effects of User Conflicts

OHV use is likely to increase on the Forest, because of popularity of this activity and/or because 

of restrictions placed on state and local government land. Since there are currently no trails 

specifically managed for motorized use, and motorized users are expected to continue to travel 

cross-country and utilize the nonmotorized trail system, it is likely conflict between motorized 

and nonmotorized users would increase. An increase in conflicts between motorized users such 

as: ATV; off-road motorcycle; high-clearance vehicle; UTV; and full sized vehicle enthusiasts 

would also be likely, since there would not be clear guidelines for each type of use. The current 

safety issues from these conflicts would likely continue. Use of and the creation of additional

unauthorized routes is likely to continue and increase, along with degradation to the natural 

landscape. 

Effects to the Arizona and Great Western Trails

Currently 4.2 miles of the nonmotorized Arizona Trail are located on system roads. In addition, 

many of the passages of the Arizona Trail cross a motorized route. Table 29 shows the number of 

times a motor vehicle route crosses the trail, for a total of 50 times over the course of the 186 

miles of the trail that in on the Tonto National Forest. These crossing on a trail that is intended to 

be a non-motorized trail and provide an non-motorized experience does not meet the intent nor 

provide the experience many hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and equestrian riders who 

utilize the trail.

Table 29: Occurrences of Motor Vehicle Routes Crossing 

Arizona Trail – Alternative A

Passage Name Trail Mileage

Number of

Motorized 

Crossings 

Alamo Canyon 10.9 3

Reavis Canyon 17.8 12

Superstition Wilderness 28.6 5

Four Peaks 18.4 5

Pine Mountain 18.9 9

Saddle Mountain 15.2 3

Mazatzal Divide 20.9 0

Red Hills 13.6 1

Whiterock Mesa 10.9 1

Hardscrabble Mesa 11.5 8

Highline 18.6 3

Gila River Canyons 0.3 0

Total 185.6 50 

The Great Western Trail is located on 71 miles of passenger vehicle (ML 3-5) and 8 miles of high 

clearance (ML 2) roads. This currently provides a semiprimitive motorized setting and experience 

for visitors on the Great Western Trail.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 99
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Effects to Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

There would be no change in the current conditions for the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

classes for the forest.

Effects of Motorized Trail Maintenance

Out year budget funding projections are currently unknown. No alternative would change the 

amount of funds available for trail maintenance. Since the Tonto National Forest currently does 

not have a designated motorized trail system, the emphasis of the trail program is on 

maintenance, reconstruction, and signing of forest nonmotorized trail system. Funding is limited 

for the signing and restoration of unauthorized routes. The partnership and volunteer program on 

the Tonto National Forest greatly attribute to the accomplishment of visitor contacts, trail 

maintenance, and reconstruction, and restoration of unauthorized routes.

Using the 2005 to 2010 Average National Trail Cost Figures, the estimated five year averages of 

the current Tonto National Forest non-motorized trail needs are: Total Operations $160,863, 

Deferred Maintenance $2,229,440, Annual Trail Maintenance $529,440 and Trail Capital 

Improvement (Trail Reconstruction) $2,948,985. The total (2005 to 2010 average Allocation 

figure) for funding the Tonto National Forest’s Trails Program including Operations, 

Maintenance, and Trails Capital Investment is $1,677,237, which currently goes to maintain the 

nonmotorized trail system.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Cross-country motorized travel is currently permitted on the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger 

districts. There are also many locations where highly-concentrated motorized use occurs on Cave 

Creek, Globe, and Mesa ranger districts even though these areas are currently closed to crosscountry travel. These locations are popular places, where the public has found motorized 

recreational use most enjoyable due to the proximity to the Metropolitan Phoenix Area and the 

varied desert terrain. Families with young OHV users and beginners, OHV clubs, and small 

groups of motorized recreation enthusiasts frequent these intensively-used areas. These areas 

have become informally known as Desert Vista, St. Clair, Pipeline, Golf Course, Hewitt Station, 

Seven Mile Wash, Sycamore Creek, and The Rolls. Sycamore Creek is indicative of the use 

occurring in these concentrated use areas. Users of this site refer to it as “Sycamore OHV area” 

but the Tonto National Forest has not designated any of the areas described above as a crosscountry travel area per the Travel Management Rule. An extensive network of unauthorized 

routes along with hill climbs can be found in Sycamore Wash. Often, these routes are created by 

users trying to exit the wash by driving up the incline or using these inclines to enhance the 

difficulty or vary the terrain in their motorized experience.

No change from the current condition is anticipated under this alternative.

Effects of User Conflicts

As the number of users continues to increase, demand for cross-country travel could likely 

increase. Although cross-country travel in the lower elevation, desert areas is not permitted, 

illegal use would likely continue, expanding areas where cross-country travel has been observed. 

In addition, conflicts between OHV users, recreational shooters, and nonmotorized users would

continue to occur in these locations.

100 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Due to no prohibition on cross-country travel unless otherwise posted, the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts would continue to allow motor vehicles to travel off-road to retrieve any 

downed game animal (approximately 703,618 total acres).

Motor vehicles are not allowed to travel off-road for the purpose of game retrieval on the Cave 

Creek, Mesa, Globe, or Tonto Basin ranger districts. The prohibition on cross-country travel

would continue on these ranger districts. However, it is likely that some motorized big game 

retrieval is currently occurring and would continue to occur. This would have the potential to 

dissatisfy nonmotorized visitors (including hunters that prefer to not use motor), hikers, and 

horsemen who travel within these districts expecting a quiet recreation experience. 

Effects of User Conflicts

This alternative provides 703,618 acres for motorized big game retrieval on the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts. User conflicts can occur when hunters, traveling by foot or 

horseback, encounter hunters using motor vehicles in areas where motorized use is not expected 

to occur. There is a potential for this type of conflict to occur on Globe, Cave Creek, and Tonto 

Basin ranger districts where motorized retrieval is currently prohibited. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Generally, dispersed camping is more popular at higher elevations on Payson and Pleasant Valley

ranger districts from May through September. The Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto Basin

ranger districts are generally more popular during colder seasons. During hunting season, many 

hunters set up dispersed campsites in their favorite hunting area.

As previously described, there would be no change in recreational opportunities for motorized 

dispersed camping. On the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts with no prohibition on 

cross-country travel unless otherwise posted, motor vehicles would continue to be allowed to 

travel off-road to access dispersed campsites on roughly 703,618 acres. These opportunities are 

provided within the high county and backcountry niche settings. 

Motorized vehicles are currently not allowed to travel off-road for accessing dispersed campsites 

on the southern ranger districts (Cave Creek, Mesa, Globe, or Tonto Basin). However, it is likely 

that some motorized dispersed camping is currently occurring and would continue to occur during 

the fall and winter cooler seasons.

Effects of User Conflicts

These effects would be the same as those for motorized big game retrieval, as the areas open for 

this activity are the same.

Alternative B – Direct and Indirect Effects

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

There would be approximately 1,666 miles of motorized trail added to the system, which includes 

1 mile of single-track motorcycle trail. In this alternative, there are 11 miles of unauthorized 

routes proposed to be added to the road system that will be open to the public, while none of the

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 101
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

inventoried unauthorized routes are proposed to be as added to the motorized system trail. The 

inventoried unauthorized routes are currently used and would provide additional road access on 

the forest. Overall, Alternative B proposes almost 4,006 miles less of motorized routes open to the 

public than currently exists.

Under Alternative B, the ability to recreate away from motorized routes outside of designated 

Wilderness would be greater than the current condition (Figure 22). Approximately 43 percent of 

the forest would be located within 0.5 miles from an open motorized route outside of wilderness, 

with less than five percent located outside of Wilderness providing an opportunity greater than 4 

miles from an open motorized route. This alternative provides an opportunity for those seeking 

solitude to recreate 4 miles from an open road outside of designated Wilderness. Outside of 

Wilderness, 5.3 percent would be located 2 to 4 miles from an open motorized route.

102 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 103

Figure 22: Map of Distance to Nearest Designated Road or Motorized Trail – Alternative B
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Less emphasis is focused on OHV opportunities in the front country and driving for pleasure and 

motorized long distance trail use in the linear adventure recreational niches. This alternative 

provides the most opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation activities outside of 

designated Wilderness. 

Effects of User Conflicts

Forest recreation managers’ report many motorized users are feeling disenfranchised and 

frustrated that they keep “losing trails and areas” to ride. After decades of relatively unrestricted 

use, many motorized users are beginning to feel squeezed (Yankoviak, 2005). Conflict for 

motorized users may stem from off-site interactions when other user groups seek to restrict 

motorized access and issue complaints about OHV use to land management agencies. This 

alternative, the most restrictive in terms of motorized access, has the potential to accentuate this 

type of conflict. However, this alternative provides the most opportunities for those users seeking 

solitude and primitive unconfined recreation experiences.

Effects to the Arizona and Great Western Trails

Currently 4.2 miles of the nonmotorized Arizona Trail are located on system roads. In addition, 

many of the passages of the Arizona Trail cross a motorized route. Table 30 shows the number of 

times a motor vehicle route crosses the trail, for a total of 29 times over the course of the 186 

miles of the trail that are within the Tonto National Forest. While the occurrence of motorized 

routes in this alternative is almost half of the current condition, these crossing on a trail that is 

intended to be a non-motorized trail and provide an non-motorized experience still does not meet 

the intent nor provide the experience many hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and equestrian 

riders who utilize the trail expect.

Table 30: Occurrences of Motor Vehicle Routes Crossing 

Arizona Trail – Alternative B

Passage Name Trail Mileage

Number of

Motorized 

Crossings 

Alamo Canyon 10.9 2

Reavis Canyon 17.8 9

Superstition Wilderness 28.6 4

Four Peaks 18.4 1

Pine Mountain 18.9 4

Saddle Mountain 15.2 1

Mazatzal Divide 20.9 0

Red Hills 13.6 1

Whiterock Mesa 10.9 0

Hardscrabble Mesa 11.5 5

Highline 18.6 2

Gila River Canyons 0.3 0

Total 185.6 29 

104 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

On the Great Western Trail, 14 miles are proposed for decommissioning from the Forest boundary 

with Agua Fria National Monument on Bureau of Land Management land to the junction of 

Roundtree Canyon Road (Forest Service Road 24). Access to the Great Western Trail route would 

begin or end at the junction of Roundtree Canyon Road. This alternative proposes 7.3 miles of the 

GWT currently managed as road to be managed as motorized trail. There is the potential for user 

dissatisfaction by those accustomed to traveling this portion of the Great Western Trail in a 

motorized vehicle and the loss of motorized opportunities due to decommissioning proposed on 

14 miles of the trail. 

Effects to Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

This alternative would require a Forest Plan amendment, because it would not comply with the 

current Forest Plan. However, using the updated ROS for the existing condition, there are 

differences based on the ROS settings (Table 31 and Figure 23). The most notable difference is in 

the increase of semiprimitive non-motorized, nearly double the updated existing condition.

Table 31: Changes in ROS - Alternative B

ROS Category

Update Existing

Condition 

(Acres)

Alternative B

(Acres)

Difference

(Acres)

Primitive 588,937 621,683 + 32,746

Semiprimitive Nonmotorized 519,259 980,718 + 461,459

Semiprimitive Motorized 1,212,083 843,000 - 369,083

Roaded Natural 571,379 445,909 - 125,470

Rural 41,691 41,774 + 83

Urban 30,939 31,204 + 265

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 105
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

106 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto Nationa

Figure 23: Map of ROS for Alternative B
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

For this alternative, those seeking motorized recreation in the forest will have less opportunities 

while those seeking nonmotorized recreation will have more opportunities than current 

conditions. 

Effects of Motorized Trail Maintenance

This alternative proposes 1,666 miles of motorized trail at a cost of $600 per mile for 

maintenance (a total of $999,000). Trail maintenance for this alternative would need to be funded, 

either out of the Tonto’s operating funding, or the work would need to be accomplished by 

volunteers. This alternative has slightly higher costs for trail maintenance than Alternative D.

Areas Open to Cross Country Travel 

No OHV areas are proposed for designation in this Alternative. OHV users could be dissatisfied 

at the lack of opportunity to travel off the designated motorized route system. 

Effects of User Conflicts

No OHV areas are proposed for designation in this alternative, which eliminates over 700,000 

acres of cross-country travel opportunities on the Forest. This alternative does not address the 

current management issue of heavily-concentrated use of motorized vehicles in a small area 

occurring on the Tonto National Forest. With all motorized use concentrated to designated routes 

only, user safety issues such as conflicts between OHV users, especially younger beginners and 

those that favor a full-sized vehicle, would likely increase as the opportunities for motor vehicle 

travel would decrease. However, this alternative provides the most opportunities for 

nonmotorized forest visitors.

OHV users could be dissatisfied at the lack of opportunities provided for cross-country travel and 

travel on unauthorized routes in this alternative particularly on the Globe and Mesa Ranger 

Districts, specifically in the Sycamore drainage where cross-country travel are currently popular, 

albeit illegal, recreation activities.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

No motorized cross-country travel would be allowed for the retrieval of game species in this 

alternative. This proposal affects big game hunters who currently travel off of roads and trails to 

retrieve game on the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts where cross-country travel is 

currently allowed. With the prohibition on cross-country travel on the Cave Creek, Mesa, Globe, 

and Tonto Basin ranger districts travel is currently restricted to open roads. This proposal poses 

no change on where motorized big game retrieval would be allowed on these districts58. 

Effects of User Conflicts

This alternative proposes no corridors for motorized big game retrieval, the only alternative to 

eliminate this type of opportunity. This is a reduction in opportunity on the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley Ranger Districts and poses no change for the Globe, Mesa, and Tonto Basin Ranger 

Districts. There is a potential for user dissatisfaction by hunters who currently retrieve game with 

58 For information about hunter satisfaction related to this prohibition of cross-country travel in this alternative, see the 

Game and Nongame section of this Chapter. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 107
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

motor vehicles on Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts, which could cause conflict if 

OHV users decide to continue the practice on the two northern districts.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

In Alternative B, motor vehicle access for dispersed camping is limited to designated dispersed 

sites that are accessible by a designated road or motorized trail. A total of 414 campsites have 

been inventoried on the forest. There would be a 50-foot buffer around the site where motorized 

vehicle travel will be allowed which estimates to be 65 acres total forest wide. 

This proposal has the potential to affect campers who currently travel off of roads and trails to 

camp on the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts where cross-country travel is currently 

allowed. Since this Alternative is the most restrictive it poses the most potential for competition 

for sites, concentration of use and user conflict. 

Personal Use Fuelwood Gathering 

This alternative proposes that the use of a motorized vehicle would be allowed within 300 feet of 

a designated road or trail for the purpose of gathering fuelwood within an existing fuelwood 

permit area. For those seeking a nonmotorized experience, this alternative would allow a user 

more opportunity within these areas.

Alternative C– Direct and Indirect Effects

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Alternative C proposes the greatest number of motorized trails, 2,151 miles of general trails open 

to full sized vehicle and 78 miles for single track vehicles. In this alternative, there would be 544 

miles open to passenger vehicle and 796 miles open to high clearance vehicles. Additionally, this 

alternative proposes the addition of 290 miles of unauthorized routes designated open to 

motorized use: 11 miles designated as roads; 207 miles designated as full sized vehicle trails; and 

73 miles for single track vehicles. The inventoried unauthorized routes are currently used and 

would provide additional access on the forest. Overall, Alternative C proposes almost 1,390 miles 

less of motorized routes open to the public than currently exists.

Under alternative C, the ability to recreate away from motorized routes outside of designated 

Wilderness would be greater than the current condition (Figure 24). Approximately 52 percent of 

the forest would be located within 0.5 miles from an open motorized route outside of wilderness, 

while nearly 12 percent of the forest would be 2 or more miles from a designated road or 

motorized trail (approximately 4 percent would be four miles or greater). This alternative does 

not provide as much opportunity to recreate away from a road as Alternative B, but provides more 

than the current condition and Alternative D.

108 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 109

Figure 24: Map of Distance to Nearest Designated Road or Motorized Trail – Alternative C
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

OHV opportunities provided in the front country niche would include opportunities in designated 

OHV areas. Opportunities within the linear adventure recreational niche would emphasize driving 

for pleasure and a mix of motorized and non-motorized long distance trail use.

Effects of User Conflicts

With a designated motorized vehicle road and trail system, MVUM and signing would clarify for 

visitors which routes to take to participate in their motorized or nonmotorized recreation activity. 

This could reduce the likelihood of visitors misunderstanding what routes are open for motorized 

recreation activities. Reduced encounter rates between motorized and nonmotorized users should 

occur, since motorized use would be confined to the designated road and trail system. By 

reducing conflicts between motorized and nonmotorized users, the current safety issues would 

also likely reduce with this alternative. Alternative C has the potential to reduce conflicts between 

motorized users since the alternative offers the most miles of motorized trail and specifically 

designates motorized trail for single track motorcycle use.

Effects to the Arizona and Great Western Trails

Currently 4.2 miles of the nonmotorized Arizona Trail are located on system roads. This 

alternative proposes a reduction in number of miles of the Arizona Trail located on roads and 

where the trail crosses a road or motorized trail. Trail located on designated road or motorized 

trail would be reduced to approximately two miles. Table 32 shows the number of times a motor 

vehicle route crosses the trail, for a total of 29 times over the course of the 186 miles of the trail 

that are within the Tonto National Forest. While the occurrence of motorized routes in this 

alternative is decreased from the current condition, these crossing on a trail that is intended to be 

a non-motorized trail and provide an non-motorized experience still does not meet the intent nor 

provide the experience many hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and equestrian riders who 

utilize the trail expect.

Table 32: Occurrences of Motor Vehicle Routes Crossing 

Arizona Trail – Alternative C

Passage Name Trail Mileage

Number of

Motorized 

Crossings 

Alamo Canyon 10.9 2

Reavis Canyon 17.8 11

Superstition Wilderness 28.6 5 

Four Peaks 18.4 2 

Pine Mountain 18.9 8 

Saddle Mountain 15.2 2 

Mazatzal Divide 20.9 0

Red Hills 13.6 1

Whiterock Mesa 10.9 1

Hardscrabble Mesa 11.5 6 

Highline 18.6 2 

110 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Passage Name Trail Mileage

Number of

Motorized 

Crossings 

Gila River Canyons 0.3 0 

Total 185.6 40

The 79 miles of Great Western Trail route located on passenger vehicle roads remains the same as 

the current condition. This alternative reduces the miles of high clearance vehicle roads to 0.9 

miles and proposes changing the amount of motorized trails to approximately seven miles. There 

is the potential for user dissatisfaction by those users accustomed to traveling these routes in a 

vehicle. Visitors who prefer a more primitive experience would benefit from the routes 

maintained as motorized trail.

Effects to Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

This alternative would require a Forest Plan amendment, because it would not comply with the 

current Forest Plan. However, using the updated ROS for the existing condition, there are 

differences based on the ROS settings (Table 33 and Figure 25). The most notable difference is in 

the increase of semiprimitive non-motorized, which increased by 174,662 acres. The effect for 

recreationists in Alternative C is those seeking motorized recreation opportunity in the forest will 

have less opportunities while those seeking nonmotorized recreation will have more opportunities 

than current conditions.

Table 33: Changes in ROS - Alternative C

ROS Category

Update Existing

Condition 

(Acres)

Alternative B

(Acres)

Difference

(Acres)

Primitive 588,937 599,271 + 10,334

Semiprimitive Nonmotorized 519,259 693,921 + 174,662

Semiprimitive Motorized 1,212,083 1,071,701 - 140,382

Roaded Natural 571,379 529,150 - 42,229

Rural 41,691 39,264 - 2,427

Urban 30,939 30,980 + 41

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National 111
112

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National

Figure 25: Map of ROS for Alternative C
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Effects of Motorized Trail Maintenance

This alternative proposes 2,230 miles of motorized trail at a cost of $600 per mile for 

maintenance (a total of $1,338,000). Trail maintenance for this alternative would need to be 

funded, either out of the Tonto’s operating funding, or the work would need to be accomplished 

by volunteers. Of the action alternatives, this alternative would be the greatest burden in terms of 

budget needs.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

There are four OHV areas proposed in this alternative: including Bartlett Lake (922 acres); Golf 

Course (17 acres), Roosevelt Lake (4,508 acres) and Sycamore (1,332 acres). In addition, four tot 

lots are proposed (Sycamore, The Rolls, Wildcat, and 532) totaling approximately 12 acres. These 

tot lots would be limited to children and would allow them to learn to ride in a more contained 

area. The designated tot lots would likely reduce staging area expansion in adjacent locations 

often used by beginning riders. The Wildcat Tot Lot would be located within the proposed Desert 

Vista Permit Zone and located on the south side of Forest Road 19 (Bartlett Lake Road) at the site 

of an old materials pit. The 532 acre tot lot would be located adjacent to the St. Clair Permit 

Zone. The Sycamore Tot Lot would lie within the boundaries of the proposed Sycamore CrossCountry OHV area just north of Forest Road 19 at Indian Springs Wash. The Rolls Tot Lot would 

be located at the Pobrecito Recreation Site just east of the Bush Highway and is not part of the 

Rolls Permit Zone. Motorized cross-country travel would be allowed in these OHV areas and tot 

lots as depicted on the MVUM map and signed on the ground at each site.

There are two main differences between the proposed designated OHV areas and the proposed 

permit zones. In OHV areas, permits would not be required and travel would not be restricted to 

designated routes. Although most of the proposed OHV areas are in locations where motorized 

cross-county travel has been restricted, they are extremely popular locations with OHV 

enthusiasts due to their proximity to urban cities and varied desert terrain. By designating these 

OHV areas, OHV enthusiasts would be provided with an opportunity to recreate where crosscountry travel would be permitted. These OHV area are also near locations where motorized trail 

riding would be emphasized, providing a greater diversity of motorized recreation opportunities. 

Effects of User Conflicts

The areas that are proposed to be designated OHV areas currently receive heavy OHV use and are 

close to the urban cities of Mesa and Globe. These locations are not as desirable to nonmotorized 

users so it is less likely there would be conflict between motorized and nonmotorized 

recreationists in these areas.

By limiting cross-country travel to these limited environments of the four OHV areas: Bartlett 

Lake; Golf Course; Roosevelt Lake; and Sycamore; there would likely be reduced conflicts 

between motorized and nonmotorized recreationists. There could be a reduction in the conflict 

such as the illegal motorized access occurring onto the nonmotorized Arizona Trail from Golf 

Course on the Globe Ranger District. In addition, conflicts between OHV types would also likely 

be reduced, since all users have the same goal, to drive cross-country.

The creation of the four tot lots: Sycamore; The Rolls; Wildcat and 532; would likely reduce 

young OHV riders conflict with full-sized vehicles, increase user safety, proving a safe 

environment where children could develop their OHV riding skills. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 113
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Alternative C would limit motor vehicle use for big game retrieval solely for the retrieval of elk 

and bear up to one mile on both sides of the 1,740 mile designated road system and 2,230 miles 

of designated motorized trail system forestwide. This would reduce opportunities for hunters on 

the Pleasant Valley and Payson ranger districts who currently retrieve big game using a motorized 

vehicle at distances over a mile. Although this would increase opportunities on the southern 

ranger districts (Cave Creek, Mesa, Globe, and Tonto Basin) where motorized big game retrieval 

is not currently authorized. This could affect those forest users that have become accustomed to a 

nonmotorized hunting opportunity in areas that currently limit cross-country travel on the 

southern ranger districts. Forestwide there would be an increase in motorized big game retrieval 

opportunities for hunters with a total of 1,293,178 acres, which is 589,956 acres more than 

currently allows for cross-country travel for retrieval. Limitations to this corridor would be in 

congressionally designated Wilderness areas where motorized travel is not permitted and other 

areas that would remain closed from existing closure orders.

Effects of User Conflicts

This alternative poses a reduction in opportunity on the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger 

districts and possible dissatisfaction by hunters who are currently accustomed to retrieving game 

with a motorized vehicle greater than one mile from a road. This poses an increase in opportunity 

for hunters who prefer to retrieve game with a motorized vehicle on the Globe, Tonto Basin, and 

Cave Creek ranger districts. With this proposed change on the southern districts of the forest, 

conflicts could occur initially when hunters who prefer nonmotorized travel are not aware of the 

change in designation, meet hunters using motorized vehicles to retrieve game.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Alternative C would allow motor vehicle access up to 100 feet on both sides of the 1,340 mile 

designated road system and 2,230 miles of designated motorized trail system. Limitations to this 

corridor would be in congressionally designated Wilderness areas where motorized travel is not 

permitted and other areas that would remained closed from existing orders. 

This alternative would affect campers on the Pleasant Valley and Payson ranger districts who 

usually access campsite sites greater than 100 feet of designated routes. This alternative provides 

additional opportunities on the Cave Creek, Mesa, Globe, and Tonto Basin ranger districts where 

cross-country travel from open roads is currently prohibited. 

Personal Use Fuelwood Gathering 

This alternative proposes that the use of a motorized vehicle would be allowed within 300 feet of 

a designated road or trail for the purpose of gathering fuelwood within an existing fuelwood 

permit area. For those seeking a nonmotorized experience, this alternative would allow users 

more opportunity within these areas. 

114 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative D – Direct and Indirect Effects

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Alternative D proposes the most mileage of roads and motorized trails open to the public, 

approximately 4,867 miles total. However, this alternative is still a decrease in miles of motorized 

routes open to the public from the current condition. This alternative proposes approximately 

2,230 miles of designated motorized trail miles, with nearly 80 miles for single track vehicles 

only.

In Alternative D, approximately 330 miles of unauthorized routes are proposed to be designated 

for motor vehicle use. This would provide an opportunity for these routes currently being utilized 

by forest visitors without resource impacts to be available to the public.

Under alternative D, the ability to recreate away from motorized routes outside of designated 

Wilderness would be nearly identical to the current condition (Figure 26). 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 115
116

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Figure 26: Map of Distance to Nearest Designated Road or Motorized Trail – Alternative D
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Emphasis would focus on OHV opportunities in the front country and driving for pleasure and 

motorized long distance trail use in the linear adventure recreational niches. 

Effects of User Conflicts

Alternative D has the potential to reduce conflicts between motorized users since this alternative 

offers the most miles of motorized trail specifically designated for single track motorcycle use. 

There is a potential for conflict between motorized and nonmotorized users since this alternative 

proposes the most miles of motorized routes within a Semiprimitive Nonmotorized recreation 

setting where motorized use is not compatible with the ROS setting.

Effects to the Arizona and Great Western Trails

Currently 4.2 miles of the nonmotorized Arizona Trail are located on system roads. This 

alternative proposes a reduction in number of miles of the Arizona Trail located on roads and 

where the trail crosses a road or motorized trail. Table 34 shows the number of times a motor 

vehicle route crosses the trail, for a total of 46 times over the course of the 186 miles of the trail 

that are within the Tonto National Forest. While the occurrence of motorized routes in this 

alternative is decreased from the current condition, these crossing on a trail that is intended to be 

a non-motorized trail and provide an non-motorized experience still does not meet the intent nor 

provide the experience many hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and equestrian riders who 

utilize the trail expect. Of the action alternatives, this alternative proposes the most interaction of 

Arizona Trail users with motorized use, which does not meet the intent of the Arizona Trail. 

Table 34: Occurrences of Motor Vehicle Routes Crossing 

Arizona Trail – Alternative D

Passage Name Trail Mileage

Number of

Motorized 

Crossings 

Alamo Canyon 10.9 2

Reavis Canyon 17.8 11

Superstition Wilderness 28.6 5

Four Peaks 18.4 5

Pine Mountain 18.9 9

Saddle Mountain 15.2 2

Mazatzal Divide 20.9 0

Red Hills 13.6 1

Whiterock Mesa 10.9 1

Hardscrabble Mesa 11.5 7

Highline 18.6 3

Gila River Canyons 0.3 0

Total 185.6 46

Alternative D proposes no change from the current condition to the motorized routes that 

comprise the Great Western Trail. The effects would be the same as those for Alternative A.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 117
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Effects to Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

This alternative would require a Forest Plan amendment, because it would not comply with the 

current Forest Plan. However, using the updated ROS for the existing condition, there are 

differences based on the ROS settings (Table 35 and Figure 27). The most notable difference is 

the increase in semiprimitive motorized and nearly equal decrease in roaded natural. The effect 

for recreationists in Alternative D is those seeking motorized recreation in the forest will have 

more opportunities while those seeking nonmotorized recreation will have less opportunities than 

current conditions.

Table 35: Changes in ROS – Alternative D

ROS Category

Update Existing

Condition 

(Acres)

Alternative B

(Acres)

Difference

(Acres)

Primitive 588,937 590,244 + 1,307

Semiprimitive Nonmotorized 519,259 510,012 - 9,247

Semiprimitive Motorized 1,212,083 1,262,602 + 50,519

Roaded Natural 571,379 528,588 - 42,791

Rural 41,691 41,902 + 211

Urban 30,939 30,939 0

118 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 119

Figure 27: Map of ROS for Alternative D
Effects of Motorized Trail Maintenance

This alternative proposes 1,520 miles of motorized trail at a cost of $600 per mile for 

maintenance (a total of $912,000). Trail maintenance for this alternative would need to be funded, 

either out of the Tonto’s operating funding, or the work would need to be accomplished by 

volunteers. This alternative has slightly less costs for trail maintenance than Alternative B.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

This alternative has the same proposed designated OHV areas as Alternative C. The effects 

would be the same as those in Alternative C, including those for user conflicts.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Alternative D would limit motor vehicle use for big game retrieval solely for the retrieval of elk, 

bear, white tailed deer, and mule deer up to one mile on both sides of the 3,347 mile designated 

road system and 1,520 miles of designated motorized trail system forestwide. This would reduce 

opportunities for hunters on the Pleasant Valley and Payson ranger districts who currently retrieve 

big game using a motorized vehicle at distances over a mile. Although this would increase 

opportunities on the southern ranger districts (Cave Creek, Mesa, Globe, and Tonto Basin) where 

motorized big game retrieval is not currently authorized. This could affect those forest users that 

have become accustomed to a nonmotorized hunting opportunity in areas that currently limit 

cross-country travel on the southern ranger districts. Forestwide there would be an increase in 

motorized big game retrieval opportunities for hunters with a total of 2,248,279 acres, which is 

1,544,661 acres more than currently allows for cross-country travel for retrieval (the great 

increase of the action alternatives). Limitations to this corridor would be in congressionally 

designated Wilderness areas where motorized travel is not permitted and other areas that would 

remain closed from existing closure orders.

Effects of User Conflicts

Alternative D would limit motor vehicle use along designated road and motorized trail routes for 

retrieving legally harvested mule deer, white tail deer, elk and bear for all hunts. This adds an 

opportunity for hunters to retrieve game with a motorized vehicle on the Cave Creek, Mesa, 

Globe, and Tonto Basin ranger districts where motorized big game retrieval is not currently 

authorized. There is a potential conflicts could occur initially when hunters who prefer 

nonmotorized travel not aware of the change meet hunters using motorized vehicles to retrieve 

game. 

This alternative poses very little change for hunters on the Pleasant Valley and Payson ranger 

districts. As in Alternative C, initially, there could be user dissatisfaction and conflict when 

hunters who prefer nonmotorized travel not aware of the change in designation meet hunters 

using motorized vehicles to retrieve game.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Alternative D would allow motor vehicle access up to 300 feet on both sides of the 3,347 mile 

designated road system and 1,519 miles of designated motorized trail system. This represents the 

most acres of corridors proposed for motor vehicle access for dispersed camping opportunities, a 

total of 336,038 acres. Limitations to this corridor would be in congressionally designated 

120 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Wilderness areas where motorized travel is not permitted and other areas that would remained 

closed from existing orders. This will affect campers on the Pleasant Valley and Payson ranger 

districts who access campsite sites greater than 300 feet of open roads. This alternative provides 

additional dispersed opportunities on the Cave Creek, Mesa, Globe, and Tonto Basin ranger 

districts where cross-country travel from open roads is currently prohibited. 

Personal Use Fuelwood Gathering 

In this alternative there would be no change from the existing condition, so the effects would be 

the same as Alternative A.

Cumulative Effects 

The cumulative effects analysis for this analysis considers past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable actions in terms recreation activities, opportunities and user conflicts on the Tonto 

National Forest, Forests in the Southwestern Region, and adjacent public lands for the next 20 

years59. Twenty years was selected because it is the anticipated length of time for natural 

rehabilitation of unauthorized routes (where achievable) and other non-permitted activities that 

would affect recreation opportunities and the natural resources. Studies related to soil and 

vegetation disturbance indicated that the rehabilitation of these routes will take many years, 

especially those in arid climate zones (Cole, 1986). Some may never recover without assistance. 

All National Forest in the Southwestern Region are either in the process of travel management 

planning or implementing existing Travel Management Plan decisions. Several Forests or ranger 

districts within the Southwestern Region have completed Travel Planning and have designated 

routes for motorized travel, published Motor Vehicle Use Maps and are currently implementing 

their decisions, including the Coconino, the Coronado, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests. Of 

these forests, only the Coronado has not designated OHV areas where cross-country travel within 

is permitted. The Apache- Sitgreaves National Forest is currently working on the analysis for 

their travel management decision.

If the population in the Southwest and its preference for using off-highway vehicles continues to 

increase, a potential exists for an increase in conflicts between motorized and nonmotorized users 

in Alternative A, No Action. People wishing to avoid vehicles altogether could potentially be 

pushed to using wilderness areas exclusively. With a designated system in place, as proposed in 

all action alternatives, there would be no cumulative change since people would know where to 

go to avoid vehicles and where motorized activities are emphasized. 

Urban development and interface growth would likely continue on private lands60. These will not 

directly affect National Forest land, but may increase the number of motorized and nonmotorized 

recreationists. 

The creation of unauthorized routes is not limited to motorized travel, in some areas of the forest 

due to the number of users and frequency of use; unauthorized routes are being created by 

nonmotorized travel including equestrians and mountain bikers. In these areas, designation of 

nonmotorized routes may need to be considered in the future.

59 A complete list of Past Actions and Ongoing and Future Foreseeable Actions can be found in the Recreation Report 

in the project record.

60 For more information, see the Socioeconomic Report in the project record.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 121
A number of major road construction projects are planned by other government entities well into 

the future. Road construction can have short-term impacts on recreationists due to delays. Road 

construction can also have short-term impacts on the Forest’s natural landscapes, but impacts are 

minimized through implementation of Best Management Practices. Over the long term, additional 

paved surfaces can increase recreation opportunities. Construction of the Tonto Creek Bridge may 

also result in increased recreation opportunities for local residents.

All action alternatives have the potential for the following cumulative effects upon motorized 

recreational opportunities:

• Change the array of recreational opportunities across the Forest and would restrict

motorized cross-country travel and reduce the amount of motorized access on the Tonto

National Forest.

• The possibility of user dissatisfaction over the loss of cross-country motorized access on

the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts.

• The possibility of user dissatisfaction with the loss of motorized recreational

opportunities throughout the forest lands in the Southwestern Region 3, particularly in

Arizona.

For all alternatives, volunteers who maintain trails help stretch the trail maintenance budget. 

Volunteers have enabled the Tonto National Forest to accomplish much needed trail maintenance, 

signing, fence construction, and visitor contacts with fewer dollars. Grants and other sources of 

funding would continue to be a viable option for increasing the Forest’s ability to maintain the 

motorized and nonmotorized trail system. Having a designate motorized trail system has the 

potential to improve the forests chances to be competitive to obtain grants. While grants and 

volunteers cumulatively increase the amount of trails the Tonto National Forest could maintain, it 

is not expected to be enough to maintain every trail on the system on an annual basis with the 

potential for some trails to eventually pose a safety hazard. 

All Action Alternative prohibit cross-country travel per Travel Management Rule direction. 

Selection of any of the action alternative would contribute to a statewide reduction in places to 

drive and camp on public land across the state of Arizona, especially as Forests complete the 

analysis for travel management and implement a decision. 

Wilderness, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Inventoried 

Roadless Areas, and Special Management Areas

Designated Wilderness Areas

The concept of wilderness in the National Forest System was first implemented in 1924 with the 

administrative designation of the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. In 1964 Congress passed the 

Wilderness Act designating a National Wilderness Preservation System. Congress passed the 

Arizona Wilderness Act of 1984 designating additional lands to the National Wilderness 

Preservation System in Arizona.

122 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Affected Environment

There are seven congressionally designated Wilderness Areas totaling over 615,855 acres (21

percent of the forest) located on the Tonto National Forest including the following (Figure 28): 

Superstition; Hellsgate; Mazatzal; Salome; Salt River Canyon; Four Peaks; and Sierra Ancha. The 

Superstition, Mazatzal, and Sierra Ancha were designated under the 1964 Wilderness Act with the 

remaining Wilderness Areas designated under the 1984 Arizona Wilderness Act. The 1984 

Arizona Wilderness Act also designated additions to the Mazatzal and Superstition Wilderness 

Areas.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 123
124

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Figure 28: Map of Wilderness Areas within and Adjacent to the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Superstition Wilderness 

This area was established as the Superstition Primitive Area by the Chief of the Forest Service in 

February 1939. It was then updated to a “wilderness” classification in 1940 and became a part of 

the wilderness preservation system with the passage of the Wilderness Act in 1964. The Arizona 

Wilderness Act of 1984 added some 35,000 acres expanding the wilderness area to its present size 

and shape. 

Forest Road 213 is outside the wilderness boundary, as it is buffered 33 feet from centerline on 

both sides of the road as defined within the legal description of the enabling legislation for the 

Superstition Wilderness. 

Mazatzal Wilderness 

The name Mazatzal translates to “an area inhabited by deer.” The area was established as the 

Mazatzal Primitive Area by the Chief of the Forest Service in May 1938. It was then updated to a 

“Wilderness” classification in June 1940 and became a part of the wilderness preservation system 

with the passage of the Wilderness Act in 1964. The Arizona Wilderness Act of 1984 added some 

46,000 acres expanding the wilderness area to its present configuration.

On the western side of the Mazatzal Wilderness Area, below the steep brush covered foothills, the 

Verde River flows through the Sonoran Desert. This river was designated by Congress in the 1984 

Arizona Wilderness Act as a Wild River. Forest Road 406B (3.31 miles) is within the Wilderness 

and provides access to a private land inholding on the east side of the Wilderness and Forest Road 

567B (0.34) is within the Wilderness and provides access to a private inholding located on the 

west side of the wilderness. Both roads currently show as open on the forest database; however, 

both are gated with special use permits issued to the private land holders. Written authorization 

for access in wilderness may be granted to provide access to inholdings totally surrounded by 

National Forest Wilderness and is detailed in Subpart D, 36 CFR 251.114 (g). Additional factors 

that must be considered when granting access within a Wilderness area are listed in Forest 

Service Manuel 2700 2730.3. 

Forest Road 393 travels along the southern boundary of the wilderness, with 0.64 miles of this 

road located within the wilderness boundary. This road provides access to the powerline operated 

under special use permit issued to Arizona Public Service that is located outside of the Mazatzal 

Wilderness. This road currently provides a through route to access the powerline for routine 

maintenance and for a grazing permittee to access the grazing allotment located outside of 

wilderness. The road, powerline, and grazing operations predate the Wilderness Act. 

Sierra Ancha Wilderness 

This area was originally established by the Chief of the Forest Service in February 1933 as a 

Primitive Area. In 1951, its acreages was reduced and redesignated as a wild area. The Sierra 

Ancha Wilderness became a part of the wilderness preservation system with passage of the 

Wilderness Act in 1964. 

Forest Roads 203B, 2886, and 2814 run in and out of the northeast wilderness boundaries in the 

Cherry Creek drainage, totaling 10.83 miles within the Wilderness. An additional 1.01 miles of 

Forest Roads 487A and 487B are located along and within the wilderness boundary in the 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 125
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

southwestern corner. This road provides access to a private land inholding within the Tonto 

National Forest. The private property within the forest and access road predate the Wilderness 

Act. 

Hellsgate Wilderness 

The Hellsgate Wilderness Area lies in the central mountain belt of Arizona at the base of the 

Mogollon Rim and was designated in 1984.

A segment of Forest Road 1625A (0.28 miles) is located on the northern boundary of the 

Wilderness. Another road segment, an inventoried unauthorized route (0.24 miles), is located 

within the wilderness boundary on the southeastern side of the wilderness.

Salome Wilderness 

The Salome Wilderness Area, designated in 1984, features a rugged canyon with steep slopes, 

outcroppings of bedrock, and precipitous bluffs.

There is a segment of Forest Road 1765 (0.06 miles) that is located within the southern boundary 

of the Wilderness Area.

Salt River Canyon Wilderness 

The Salt River, also designated in 1984, and its spectacular canyon bisect the wilderness for its 

entire length. The area can be visited practically anytime; however, there are no maintained trails 

within the entire wilderness.

There are three roads located within the Wilderness boundary: Forest Road 644A (0.80 miles) 

along the southern boundary, Forest Road 1790 (0.52 miles) located along the northeastern 

boundary, and Forest Road 368A (0.26 miles) located along the southeastern boundary.

Four Peaks Wilderness 

The Four Peaks themselves are visible for long distances in all directions, and are a well-known 

landmark in Central Arizona. Visits to some parts of the wilderness can be made throughout the 

year, using a rather extensive trail system. 

Designated in 1984, there are two roads (Forest Road 401 and Forest Road 1521) that are outside 

the designated wilderness and buffered 33 feet from centerline on both sides of the road as 

defined within the legal description of the enabling legislation for the Four Peaks Wilderness. 

Additionally, there are two roads located within the boundary: Forest Road 3741 (0.35 miles) and 

3742 (0.3 miles) located within the northwestern corner of the wilderness. Additional roads are 

located along the wilderness boundary, but are outside of the Wilderness itself.

Environmental Effects

Methodology 

The Wilderness Act describes wilderness using four qualities of wilderness character, which will 

be used for this analysis:

126 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

• Untrammeled – wilderness is essentially unhindered and free from modern human control

or manipulation.

• Natural –wilderness ecological systems are substantially free from the effects of modern

civilization.

• Undeveloped –wilderness is essentially without permanent improvements or modern

human occupation.

• Solitude or Primitive unconfined recreational opportunities

Assumptions Associated with Wilderness Area Characteristics 

The prohibition on cross-country travel on the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts would

be in place for all action alternatives. The current prohibition on cross-country travel on the 

southern ranger districts, (Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto Basin) would continue. The 

effects of the prohibition on cross-country travel in the short and long term are expected to be the 

same for the action alternatives: 

• The prohibition on cross-country travel and the reduction of where people can drive

would improve all four wilderness characteristics in all seven wilderness areas. In

particular, the prohibition would reduce the encroachment of sight and sound across

wilderness boundaries improving the solitude characteristic.

• Reduction in illegal intrusions would reduce the influence of humans on the wilderness

improving the untrammeled characteristic within adjacent to the following boundaries of

the following wilderness areas; eastern boundary of the Mazatzal, all of the boundary of

the Hellsgate and Sierra Ancha and northeastern boundary of the Salome Wilderness.

• Fewer intrusions would reduce resource damage, improving the natural and solitude

characteristics.

• The proposals reduce the chance of visitors meeting others due to a reduction in

motorized access within and adjacent to Wilderness and the prohibition on cross-country

travel on the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts improving the wilderness

character of solitude.

• There are no proposals for motorized areas, permit zones, and corridors for motorized

dispersed camping or motorized big game retrieval located within a wilderness boundary.

Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads within designated Wilderness often affect wilderness characteristics. As Table 36 shows, 

there is currently 22.40 miles of known motorized routes within Wilderness Areas on the Tonto 

National Forest. 

Table 36: Motorized Routes in Wilderness by Alternative

Route

# Miles Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Superstition Wilderness

28 0.09 Open to publicUnknown ML

Decommissioned Decommissioned Decommissioned

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 127
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Route

# Miles Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Mazatzal Wilderness

393 0.64 ML 2 Road Decommissioned Admin Use Only ML 2 Road

406B 3.65 Road Permit 

Use Only

Admin Use Only Admin Use Only Admin Use Only

567B 3.38 Road Permit 

Use Only

Decommissioned Admin Use Only Admin Use Only

Sierra Ancha

203B 10.05 ML2/3 Road Decommissioned ML 2 Road ML 2 Road

487A 0.14 ML 2 Road Decommissioned Admin Use Only ML 2 Road

487B 0.87 ML 2 Road Decommissioned Admin Use Only ML 2 Road

2814 0.19 Open to publicUnknown ML

Decommissioned Decommissioned Decommissioned

2886 0.59 Open to publicUnknown ML

Decommissioned Decommissioned Decommissioned

Hellsgate Wilderness

1625A 0.28 ML 2 Road Decommissioned Decommissioned ML 2 Road

Unauth 

Route 

0.24 Unauthorized Decommissioned Decommissioned Decommissioned

Salome Wilderness

1765 0.06 Open to publicUnknown ML

Decommissioned Decommissioned Decommissioned

Salt River Canyon

368A 0.26 Open to publicUnknown ML

Decommissioned Decommissioned Decommissioned

644A 0.80 Open to publicUnknown ML

Decommissioned Decommissioned ML 2

1790 0.52 Open to publicUnknown ML

Decommissioned Decommissioned ML 2

Four Peaks Wilderness

3741 0.35 Open to publicUnknown ML

Decommissioned Decommissioned Decommissioned

3742 0.29 Open to publicUnknown ML

Decommissioned Decommissioned Decommissioned

Total Miles

Open

22.40 3.65 18.73 20.33

Table 37 displays the effects on wilderness character that would result from the proposed changes 

to motorized access and recreation opportunities on the wilderness areas located on the Tonto 

National Forest.

128 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 129

Table 37: Effects on Wilderness Characteristics by Alternative

Wilderness 

Character

Alternative A

(No Action) Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Natural 

Wilderness ecological 

systems are 

substantially free from 

the effects of modern 

civilization. 

Currently, there are 22.40 miles of 

known motorized routes within 

wilderness areas.

The western boundary of the 

Mazatzal, all of the boundary of the 

Hellsgate and Sierra Ancha and 

northeastern boundary of the 

Salome Wilderness would continue 

to be vulnerable to motorized use 

and the potential for the addition of 

unauthorized routes and associated 

impacts to soil and vegetation due 

to the Payson and Pleasant Valley

ranger districts being open to 

motorized cross-country travel. 

Currently illegal motorized trespass 

is also known to occur into the 

Mazatzal and Salt River Wilderness 

Areas with the creation of 

additional unauthorized routes and 

the associated impacts to soil and 

vegetation, including the potential 

for introduction of non-native 

species and the presence of 

pollutants.

This illegal trespass is likely to 

continue to occur. 

3.65 miles of motorized routes would 

be open to authorized permitted uses 

only. 

This alternative would have the 

greatest potential to reduce effects on 

soils and vegetation associated with 

motorized travel because it proposes 

to decommission nearly 20 miles of 

roads currently in wilderness areas. 

The remaining 3.65 miles of roads in 

the Mazatzal would be under special 

permit road use and regulated to 

decrease effects. This would 

substantially decrease the potential for 

introduction of non-native species and 

the presence of pollutants.

This alternative has greatest 

opportunity for improving the natural 

characteristics.

18.73 miles of motorized 

routes would be open in this 

alternative.

This has the potential to 

reduce the effects on soils and 

vegetation associated with 

motorized travel because it 

proposes to decommission 

nearly 4 miles of roads 

currently in the wilderness 

areas. 8.68 miles of roads to 

remain open would be under 

special permit road use and 

regulated to decrease effects.

This alternative would 

improve the natural 

characteristic compared to the 

current condition by 

decreasing the potential for 

introduction of non-native 

species and the presence of 

pollutants.

20.33 miles of motorized 

routes would be open in this 

alternative.

This has the potential to 

reduce the effects on soils 

and vegetation associated 

with motorized travel 

because it proposes to 

decommission about 2 miles 

of roads currently in the 

wilderness areas. 7.03 miles 

of roads to remain open 

would be under special 

permit road use and 

regulated to decrease effects.

This alternative would 

improve the natural 

characteristic compared to 

the current condition, but 

provides the least 

opportunity, among the 

action alternatives, for 

providing the natural 

characteristic.

Untrammeled 

Wilderness is 

essentially unhindered 

and free from modern 

human control or 

manipulation. 

Currently, there are 22.40 miles of 

known motorized routes within 

wilderness areas, along with many 

unauthorized routes that have not 

been inventoried.

Without the prohibition of crosscountry travel on the two northern 

ranger districts, four of the 

wilderness areas would continue to 

3.65 miles of motorized routes would 

be open to authorized permitted uses 

only. Additionally, motorized big 

game retrieval and motorized 

dispersed camping would not be 

permitted, decreasing the chances of 

motor vehicle users unknowingly 

driving into these areas.

With the exception of the Mazatzal 

18.73 miles of motorized 

routes would be open in this 

alternative. Additionally, a 

corridor up to one mile on 

both sides of all designated 

motorized routes would be 

permitted for motorized big 

game retrieval and a corridor 

up to 100 feet on both sides of 

20.33 miles of motorized 

routes would be open in this 

alternative. Additionally, a 

corridor up to one mile on 

both sides of all designated 

motorized routes would be 

permitted for motorized big 

game retrieval and a corridor 

up to 300 feet on both sides 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

130 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Wilderness 

Character

Alternative A

(No Action) Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

be effected by motorized users 

unknowingly (or possibly illegally) 

driving into a wilderness area.

In addition, if known roads have 

not been physically 

decommissioned within wilderness 

areas, there is an expectation that 

these roads would be maintained to 

standard. 

Wilderness, existing motorized routes 

within the other wilderness areas 

would be decommissioned. The road 

in the Mazatzal Wilderness would be 

the only road that would be 

maintained and controlled within a 

wilderness area.

This alternative has greatest 

opportunity for improving the 

untrammeled characteristic.

designated motorized routes 

would be permitted.

Currently cross-country travel

is not permitted on the four 

southern districts. By 

allowing the corridors for 

motorized big game retrieval 

and motorized dispersed 

camping, motorized users 

could unknowingly drive into 

a wilderness area.

This alternative would 

improve the untrammeled 

characteristic compared to the 

current condition, and with 

education and enforcement, 

motorized incursions could 

decrease over time.

of designated motorized 

routes would be permitted.

Currently cross-country 

travel is not permitted on the 

four southern districts. By 

allowing the corridors for 

motorized big game retrieval 

and motorized dispersed 

camping, motorized users 

could unknowingly drive 

into a wilderness area.

This alternative has the least 

opportunity to improve the 

untrammeled characteristic 

compared to the current 

condition as it has the most 

motorized routes to be 

maintained within 

wilderness areas.

Undeveloped

Wilderness is 

essentially without 

permanent 

improvements or 

modern human 

occupation. 

Currently, there are 22.40 miles of 

known motorized routes within 

wilderness areas. There are also 

less than ten privately owned 

parcels of land surrounded by 

wilderness (inholdings).

In many of the wilderness areas 

livestock grazing is permitted. 

Additionally, many of the 

wilderness areas have been mined 

over the last 150 years. There are 

currently signs of both of these 

activities. 

Additionally, there is an expectation 

that the current roads in the 

wilderness areas would be 

maintained to standard. 

3.65 miles of motorized routes would 

be open to authorized permitted uses 

only. 

With the exception of the Mazatzal 

Wilderness, existing motorized routes 

within the other wilderness areas 

would be decommissioned. The road 

in the Mazatzal Wilderness would be 

the only road that would require 

permanent improvements.

This alternative has greatest 

opportunity for improving the 

undeveloped characteristic.

18.73 miles of motorized 

routes would be open in this 

alternative. 

These roads would likely 

require some level of 

permanent improvement to 

maintain safe use and 

decrease effects associated 

with unmaintained roads.

This alternative would 

improve the undeveloped 

characteristic compared to the 

current condition by 

decreasing the miles of roads 

that would need maintenance. 

20.33 miles of motorized 

routes would be open in this 

alternative.

These roads would likely 

require some level of 

permanent improvement to 

maintain safe use and 

decrease effects associated 

with unmaintained roads.

This alternative would 

improve the undeveloped 

characteristic compared to 

the current condition by 

decreasing the miles of 

roads that would need 

maintenance, but would 

have the least opportunity 

for improving the 

undeveloped characteristic 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 131

Wilderness 

Character

Alternative A

(No Action) Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

among the action 

alternatives.

Outstanding 

opportunities for 

solitude or a primitive 

and unconfined type of 

recreation 

Wilderness provides 

outstanding 

opportunities for 

people to experience 

solitude or primitive 

and unconfined 

recreation, including 

the values of 

inspiration and 

physical and mental 

challenge.

The Superstition and Mazatzal 

wilderness areas are the largest in 

size with extensive NFS nonmotorized trail system providing 

opportunities for primitive and 

unconfined recreation. The 

Mazatzal Wilderness Area is the 

largest in the Southwest.

The smaller wilderness areas have a 

less extensive NFS trail system 

providing opportunities for 

Solitude. 

The Salt River Canyon Wilderness 

is unique in that it does not have a 

designated trail system. Most use 

occurs during the floating season 

from March1 through May 15

With the reduction in motorized routes 

described above, Alternative B 

provides the most opportunities for 

visitors to experience solitude or a 

primitive type of recreation 

experience. 

There is the potential for user 

dissatisfaction by those who are 

accustomed to traveling on routes 

currently open with a motorized 

vehicle that are proposed for closure. 

This alternative favors those users

seeking solitude and unconfined type 

of recreation experiences in 

wilderness.

Alternative C provides less 

motorized opportunities than 

Alternative A, No Action and 

alternative D and more than 

proposed in alternative B.

There is the potential for user 

dissatisfaction from users who 

are accustomed to traveling 

on routes currently open 

proposed for closure with a 

motorized vehicle. This 

alternative provides additional 

opportunities than the current 

condition for those users who 

seek solitude and unconfined 

type of recreation experiences 

in wilderness.

Alternative D would 

designate the most miles of 

motorized routes within 

wilderness; however, fewer 

motorized routes are 

proposed compared to 

current condition, and would 

provide the least 

opportunities for visitors to 

experience solitude or a 

primitive type of recreation 

experience. 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Cumulative Effects 

The spatial boundary for the cumulative effects analysis for wilderness areas includes the 

boundaries of the Superstition, Hellsgate, Mazatzal, Salome, Salt River Canyon, Four Peaks, and 

Sierra Ancha wilderness areas. This analysis considers past, present, and reasonably foreseeable 

actions upon the wilderness character r of wilderness areas located on the Tonto National Forest 

for the next twenty years. Some of these actions include past wildfires within wilderness areas.

The 120,000 acre Willow Creek Fire burned the summer of 2004. Of that acreage, 80,000 acres is 

located within the Mazatzal Wilderness. On April 26, 2000, in the vicinity of Upper Coon Creek, 

a camper left a campfire smoldering. This resulted in the conflagration known as the Coon Creek 

Fire. Much of the Sierra Ancha Wilderness Area was burned by this fire that totaled almost 

10,000 acres. Additionally, livestock grazing and certain mining practices are permitted in 

designated wilderness areas.

Wilderness character including the untrammeled attribute of wilderness may be compromised 

regardless of alternative from the general population increase particularly within the Phoenix 

metropolitan area and associated increase in recreational use within and adjacent to wilderness 

areas.

Cumulatively, all action alternatives would improve the wilderness characteristics when 

compared to the current condition because all action alternatives propose a reduction in the 

number of motorized routes located within wilderness boundaries on the Tonto National Forest.

Wild and Scenic Rivers

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-

542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and 

recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future 

generations. There are three classifications of Wild and Scenic Rivers: “wild,” “scenic,” and 

“recreational.” For a river to be eligible for Wild and Scenic River designation it must be free 

flowing and, with its adjacent land area, must possess one or more outstandingly remarkable 

values. Outstandingly remarkable values are specific to each river segment and may include 

scenic, recreation, fish, historic, and cultural values. 

Affected Environment

Currently, there are two designated Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Tonto National Forest (Figure 

29). There is approximately 2.0 miles of ML-2 road located within the Verde Wild and Scenic 

River corridor and there are no motorized routes administered by the Tonto National Forest 

located within the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor.

132 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 133

Figure 29: Map of Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

The Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River is located 100 miles from Phoenix. Fossil Creek was 

designated by Congress in 2009 and includes 9.3 miles as wild and 7.5 miles as recreational 

segments. The Coconino National Forest has taken the lead for management of the river corridor.

This includes the management of Forest Road 708 from the town of Strawberry that provides 

access to Fossil Creek.

The Coconino National Forest is currently preparing a Comprehensive River Management Plan 

(CRMP) for the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River. Fossil Creek is located on both the Tonto 

and Coconino national forests. The Coconino National Forest administers the Wild and Scenic 

River program for both forests. The CRMP provides a foundation for future river management 

guidance and direction by establishing Forest Service policies to protect and improve the Fossil 

Creek Wild and Scenic River for future generations. The CRMP will describe management 

direction, address site-specific issues, and identify actions to help care for the river corridor. A 

decision is estimated for spring of 2014. Temporary measures described below are in place to 

manage current use and protect the river resource.

Driving off road is prohibited within the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor. A parking 

limit (30 vehicles) is being enforced on high visitor use days at the Fossil Springs Trailhead in 

order to enforce public safety and emergency access. Fossil Creek Road 708 is currently closed to 

motorized vehicles between the Fossil Springs and Waterfall Trailheads. This temporary closure 

is in effect to provide public health and safety during periods of unsafe road conditions resulting 

from unstable road surfaces. Overnight camping is prohibited within a one-quarter mile either 

side of Fossil Creek from the Old Fossil Creek Dam to the Fossil Creek Bridge. Camping is 

allowed below the Fossil Creek Bridge. Campfires are prohibited within one-quarter mile of 

Fossil Creek from the head of Fossil Creek, downstream 10 miles to Stehr Lakebed near milepost 

3 on Forest Road 502. These interim measures will be evaluated with actions identified through 

the CRMP. 

The Verde Wild and Scenic River Area is approximately 5,692 acres in size. The Scenic River 

segment is 50 percent located within the Coconino National Forest, 28 percent located within the 

Prescott National Forest and 12 percent located on the Tonto National Forest. The scenic 

classification is a total of 18.3 miles. The wild segment is predominantly located on the Tonto 

National Forest (93 percent) and 7 percent located on the Coconino National Forest. Virtually the 

entire Wild River Area is within the Mazatzal Wilderness and was established as a result of the 

Arizona Wilderness Act of 1984 that designated this segment of the Verde River as a Wild River 

under the Wild and Scenic River Act (Public Law 90-542). The Act requires that this segment be 

administered in such a manner as to protect and enhance its designated outstandingly remarkable 

scenic, fish and wildlife, and historical/cultural values, while protecting the river’s free flowing 

character and water quality. The CRMP for the Verde Wild and Scenic River (U.S. Forest Service, 

2004) describes the outstanding remarkable values in further detail for the entire Wild and Scenic 

River segment. The Prescott National Forest is the lead forest for management of the Verde Wild 

and Scenic River Corridor.

Environmental Effects

The analysis for the effects to Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Tonto National Forest will be 

assessed. The analysis for the effects to Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Tonto National Forest will 

be assessed based on motorized use and recreation opportunities within the designated river 

corridors. Currently, there is approximately 2.0 miles of ML 2 road located within the Verde Wild 

134 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

and Scenic River corridor. All action alternatives propose no changes to the motorized route 

system located within the Verde Wild and Scenic River corridor. Currently, there are no motorized 

routes administered by the Tonto National Forest located within the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic 

River corridor and none of the action alternatives propose any changes.

Currently, there are two instances of motor vehicle crossing of the Verde Wild and Scenic River. 

None of the action alternatives propose any changes to the number of crossings. 

In terms of the effects of motorized dispersed camping within the two Wild and Scenic Rivers, 

Table 38 shows opportunities by alternative.

Table 38: Motorized Dispersed Camping Opportunities within Wild and Scenic River 

Corridors 

Alternative

Motorized 

Dispersed Camping 

Opportunity

River Corridor Where 

Motorized Dispersed 

Camping Permitted

(Acres)

River Corridor for 

Motorized Dispersed 

Camping (Miles)

A Pleasant Valley and 

Payson Ranger Districts 

open 

65.2 0.0

B 50' Buffer from 

Designated Sites

0.1 0.0

C 100' Buffer from 

Designated Routes

47.7 2.0

D 300' Buffer from 

Designated Routes

136.6 2.0

Alternative A 

Currently with no prohibition on cross-country travel on the Payson Ranger District, where the 

Verde River Wild and Scenic River Corridor is located, there are 65 acres available for motorized 

dispersed camping. 

Alternatives B 

Alternatives B proposes a significant reduction in opportunities for motorized dispersed camping 

favoring those who prefer nonmotorized recreation activities within River corridors. Alternative B 

proposes 0.1 acre of motorized dispersed camping opportunities associated with designated 

dispersed sites within the Verde River Corridor. There is the potential for user dissatisfaction from 

visitors accustomed to cross-country travel being allowed and accessing dispersed campsites with

a motorized vehicle on the Verde Wild and Scenic River corridor located on the Tonto National 

Forest.

Alternative C 

Alternative C proposes 2 miles of corridors for motorized dispersed camping with an associated 

47.7 acres. This represents a 27 percent decrease in opportunities compared to the current 

situation. There is the potential for user dissatisfaction from motorized users, since this alternative 

provides less opportunities to access dispersed campsites with a motorized vehicle within the 

Verde Wild and Scenic River Corridor than the existing condition. However, this alternative 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 135
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

provides more opportunities for those forest visitors who prefer more solitude when dispersed 

camping.

Alternative D 

Alternative D also proposes 2 miles of corridors with an associated 136.6 acres, the most 

opportunity for those recreationists who prefer to access their dispersed campsite with a 

motorized vehicle within the Verde Wild and Scenic River Corridor. This alternative provides the 

least opportunities for those who seek solitude, while dispersed camping.

Potential Wild and Scenic Rivers Outside of Wilderness

The Nationwide Rivers Inventory is a listing of more than 3,400 free-flowing river segments in 

the United States that are believed to possess one or more “outstandingly remarkable” natural or 

cultural values judged to be of more than local or regional significance. Under a 1979 Presidential 

Directive, and related Council on Environmental Quality procedures, all federal agencies must 

seek to avoid or mitigate actions that would adversely affect one or more listed segments.

There are 18 Wild, Scenic, and Recreational potential river segments listed on the Nationwide 

Rivers Inventory located on the Tonto National Forest (Figure 30). These include the Salt River 

Canyon, the Upper Salt segment, a whitewater destination located within the Salt River Canyon 

Wilderness and the Lower Salt River, Arnett/Telegraph, Canyon Creek, Cherry Creek, Parker 

Creek, Pinto Creek, Fossil Creek, Workman Creek, Salome Creek located within the Salome 

Wilderness, Tonto Creek and Spring Creek located within the Hellsgate Wilderness and East and 

Upper Verde River with portions located within the Mazatzal Wilderness. These rivers have not 

been designated as Wild and Scenic; however, they are listed on the National Park Service – 

National Wild River Inventory as potential candidates to the River System. 

136 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 137

Figure 30: Map of Potential Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Environmental Effects 

The analysis for the effects to Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Tonto National Forest will be 

assessed based on motorized routes within the corridor and motorized creek crossings. There are 

no miles of motorized routes miles within 300 feet of potential Wild and Scenic River corridors 

outside of wilderness within the scenic segment of Fossil Creek and the wild segment of Tonto 

Creek. No motorized routes are proposed within any of the action alternatives with no effect or 

changes within these potential Wild and Scenic River corridors. 

Table 39 shows the number of motorized crossing within each of the potential Wild and Scenic 

corridors by alternative. 

Table 39: Number of Motorized Crossings for Potential Wild and Scenic Rivers

Name Type

Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D 

Workman Creek Recreational 12 1 3 6

Upper Verde Wild 2 0 1 2

Upper Salt River Wild 5 1 2 4

Upper Salt River Scenic 4 0 1 4

Tonto Creek Wild 1 0 0 0

Tonto Creek Scenic 11 7 9 11

Spring Creek Recreational 11 6 8 10

Salome Creek Wild 4 2 4 5

Pinto Creek Scenic 5 2 2 4

Parker Creek Scenic 9 8 8 9

Lower Salt River Recreational 19 14 14 18

Fossil Creek Recreational 1 0 1 1

East Verde River Recreational 13 11 12 12

Cherry Creek Wild 12 3 6 8

Cherry Creek Scenic 7 2 5 6

Canyon Creek Recreational 16 5 9 16

Arnett/Telegraph Scenic 9 5 5 5

Total 141 67 90 121 

Alternative A

Currently there are approximately 50 miles of road located within a potential Wild and Scenic 

River on the Tonto National Forest as follows: 29 miles Recreational River segments; 14 miles 

Scenic River segments and 7 miles Wild River segments (Table 40). Additionally, this alternative 

allows for 141 motorized crossings. 

138 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 40: Miles of Motorized Routes within Potential Wild and Scenic River Corridors 

Name Alternative A 

(Miles)

Alternative B 

(Miles)

Alternative C 

(Miles)

Alternative D 

(Miles)

Recreational River Segments

Canyon 

Creek 

4.33 3.66 5.20 7.40

East Verde 

River 

5.53 5.67 6.71 7.86

Fossil Creek 2.15 0.00 2.15 2.15

Lower Salt 

River 

7.44 13.87 13.87 13.94

Spring Creek 3.23 3.00 3.83 5.61

Workman 

Creek 

6.32 4.14 4.99 5.87

Total 28.99 30.35 36.74 42.84

Scenic River Segments

Arnett/ 

Telegraph 

1.81 1.91 1.91 2.57

Cherry Creek 2.19 3.24 4.54 5.45

Fossil Creek 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Parker Creek 4.16 5.34 5.54 5.70

Pinto Creek 1.71 1.38 1.67 2.18

Tonto Creek 2.05 2.58 2.94 3.30

Upper Salt 

River 

1.72 0.42 0.65 1.73

Total 13.64 14.88 17.25 20.93

Wild River Segments

Cherry Creek 4.36 1.76 2.24 4.99

Salome 

Creek 

1.22 1.35 2.26 2.41

Tonto Creek 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Upper Salt 

River 

0.94 0.11 0.52 0.94

Upper Verde 0.81 0.00 0.56 0.81

Total 7.33 3.22 0.56 9.15

Total for All 49.97 48.45 59.57 72.91

Alternative B

Overall, alternative B proposes 48 miles, a one mile decrease in the miles of motorized routes 

within potential Wild and Scenic River corridors. Additionally, it proposes to decrease the number 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 139
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

of crossings to 67. These changes would provide more opportunities for users seeking a more 

primitive experience within the potential wild segments. 

This alternative significantly decreases the opportunity for using a motor vehicle to disperse 

camp, nearly eradicating this type of recreation opportunity in the corridors of the potential Wild 

and Scenic River segments (Table 41). The effect from this proposal would limit motorized use 

for dispersed camping, causing those users to potentially look for this type of opportunity 

elsewhere. Those seeking a non-motorized experience in the corridors would become nearly 

exclusive to this type of recreation opportunity. 

Table 41: Motorized Dispersed Camping Opportunities within Potential Wild and Scenic 

River Corridors

Alternative

Motorized 

Dispersed Camping 

Opportunity

River Corridor Where 

Motorized Dispersed 

Camping Permitted

(Acres)

Corridor for 

Motorized Dispersed 

Camping (Miles)

A Pleasant Valley and 

Payson Ranger Districts 

open

20,833.1 40.8

B 50' Buffer from 

Designated Sites

0.2 0.0

C 100' Buffer from 

Designated Routes 1,051.4 44.5

D 300' Buffer from 

Designated Routes 4,291.7 64.6

Alternative C

Alternative C proposes 59 miles of roads (Table 40), an increase in 10 miles—when compared to 

the current condition—of routes within Wild and Scenic River Segments within potential 

corridors with increases in miles in recreational and scenic and a decrease in miles within 

potential wild segments. Additionally, it proposes to decrease the number of motorized crossings 

in the corridor to 90 (Table 40). While the decrease in crossing would appeal to those seeking a 

more natural experience, the increase in miles of roads within the corridors would appeal to those 

that seek a motorized recreation experience. 

In terms of using a motor vehicle for dispersed camping, this alternative decreases the overall 

acres where motorized travel many occur, but increases the mileage where the camping corridor 

is within the potential Wild and Scenic River corridor. Overall, this alternative would decrease the 

motorized dispersed camping opportunity for forest users.

Alternative D

While this alternative decreases the number of motorized crossings by 15 percent, it nearly 

doubles the miles of motorized routes within the potential Wild and Scenic River Corridors when 

compared to the current condition. 

For motor vehicle use for dispersed camping, this alternative also substantially decreases the 

overall acres within the corridor. Overall, this alternative, when compared to the other action 

alternatives, provides the great opportunity for those users that prefer a motorized experience.

140 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Cumulative Effects 

The cumulative effects analysis for motorized routes and motorized creek crossings for Potential 

Wild and Scenic Rivers outside of wilderness considers the past, present and reasonably 

foreseeable actions within the 300 foot corridors of all Wild and Scenic River and Potential Wild 

and Scenic River segments outside of wilderness. In addition to the direct and indirect effects 

analyzed, other activities could impact the two designated Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Tonto 

National Forest. These activities include range allotment management and recreation activities 

that take place within the corridors. The cumulative effects for potential Wild and Scenic River 

segments would be similar, with projects like the Salt River Six Grazing Allotment 

Environmental Impact Statement, which is currently in draft form without a decision. All of the 

actions alternative would improve conditions in Wild and Scenic River and Potential Wild and 

Scenic River segments outside of wilderness. If other proposed projects within these corridors 

follow law, regulation, and policy, no cumulative effects are anticipated.

Inventoried Roadless Areas

In 1964 when Congress passed the Wilderness Act creating the National Wilderness Preservation 

System, the Act directed the Secretary of Agriculture to complete a study of 34 administratively 

designated “primitive areas” and determine their suitability as wilderness by September 2, 1974. 

In 1971 the Forest Service expanded the scope of the review to include all roadless areas in the 

inventory and evaluation. This process was known as the Roadless Area Review and Evaluation. 

The Final Environmental Impact Statement for this project was released in 1973 and identified 

247 roadless areas to be studied further for possible wilderness status as part of the multiple-use 

planning process used at the time. The National Forest Management Act of 1976 replaced that 

process with the requirement for an integrated land and resource management plan (forest plan) 

for each forest and grassland.

Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) were authorized by the 2001 Special Areas; Roadless Area 

Conservation Final Rule, 36 CFR Part 294. The “inventoried” part of the name comes from the 

Roadless Area Review and Evaluation forests conducted in the 1970s and 1980s described above. 

The characteristics that follow describe attributes considered when areas were inventoried for 

roadless area designations are: 

• Natural, being substantially free from the effect of modern civilization.

• Undeveloped, having little or no permanent improvements or human habitation.

• Outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation.

• Special features and values, or the potential to contribute to unique fish, wildlife and

plant species and communities; outstanding landscape features; and significant cultural

resource sites.

• Manageability, meaning the area is at least 5,000 acres in size.

The Roadless Area Conservation Final Rule prohibits road construction, reconstruction, and 

timber harvest, with exceptions, in Inventoried Roadless Areas because they have the greatest 

likelihood of altering and fragmenting landscapes, resulting in immediate long term loss of 

roadless area values. Roads and motorized trails can be present within IRAs. The Roadless Rule 

does not prohibit travel on existing roads or motorized trails.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 141
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Affected Environment

Approximately 209,762 acres (0.07 percent) of the forest’s land mass is located within 

13 individual Inventoried Roadless Areas (Figure 31).

142 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 143

Figure 31: Map of Inventoried Roadless Areas on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Currently, there are nearly 70 miles of motorized routes within IRAs, including 9 miles of 

inventoried unauthorized routes. Fifty-nine miles of these routes are Forest Service Roads that 

have been identified and tracked in databases. Almost 2 miles of State Highway 87 is also 

considered inside an IRA on the Tonto National Forest. 

Environmental Effects

Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) provide clean drinking water and function as biological 

strongholds for populations of threatened and endangered species. They provide large, relatively 

undisturbed landscapes that are important to biological diversity and the long-term survival of 

many at risk species. Inventoried Roadless Areas provide opportunities for dispersed outdoor 

recreation, opportunities that diminish as open space and natural settings are developed 

elsewhere. They also serve as bulwarks against the spread of nonnative invasive plant species and 

provide reference areas for study and research. 

Inventoried Roadless Areas are managed for nine roadless characteristics resources or features 

that are often present in and characterize Inventoried Roadless Areas and are used for this 

analysis:

• Soil, water, and air resources

• Sources of public drinking water

• Diversity of plant and animal communities

• Habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species and species dependent on large

undisturbed areas of land

• Primitive and semiprimitive motorized and nonmotorized classes of recreation

• Reference landscape for research study or interpretation

• Natural appearing landscapes with high scenic quality

• Traditional cultural properties and sacred sites

• Other locally unique characteristics – Wild and Scenic Rivers, Arizona Trail, Great

Western Trail, etc.

Direct and Indirect Effects 

All Action Alternatives would prohibit cross-country travel in IRA and no action alternative 

proposes to designate any inventoried unauthorized routes in IRAs. Motorized routes within IRAs

would be closed unless designated. This could improve resource conditions of all nine roadless 

characteristics and primitive classes of recreation opportunities within the Mazatzal Wilderness 

Contiguous, Hellsgate Contiguous, Cheery Creek, Sierra Ancha Wilderness Contiguous and IRAs 

located on the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts. In addition, enforcement has the 

potential to prevent expansion of unauthorized routes and allow soil and water conditions 

associated with these routes to recover over time.

Roads within designated IRAs often affect roadless characteristics. As Table 42 shows, there is 

currently 56.23 miles of known motorized routes within IRAs on the Tonto National Forest. 

144 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 42: Motorized Routes in IRAs by Alternative

IRA Name

Alternative A 

(Miles)

Alternative B 

(Miles)

Alternative C 

(Miles)

Alternative D 

(Miles)

Mazatzal Wilderness 

Contiguous 

5.94 0.00 3.58 6.25

Pine Mountain Wilderness 

Contiguous 

1.50 0.40 1.50 1.50

Arnold Mesa 1.09 0.00 1.09 1.09

Hellsgate Wilderness 

Contiguous 

8.56 0.00 6.55 8.56

Picacho 0.93 0.00 0.00 0.93

Black Cross 2.39 0.00 2.67 2.95

Boulder 10.44 1.72 10.42 10.46

Cherry Creek 8.73 0.00 4.71 9.24

Goldfield 4.55 0.00 2.66 4.55

Horse Mesa 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Lime Creek 9.89 0.01 8.49 17.81

Salome Contiguous 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Sierra Ancha Wilderness 

Contiguous 

2.22 0.55 1.59 2.30

Total 56.23 2.69 43.25 65.62 

Each alternative was analyzed based on the effects to the roadless characteristics for each 

Inventoried Roadless Area (Table 43). 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 145
146

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Table 43: Direct and Indirect Effects to IRA Characteristics by Alternative

Alternative A

(No Action) Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Soil, Water, Aquatic and Air Resources 

This alternative would continue existing 

management of motorized routes, nearly 

56 miles, within the IRAs.

Watershed conditions in IRAs in the 

Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto 

Basin ranger districts where crosscountry travel is not permitted would be 

minimally affected by this alternative. 

Watershed conditions in IRAs in the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger 

districts may be impacted by authorized 

cross-country travel that enters into 

these areas, particularly if cross-country 

travel results in numerous passes in the 

same locations and develops into 

unauthorized routes.

This alternative proposes to designate 

the fewest miles (2.7 miles) of 

motorized routes of the action 

alternatives. 

This alternative would decommission 

approximately 67 miles of roads in the 

IRAs. This greatest potential for 

recovery of watershed conditions in 

the IRAs.

This alternative would designate 

43.25 miles of motorized routes in 

IRAs would propose 

decommissioning of 28.91 miles 

within these areas. 

Impacts of this alternative on soil 

and water conditions in IRAs would 

be greater than alternative B, but 

may be less than alternative A 

because of the greater number of 

miles of roads proposed for 

decommissioning in this alternative. 

These actions would facilitate 

recovery of watershed conditions 

where these routes occur within 

IRAs.

This alternative would authorize 63 miles 

of motorized routes within IRAs and 

would propose decommissioning of 6.5 

miles within these areas. This alternative 

would authorize more motorized routes 

within IRAs than any of the other 

alternatives. Soil and watershed impacts 

within the IRAs would be greatest from 

this alternative. 

This alternative would prevent expansion 

of unauthorized routes, would eliminate 

use on uninventoried unauthorized routes, 

and decommission 6.5 miles of motorized 

routes within IRAs. These actions would 

facilitate recovery of watershed conditions 

where these routes occur within IRAs

Sources of Public Drinking Water

None of the Inventoried Roadless Areas 

are within or affect Designated 

Municipal Watersheds. Much of the 

Forest lies within the Salt and Verde 

River watersheds, which supply 

drinking water to the Phoenix 

Metropolitan Area. Impacts to 

watershed conditions from unlimited 

cross-country travel on the northern 

ranger districts and motorized routes 

(which affect drinking water quality) 

would be greatest in this alternative.

With the least miles of proposed 

designated motorized routes, this 

alternative would have the smallest 

impact on watershed conditions and 

their effects on drinking water supply.

The effects of this alternative on 

watershed conditions and drinking 

water supply would be greater than 

alternative B but less than 

alternatives A and D.

The effects of this alternative on 

watershed conditions and drinking water 

supply would be greater than alternatives 

B and C and similar to alternative A. 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

147 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Alternative A

(No Action) Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Diversity of Plant and Animal Communities

Where roads and trails exist within 

IRAs, they provide a vector for 

introduction of new non-native invasive 

species. This alternative has 56.23 miles 

of routes within IRAs which would 

leave these areas most open to invasion

by noxious weeds and nonnative species 

via motorized travel vectors.

Overall habitat conditions for sensitive 

plant species dependent on large 

undisturbed areas of land are stable. Due 

to existing condition of cross-country 

motorized travel being permitted with 

the associated expansion of 

unauthorized routes, localized areas may 

be degrading because of fragmentation 

and “edge effects.”

This alternative proposes the fewest 

miles of motorized routes within IRAs 

(2.69 miles), and would have the least 

likelihood of introduction and spread 

of noxious weeds and non-native 

invasive plants to these areas. 

Habitat conditions would see 

improvement from existing conditions, 

which could generally lead to 

improvement in desired future 

conditions. 

This alternative would reduce 

motorized routes to 43.25 miles and 

would decrease the likelihood of 

introduction and spread of noxious 

weeds and non-native invasive 

plants to these areas 

Habitat conditions would see 

improvement from existing 

conditions, which could generally 

lead to improvement in desired 

future conditions, but at a slower 

potential pace than Alternative B.

Alternative D would propose 65.62 miles 

of motorized access within IRAs. This 

alternative would have the greatest chance 

of introduction and spread of noxious 

weeds and non-native invasive plants.

Impacts to diversity of plant and animal 

communities would likely increase from 

existing conditions. 

These effects may result in a trend of 

moving away from desired future 

conditions for wildlife diversity.

Habitat for TES and Species Dependent on Large Undisturbed Areas of Land

Overall habitat conditions for TES and 

species dependent on large undisturbed 

areas of land are stable, but in some 

cases declining for species like the 

Chiricahua leopard frog. 

Due to the existing condition of crosscountry motorized travel being 

permitted to continue with the 

associated expansion of unauthorized 

routes, localized areas are degrading and 

likely would continue degrading.

Routes proposed for designation are 

not found within TES habitat and 

would improve conditions for species 

that are dependent on large tracts of 

undisturbed land.

Routes proposed for designation are 

not found within TES habitat. 

Compared to the current condition, 

this alternative would improve 

conditions for species that are 

dependent on large tracts of 

undisturbed land.

Routes proposed for designation are not 

found within TES habitat. Compared to 

the current condition, this alternative 

would likely not improve conditions for 

species that are dependent on large tracts 

of undisturbed land.
148

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Alternative A

(No Action) Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Primitive, Semiprimitive Nonmotorized and Semiprimitive Motorized Classes of Dispersed Recreation

There are currently 56.23 miles of road 

providing access within IRAs. A number 

of the IRAs located on the forest are 

contiguous to a wilderness area or are 

located in close proximity to designated 

wilderness offering opportunities for 

primitive, semiprimitive nonmotorized 

recreational activities.

Cross-country travel is currently 

allowed within permitted areas for 

motorized fuelwood gathering within 

the Mazatzal Contiguous, Hellsgate 

Contiguous, Boulder, Salome 

Contiguous, Cherry Creek, and Picacho 

IRAs. 

Alternative B proposes the least 

motorized routes (2.69 mile) within 

IRAs. There could be visitor 

dissatisfaction due to being restricted 

from places they have traditionally 

accessed using motorized routes within 

IRAs. 

The reduction in road mileage provides 

additional primitive and semiprimitive 

nonmotorized opportunities within 

IRAs on the Forest and the least 

opportunities for a Semiprimitive 

Motorized Setting.

This alternative would benefit visitors 

who prefer a more primitive 

experience traveling on motorized 

routes within IRAs.

Alternative C proposes a decrease 

(43.25 miles) of motorized routes 

compared to the current condition. 

This alternative would decrease the 

motorized opportunity to access 

IRAs, but would still provide an 

opportunity to those wishing to 

recreate in the IRAs using motor 

vehicles. 

Alternative D proposes to increase 

motorized routes within IRAs (65.62). 

This alternative would favor those 

recreationists who prefer a semiprimitive 

motorized setting and would be least 

desirable to those wishing to recreate in 

the IRAs without motor vehicles.

Natural Appearing Landscapes with High Scenic Quality

Currently, existing landscape character 

within the Black Cross, Boulder, Lime 

Creek, and Horse Mesa IRAs is 

becoming less natural in appearance due 

to cross-country travel on unauthorized 

routes and likely would continue.

The Bulldog Permit Zone located within 

the Goldfield IRA has contributed to 

improving existing landscape character. 

This alternative would decommission 

66.85 miles of roads in the IRAs and 

designate only 2.69 miles. Overall this 

would result in the greatest potential 

for existing landscape character to 

become more natural in appearance.

This alternative would decrease the 

number of motorized routes in IRAs 

(13 miles less than the current 

condition) and would decommission 

nearly 30 miles of motorized routes. 

This would be less than Alternative 

B, greater than Alternative D 

potential for existing landscape 

character to become more natural in 

appearance.

This alternative would increase (9 miles 

more than current condition) motorized 

routes within IRA and decommission 6.5 

miles. This would result in the least 

potential for existing landscape character 

to become more natural.

Reference Landscapes for Research Study or Interpretation

See effects under Special Management Areas in this section.
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

149 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Alternative A

(No Action) Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Traditional Cultural Properties and Sacred Sites*

Allowing unrestricted cross-country 

travel to continue on any part of the 

Forest would result in an increase in the 

cumulative effect on known 

contemporary Indian uses by degrading 

traditional use areas, damaging TCPs, 

sacred sites, and disrupting traditional 

activities and may inhibit or limit the 

use of such areas. Likewise, the 

potential remains for trespass onto 

reservation lands from uncontrolled and 

unclassified routes. 

Access to traditional resources and 

places of significance to Tribes will 

remain unchanged.

Alternative B greatly reduces potential 

direct and indirect effects to TCP, 

sacred sites, and traditional use areas 

by restricting cross-country travel, 

reducing the potential for trespass onto 

Tribal lands. 

In particular, restricting motorized 

vehicles to designated routes will 

reduce the potential for disruption of 

traditional cultural or religious 

activities. However, closure of some 

existing roads and eliminating crosscountry travel may reduce 

opportunities for resource gathering, 

visitation of sacred and other 

traditionally significant sites and 

increase the need for nonmotorized 

travel for elderly traditional 

practitioners. 

This alternative has similar effects 

as those described in Alternative B 

in terms of prohibiting crosscountry travel. 

However, particularly for motorized 

big game retrieval, it also has 

greater potential than Alternative B 

for motorized recreational activities 

to disrupt traditional activities 

sensitive to public intrusion and 

increases the potential for trespass 

onto tribal land

This alternative has similar effects as 

those described in Alternative B in terms 

of prohibiting cross-country travel. 

This alternative, with the most proposed 

motorized access, particularly in regards 

to roads, would have the most potential 

for providing Tribal access to sacred and 

traditional places and resources. By the 

same token, it also has greater potential 

than the other alternatives for motorized 

recreational activities to disrupt traditional 

activities sensitive to public intrusion and 

increases the potential for trespass onto 

tribal land. 

Otherwise, effects on Tribal access to 

traditional resources and significant places 

under this alternative would be similar to 

what they would be under the alternative 

C. 

* More information can be found in the Heritage Resources and Contemporary Indian Uses Reports in the project record.
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Cumulative Effects 

The cumulative effects analysis evaluates past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions on 

roadless characteristics in IRAs. This analysis specifically considers those activities that have 

influenced motorized or nonmotorized travel in the IRAs and their associated effects on roadless 

characteristics. 

The cumulative effects analysis area for this analysis includes the 13 Inventoried Roadless Areas 

within the boundary of the Tonto National Forest. Consideration was given to cumulative effects 

beyond the IRA boundary to include wilderness areas on the Tonto, Prescott and Coconino 

national forests and the White Canyon Wilderness administered by the Tucson Field Office of the 

Bureau of Land Management. Timeframe evaluated is the next twenty years. 

In most cases the other projects proposed within IRAs trend towards improving Roadless Area 

character.

Special Management Areas 

Affected Environment

In the 1985 Tonto National Forest Plan, opportunities were identified to provide areas for 

scientific study and protection through the establishment of research natural areas, botanical 

areas, or designation as natural areas under the Arizona Parks Board Natural Area Program. The 

plan indicates that OHV use is prohibited in all of these Natural Research Areas (RNAs), 

Proposed Natural Research Areas, wildlife area, and experimental forest.

Two additional Special Management areas on the Tonto National Forest include a wildlife area 

and an experimental forest. In the Three Bar Wildlife Area and the Sierra Ancha Experimental 

Forest, the plan restricts OHV use to system roads (U.S. Forest Service, 1985, pp. 161 and 175 

respectively). The Sierra Ancha Experimental Forest is located west of the Sierra Ancha 

Wilderness Area.

Environmental Consequences

Roads within designated and proposed special management areas may affect the characteristics 

for which they have been designated or proposed. As Table 44 shows, there is currently 60.45 

miles of known motorized routes within these special management areas on the Tonto National 

Forest.

Table 44: Motorized Routes within Special Management Areas by Alternative

Name

Alternative A 

(Miles)

Alternative B 

(Miles)

Alternative C 

(Miles)

Alternative D 

(Miles)

Designated RNAs

Buckhorn Mountain 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Bush Highway 2.13 1.57 1.57 1.57

150 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Name

Alternative A 

(Miles)

Alternative B 

(Miles)

Alternative C 

(Miles)

Alternative D 

(Miles)

Proposed RNAs

Picket Post Mountain 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05

Sycamore Creek & Blue 

Point Cottonwood 

2.89 0.80 0.88 1.34

Upper Forks Parker Creek 0.78 0.00 0.20 0.78

Special Areas

Sierra Ancha Experimental 

Forest 

31.70 13.48 16.48 26.25

Three Bar Wildlife Area 22.90 13.80 18.17 22.90

Total 60.45 29.70 37.27 52.89

Alternative A 

Most special management areas have less than three miles of motorized routes within their 

boundaries, including 0.75 of unauthorized routes in the proposed Sycamore Creek and Blue 

Point Cottonwood NRA. The Three Bar Wildlife Area and the Sierra Ancha Experimental Forest 

currently have 22.90 and 31.70 miles of motorized routes respectively in their management areas, 

including 0.29 miles of unauthorized routes in the Sierra Ancha Experimental Forest. 

In terms of a nonmotorized trail experience, four special management areas provide this 

opportunity: Buckhorn Mountain NRA; proposed Upper Forks Parker Creek NRA; Sierra Ancha 

Experimental Forest, and Three Bar Wildlife Area. Motorized cross-country travel is prohibited 

within all of these special areas. Buckhorn Mountain RNA and proposed Picket Post Mountain 

RNA have no motorized routes that are open to the public (the 0.05 miles of motorized routes 

with proposed Picket Post Mountain are for administrative use only and not open to the public). 

These areas provide primitive and unconfined recreation opportunities for forest visitors, while 

meeting the intent of these areas to provide nondisruptive research and education and keep the 

areas in their natural or unmodified condition and to protect natural features and vegetation.

Alternative B 

This alternative proposes to reduce the number of miles of motorized routes within special 

management areas to nearly half of the existing condition and proposed Upper Forks Parker 

Creek will have no motorized routes within its boundaries. In proposed Picket Post Mountain 

RNA, the motorized routes (0.05 miles) are for administrative use only.

Alternative B would likely have less conflict with management goals to provide nondisruptive 

research and education and keep the areas in their natural or unmodified condition and to protect 

natural features and vegetation of these special management areas, when compared to the current 

condition and other action alternatives.

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Alternative C 

Alternative C proposes to reduce the motorized route system within special management areas to 

37.27 miles. In proposed Picket Post Mountain and Upper Forks Parker Creek RNAs, the 

motorized routes (0.05 miles and 0.20 respectively) are for administrative use only and not open 

to public motor vehicle use. This alternative would decrease conflict with management goals to 

provide nondisruptive research and education and keep the areas in their natural or unmodified 

condition and to protect natural features and vegetation of these special management areas.

Alternative D 

Alternative D proposes to reduce the miles of motorized routes in special management areas from 

current condition, but would have the most motorized routes of the action alternatives. Just like 

Alternatives B and C, the routes within proposed Picket Post Mountain NRA would be for 

administrative use only. 

Of the action alternatives, this alternative would have the least decrease in conflict with 

management goals to provide nondisruptive research and education and keep the areas in their 

natural or unmodified condition and to protect natural features and vegetation of these special 

management areas.

Cumulative Effects 

The cumulative effects analysis evaluates past, present, and reasonably foreseeable action upon 

Special Areas located on the Tonto National Forest for the next 20 years. All actions would vary 

the miles of motorized access on designated routes; however, these areas would continue to have 

a prohibition on cross-country travel and would meet the intent of the management goals of these 

special areas. Currently, there are no proposed projects within or adjacent to these areas that 

would have a cumulative effect over the direct and indirect effects of this proposal.

Visual Resources

The Forest Service Landscape Aesthetics: A Handbook for Scenery Management (U.S. Forest 

Service, 2000) indicates that “high quality scenery, especially scenery with natural-appearing 

landscapes, enhances people's lives and benefits society” (p. 1). Additionally, Visual Resource 

Management is defined in the Tonto National Forest Plan (Forest Plan) (U.S. Forest Service, 

1985) glossary as “the art and science of planning and administering the use of Forest lands in 

such ways that visual effects maintain or upgrade man’s psychological welfare. The planning and 

design of visual aspects of multiple-use land management (U.S. Forest Service, 1985, p. 21 in 

glossary)”. Scenery management is “the art and science of arranging, planning, and designing 

landscape attributes relative to the appearance of places and expanses in outdoor settings” (U.S. 

Forest Service, 2000, p. 5 in glossary). 

As the American population increases and more areas become urbanized, the Forest Service has 

seen an increase in public concern about the natural scenic qualities of national forests. “Research 

shows that there is a high degree of public agreement regarding scenic preferences. This research 

indicates that people value most highly the more visually attractive and natural-appearing 

landscapes. However, the fact that preferences may vary somewhat in different regions or cultures 

must be recognized” (U.S. Forest Service, 2000, p. 30). 

152 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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“People utilize travelways and use areas throughout the national forests. In addition, they utilize 

travelways and use areas located outside of national forest boundaries that provide views into 

national forests. Travelways represent linear concentrations of public viewing including 

highways, roads, trails, rivers, and other waterways. Portions of landscapes visible from 

travelways and use areas are important to constituents for their scenic quality, aesthetic values, 

and landscape merits” (U.S. Forest Service, 2000, pp. 4-6). 

Roads create disruptions in the natural appearing landscape and lower scenic integrity by 

reducing the natural appearance of the landscape. The major visual impact of roads is their linear 

configuration, which must be superimposed upon nonlinear landscapes (U.S. Forest Service, 

1977). The proliferation of unauthorized routes, particularly in sparsely covered landscapes, can 

adversely affect the existing landscape character. The scenic qualities of forest landscapes are 

valuable resources and important factors in the development of management actions. Primary 

objectives of scenery management are to maintain natural appearance and to minimize alterations 

that contrast with the natural elements of forest landscapes. The Tonto National Forest Plan (U.S. 

Forest Service, 1985) directs that the scenic qualities of forest landscapes be recognized and 

emphasized in all resource planning and management activities. 

Affected Environment

The Tonto National Forest offers several perennial watercourses primarily in the mountains that 

add to the Forests’ beauty, including two Wild and Scenic Rivers: Verde and Fossil Creek, along 

with Salt River and Tonto Creek. There also are several large man-made lakes or reservoirs 

including Bartlett, Horseshoe, Saguaro, Canyon, Apache, and Roosevelt, several of which are in 

canyons, creating a beautiful contrast between lake and canyon walls.

The forest has two National Forest Scenic Byways running through it: From the Desert to the Tall 

Pines Scenic Road and Apache Trail Historic Road. Wilderness areas include Four Peaks, Hell’s 

Gate, Mazatzal, Salome, Salt River Canyon, Sierra Ancha, and Superstition.

Human activities have altered the existing landscape character of the Tonto National Forest. A 

component of the current landscape character is the degree to which alterations created by 

management activities are already evident. This existing visual condition defines how natural or 

altered the present landscape looks (as opposed to the visual quality objectives, which define how 

natural the landscape should look). While many parts of the Forest, such as wilderness areas, are 

still predominantly natural in appearance there has been a significant amount of past and present 

human activities. 

“Off-road vehicle impacts are particularly serious and difficult to manage. ORV impacts are 

particularly troublesome because impact potential is so high. Riders frequently seek out terrain 

that is particularly susceptible to impact and object to being confined to areas of concentrated 

use” (Cole, 1986 p. 2).

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Environmental Effects

Assumptions and Methodology

Inaccurate Information and Data Limitations 

There are two forms of direction from the 1980s for visual quality on the Tonto National Forest, 

narrative and maps. The Forest Plan narrative gives actual acres or a percentage of acres 

prescribed for the assigned VQOs for each management area. Major travel corridors on the VQO 

maps are in the retention VQO, including State Route 87, State Route 260, and US Highway 60, 

as well as the upper Salt River and Roosevelt Lake. The less heavily traveled corridors, such as

State Route 188 and State Route 288, are in the partial retention VQO. Areas away from lakes, 

river corridors, and highways located in otherwise significantly disturbed areas allow more 

visually intrusive objects and are to be managed as modification and maximum modification 

VQOs. Wilderness areas on Forest Service Land are typically managed as preservation; however, 

the preservation objective is so small on the Forest-wide map below that it is not visible so it is 

shown separately. This is not an accurate representation of VQO of preservation on the forest.

Numerous factors have contributed to the current VQO GIS layer being outdated. One significant 

factor contributing in discrepancies in acreages for the preservation VQO from the 1980s and 

existing conditions today is that wilderness areas have expanded in size and the forest boundary 

has changed since the 1980s. In addition, since the VQO maps were integrated into the GIS 

system in 2006 there have been numerous changes in the versions of GIS software the forest uses 

(currently ArcGIS 10.1 NAD 83 UTM 12N is being utilized). These changes in the system have 

resulted in differences in forest boundary, wilderness boundaries, etc., which has contributed to 

discrepancies for all VQOs. Major changes in visitor use, recreation areas, and travel routes have 

also made the old inventory out-of-date for all VQOs. Due to the inaccuracies in VQO data, the 

alternatives will be evaluated on other criteria in addition to consistency with VQOs. The analysis 

of alternatives for impacts on the visual resources will also be based on the proposed 

decommissioning of existing roads, designation of unauthorized routes as either roads or 

motorized trails, areas open to motorized cross country travel, and dispersed camping.

Assumptions Associated With Roads and Trails 

Changing existing roads that are open to motorized travel to trails open to motorized travel would 

Properly designed and maintained motorized routes decrease the negative effects on scenic 

quality (U.S. Forest Service, 2008a). Although unauthorized routes were not originally designed 

by Forest Service engineers, those that are being proposed to be added route to the system as a 

designated road or motorized trail would likely improve the existing landscape character, as they 

would be improved and maintained as necessary. In addition, with the designation of a motorized 

system, cross-country travel would be limited, requiring motorists to remain on the designated 

routes. This would decrease new unauthorized routes being formed. Eliminating unauthorized 

routes would move the forest towards the desired conditions for scenery. Thus, they will not be 

analyzed in this report. 

Changing existing roads, especially ML 2 roads that have not been maintained or unauthorized 

routes to motorized trails would likely make no change to the existing landscape character since 

the prism would not increase in size. They may actually move towards the desired conditions for 

scenery since they would be properly designed and maintained. In addition, vehicles would be 

required to remain on the designated routes so new unauthorized routes would not be formed. 

154 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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Eliminating unauthorized routes would move the forest towards the desired conditions for 

scenery.

Observation of forest conditions show that some routes naturally revegetate without use. Some 

roads changed from open to public access to decommissioned that no longer receive motorized 

use may revegetate over time depending on soil type and vegetation. Revegetation would improve 

the existing landscape character because they would be more natural appearing. Other routes 

would have to be actively restored to a more natural state by the Forest Service in future projects. 

Roads that are decommissioned would likely move the forest towards the desired conditions for 

scenery. 

Assumptions Associated With Permit Zones 

The designated roads and motorized trails within the permit zones may improve the existing 

landscape character since it is unlikely that new unauthorized routes would be formed. In 

addition, motorized vehicles would be required to stay on designated roads and trails in permit 

zones, just like the rest of the forest, and illegal dumping and shooting would be eliminated, 

which would move the forest toward the desired conditions for scenery. However, the barriers 

necessary to enforce the permit zones, such as pipe rail fencing and locked gates, may detract 

from the natural landscape character. The more barriers necessary to enforce the permit zones, the 

greater the chance of negative affects to visual quality. These effects can be decreased by using 

materials that blend with the natural landscape character and placing them properly so that they 

are not placed in direct line of sight.

Assumptions Associated with Dispersed Camping 

As stated earlier, numerous studies have documented effects from motorized access to and use of 

dispersed camping on vegetation; particularly understory vegetation, and creation of barren soil 

areas. These adversely affect landscape character and move the resource away from desired 

conditions for scenic quality. In areas where dispersed camping is concentrated, these effects 

become visible and lead to unacceptable levels of impact (Cole, 1986). However, when motorized 

access to dispersed camping is spread out over the forest, the impacts affect a larger area and the 

routes to these sites create unnatural linear features and the sites themselves may affect landscape 

character if they can be seen from roads. 

Assumptions Associated With Motorized Big Game Retrieval 

Motorized big game retrieval corridors would not affect the existing landscape character because 

the amount of trips needed to retrieve game is not likely to form new unauthorized routes because 

the trips would be infrequent and would be spread over a large area; the likelihood of multiple 

trips across the same area are slim. The impacts are negligible and will not be analyzed in this 

report. 

Assumptions Associated With Collection of Forest Resources 

Motorized collection of forest resources would not change the existing landscape character 

because the amount of trips needed to gather forest resources is not likely to form new 

unauthorized routes because a small number of people would be making infrequent trips and they 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 155
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

would be spread over a large area; the likelihood of multiple trips across the same area is slim. 

The impacts are negligible and will not be analyzed in this report.

Methodology

As documented in the 2008 study Effects of All-Terrain Vehicles on Forested Lands and 

Grasslands (U.S. Forest Service, 2008a), “ATV traffic does have an impact on natural resources. 

The levels of disturbance can be reduced by proper trail design and maintenance and by focusing 

efforts on trail sections that require extra attention” (Meadows et al., 2008, p. iv).

Using GIS and associated tabular data, forest staff overlaid the Visual Quality Objectives layer 

with route inventories to assess the effects of the Proposed Action and alternatives on the visual 

resources as it relates to decommissioned existing roads, designating unauthorized routes as either 

roads or motorized trails, areas open to motorized cross country travel, and dispersed camping. In 

addition, data from the National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) survey was used61 (U.S. Forest 

Service, 2012). 

Alternative A – Direct and Indirect Effects

Decommissioned Existing Roads and Unauthorized Routes 

Without site-specific data, it is assumed that the 267 miles of roads listed as decommissioned in 

RATM have not been implemented and it is not possible to know whether they have returned to a 

natural state. As such, for this analysis all roads listed as decommissioned in RATM (along with 

all ML 1 roads) are assumed open and currently used by the public. 

In terms of unauthorized routes, there have only been 672 miles inventoried (although there are 

more miles that the forest currently does not have site specific data for). These user created routes 

often detract from the visual quality of the forest. Until these routes can either be designated or 

revegetated, they will continue to affect visual resources.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Currently, there are no designated OHV areas although there are numerous locations with a 

proliferation of unauthorized routes (often illegal), which have created damaged vegetation and 

bare soil that detracts from the existing landscape character. The damage from these concentrated 

use areas is likely to continue and increase as influence from nearby populations increases. The 

foreground of such areas of more concentrated motorized use would typically not meet visual 

quality objectives defined in the Forest Plan. 

Permit Zones 

Currently, there is only one permit zone: Bulldog Canyon. The designated roads and motorized 

trails within the permit zones may continue to improve the existing landscape character since it is 

unlikely that new unauthorized routes would be formed. In addition, motorized vehicles would be 

required to stay on designated roads and trails in permit zones, just like the rest of the forest, and 

illegal dumping and shooting would be eliminated, which would continue moving the forest 

61 For more information about the National Visitor Use Monitoring survey, see the Recreation section of this chapter.

156 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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toward the desired conditions for scenery. The existing barriers could be seen from major roads 

and would continue to detract from the existing landscape character. 

Of the existing 34,720-acre Bulldog Canyon Permit Zone on the Mesa Ranger District, 

approximately 17,496 acres are in areas of the forest managed for retention and 15,374 acres for 

partial retention.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Currently, the area available for motorized access to dispersed camping is 703,618 acres on the 

northern districts (Payson and Pleasant Valley). Approximately 86,690 acres are in areas of the 

forest managed for Retention and 265,689 acres for Partial Retention. On the four southern ranger 

districts (Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto Basin), driving off road is prohibited unless posted 

open; however, campers have been cited for driving off roads illegally in these areas. Much 

dispersed motorized camping takes place in the same sites year after year, resulting in sites that 

are easily identifiable visually due to the removal of vegetation from vehicles driving off road to 

dispersed campsites and the open, cleared area from vehicles parking and turning around which 

exposes bare ground and alters the existing landscape character. As determined by the 

Southwestern Regional Office when developing travel management rule guidelines in 2007, it is 

likely in the future there will be an increase in demand for dispersed motorized camping as 

population and visitation in the Southwest continues to grow. Although there is no site specific 

data, the effects of OHV use as part of dispersed camping on the Tonto National Forest would 

continue to alter the existing landscape character and would move away from the desired 

conditions for scenic quality.

Alternative B – Direct and Indirect Effects

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

In this alternative, there would be approximately 2,367 miles of decommissioned roads and only 

11 miles of the unauthorized routes would be designated as roads or motorized trails open to the 

public. Once the on-the-ground work to decommission these roads and potentially rehabilitate the 

unauthorized routes, the existing landscape character would become more natural in appearance. 

This would also move the forest toward the desired conditions for scenic quality.

Of the proposed 2,367 miles of roads proposed to be decommissioned, approximately 346 miles 

are in areas of the forest managed for retention and 1,043 miles for partial retention. Of the 11 

miles of unauthorized routes proposed to be designated as roads or motorized trails open to the 

public, approximately 4 miles are in areas of the forest managed for retention and 6 miles for 

partial retention. 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

In Alternative B, there would be no designated OHV areas proposed. It is unlikely that these

heavily used areas would revegetate without obliteration and seeding. This alternative would 

move the forest toward the desired conditions for scenic quality.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 157
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Permit Zones 

Alternative B proposes to add four permit zones, in addition to the current Bulldog Canyon, 

totaling approximately 150,925 acres. The designated roads and motorized trails within the permit 

zones may continue to improve the existing landscape character since it is unlikely that new 

unauthorized routes would be formed. In addition, motorized vehicles would be required to stay 

on designated roads and trails in permit zones, just like the rest of the forest, and illegal dumping 

and shooting would be eliminated, which would continue moving the forest toward the desired 

conditions for scenery. However, these four areas may require miles of barrier to enforce the 

permit zone’s boundaries, which would detract from the natural landscape character. The more 

barriers necessary to enforce the permit zone, the greater the chance of adversely affecting the 

existing landscape character. These effects can be reduced by making the barriers with materials 

that blend with the natural landscape character and placing them properly so that they are not 

located in direct line of sight.

Of the proposed 150,925 acres of permit zones, approximately 29,451 acres are in areas of the 

forest managed for retention and 66,504 acres for partial retention.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

For Alternative B, motorized access for dispersed camping would be limited to 414 sites, totaling 

approximately 65 acres (this includes a 50-foot buffer around each of the sites), which is 703,553

acres less than Alternative A. Although, according to Cole (1986), concentration leads to 

unacceptable levels of impact from trampling of vegetation. Based on data from the National 

Visitor Use Monitoring survey for the Tonto National Forest, approximately 4.8 million people 

visited the forest in one year. Of those, over half recreated on the forest. Even if it is assumed that 

five percent (or approximately 120,000) of those visitors participated in dispersed camping using 

a motor vehicle for access, these 414 sites would likely expand quickly and become completely 

denude of all vegetation and other natural features. This would adversely affect the existing 

landscape character in these small areas and would move away from the desired conditions for 

scenic quality. Where motorized access for dispersed camping would no longer be allowed, sites 

would only be accessed via hiking. This would likely improve the existing landscape character 

for the rest of the forest and move towards the desired conditions for scenic quality. 

Approximately 12 acres of the forest open to motorized dispersed camping would be in areas of 

the forest managed for retention and 34 acres for partial retention. This would be a reduction of 

86,678 in retention and 265,655 acres in partial retention as compared to Alternative A. Dispersed 

camping is incompatible with these VQOs.

Alternative C – Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative proposes to decommission 1,290 miles of existing roads, designate 290 miles of 

unauthorized routes as either roads or motorized trails, designate four OHV areas, add three 

permit zones, and limit the use of a motor vehicle to access dispersed camping up to 100 feet on 

both sides of designated roads and motorized trails.

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

In this alternative, there would be approximately 1,290 miles of existing roads decommissioned 

and approximately 290 miles of unauthorized routes designated as either roads or motorized trails 

158 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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open to the public. Once the on-the-ground work to decommission these roads and potentially 

rehabilitate the unauthorized routes, the existing landscape character would become more natural 

in appearance. This would also move the forest toward the desired conditions for scenic quality.

Of the proposed approximately 1,290 miles of roads to be decommissioned, approximately 211 

miles are in areas of the forest managed for retention and 552 miles for partial retention. Of the 

approximately 290 miles of unauthorized routes proposed to be designated as roads or motorized 

trails open to the public, approximately 19 miles are in areas of the forest managed for retention 

and 131 miles for partial retention. 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

In this alternative, motorized cross-county travel would be limited to four areas: The area around 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District) between the variable water level and the high water 

mark; Golf Course (Globe Ranger District); the area around Roosevelt Lake (Tonto Basin Ranger 

District) between the variable water level and the high water mark; and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger 

District) totaling approximately 6,778 acres. In addition, there are four proposed “tot lots” 

totaling approximately 12 acres. In most cases, the existing landscape character in proposed 

designated OHV areas has already been adversely affected by heavy motorized use (often illegal) 

so the actual effects of designating these areas would not likely be different from existing 

conditions.

Of the 6,790 total OHV area acres, 3,967 acres of the total acres for the OHV areas would be in 

retention and 2,164 acres in partial retention. 

Permit Zones 

Alternative C proposes to add three permit zones (St. Clair, The Rolls, and Desert Vista), in 

addition to the current Bulldog Canyon, totaling approximately 116,798 acres. The designated 

roads and motorized trails within the permit zones may continue to improve the existing 

landscape character since it is unlikely that new unauthorized routes would be formed. In 

addition, motorized vehicles would be required to stay on designated roads and trails in permit 

zones, just like the rest of the forest, and illegal dumping and shooting would be eliminated, 

which would continue moving the forest toward the desired conditions for scenery. However, 

these three areas may require miles of barrier to enforce the permit zone’s boundaries, which 

would detract from the natural landscape character. The more barriers necessary to enforce the 

permit zone, the greater the chance of adversely affecting the existing landscape character. These 

effects can be decreased by making the barriers with materials that blend with the natural 

landscape character and placing them properly so that they are not located in direct line of sight.

Of the proposed 116,798 acres of permit zones, approximately 24,668 acres are in areas of the 

forest managed for retention and 51,897 acres for partial retention.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Alternative C would allow motor vehicle use, up to 100 feet on both sides of designated roads and 

motorized trails, for accessing dispersed camping sites (approximately 91,391 acres). Limitations 

to this corridor would be in congressionally designated areas where motorized travel is not 

permitted. The disturbance would be spread throughout this corridor, decreasing the landscape 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 159
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

character. According to Tonto National Forest Law Enforcement62, most visitors using motor 

vehicles for dispersed camping generally travel 300 feet from a current road. Based on this, the 

100 foot corridor would have reduced vegetation and more bare soil. This would adversely affect 

the existing landscape character and move the corridor away from desired conditions, but could 

improve the landscape character beyond the corridor.

Approximately 220,375 acres would be in areas of the forest managed for retention and 809,146 

acres for partial retention. This would be an increase of 133,685 acres in retention and 265,655 

acres in partial retention as compared to Alternative A. Dispersed camping is incompatible with 

these VQOs.

Alternative D – Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative proposes to decommission approximately 194 miles of existing roads, designate 

approximately 550 miles of unauthorized routes as either roads or motorized trails ,designate 

four OHV areas, and limit the use of a motor vehicle to access dispersed camping up to 300 feet 

on both sides of designated roads and motorized trails.

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

In this alternative, there would be approximately 194 miles of decommissioned roads and 

approximately 552 miles of unauthorized routes would be designated as roads or motorized trails 

open to the public. Once the on-the-ground work to decommission these roads and potentially 

rehabilitate the unauthorized routes, the existing landscape character would become more natural 

in appearance. This would also move the forest toward the desired conditions for scenic quality. 

Of the proposed approximately 194 miles of roads proposed to be decommissioned, 

approximately 36 miles are in areas of the forest managed for retention and 98 miles for partial 

retention. Of the approximately 552 miles of unauthorized routes proposed to be designated as 

roads or motorized trails open to the public, approximately 57 miles are in areas of the forest 

managed for retention and 237 miles for partial retention. 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Just like in Alternative C, motorized cross-county travel for Alternative D would be limited to 

four areas: The area around Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District) between the variable 

water level and the high water mark; Golf Course (Globe Ranger District); the area around 

Roosevelt Lake (Tonto Basin Ranger District) between the variable water level and the high water 

mark; and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) totaling approximately 6,778 acres. In addition, there 

are four proposed “tot lots” totaling approximately 12 acres. In most cases, the existing landscape 

character in proposed designated OHV areas has already been adversely affected by heavy 

motorized use (often illegal) so the actual effects of designating these areas would not likely be 

different from existing conditions.

Of the 6,790 total OHV area acres, 3,967 acres of the total acres for the OHV areas would be in 

retention and 2,164 acres in partial retention.

62 For more information, see the Law Enforcement section in this chapter.

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Permit Zones 

Alternative D would continue the designation of the Bulldog Canyon Permit Zone. The 

designated roads and motorized trails within the permit zones would continue to improve the 

existing landscape character since it is unlikely that new unauthorized routes would be formed. In 

addition, motorized vehicles would be required to stay on designated roads and trails in permit 

zones, just like the rest of the forest, and illegal dumping and shooting would be eliminated, 

which would continue moving the forest toward the desired conditions for scenery. The existing 

barriers could be seen from major roads and would continue to adversely affect the existing 

landscape character. 

Of the existing 34,720-acre Bulldog Canyon Permit Zone on the Mesa Ranger District, 

approximately 17,496 acres are in areas of the forest managed for retention and 15,374 acres for 

partial retention.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Alternative D would allow motor vehicle use, up to 300 feet on both sides of designated roads 

and motorized trails, for accessing dispersed camping sites (approximately 336,038 acres). 

Limitations to this corridor would be in congressionally designated areas where motorized travel 

is not permitted. The disturbance would be spread throughout this corridor, decreasing the 

landscape character. According to Tonto National Forest Law Enforcement63, most visitors using 

motor vehicles for dispersed camping generally travel 300 feet from a current road. On the 

northern districts, there would be no change from the existing condition. For the four southern 

districts, this would allow motorized access for dispersed camping, which could adversely affect 

the existing landscape character and could move the forest away from the desired conditions for 

scenic quality. However, campers have been cited for driving off roads illegally in these lower 

elevation districts and the actual effects would not likely be different from the existing condition. 

Approximately 253,784 acres would be in areas of the forest managed for retention and 861,286 

acres for partial retention. This would be an increase of 86,678 acres in retention and 265,655 

acres in partial retention as compared to Alternative A. Dispersed camping is incompatible with 

these VQOs.

Comparison of Effects by Alternative

This section shows the effects of the four alternatives and how they compare to one another in 

terms of intensity of effects and their ability to move visual resources toward desired conditions.

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

For Alternative A, all decommissioned routes in RATM were assumed open and currently being 

used by the public for motorized access. Currently for Alternative A, there are 672 miles of 

inventoried unauthorized routes. Until these routes can either be designated or revegetated, they 

would continue to adversely affect existing landscape character. Furthermore, the creation of 

unauthorized routes would continue in the northern districts where cross-country travel is 

permitted. 

63 For more information, see the Law Enforcement section in this chapter.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 161
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Alternative B would result in approximately 2,367 miles of decommissioned roads and 11 miles 

of the unauthorized routes would be designated as roads or motorized trails. This is twice the 

amount of roads decommissioned than in Alternative C and ten times the amount than Alternative 

D. Alternative B would have the greatest potential to move the existing landscape character 

toward a more natural in appearance and to move the forest toward the desired conditions for 

scenic quality. However, Alternative D would still have a greater positive effect for existing 

landscape character than the current condition.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

In Alternative A, the concentrated use areas would continue to allow for the proliferation of 

unauthorized routes. In Alternative B, there would be no designated OHV areas. Alternatives C 

and D propose eight OHV areas (6,790 acres) and in most cases the existing landscape character 

in proposed designated OHV areas has already been adversely affected by heavy motorized use 

(often illegal) so the actual effects of designating these areas would not likely be different from 

existing conditions. Alternative B is the only alternative that would allow for the revegetation 

over time in these areas.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Alternative A would allow dispersed camping anywhere in the two northern districts, where 

cross-country travel is currently permitted. In Alternative B, the 414 sites designated would likely 

expand quickly and become completely denude of all vegetation and other natural features, which 

would move these areas away from the desired conditions for scenic quality. Where motorized 

access for dispersed camping would no longer be allowed, sites would only be accessed via 

hiking and these sites would likely improve the existing landscape character for the rest of the 

forest and move towards the desired conditions for scenic quality. In Alternative C, the corridor 

(100 feet both sides of designated routes) would reduce vegetation and expose more bare soil. 

This would move the corridor away from desired conditions, but could improve the landscape 

character beyond the corridor. In Alternative D, the corridor (300 feet both sides of designated 

routes) would spread the effects throughout a corridor larger than Alternative B. On the northern 

districts, there would be no change from the existing condition. For the four southern districts, 

this would allow motorized access for dispersed camping, which could make the existing 

landscape character less natural in appearance and could move the forest away the desired 

conditions for scenic quality. However, campers have been cited for driving off roads illegally in 

these lower elevation districts and the actual effects would not likely be different from the 

existing condition. 

Cumulative Effects

No Action (Alternative A) 

The No Action would continue to allow cross-country travel on the northern districts, which 

would result in visible impacts. Continued proliferation of routes would result in a loss of existing 

landscape character and a potential inconsistency with VQOs. Route proliferation has the 

potential to carry visual disturbances into previously untrammeled areas with a consequent 

degradation of VQOs.

162 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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Past activities have altered the natural landscape character, creating its current condition. The 

most obvious and significant effects on scenic resources are from constructed facilities, highway 

construction, and vegetation manipulation.

The activities that have contributed include mining, utilities, timber management, recreational 

facility development, fire management (suppression, prescribed burning, and fuel

breaks/reduction), livestock grazing, and others. Many of the impacts from these past activities 

were severe and some effects are presently hidden by vegetative growth, especially in the 

northern districts.

A wide variety of uses occurs on the Forest, much of it recreational. Recreational use is expected 

to increase dramatically during the next 20 years. Sightseeing and driving for pleasure are 

examples of activities that directly use roads as part of the recreational experience. The character 

of and access to scenic views, would directly depend on the road system for many people. 

All Action Alternatives 

Cumulative effects for the action alternatives would be the same as the direct and indirect effects 

because projects on the forest that could affect the existing landscape character would have 

mitigations and design features to reduce effects to the scenic quality. Currently, there are no 

known projects outside the forest that would affect the scenic quality. In addition, given the size 

of the Tonto National Forest, the likelihood that these projects would affect the overall scenic 

quality for the forest is not likely. Cumulatively, all of the action alternatives move the forest 

toward the desired condition for scenic quality.

Socioeconomics

This section addresses the potential social and economic impacts associated with the 

implementation of the Travel Management Rule. It outlines current regulatory direction, which 

guides the development of management activities and the issues addressed. It discusses the 

methodology of analysis, summarizes the existing condition, and discloses the direct, indirect, 

and cumulative effects of Alternative A (No Action), Alternative B, Alternative C (modified 

proposed action), and Alternative D while relating to current society and economy in the vicinity 

of the project area. 

This socioeconomic analysis will discuss population demographics, major economic sectors 

related to public lands, economic specialization, and transfer payments to counties. This 

information will help address the following questions, “What influence does the management of 

motor vehicle access on the Tonto National Forest have on forest visitors” and “What portion of 

county government revenues depend on motor vehicle access?”

In addition to social and economic impacts, the assessment of environmental justice and impacts 

to communities provide measures of success used to assess how effectively the proposed 

activities meet the project’s purpose and need.

Affected Environment

Tonto National Forest is adjacent to the northern edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area, which 

has a population greater than four million people. The city of Phoenix itself has a population of 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 163
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

approximately 1.5 million64, making it the sixth largest city in the United States. The Phoenix 

area is a popular destination for conferences, conventions, and tourism with its warm and sunny 

year-round climate, wide variety of business, cultural, and recreational offerings, serviced by 

many direct flights from most major U.S. cities. These factors combine to make the Tonto Nation 

Forest one of the most heavily-visited national forests, with nearly 5 million recreational visitors 

annually (U.S. Forest Service, 2012). 

Social and Demographic Indicators

The existing conditions for social and demographics in this section include population trends, age 

distribution, and race and ethnicity percentages. In addition, each of these indicators is presented 

based on county and national data, along with Tonto National Forest visitation data65. 

Four-County Area Trends 

The Economic Profile System-Human Dimensions Toolkit (EPS-HDT) was used to provide 

detailed socioeconomic reports for this project. This toolkit was designed by Headwaters 

Economics66, an independent, nonprofit research group whose mission is to improve community 

development and land management decisions in the West. The Bureau of Land Management and 

Forest Service have made significant financial and intellectual contributions to the operation and 

content of EPS-HDT. EPS-HDT uses published statistics from federal data sources, including 

Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of the Census, U.S. Department of Commerce; and 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

Using the Economic Profile System Analyst (EPSA) tool developed by Headwaters Economics, a 

socioeconomic profile was produced for the four counties that overlap with the Tonto National 

Forest: Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai Counties (Figure 32).

64 According to the United States Census 2012 population estimates (U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts accessed on June 

14, 2013).

65 Additional information about benchmark indicators for the four-county area in relationship to national values can be 

found in appendix A of the Socioeconomics Report in the project record. 66 Headwaters Economics website

164 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 165

Figure 32: Map of the Tonto National Forest and the Four-County Area (Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai Counties)
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Four-County Population

For 2011, the estimated total population of the four-county area is estimated at 4,414,301 

(Headwaters Economics, 2013c). Specifically, the estimated 2011 population for each of these 

counties was: Gila 53,380 (4 percent), Maricopa 3,798,374 (56 percent), Pinal 351,709 (15 

percent), and Yavapai 210,838 (25 percent). 

From 1970 to 2011, populations have increased within the four-county area. With the exception 

of Gila County (increasing approximately 80 percent), the population increase for the remaining 

counties have at least tripled, while the population for the United States has only increased 

approximately 53 percent over the last 40 years (Headwaters Economics, 2013c). More recently 

(2000 to 2011), Gila County had the smallest estimated change in population; half of the national 

average (Figure 3367). In that same time period, Pinal County had the largest estimated change in 

population, nearly 96 percent (Headwaters Economics, 2013c).

Figure 33: Percent Change in Population by County, the Four-County Area, and U.S.

Four-County Age Distribution

For public land managers, understanding the age distribution associated is beneficial in

determining if management actions might affect some age groups more than others. It also may 

highlight the need to understand the different needs, values, and attitudes of different age groups. 

From 2000 to 2011, the age category with the largest estimated increase was those 45 to 64 years 

old; while the age category with the smallest estimated increase was those 35 to 44 years old 

(Headwaters Economics, 2013c). 

For the four-county area, nearly 30 percent of the population is 19 years old or younger, while

approximately 16 percent of the population is 60 years old or greater (Headwaters Economics, 

2013c). Nationwide, percentages of those 19 years old or younger and those 60 years old or 

greater is similar to the four-county area percentages.

For the median age change from 2000 to 2011 (Figure 34), three of the four counties have 

increased, along with the median age for the entire United States; the median age for Gila County 

has increased the most, by about 12 percent, while the median age for Pinal County has 

decreased, by approximately four percent (Headwaters Economics, 2013c).

67 Data from Headwaters Economics, 2013c.

166 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Figure 34: Median Age by County, with U.S., for 2000 and 2011

Four-County Race and Ethnicity Distribution

The racial and ethnic composition of the four-county area offers context for the social analysis. 

By understanding the social conditions within this area of influence, more informed decisions 

concerning those affected can be made. As shown in Table 45, the percentage of Hispanic or 

Latino individuals in the four-county area is nearly twice the percentage of the national average 

(Headwaters Economics, 2013c). Additionally, the percentage of Black or African American 

individuals in the four-county area is three times lower than the national average, while the 

percentage of American Indians in the four-county area is slightly more than double the national 

average (Headwaters Economics, 2013c). 

Table 45: Race/Ethnicity of Population for 2011 by County, including Four-County Area 

and U.S.

Race

Gila 

County

Maricopa 

County

Pinal 

County

Yavapai 

County

Four

County 

Area U.S.

Hispanic or 

Latino (of any 

race)

17.8% 29.4% 28.8% 13.4% 28.4% 16.1% 

Not Hispanic or 

Latino 82.2% 70.6% 71.2% 86.6% 71.6% 83.9% 

White alone 65.9% 59.1% 58.3% 82.1% 60.2% 64.2% 

Black or African 

American alone 0.4% 4.7% 4.2% 0.5% 4.4% 12.2% 

American Indian 

alone 14.5% 1.6% 5.0% 1.6% 2.0% 0.7% 

Asian alone 0.2% 3.3% 1.6% 0.7% 3.0% 4.7% 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 167
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Race

Gila 

County

Maricopa 

County

Pinal 

County

Yavapai 

County

Four

County 

Area U.S.

Native Hawaiian/

Pacific Is. alone 0.1% 0.2% 0.4% 0.0% 0.2% 0.2% 

Some other race 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 0.1% 0.2% 0.2% 

Two or more 

races 1.1% 1.6% 1.5% 1.5% 1.6% 1.9% 

Total Population 53,380 3,798,374 351,709 210,838 4,414,301 306,603,772 

Four-County Persons with Disabilities Distribution

For public land managers, understanding the adjacent population that has a disability can be 

beneficial in determining if management actions might affect this group disproportionately. It also 

may highlight the need to understand the different needs, values, and attitudes associated with this 

group. According to United States Census data for Arizona (accessed on June 27, 2013), there are 

approximately 456,000 persons with disabilities in the four-county area. Nearly 17 percent of 

Gila and Yavapai County residents identify themselves as being disabled, while Maricopa and 

Pinal County residents that identify themselves as being disabled is approximately 10 percent and 

12 percent respectively (United States Census, accessed June 27, 2013).

Forest Visitation Trends 

The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) program provides reliable information about 

recreation visitors to national forest system managed lands at the national, regional, and forest 

level. Once every five years, each National Forest and Grassland has a year of field data 

collection68. Currently, the Tonto National Forest is collecting visitation use data, thus the most 

current NVUM survey data available is from 2008 (U.S. Forest Service, 2012). For this survey, 

visitation is estimated through a combination of traffic counts and surveys of exiting visitors. 

Both are obtained on a random sample of locations and days distributed over an entire forest for a 

year. All of the surveyed recreation visitors are asked about their visit duration, activities, 

demographics, travel distance, and annual usage.

It is important for the reader to understand the limitations associated with the 2008 NVUM 

survey results. The descriptive information about national forest visitors is based upon only those 

visitors that were interviewed. In 2008, there were 3,496 individual who agreed to be surveyed 

(U.S. Forest Service, 2012). To extrapolate the number of total visitors, traffic counters were also 

set up throughout the Tonto National Forest during certain times. As such, when the 2008 NVUM 

survey results indicated that a certain percentage of the visitation participated in a specific activity 

or came from a certain area, it is not a percentage of the total calculated visitors69. 

68 For more information about NVUM, see the Recreation section of this Chapter. 69 This is important in relationship to some of the demographic data collected, such as the visitor’s zip code. Although 

“X” percentage of those surveyed (3,496) may reside in Maricopa County, it does not mean that the same “X” 

percentage of the total visitors (4.8 million) are from Maricopa County.

168 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Forest Visitation Age Distribution

As discussed earlier, there were approximately 4.8 million people that visited the Tonto National 

Forest (U.S. Forest Service, 2012). These visitors were divided into age groups and 24 percent of 

those that visited were 19 years of age or younger, while 12.4 percent were 60 years or older 

(Figure 35). This age distribution is similar to that of the four-county area.

‡ Calculations are computed using weights that expand the sample of individuals to the 

population of National Forest Visits.

Figure 35: Age Distribution of Tonto National Forest Visitors, 2008

Forest Visitation Race and Ethnicity Distribution

When completing the 2008 NVUM survey, respondents were able to choose more than one racial 

group, resulting in the total may be more than 100 percent. In addition, race and ethnicity were 

asked as two separate questions. Thirteen percent of the forest visitors indicated that they were 

Hispanic or Latino (U.S. Forest Service, 2012), which is less than half of the four-county area 

percentage. Black or African American visitors made up 2.3 percent and American 

Indian/Alaskan Native visitors made up 3.9 percent, nearly half of the four-county area 

percentage and double the four-county area percentage respectively (Figure 36). 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 169
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Figure 36: Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Tonto National Forest Visitors, 2008

Forest Visitation by Persons with Disabilities

Providing barrier-free facilities for recreation visitors is an important part of facility and service 

planning and development for the Forest Service. In addition, persons with disabilities may be 

more reliant on motorized access to participate in activities on the Tonto National Forest. For the 

Tonto National Forest, approximately seven percent of visitors identified that they had some of 

disability (U.S. Forest Service, 2012)

Motor Vehicle Use on the Tonto National Forest 

According to a 2008 survey (U.S. Forest Service, 2012), Tonto National Forest visitors indicated 

that they participated in the following motor vehicle use related activities70: 

• Motorized trail activity (18 percent)

• Driving for pleasure (15 percent)

• OHV use (11 percent)

In addition, visitors were asked about their use of special facilities or areas (U.S. Forest Service, 

2012). Based on this information, approximately 21 percent of forest visitors indicated they had 

used a designated off road vehicle area, approximately 14 percent of forest visitors indicated they 

had used a forest road, approximately 19 percent of forest visitors indicated they had used 

motorized single track trails, and approximately 21 percent of forest visitors indicated they had 

used motorized dual track trails (U.S. Forest Service, 2012). 

Motor Vehicle Use in Arizona 

Based on study (Arizona State Parks, 2009), OHV users represent almost 22 percent of the 

Arizona population which include residents who use motorized vehicle on trails for multiple 

purposes. Of that, 11 percent of Arizona residents reported that motorized trail use accounted for 

70 Survey respondents could select multiple activities.

170 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

the majority of their time and are considered “core” users. OHV recreation is one of the most 

extensive recreational activities taking place on public and state lands in Arizona and is forecasted 

to continue to grow at an increasingly rapid rate (Arizona State Parks, 2013). 

Frequent Recreation Participants with Disabilities 

In a statewide 2013 study (Arizona State Parks), 25 percent of those surveyed identified 

themselves or someone in the household as having a disability. Also part of this survey, a subset 

of Arizonans surveyed was identified as those who participated in an activity once a week or 

more (frequent participators). Table 46 shows the recreational activities for frequent participators 

that identified themselves or someone in the household as having a disability (Arizona State 

Parks, 2013). Of those activities that require the use of a motorized vehicle, participation was at 

or above 25 percent.

Table 46: Disability Status Related to Recreational Activities

Activity

*General

Disability Hearing Speech Mental Visual Mobility

Chemical

Sensitivity

Bird-watching and 

photography 25.0% 5.6% 0.0% 2.9% 1.7% 12.8% 2.2% 

Visit a local park 21.9% 4.7% 0.0% 2.7% 2.7% 12.4% 1.6% 

Visit a natural or 

wilderness area 18.6% 4.3% 0.3% 1.3% 2.1% 10.9% 1.1% 

Nature study or 

environmental 

education activities

20.4% 4.6% 0.0% 3.9% 1.3% 9.2% 2.6% 

4-wheel driving 30.2% 5.8% 0.0% 4.5% 1.8% 20.1% 1.3% 

Off-highway vehicle 

use 25.5% 6.7% 0.0% 2.7% 1.3% 16.4% 0.9% 

RV camping 35.4% 6.9% 0.0% 2.8% 4.2% 23.6% 0.0% 

Walking, jogging or 

running on trails or at 

a park

17.7% 4.0% 0.2% 2.5% 1.8% 9.4% 1.3% 

Fishing 30.9% 9.1% 0.0% 2.8% 3.2% 20.6% 1.2% 

Hunting 22.9% 5.3% 0.0% 1.9% 1.9% 16.4% 0.5% 

Day hiking 17.6% 4.3% 0.0% 2.6% 1.7% 8.7% 1.1%

*

Respondents were allowed to choose more than one activity that they frequently participated in.

Economic and Forest Contribution Indicators

The existing conditions for economic and forest contribution in this section includes major 

economic sectors related to public lands, economic specialization, and transfer payments to 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 171
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

counties. In addition, each of these indicators is presented based on county and national data, 

along with Tonto National Forest visitation data71. 

Four-County Area Land Base Ownership 

As is the case in many western states, counties have a higher percentage of federally managed 

land than the national average. With the exception of Pinal County (19.5 percent), nearly half or 

above of the county land base for the other counties in the four-county area is federally managed 

(Headwaters Economics, 2013h). In terms of land base, nearly half of Gila County is managed by 

the Forest Service and roughly a third of Yavapai County is managed by the Forest Service, while 

the percentage managed by the Forest Service for Maricopa and Pinal Counties more closely 

reflect the national average (Table 47). 

Table 47: Land Ownership for 2011 by County, including Four-County Area and U.S.

Land 

Ownership

Gila 

County

Maricopa 

County

Pinal 

County

Yavapai 

County

Four

County 

Area U.S.

Private Lands 4.0% 29.0% 25.6% 29.4% 24.1% 58.7%

Federal Lands 57.2% 52.9% 19.5% 46.0% 45.1% 28.8%

Forest Service 55.0% 11.0% 6.4% 33.8% 24.5% 8.4%

State Lands 1.0% 12.7% 34.6% 24.6% 18.4% 8.4%

Tribal Lands 37.7% 4.6% 20.3% 0.1% 12.1% 4.0%

City, County, 

Other

n/a 0.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.3% 0.2%

Total Area 

(Acres) 3,069,101 5,903,622 3,439,308 5,201,845 17,613,876 2,286,279,509 

Federal Land Payments to Counties 

According the Profile of Federal Land Payments (Headwaters Economics, 2013j), federal land 

payments are distributed to state and local governments by the geography of origin. State and 

local government cannot tax federally owned lands the way they would if the land were privately 

owned. Therefore there are a number of federal programs that exist to compensate county 

governments for the presence of federal lands. These programs can represent a significant portion 

of local government revenue in rural counties with large federal land holdings (i.e., the fourcounty area), or based on the permitted use.

There are two main methods that Forest Service uses to pay counties: Payments in Lieu of Taxes 

(PILT), and Forest Service Revenue Sharing. Payments are funded by federal appropriations (e.g., 

PILT) and from receipts received by federal agencies from activities on federal public lands (e.g., 

timber, grazing, and minerals). The PILT payments compensate county governments for 

nontaxable federal lands within their borders. PILT is based on a maximum per-acre payment 

reduced by the sum of all revenue sharing payments and subject to a population cap. Forest 

71 Additional information about benchmark indicators for the four-county area in relationship to national values can be 

found in Appendix A of the Socioeconomic Report as part of the project record.

172 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Service Revenue Sharing is a payment based on Forest Service receipts and must be used for 

county roads and local schools. Payments include the Secure Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act. 

Over the past 25 years, Forest Service revenue sharing payments stayed relatively consistent, 

ranging from approximately $75,000 to $2,200,000, until 2008 when the payments spiked to 

approximately $7,860,000 (Figure 37). In 2012, the Forest Service revenue sharing payment was 

approximately $5,520,000. The Payments in Lieu of Taxes have mirrored the trend of the Forest 

Service revenue sharing payments over the past 25 years, but are often nearly two to three times 

greater.

Figure 37: Components of Federal Land Payments per Fiscal Year for the Four-County 

Area 

As shown in Table 48, in fiscal year (FY) 2012 PILT and Forest Service Payments still provide 

almost all the Federal Payments to the counties (Headwaters Economics, 2013j). These payments 

are also well above the national average for the four-county area and Maricopa County in 

particular. In FY 2012, PILT made up the largest percent of federal land payments in four-countycounty area (63.6 percent), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) Refuge Payments and 

Federal Mineral Royalties made up the smallest (0 percent). 

Table 48: Components of Federal Land Payments to State/Local Governments, FY 2012

Percentage of 

Total by County

Gila 

County

Maricopa 

County

Pinal 

County

Yavapai 

County

All Four 

Counties U.S.

PILT 63.5% 80.3% 70.1% 51.7% 63.6% 13.5%

Forest Service 

Payments

36.4% 14.5% 25.7% 47.1% 34.4% 11.1%

BLM Payments 0.1% 5.2% 4.2% 1.2% 2.0% 2.2%

USFWS Refuge 

Payments

0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 173
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Percentage of 

Total by County

Gila 

County

Maricopa 

County

Pinal 

County

Yavapai 

County

All Four 

Counties U.S.

Federal Mineral 

Royalties

0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 73.2%

Total ($) 5,152,217 3,490,585 1,635,784 5,774,114 16,052,701 2,902,317,025 

As a federal land management agency, the Forest Service’s revenue sharing programs are 

intended to offset the loss of tax revenue to counties that would normally be collected if the land 

ownership was state, county, city, or private. The Forest Service 25 Percent Fund, established in 

1908, shares revenue generated from the sale of commodities produced on public land with the 

county where the activities take place (Headwaters Economics, 2013j). Twenty-five percent of the 

value of public land receipts are distributed directly to counties and must be used to fund roads 

and schools. States determine how to allocate receipts between these two local services. In 

addition, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, or Public 

Law 106-393, was enacted in fiscal year 2001 and provides five years of transitional assistance to 

rural counties affected by the decline in revenue from timber harvests on federal lands. The Act 

was reauthorized for a single year in 2007, again in 2008 for a period of four years, and again in 

2012 for one year.

County governments can incur a number of costs associated with activities that take place on 

federal public lands within their boundaries (Headwaters Economics, 2013j). For example, 

counties must maintain county roads used by logging trucks and recreational traffic traveling to 

and from federal lands, and they must pay for law enforcement and emergency services

associated with public lands. Several federal land payment programs, particularly those from the 

Forest Service, are specifically targeted to help pay for these costs. These programs include: 

• Unrestricted: Consist of (1) PILT, (2) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge Revenue

Sharing, and (3) any distributions of federal mineral royalties from the state government.

• Restricted--County Roads: Consist of (1) Secure Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act (SRS) Title I, (2) Forest Service 25 Percent Fund, (3) Forest Service

Owl payments (between 1993 and 2000 only), and (4) Forest Grasslands. Federal law

mandates payments be used for county roads and public schools. Each state determines

how to split funds between the two services.

• Restricted--Special County Projects: Consist of (1) SRS Title III funds that are distributed

to county government for use on specific projects, such as Firewise Communities

projects, reimbursement for emergency services provided on federal land, and developing

community wildfire protection plans.

From 1986 to 2012, unrestricted federal payments grew from approximately $5,356,000 to 

$10,236,000 (Headwaters Economics, 2013j) (Figure 38). During that same time period, federal 

land payments restricted to county roads grew increased approximately 143 percent.

174 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Figure 38: Allocation of Federal Land Payments for the Four-County Area

Four County Area Major Economic Sectors 

Table 49 shows the changes in employment by industry between 1990 and 2000 and between 

2001 and 2011 for the four-county area (Headwaters Economics, 2013a). Of the industries listed 

in the tables, agriculture, mining, manufacturing (including forest products), and government 

employment are traditionally sectors that are associated to Forest Service management. In 

addition for this analysis, travel and tourism will be included.

Table 49: Changes in Employment by Industry

Employment Sector 2001-2011 1990-2000

Total Employment 15.5% 52.3%

Nonservices related -23.3% 41.6% 

Farm 25.1% 8.4% 

Forestry, fishing, and related activities* -4.5% 62.2% 

Mining (including fossil fuels) 65.8% -25.3%

Construction -25.6% 99.6% 

Manufacturing^ -24.9% 17.0% 

Services related 24.8% 61.5% 

Utilities 5.7% 54.1%†

Wholesale trade 3.5% 49.7% 

Retail trade 12.6% 47.5% 

Transportation and warehousing 12.5% --- 

Information -24.8% n/a

Finance and insurance‡ 31.4% 68.6%

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 175
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Employment Sector 2001-2011 1990-2000

Real estate and rental and leasing 67.9% --- 

Services --- 70.7%

Professional and technical services 24.9% ---

Management of companies/enterprises 34.9% ---

Administrative and waste services 8.2% ---

Educational services 137.5% ---

Health care and social assistance 59.1% ---

Arts, entertainment, and recreation 34.3% ---

Accommodation and food services 16.5% ---

Other, except public administration 15.5% ---

Government 15.6% 23.0%

*

Was called “agricultural services, forestry, fishing and other” in the 1990-2000 data. ^

Was called “Manufacturing (including forest products)” in the 1990-2000 data.

Influence of Agriculture

Figure 39 shows that within the four-county area, agriculture, specifically farming, makes up less 

than one percent (0.4) of the total employment by industry (Headwaters Economics, 2013d). 

Additionally, in 2011 Pinal County had the largest percent (6.9) of total county earnings from 

farming, while Gila County had the smallest percent, with a deficit of approximately 0.2 percent 

(Headwaters Economics, 2013d).

Figure 39: Employment Related to Farming as a Percent of Total Employment, 2011

Currently, there are about 100 grazing allotments on the Tonto National Forest. In some instances, 

a permittee may possess permits for multiple allotments. With the existing county data available, 

it is difficult to determine the relationship of the Tonto National Forest permitted agriculture uses 

to those for the four-county area. 

For most of the forest, motor vehicles are essential to perform range management work. Use of 

ATVs, UTVs and full-sized 4X4 vehicles enable access to remote areas of rangeland and facilitate 

transport of tools used in range monitoring. Motor vehicles are also used by permittees to 

176 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

transport livestock, build improvements, and monitor range condition. Motor vehicle use for 

range management activities is addressed in the individual permits issued to the permittee and are 

not anticipated to be effected by this travel management decision.

Influence of Mining

Figure 40 shows that within the four-county area, mining makes up less than one percent (0.31) of 

the total employment by industry (Headwaters Economics, 2013e). In 1998, mining represented 

0.61 percent of the total employment for the four-county area; by 2011 mining employment 

decreased by nearly 50 percent (Headwaters Economics, 2013e).

Figure 40: Employment Related to Mining as a Percent of Total Employment, 2011

There are currently four active and approved mines in operation on the Tonto National Forest, all 

within the Globe District. In addition, there are several hundred inactive mines across the forest. 

With the existing county data available, it is difficult to determine the relationship of the active 

mines on the Tonto National Forest to the information available for the four-county area for this 

activity. 

In addition, if, at any point, an inactive mine is proposed to become active, the motorized 

accessibility would be analyzed separately for that project. Forest Service Manual, chapter 

2813.14 describes the rights of access to a claim. “The right of reasonable access for purposes of 

prospecting, locating, and mining is provided by statute. Such access must be in accordance with 

the rules and regulations of the Forest Service. However, the rules and regulations may not be 

applied so as to prevent lawful mineral activities or to cause undue hardship on bona fide 

prospectors and miners.”

Motor vehicle use for mining activities is addressed separate from this project and are not 

anticipated to be effected by this travel management decision.

Influence of Forest Service Products

Figure 41 shows that within the four-county area, timber makes up less than one percent (0.31) of 

the total employment by industry, nearly half of the national average (Headwaters Economics, 

2013g). In 1998, timber represented 0.72 percent of the total employment for the four-county 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 177
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

area; by 2011 timber employment decreased by more than 50 percent (Headwaters Economics, 

2013g).

Figure 41: Employment Related to Timber as a Percent of Total Employment, 2011

Timber is one National Forest product that has the potential to affect county incomes. In fiscal 

year 2012, approximately 6,300 CCF (hundred cubic feet) of timber were harvested from the 

Tonto National Forest (resulting in approximately $51,000 in revenues). In addition, permits are 

issued for wood products, including fuelwood and Christmas trees. Christmas tree permits are 

sold each year through Big 5 Sporting Goods. In 2013, 950 permits were made available to the 

public for $15 each. Permits for personal-use firewood are sold at each district office. As of 2013, 

permits were $10 per cord, with a minimum of 2 cords. Permits allow collection of all species of 

tree that are dead and down and for standing dead juniper and cypress.

Influence of Government Employment

Government employment is often an important component of the overall mix of jobs in a town or 

county (Headwaters Economics, 2013f). This can be especially true of rural economies. Changes 

in government employment tend to track population trends. Local government often accounts for 

the majority of job growth in the government sector as additional services are demanded by a 

growing population. In the four-county area, government employment makes up approximately 

11 percent of the total employment, similar to the national average of approximately 14 percent 

(Headwaters Economics, 2013f) (Table 50). In 1970, government jobs represented approximately 

17 percent of total employment for the four-county area (Headwaters Economics, 2013f).

Table 50: Government Employment for 2011 by County, including Four-County Area 

and U.S.

Land 

Ownership

Gila 

County

Maricopa 

County

Pinal 

County

Yavapai 

County

Four

County 

Area U.S.

Government 23.6% 10.4% 27.5% 13.9% 11.2% 13.8%

Federal 2.3% 0.9% 2.4% 1.8% 1.0% 1.7%

Military 0.5% 0.6% 1.1% 0.6% 0.6% 1.2%

State and Local 20.8% 8.8% 24.1% 11.5% 9.5% 11.0%

178 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Land 

Ownership

Gila 

County

Maricopa 

County

Pinal 

County

Yavapai 

County

Four

County 

Area U.S.

Private Sector 75.1% 89.4% 69.5% 85.0% 88.5% 84.7%

Total 

Employment 21,367 2,180,128 75,214 79,564 2,356,273 175,834,700 

Influence of Travel and Tourism

Public lands can play a role in stimulating local employment by providing opportunities for 

recreation (Headwaters Economics, 2013i). Communities adjacent to public lands can benefit 

economically from visitors who spend money in hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and elsewhere. In 

addition, some migrants to communities with high levels of environmental and recreational 

amenities visit first as tourists and then return permanently with their families and businesses. 

Public lands can therefore also stimulate growth in nontourism sectors via in-migration. In the 

four-county area, travel and tourism make up approximately 17 percent of the total for private 

industry employment (Headwaters Economics, 2013i). From 1998 to 2011, industries associated 

with travel and tourism in the four-county increased by approximately 19 percent; during that 

same time period, nontravel and tourism industries in the four-county area increased by 

approximately 15 percent (Headwaters Economics, 2013i).

On the Tonto National Forest, there are currently 130 outfitting and guiding services with active 

special use permits that mostly focus on recreation opportunities. These services include hiking 

groups, motor vehicle tours, river access shuttles, rock climbing, and fishing and hunting guides. 

Most of these services depend on access of forest roads and motorized routes to provide the 

opportunity that they receive payment for. 

In terms of the contribution associated with game and nongame management, it was estimated 

that nearly 58 million dollars came from hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing72. However, based 

on the United States Census data aggregated by country, it is not possible to determine which 

counties directly benefited from this contribution. 

Economic Contributions Associated with Motor Vehicle Use 

In July 2006, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division reported that approximately 230,000 all-terrain 

vehicles and cycles were titled or registered in Arizona. OHV decal sales for calendar year 2011 

indicate that 481,823 vehicles less than 1,800 pounds were registered (Arizona State Parks, 

2013). These figures do not include untitled OHVs, out of state visitors, or other OHVs that 

recreate in Arizona. 

Sales of off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in Arizona grew steadily from 

1995 (a total of 3,518 motorcycles and 1,605 ATVs) to 2006 (a total of 10,189 motorcycles and 

4,449 ATVs), resulting in a 623 percent increase (Arizona State Parks, 2009). In addition, the 

popularity of side-by-side vehicles (i.e., recreational off-highway vehicles, also called utility 

terrain vehicles) increased yearly since its introduction in 2001; by 2008, side by side vehicle 

sales surpassed ATV sales in Maricopa County (Arizona State Parks, 2009). 

72 For more information, see the Game and Nongame section of this chapter.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 179
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Environmental Justice

In 1994, President Clinton issued Executive Order 12898. This order mandates that all federal 

agencies analyze the potential for their actions to disproportionately affect minority and lowincome populations. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued supplemental guidance 

to assist agencies’ compliance (CEQ 1997). The CEQ suggests the following criteria for 

identifying potential Environmental Justice populations:

• “Minority population: Minority populations should be identified where either: (a) the

minority population of the affected area exceeds 50 percent or (b) the minority population

percentage of the affected area is meaningfully greater than the minority population

percentage in the general population or other appropriate unit of geographic analysis...”

• “Low-income population: Low-income populations in an affected area should be

identified with the annual statistical poverty thresholds from the Bureau of the Census'

Current Population Reports, Series P-60 on Income and Poverty. In identifying lowincome populations, agencies may consider as a community either a group of individuals

living in geographic proximity to one another, or a set of individuals (such as migrant

workers or Native Americans73), where either type of group experiences common

conditions of environmental exposure or effect.”

Table 51 shows the distribution for race and ethnicity for the four-county area, along with visitors 

to the Tonto National Forest. In terms of the percentage of Hispanics or Latinos, their forest 

visitation representation is over half that of the four-county area. For the percentage of Blacks or 

African Americans, their forest visitation representation is nearly half that of the four-county area. 

For American Indians, Asians, and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, their forest visitation 

representation is greater to the Tonto National Forest than that of the four-county area as a whole. 

Table 51: Distribution of Race/Ethnicity by Four-County Area and Tonto National Forest

Race Four-County Area* Tonto National Forest^

Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 28.4% 13.0%

White alone 60.2% 94.8%

Black or African American alone 4.4% 2.3%

American Indian alone 2.0% 3.9%

Asian alone 3.0% 2.4%

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Is. alone 0.2% 1.1%

* Data source: Headwaters Economics, 2013c ^ Data source: NVUM, 2008

With the exception of Hispanic or Latino populations, the population size and differences 

between the four county area and forest visitation would not likely disproportionately affect these 

groups. However, based on a survey targeting Arizonans that were actively involved in outdoor 

recreation (Arizona State Parks, 2013), less than ten percent identified themselves as Hispanic or 

73 A complete analysis of the effects of this project on Native American Tribes can be found in the Contemporary 

Indian Uses section of this chapter and the Contemporary Indian Uses Report found in the project record.

180 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Latino. Based on this information, travel management would not likely disproportionately affect 

this group. 

Another indicator for analyzing environmental justice is related to income, specifically those that 

live below the poverty level. Following the Office of Management and Budget's Directive 14, the 

Census Bureau uses a set of income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to detect 

who is poor (Headwaters Economics, 2013c). If the total income for a family or an unrelated 

individual falls below the relevant poverty threshold, then the family or an unrelated individual is 

classified as being "below the poverty level" (Headwaters Economics, 2013c). Current weighted 

average estimates indicate that the poverty threshold for unrelated individuals is $11, 722 

annually and for household ranges from $14,960 (two people) to $47, 536 (nine people or more) 

(U.S. Census Bureau, accessed June 28, 2013).

In 2011 Arizona, approximately 12 percent of families had an income that was below the poverty 

level, a number that is one percent greater than the national average (United States Census, 

accessed June 28, 2013). For all people in Arizona during the same time period, approximately 16 

percent of the population was below the poverty level, nearly two percent higher than the national 

average (United States Census, accessed June 28, 2013). In terms of the four-county area, the 

percentage for individuals below the poverty line is nearly identical, while families below the 

poverty is between the average for Arizona and the nation (Headwaters Economics, 2013c) 

(Figure 42). However, when individual counties in the four-county area are examined 

independently, Gila County individuals (20.9 percent) and families (12.9 percent) below the 

poverty level are greater than the four-county area, Arizona, and national averages.

Figure 42: Individuals and Families below Poverty for 2011 by County 

and Four-County Area

With the exception of Gila County, poverty level differences across the four-county area, Arizona, 

and nationally is within one or two percent points, although the national average is the lowest in 

terms of percentages. The poverty rate for Gila County may merit environmental justice 

consideration, particularly where Forest Service management actions may affect employment, 

income, and other sources of economic well-being attached to the Forest. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 181
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Environmental Effects

This analysis determines the effects of travel management on the four countries adjacent to the 

Tonto National Forest (Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai) based on implementation of the four 

alternatives, the No Action, Alternative B, the Modified Proposed Action (Alternative C), and 

Alternative D. In addition, this analysis determines the effects of the four alternatives on current 

recreation demographics. 

Assumptions and Methodology

Assumptions Associated with County Level Social Trends 

Arizona’s population is projected to increase, nearly doubling from 2010 to 203074. With a 

projected population for 2030 of approximately 5.6 million people, it is reasonable to assume that 

visitation to the Tonto National Forest would also increase. However, without detailed 

information about whether or not the percentage increase for the forest would mirror that of the 

state is unclear.

Additionally, without a targeted survey or other forest and county specific data related to travel 

management, motor vehicle access on the Tonto National Forest is not likely to affect the 

demographics for either the four-county area or individual counties. Because of this, analysis of 

these demographics related to the four alternatives would likely not have any effect, either 

negative or positive.

Assumptions Associated with County Level Economic Trends75 

Based on the data from Table 47, over half of the Gila County land base is within Forest Service 

boundaries, while a third of Yavapai County and less than 12 percent of Maricopa and Pinal 

Counties are within Forest Service Boundaries (Headwaters Economics, 2013h). Of the four 

counties adjacent to the forest, no other Forest Service land than the Tonto National Forest is 

within Maricopa County. A portion of the Pinal County is within the Coronado National Forest, 

while Yavapai and Gila Counties are within the Coconino National Forest. However, in counties 

where the land base is within more than one National Forest, the majority of that forest is the 

Tonto National Forest. Based on the data from Table 47, over half of the Gila County land base is 

within Forest Service boundaries, while a third of Yavapai County and less than 12 percent of 

Maricopa and Pinal Counties are within Forest Service Boundaries (Headwaters Economics, 

2013h).

When it comes to the economic contribution of the Tonto National Forest to the Four-County 

Area, there are several mechanisms to take into consideration, including federal land payments, 

payments in lieu of taxes, and Forest Service Revenue Sharing. Figure 43 and Figure 44 show this 

contribution as a percentage of total general government revenue and of that percentage how 

much of the federal land base is represented by the Forest Service (Headwaters Economics, 

2013b). For the four-county area, less than one percent of the total revenue (approximately $16 

million) comes from federal lands, of which the Forest Service portion is approximately half. In 

Gila County, which has the greatest percentage of federal land within its land base (most of which 

74 According to U.S. Census Bureau website accessed on July 1, 2013. 75 For more information about economic effects associated with hunting, fishing, and wildlife, see the Game and 

Nongame Species (Wildlife Related Recreation) section of this chapter.

182 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

is Forest Service) only 3.8 percent of the total revenue (approximately 5.2 million) comes from 

the federal land sources (Headwaters Economics, 2013j). Additionally, in 2012 the four-county 

area received approximately $2.2 million in federal land payments to offset the maintenance of 

country roads (Headwaters Economics, 2013j).

Figure 43: Federal Land Payments, Percent of Total General Government Revenue, 

Fiscal Year 2007

Figure 44: Federal Land by Agency, Percentage of Total Land Area

There are several other mechanisms where the federal government can contribute to counties that 

have federal land in their land base. The following are just a few, based on employment 

industries, for 2011:

• For agriculture (including farming), less than one percent of those employed are in this

industry; the personal income from farm employment in the four-county area is

approximately $546,000 (Headwaters Economics, 2013d).

• For mining, less than one percent of those employed are in this industry; the average

annual wage for this industry in the four-county area is approximately $87,000

(Headwaters Economics, 2013e).

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 183
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

• For forest products related employment, less than one percent of those employed are in

this industry; the average annual wage for this industry in the four-county area is

approximately $38,000 (Headwaters Economics, 2013g).

• For government employment, approximately one percent of those employed are in this

industry; the personal income from federal government jobs in the four-county area is

approximately $2.6 million (Headwaters Economics, 2013f).

Decisions related to travel management, including the miles of roads and trails open to motor 

vehicle use, for the Tonto National Forest are not expected to affect any of four-county economic 

trends, including tourism and sales of off-road vehicles, because the contributions associated with 

the Tonto National Forest are such a small percent (less than five percent) of the overall economic 

contributions to the counties adjacent to the forest. In addition, areas open to motorized crosscountry travel and permit zones are not expected to affect any of four-county economic trends, 

including tourism and sales of off-road vehicles, for the same reasons as roads and trails open to 

motor vehicle use.

It is understood that some individuals may be greatly affected by the Tonto National Forest’s 

travel management decision, especially if that decision includes a greater decrease in motor 

vehicle use access. Without that level of quantitative data, the intensity that individuals may be 

affected cannot be determined. Because the effects of travel management on the four-county area, 

and even by individual counties, are so negligible, it is assumed that the four alternatives being 

analyzed would not have any effect, either negative or positive, on economic trends for Gila, 

Maricopa, Pinal, or Yavapai Counties.

Assumptions Associated with Forest Visitation Trends 

As stated earlier in this document, when the 2008 NVUM survey was being administered, a total 

of 3,496 individuals were interviewed. To extrapolate the number of total visitors, traffic counters 

were also set up throughout the Tonto National Forest. As such, when the 2008 survey (U.S.

Forest Service, 2012) results indicated that a certain percentage of the visitation participated in a 

specific activity or came from a certain area, it is not a percentage of the calculated visitors, but 

instead a weighted estimate to illustrate the trends associated with recreation on the Tonto 

National Forest. 

As indicated earlier, nearly 22 percent of the Arizona population (Arizona State Parks, 2009), or 

approximately 1.4 million people76 identified that they use motorized vehicle on trails for 

multiple purposes. Without more site specific data, it is unclear if the 22 percent would apply to 

the four-county area or the individual counties adjacent to the Tonto National Forest, as the data 

was gathered and extrapolated for the entire state. With the largest population base for the state 

within the Phoenix metropolitan area, there is a high probability that the percentage participating 

in motorized recreation on the adjacent Tonto National Forest is greater than the percentage for 

the state. But without data to support this observation, no analysis will be completed to determine 

the specific effects of travel management on the Tonto National Forest on 22 percent of the state’s 

population. 

76 According to U.S. Census Bureau website accessed on July 1, 2013.

184 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

No Action (Alternative A)

This alternative acts as the baseline, allowing the decision maker to understand the effects of 

travel management if no decision is made. As indicated in Chapter 2 of the draft EIS, although 

there is a specific amount of roads open for motorized travel, many of the designated closed and 

decommissioned roads are currently open to motorized travel. Without knowing specifically 

which roads are currently open, the analysis for this alternative will be based on the existing road 

data, including the inconsistencies outlined in Chapter 2 of this document. 

Direct and Indirect Effects 

As indicated in the assumptions section of this report, the effects from travel management on the 

Tonto National Forest on the social and economic trends of the four-county area are negligible 

and cannot be quantitatively analyzed. As populations in Arizona increase, and the potential for a 

similar increase in motorized use, contributions related to motorized travel would be expected to 

also increase; however, since these contributions are so small to the overall economy of the fourcounty area, this increase is not likely to effect the overall economy or demographic distribution 

of the counties adjacent to the forest.

Environmental Justice Effects 

In small towns within and adjacent to the Tonto National Forest, some individuals and families 

depend on the ability to gather fuelwood or hunt game species as a means of subsistence. These 

people may also be those that are below the poverty level, although there is no current data to 

indicate this direct connection. Often, the gathering of fuelwood and the retrieval of game 

requires the use of a motorized vehicle. Currently, forest users are able to get a permit to collect 

fuelwood in designated areas within the Globe, Payson, Pleasant, and Tonto Basin ranger 

districts. In addition, the Arizona Game and Fish Department issues hunting permits; and on the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts cross-country travel is permitted, including for the 

retrieval of game. If the Tonto National Forest decides to take no action to implement the travel 

management rule, the ability to access these resources using a motor vehicle would continue. 

There is no legal requirement to allow people with disabilities to use motor vehicles in areas that 

are closed to motor vehicle use. Restrictions on motor vehicle use that are applied consistently to 

everyone are not discriminatory. Generally, granting an exemption from designations for people 

with disabilities would not be consistent with the resource protection and other management 

objectives of travel management and would fundamentally alter the nature of the Forest Service's 

travel management program (29 U.S.C. 794; 7 CFR 15e.103). 

Under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, no person with a disability can be denied 

participation in a Federal program that is available to all other people solely because of his or her 

disability. Consistent with 36 CFR 212.1, FSM 2353.05, and Title V, Section 507(c), of the 

Americans With Disabilities Act, wheelchairs and mobility devices, including those that are 

battery-powered, that are designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion 

and that are suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area, are allowed on all National Forest 

System lands that are open to foot travel. 

When it comes to accessing dispersed camping sites using a motor vehicle, the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts allow everyone this opportunity, regardless of disability, and there 

is no charge to the forest visitor associated with this type of use. On the remaining four districts, 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 185
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

this type of access is not permitted, although there are several examples where it is currently 

happening on the ground based on disturbance. For those that would need motorized access 

(based the inability to pay for developed sites or disabilities) to disperse camp in these districts, 

they could be negatively affected; however, there is no site specific data to indicate the magnitude 

of this effect.

With the exception of dispersed camping, implementation of this alternative is not expected to 

affect persons with disabilities related to access and motor vehicle use.

Cumulative Effects 

Because the direct and indirect effects, even those associated with environmental justice, are 

negligible under this alternative, and travel management decisions on adjacent forests that impact 

one or more counties in the four-county area still allow for fuelwood gathering and access for 

those persons with disabilities, there are no cumulative effects associated with social and 

economic trends.

Alternative B

This alternative proposes to decrease the current motorized route system by nearly half, not allow 

for the retrieval of game species via a motor vehicle, limits motorized access to designated 

dispersed camping sites, and decreases the distance off of a designated roads and motorized trails 

that motor vehicles can be used to gather fuelwood.

Direct and Indirect Effects 

Although this alternative decreases motorized access on designated routes, does not allow the use 

of a motor vehicle to retrieve big game, and decreasing the area for permitted fuelwood gathering 

using a motor vehicle and limits dispersed camping to designated sites, the effects from travel 

management on the Tonto National Forest on the social and economic trends of the four-county 

area are negligible. 

As populations in Arizona increase, and the potential for a similar increase in motorized use, 

contributions related to motorized travel would be expected to also increase; however, with the 

data available showing that these contributions are so small to the overall economy of the fourcounty area, this increase is not likely to effect the overall economy or demographic distribution 

of the counties adjacent to the forest. 

Environmental Justice Effects 

In this alternative, gathering fuelwood using a motorized vehicle is limited to within 300 feet of 

designated roads and motorized trails within fuelwood gathering permit areas. In the No Action 

Alternative, the area available for fuelwood gathering is approximately 1.35 million acres. In this 

alternative, that area is decreased to approximately 133,000 acres. As fuelwood becomes scarce in 

this corridor, permit holders may be unable to fuelwood77. For those that live below the poverty 

level that depend on fuelwood for household heating and cooking, this substantial decrease could 

77 A detailed account of fuelwood permits and gathering trends can be found in the Short-Term Uses and Long-Term 

Productivity section of this chapter.

186 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

disproportionately affect this segment of the population. Each year approximately 1,500 permits 

are issued and are for the Tonto National Forest only. However, no economic data is collected 

when a permit is issued. Thus, of the 1,500 permits issued yearly there is no way to determine 

what percentage of the permits is issued to those that live below the poverty line. 

For those individuals that depend on game species to feed themselves or their family, potentially 

those living below the poverty level, this restriction could negatively affect this segment of the 

population if they rely on motor vehicles to retrieve game. However, since the Arizona Game and 

Fish Department does not currently offer a reduced rate license fee for those below the poverty 

level, nor do they track economic data on those applying for a license78; it is not possible to 

quantify these effects.

This alternative limits motorized access for dispersed camping to designated dispersed sites that 

are accessible by a designated road or motorized trail (approximately 65 acres total). This 

limitation has the potential to negatively affect those that would need motorized access (based the 

inability to pay for developed sites or disabilities) to disperse camp in these districts. 

Cumulative Effects 

Because the direct and indirect effects on the general population are negligible under this 

alternative, there are no cumulative effects associated with social and economic trends for the 

four-county area.

This alternative has the potential to negatively affect those below the poverty level, one of the 

potential Environmental Justice populations, if additional economic stressors are present, such as 

difficulty finding means for heating and cooking sources like personal use fuelwood. However, 

without detailed data that is currently not available, it is not possible to quantify this effect.

Alternative C

This alternative proposes to decrease the current motorized route system by about 1,400 miles, 

allow the use of a motor vehicle for the retrieval of game species up to one mile on both sides of 

all designated roads and motorized trails, limit the use of a motor vehicle to accesses dispersed 

camping up to 100 feet on both sides of all designated roads and motorized trails, and decreases 

the distance off of a designated roads and motorized trails that motor vehicles can be used to 

gather fuelwood to 300 feet on both sides of motorized routes within designated permitted areas. 

Direct and Indirect Effects 

Although this alternative decreases motorized access on designated routes and to retrieve big 

game while decreasing the area for permitted fuelwood gathering using a motor vehicle and the 

overall area allowed for motorized access of dispersed camping sites, the effects from travel 

management would be negligible. Additionally, the effect to the overall economy or demographic 

distribution of the counties adjacent to the forest would be the same as Alternative B. 

78 Information from Arizona Game and Fish Department hunting website accessed July 2, 2013.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 187
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Environmental Justice Effects 

In this alternative, gathering fuelwood using a motorized vehicle is limited to within 300 feet on 

both sides of designated roads and motorized trails within fuelwood gathering permit areas, 

resulting in approximately 162,000 acres (a substantial decrease from the existing condition). 

Although the designated motorized route system would be different than Alternative B, the width 

of the permitted motorized gathering corridor (300 feet both sides) would be the same and would 

have the same effects to those that rely on fuelwood gathering for heating and cooking needs, 

often those that live below the poverty level. 

In terms of hunting, this alternative would allow permitted hunters to retrieve elk and bear within 

one mile of designated roads and motorized trails. This results in approximately 1.3 million acres 

open, as opposed to approximately 704,000 acres open to motorized retrieval in the No Action 

Alternative. For those individuals that depend on game species to feed themselves or their family 

(potentially those living below the poverty level), this increase in motorized access could 

positively affect this segment of the population if they rely on motor vehicles to retrieve game. 

However, since the Arizona Game and Fish Department does not currently offer a reduced rate 

license fee for those below the poverty level, nor do they track economic data on those applying 

for a license79, it is not possible to quantify these effects.

This alternative allows motorized access for dispersed within 100 feet on both sides of designated 

roads and motorized trails, resulting in approximately 91,000 acres open for accessing dispersed 

camping using a motor vehicle and allows use within all six ranger districts on the Tonto Nation 

Forest. This proposed change has the potential to positively affect those that would need 

motorized access (based the inability to pay for developed sites or disabilities) to disperse camp 

in these districts. 

Cumulative Effects 

Because the direct and indirect effects on the general population are negligible under this 

alternative, there are no cumulative effects associated with social and economic trends for the 

four-county area.

This alternative would have the same effects as Alternative B to those below the poverty level, 

one of the potential Environmental Justice populations, in terms of gathering fuelwood using a 

motor vehicle. 

Alternative D

This alternative proposes to decrease the current motorized route system by about 100 miles, 

allow the use of a motor vehicle for the retrieval of game species up to one mile on both sides of 

all designated roads and motorized trails, limit the use of a motor vehicle to accesses dispersed 

camping up to 300 feet on both sides of all designated roads and motorized trails, and allow the 

use of a motor vehicles anywhere in the permitted fuelwood gathering area to gather fuelwood. 

79 Information from Arizona Game and Fish Department hunting website accessed July 2, 2013.

188 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Direct and Indirect Effects 

Although this alternative increases motorized access across the forest, the effects from travel 

management on the Tonto National Forest on the social and economic trends of the four-county 

area are negligible and cannot be quantitatively analyzed. Thus, the effects from this alternative 

are anticipated to be the same as those in Alternatives B and C. 

Environmental Justice Effects 

In this alternative, gathering fuelwood using a motorized vehicle would stay the same as the No 

Action Alternative, resulting in an area of approximately 1.35 million acres. Although this 

alternative proposes no change from the current conditions, it is not currently possible to 

determine if this area is large enough and distributed in such a manner as to not put undue 

hardship on those below the poverty level that depend on this resource to heat their house or cook 

their food.

In terms of hunting, this alternative would allow permitted hunters to retrieve elk, bear, and deer 

within the appropriate game units on the Tonto National Forest80. For those individuals that 

depend on game species to feed themselves or their family (potentially those living below the 

poverty level), this increase in motorized access could positively affect this segment of the 

population if they rely on motor vehicles to retrieve game. However, since the Arizona Game and 

Fish Department does not currently offer a reduced rate license fee for those below the poverty 

level, nor do they track economic data on those applying for a license81; it is not possible to 

quantify these effects.

This alternative allows motorized access within 300 feet on both sides of all designated roads and 

motorized trails, resulting in approximately 336,000 acres open for accessing dispersed camping 

using a motor vehicle and allows use within all six ranger districts on the Tonto nation forest. 

This proposed change has the potential to positively affect those that would need motorized 

access (based the inability to pay for developed sites or disabilities) to disperse camp in these 

districts. 

Cumulative Effects 

Because the direct and indirect effects on the general population are negligible under this 

alternative, there are no cumulative effects associated with social and economic trends for the 

four-county area.

Heritage Resources

Affected Environment

During the past 30 years, Tonto National Forest Heritage Resource specialists, permitted 

consultants, and volunteers, in compliance with Sections 106 and 110 of the 1966 National 

Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended, have inventoried approximately 7 percent of 

nearly 3 million acres that comprise the Forest. Well over 10,000 archaeological, historical, and 

cultural sites (collectively known herein as cultural resources) have been recorded by that effort. 

80 For more information on game management units, please see the Game and Nongame Species section of this chapter. 81 Information from Arizona Game and Fish Department hunting website accessed July 2, 2013.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 189
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Some inventoried sites date back to as much as 12,000 years ago. These sites range from simple 

artifact scatters to massive prehistoric masonry structures and cliff dwellings, from barely visible 

Apache camps to entire historic mining towns. Thirty-two of these sites have been listed on the 

National Register of Historic Places; thousands more have been determined to be eligible for 

listing. Based on the number and quality of sites recorded in this small percentage of the Forest, it 

is apparent that the Tonto National Forest has a very high density of significant archaeological 

sites overall. Many of these sites are fragile and easily damaged by motorized vehicles running 

over them and all of them are susceptible to further damage, and even loss, from erosion that 

often accompanies uncontrolled cross-country motorized travel. In addition to direct physical 

impacts to archaeological and historic sites, indirect impacts to the environmental context of these 

sites can result from both cross-country travel and high densities of established routes. 

The Forest currently contains 4,959 miles of roads open to the public, many of which, owing to 

high archaeological and historical site density, have inevitably impacted a variety of cultural 

resources. Many of these roads originated in the late 19th century and have been in continual use 

ever since. Many more were built prior to the passage of the NHPA, and were constructed without 

regard for their potential impacts to archaeological or historic sites. As a result, hundreds of 

archaeological sites on the Tonto National Forest have been documented in the inventory as 

having been damaged by past road construction and maintenance activities.

In the past, looters used existing roads for access but often created roads to get to ruins by 

traveling cross-country, particularly as the availability of four wheel drive vehicles increased 

dramatically after World War II. As a result of this activity, heaviest in the period between 1950 

and 1980, many ruins in proximity to roads were vandalized, looted, and damaged. Site condition 

in areas accessible by road prior to 1980 is generally poor, though vandalism and looting damage 

to sites on the Forest is not limited to these areas. Vandalism to sites within a few hundred meters 

of existing roads continues sporadically, but today many of those same roads, including those 

originally pioneered by pothunters, are used to monitor and protect those sites from further 

damage.

Visiting archaeological sites has long been a popular recreational pursuit on the Tonto National 

Forest; so that today we also protect sites for the public. The purposes for and attitudes about 

public visitation have changed drastically over the last few decades. Prior to enactment of the 

1979 Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and creation of the Arizona Site Stewards 

volunteer monitoring program in the 1980s, vandalism and looting of archaeological sites in 

central Arizona was widespread and highly destructive, but was considered acceptable behavior 

by many Americans who took pride in showing off their looted collections at county fairs and 

wrote articles about their adventures in the Sunday supplements and outdoor magazines. At least 

half the archaeological sites in the recorded inventory of the Tonto National Forest have suffered 

to one extent or another, some to the point of having been virtually destroyed by looters. 

However, since then, enforcement of the new law and its stiff penalties and the widespread use of 

the Site Stewards program have decreased vandalism and looting considerably, almost to the 

point of being eliminated, at least in heavily-visited parts of the Forest. Occasional incidents 

continue to be reported and investigated, but now tend to be located in more remote parts of the 

Forest and almost always involve casual, unfocused digging in sites that have already been 

extensively looted. 

In 2010, a condition and damage assessment of 96 previously recorded archaeological sites on the 

Tonto National Forest was conducted as a volunteer project for the Forest by the Center for 

190 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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Desert Archaeology (CDA) to provide data for this analysis (Hedquist and Ellison, 2010)82. This 

analysis was done to investigate the relationship between site damage and proximity to roads on 

the Tonto National Forest. Analysis of the amount of damage done over the last 35 years to sites 

within a sample of 225 sites on the Forest—all Priority Heritage Asset sites and sites with 

documented damage assessment—shows that there has been a dramatic reduction in the level of 

vandalism. Prior to 1979, estimates of damage to sites in the sample document a total volume of 

disturbance equivalent to approximately 24,880 cubic meters. Since that time, inspections and 

damage assessments for all sites in the sample document only a total of 1,884 cubic meters of 

disturbance. This is a 92.5 percent reduction in measurable disturbance to sites resulting from all 

forms of vandalism after 1979 and the passage of ARPA and the development of monitoring 

practices that include both regular Forest Service inspections, Site Steward monitoring, and 

reporting by Forest visitors.

An archaeological survey conducted in 2010 under contract for this analysis (Roberts and 

Mitchell, 2010), has been completed for a 50 foot (15 meters) wide corridor along 170 

unclassified, unauthorized routes proposed at that time for designation as system roads and 

motorized trails, along with three OHV areas proposed for designation on Globe and Mesa ranger 

districts. This inventory was conducted under the guidelines established by the Protocol. It 

identified a total of 86 archaeological sites ranging in size and complexity from simple artifact 

scatters to multi-room masonry structures. Included were several historic sites and one or two that 

may reflect the use of the area by Yavapai and/or Apache in the last several centuries. But the vast 

majority of these sites were prehistoric, related to the Hohokam archaeological culture, and dating 

to various times between approximately 800 and 1400 A.D. 

Desired Conditions

Management of motorized travel on the Tonto National Forest will protect and preserve cultural 

resources in their natural environment, provide recreational access for site visitation, provide 

Tribal access to traditional use and sacred sites, and reduce vandalism while facilitating law 

enforcement and other forms of protection. 

Environmental Effects

Assumptions and Methodology

Analysis of the specific effects to cultural resources related to travel management can be complex 

and the potential effects may seem contradictory, and the solutions typically reflect that situation. 

Access can be both beneficial and detrimental depending on what aspects of preservation, 

management, and use of cultural resources are under discussion.

Cultural resources, depending on their nature and composition, are subject to several different 

types of impact from activities associated with motorized recreation and transportation. 

Archaeological and historic sites are irreplaceable and individually unique. Their integrity is 

wholly dependent on the contextual relationship between artifacts, architecture, and the 

environment in which they are found, something that cannot be recreated or restored once 

disturbed. They are also, by their very nature, previously affected, reduced by the transformation 

82 More information about this survey can be found in the Heritage Resource Report in the project record.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 191
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processes of erosion and decay from their original pristine state. Any effect to such sites, 

therefore, is cumulative; they can’t grow back and their populations cannot rebound.

The Southwestern Region Programmatic Agreement between the Advisory Council on Historic 

Preservation, Forest Service Region 3 and the State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs) of 

New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona (1994, as amended 2003, hereafter referred to as the 

Programmatic Agreement) (U.S. Forest Service, R3, 2003-2007) recognizes this situation and 

accepts that continued use and routine maintenance of system roads and motorized trails, even 

where there are known historic properties or cultural resources, does not necessarily constitute an 

adverse effect to these properties when the proposed work is clearly confined to previously 

disturbed contexts and will not increase or expand this disturbance. Any maintenance or 

modification outside of their existing disturbance area of a road, that is the area that includes the 

roadbed itself and any ditches, cuts, or fills on either side (the road’s “prism”) or that would 

increase the existing disturbance or widen the prism is subject to Section 106 of the National 

Historic Preservation Act and so must avoid or mitigate any additional effects. Nevertheless, 

known instances of site damage from use or maintenance will go through the 106 process and 

adverse effects will be avoided or mitigated. 

A nation-wide Forest Service policy for travel management route designation was developed in 

2006 with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. In addition, Region 3 developed 

guidance for travel management route designation as Appendix I to the Region’s Programmatic 

Agreement, Standard Consultation Protocol for Travel Management Route Designation (Protocol) 

(U.S. Forest Service, R3, 2003-2007). The protocol was developed in consultation with the New 

Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona SHPOs, the Advisory Council, and tribes. The forests in 

Region 3 follow the protocol to meet their Section 106 responsibilities. Both the National Policy 

and the Region 3 protocol hold that a decision to designate a system of already existing roads and 

trails currently open for motor vehicle use will have little or no potential to affect historic 

properties. Adding new roads, trails, areas and other vehicular access-related facilities such as 

parking lots or pullouts and areas not already incorporated into the designated National Forest 

System of roads, such as unauthorized routes, may have such potential, however, and so must 

comply with section 106. 

Assumptions Associated with Direct Effects 

Direct effects to cultural resources, especially archaeological sites, can be generally defined as 

anything that results in removal of, displacement of, or damage to artifacts, features, or 

stratigraphic deposits of cultural material. 

In the case of cultural resources which are considered eligible for inclusion in the National 

Register of Historic Places, direct effects can also include alterations of a property's setting or 

context. Unrestricted and uncontrolled motorized vehicular use off of National Forest System 

roads that result in erosion and changes in vegetative composition and density is an example of 

how motor vehicle use can alter the setting and geographic context of sites. In the case of 

traditional cultural properties and sacred places, additional considerations may include alterations 

in the presence or availability of particular plant species. 

Direct impacts from motor vehicle recreation are generally considered to be those resulting from 

construction, use, and maintenance of facilities, such as campgrounds, picnic areas, roads, and 

parking lots. In this context, that would include the designation of an unauthorized route into a 

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designated road and motorized trail system and the use of that route, if it passes through the 

boundary of an archaeological or historic site or a traditional use or sacred place. It would also 

include designation of areas, which unlike designated routes, allow cross-country motorized 

travel. 

According to the documentation in the archaeological site inventory for the Tonto, many sites on 

the Forest have already been damaged by OHV cross-country travel and dispersed motorized 

camping, evidenced by unauthorized roads, trails, tire tracks, fire rings, and trash being present. It 

is not known to what extent this has taken place, since such data has not been consistently 

recorded over the past 50 years. And sites have been inventoried by many different individuals 

and institutions. However, this damage is not uncommon, especially in the more popular camping 

areas. Some of this damage may also have come from motorized big game retrieval, but without 

specific evidence, a track through a site can’t be differentiated between motorized big game 

retrieval and any other form of OHV cross-country activity.

Assumptions Associated with Indirect Effects 

Indirect impacts to cultural resources come from activities associated with the use, particularly 

the recreational use, of roads and the activities people undertake once having accessed their 

destinations. The most commonly cited indirect effects are site contamination with modern trash 

and surface artifact displacement associated with camping and site visitation and the actual 

destruction of features, cultural deposits, and archaeological context by vandalism and looting. 

Camping and trash disposal are activities associated with roads that can be anticipated and 

planned for with various ways to minimize their effects. 

However, as noted above, evidence and experience clearly show that the social and legal climate 

has changed regarding this activity since the passage of the Archaeological Resources Protection 

Act (ARPA) in 1979. What was once considered a harmless pastime or legitimate hobby is now 

generally recognized by the public, and by informed Forest visitors in particular, as an illegal 

activity that, at the very least, diminishes the legitimate recreational experience of visiting 

archaeological sites and robs us all of a part of our shared heritage. In this post-ARPA climate, 

vehicular access is not so much a threat to cultural resources as it is a means to provide that 

legitimate recreational experience and a tool for land managers to facilitate the protection and 

preservation of this resource. The primary threat from vehicular access today – much as it was 

prior to ARPA – is the physical damage to sites from road construction and uncontrolled crosscountry travel. The relationship between roads and looting over the last century or so has been 

neither constant nor straightforward and simple proximity between motorized access and 

archaeological sites without accounting for the nature of the motorized use or the condition and 

characteristics of the sites is not an infallible indicator of a threat.

Reporting of vandalism, a key aspect of protection and law enforcement, is often a direct 

reflection of vehicular access. Forest Service personnel and volunteer monitors from the Arizona 

Site Stewards program report incidents at sites they can get to. Because of the change in attitudes 

post-ARPA, Forest visitors also report violations on a regular basis. The direct result of increased 

visitation and access by heritage professionals, law enforcement officers, volunteer monitors, and 

a concerned public has been a sharply reduced incidence of looting and vandalism of 

archaeological sites on the Tonto National Forest since the passage of ARPA in 1979.

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And yet the attitude persists that making archaeological sites difficult to find or access is the best 

way to protect them, even going so far as to suggest that if it is difficult to monitor a site, then it 

would also be more difficult for vandals and looters to disturb that site. This is a fundamentally 

incorrect assumption for two reasons. First of all, pothunters and Site Stewards – the majority of 

our volunteer monitors, who are generally retired seniors – do not have the same levels of 

motivation and physical ability. Second, if it is more difficult to observe a site, it is therefore 

easier for a pothunter to avoid detection at that site. Limiting the ability to monitor sites merely 

guarantees the pothunter exclusive access to an area where he will have relative assurance of not 

being observed.

Indirect effects from the closing of motorized routes can include a reduction in the agency’s 

ability to protect sites from vandalism and looting. They can also reduce accessibility of 

traditional resources and sacred areas to Tribal people. 

Assumptions Associated with Unauthorized Routes and 

Decommissioned Roads 

Under the Protocol, all newly designated roads, trails, corridors, and areas must comply with 

Section 106. If any cultural resources are found, the protection measures identified in the Protocol 

must be implemented to avoid or mitigate any impacts. Documentation is needed to demonstrate 

that either the route does not encounter any cultural resources or that any adverse effects have 

been resolved in compliance with section 106, just like any other ground-disturbing activity under 

the terms of the Programmatic Agreement. No new route can be designated or displayed on the 

MVUM without completing this process. Where mitigation is not feasible, the routes cannot be 

designated as open or included in the MVUM.

Mitigation of impacts to cultural resources resulting from the designation of motorized routes is 

best accomplished by avoidance. It can also be achieved by maximizing opportunities to localize 

recreational activities, especially those involving motor vehicle use, to those areas where cultural 

resources are least likely to be affected. Specific recommendations regarding particular routes 

will be developed upon analysis of the survey data and field inspection of site locations; routes 

may be realigned and relocated to avoid sites or they may, if potential impacts are too great or the 

terrain does not effectively allow relocation, be dropped from the proposal. Decommissioning 

unauthorized routes is outside the scope of this analysis and will require separate analyses and 

decisions.

Assumptions Associated with Areas Open to Motorized Cross -

country Travel 

Under the current Forest plan, the southern Ranger Districts, Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto 

Basin are closed to unrestricted cross-country motorized travel, but it is allowed on the Payson

and Pleasant Valley Districts. Under the terms of the Protocol, designation of a specific area for 

unrestricted cross-country motorized access, like the designation of a previously unauthorized 

route, requires Section 106 consultation and, unless the specific exemptions under the protocol 

apply, must be surveyed, evaluated, and any effects to archaeological sites resolved under the 

protection measures established in the Protocol before they can be added to the MVUM.

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Assumptions Associated with Permit Zones 

There is currently only one permit zone on the Forest. Since travel in a permit zones is restricted 

to designated roads and by implementing the Travel Management Rule, motorized travel would 

only be permitted on designated roads, trails, and areas, the effects associated with permit zones 

will not be analyzed separate from the current and proposed motorized route system. 

Assumptions Associated with Motorized Big Game Retrieval 

Although specific documentation of impacts to sites due to motorized big game retrieval is not 

Although specific documentation of impacts to sites due to motorized big game retrieval is not 

readily available, it is unlikely that this activity in and of itself would have a significant effect on 

archaeological sites. The dispersed, short-term and non-repetitive nature of the impact, relatively 

few permits issued, limited duration of hunting seasons, and typically low hunter success rates on 

the Tonto National Forest, combined with a natural tendency to avoid riding or driving over 

difficult obstacles such as collapsed prehistoric masonry walls, suggests that the probability of 

damage to archaeological sites resulting from this activity would be low. Nevertheless, 

unrestricted cross-country OHV travel always has a potential for impacting archaeological sites, 

degrading traditional use areas, and disrupting traditional activities. Though it may be difficult to 

accurately quantify, authorizing or designating parameters for motorized big game retrieval may 

be a potential source of impact, especially where it opens up areas to legal cross-country travel

that were previously restricted. 

Assumptions Associated with Motorized Access for Dispersed 

Camping 

Motorized access to dispersed camping locations, whether they are adjacent to roads and trails or 

located at a distance, has the same potential to impact cultural resources as any other type of cross 

country motorized travel. Since this seems to be a repetitive behavior as camp sites are used over 

and over again, this impact may be significant depending on the type of site and its environmental 

context. Management of motorized access to dispersed camping locations can be done in several 

ways: roadside parking without designated camping sites, designated camping sites with 

designated access routes, and designated corridors for motorized access to dispersed camping. 

Roadside parking for access to dispersed campsites adjacent to roads is exempted under the 

Protocol and allowable under the current Plan on the northern districts where cross-country travel

is currently allowed. This has been the traditional way that forest users have camped on all 

Districts of the Tonto National Forest. Because this activity typically takes place in heavily 

disturbed areas along edges of existing roads, there are few new threats to cultural resources. 

Nevertheless, if areas are found during routine monitoring where roadside parking is damaging

cultural resources, then those areas may be designated as closed to parking if effects to cultural 

resources cannot be avoided or mitigated. Unauthorized routes that are to be designated can also 

be closed to parking, if archaeological inventory identifies the potential for impacts that cannot be 

resolved under the protection measures established in the Protocol. 

Designated camping areas and motorized routes to access them and designated fixed distance 

corridors along system roads, even exempt roads, both require Section 106 consultation under the 

Protocol and, unless the specific exemptions under the protocol apply, must be surveyed, 

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

evaluated, and any effects to archaeological sites resolved under the protection measures 

established in the Protocol before they can be added to the MVUM. 

Assumptions Associated with Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood 

Gathering 

Cross-country motorized travel is authorized as part of any permit to collect fuelwood, regardless 

of whether the District issuing is closed or open to such activity. As a permitted use, it is not 

considered to be in the same category as unrestricted cross-country travel and the permits include 

rules for motorized access into the permit areas that are designed to limit environmental damage. 

Also, firewood permit areas move around to prevent overuse, limiting the potential for repetitive 

impacts on any given permitted location. Generally, these permit areas are defined ahead of time 

and where cross–country travel is restricted, firewood areas may be subject to archaeological 

clearance, in which case it is common practice to modify permit boundaries to limit the exposure 

of archaeological sites to vehicular impacts. While the small numbers of permits, low potential 

for repetitive impacts, and limitations on access built into the permits reduce concerns for damage 

to archaeological sites, cross-country OHV travel always has a potential for impacting 

archaeological sites, degrading traditional use areas, and disrupting traditional activities.

Alternative A – Direct and Indirect Effects

Current conditions include a total of about 4,959 miles of Forest system roads open to the public 

and maintained for both high clearance and passenger vehicles. Cross-country motorized travel is 

allowed but is restricted to the higher elevation Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts. There 

are also about 672 miles of unauthorized routes that have been inventoried across the Forest, 

many of which are currently in use; there are also many more unauthorized routes resulting from 

cross-country travel than have been inventoried. 

Cross -country Travel 

Continued cross-country travel on Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts would result in 

continued damage to cultural resources. Enforcement of restrictions on uncontrolled motorized 

travel off of system roads on other ranger districts would reduce impacts to cultural resources. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Although specific documentation of impacts to sites due to motorized big game retrieval is not 

readily available, it is unlikely that this activity in and of itself as currently experienced on the 

Forest, where cross-country travel is open on only two ranger districts, would have a significant 

effect on archaeological sites.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Continued vehicular access to dispersed camping on Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts 

outside the roadside zone covered by the Protocol would not reduce the potential for impacts, 

especially as many known dispersed camping sites are located well outside the roadside parking 

zone. Continued cross-country access to dispersed camping on the other districts, though not 

authorized, would continue to create a potential for impacts to cultural resources.

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Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering 

Cross-country travel for fuelwood gathering always has a potential for impacting archaeological 

sites, degrading traditional use areas, and disrupting traditional activities. The effects to 

archaeological sites may be mitigated somewhat by the conditions applied to all fuelwood 

permits, but the potential threat remains.

Alternative B – Direct and Indirect Effects

Designations of unauthorized routes and proposed cross-country areas are undertakings subject to 

compliance with the inventory, consultation, and protection requirements of the Protocol. Under 

the terms of the Protocol, before any route can be added to the MVUM, it must comply with 

Section 106. Any routes or areas that affect cultural resources and that have not had those effects 

resolved by protection measures of the Protocol would not appear on the MVUM and thus would 

not be open to the public.

Under this alternative, approximately 541 miles of the inventoried unauthorized routes would be 

closed. A total of about 50 miles of unauthorized routes would be added to the system and 

designated for motor vehicle use. The resulting motorized route system would total 

approximately 2,560 miles of designated roads and motorized trails open to the public, for a net 

reduction of 393 miles.

Approximately 1.96 miles (3.8 percent) of 50 foot wide corridors along those unclassified routes 

proposed for designation as roads or motorized trails in this alternative were inventoried by 

archaeological survey (Roberts and Mitchell, 2010). Since the survey was contracted, additional 

routes have been proposed for designation and some of the routes previously identified were 

dropped from consideration. Over 48 of the 50 miles of unauthorized routes proposed for 

designation still require inventory before they can be evaluated for addition to the MVUM. This 

additional archaeological survey, under the terms of the Protocol, would be phased in as funding 

becomes available. Of the four routes surveyed, two were encumbered by archaeological sites, the 

routes passing through them with varying degrees of disturbance. These routes would also be held 

from inclusion in the MVUM pending further analysis and the application of protective measures 

or they would be eliminated from the proposal if no suitable mitigation is feasible.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Compared to the current condition, by prohibiting travel off of designated routes and closing over 

540 miles of unauthorized routes, this alternative would significantly reduce direct and indirect 

effects to cultural resources by restricting cross-country travel and by employing the protection 

measures identified in the Protocol. Any restriction or reduction of uncontrolled off-road travel 

would reduce impacts to cultural resources. It differs from the other alternatives primarily by 

closing nearly all unauthorized routes and eliminating all cross-country travel areas, including 

motorized big game retrieval. 

In terms of the total number and nature of routes, effects on cultural resources from this 

alternative are significantly reduced compared to the current condition. By eliminating virtually 

all cross-country travel, including big game retrieval, it affords more protection to cultural 

resources from the direct effects of unregulated vehicular impacts than any other alternative.

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Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Since no motorized big game retrieval would be allowed under this alternative, there would be no 

effect on cultural resources. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Under this alternative, motorized access for dispersed camping would be limited to designated 

campsites and designated access routes. The protocol requires that any such designated areas or 

routes be subject to consultation and would require archaeological clearance prior to being added 

to the MVUM. Therefore, motorized access to dispersed camping under this alternative would 

have no direct effect on cultural resources. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering 

Under current conditions, cross-country travel is allowed anywhere within the permit area. Under 

this alternative, such access is permitted only within 300 feet on both sides of designated 

motorized routes within the permit areas. This would reduce the potential for impacting 

archaeological sites, degrading traditional use areas, and disrupting traditional activities, but does 

not eliminate it. 

Alternative C – Direct and Indirect Effects

Designations of unauthorized routes and proposed cross-country areas are undertakings subject to 

compliance with the inventory, consultation, and protection requirements of the Protocol. Under 

the terms of the Protocol, before any route can be added to the MVUM, any adverse effects the 

route may have on cultural resources would need to be avoided or mitigated and compliance with 

Section 106 documented. Any routes or areas that affect cultural resources and that have not had 

those effects resolved by protection measures of the Protocol would not appear on the MVUM 

and thus would not be open to the public.

Under this alternative, approximately 342 miles of existing unauthorized routes would be closed. 

A total of 330 miles of unauthorized roads and trails would be added to the system and designated 

for motor vehicle use. The resulting motorized route system would total about 3,570 miles of 

designated roads and motorized trails open to the public for a net increase from the current 

condition of over 617 miles, but would restrict cross-country travel to designated corridors and 

areas. 

Approximately 124 miles (37.4 percent) of 50 foot wide corridors along those unclassified routes 

proposed for designation as roads or motorized trails in this alternative were inventoried by 

archaeological survey (Roberts and Mitchell, 2010). Since the survey was contracted additional 

routes have been proposed for designation and some of the routes previously identified were 

dropped from consideration. Approximately 206 of the 330 miles of unauthorized routes proposed 

for designation still require inventory before they can be evaluated for addition to the MVUM. 

This additional archaeological survey, under the terms of the Protocol, would be phased in as 

funding becomes available. Of the 117 routes surveyed, 13 were encumbered by archaeological 

sites, the routes passing through them with varying degrees of disturbance. These routes would 

also be held from inclusion in the MVUM pending further analysis and the application of 

protective measures or they would be eliminated from the proposal if no suitable mitigation is 

feasible.

198 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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The actual incidence of damage to sites identified by the survey is fairly low (only about 11 

percent of the surveyed routes impacted archaeological sites), with most of the vehicular impacts 

associated with those routes that began as cross-country ATV and motorcycle trails but have 

widened over time. Since many of these routes have been in use for years, this does not suggest 

that their presence has led to any marked increase in vandalism. It is unlikely that designation of 

the proposed unauthorized routes would have a significant direct impact on cultural resources, 

particularly once protective measures are applied or the affected routes are dropped from 

consideration. 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under this alternative, 342 miles of unauthorized routes would be closed and cross–country travel 

prohibited other than limited motorized big game retrieval, and within four designated OHV areas 

and four “tot lots” where vehicular access would not be confined to specific routes, and cross 

country use would be allowed. Designated OHV areas and tot lots are subject to the same 

archaeological survey and clearance requirements as designated routes. Two of the tot lots have 

been surveyed and found to contain no cultural resources (Roberts and Mitchell, 2010; Howe and 

Nez, 2010); the other two remain to be inventoried. The 2010 archaeological survey (Roberts and 

Mitchell, 2010) examined the proposed Golf Course area and identified no cultural resources. The 

proposed Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Sycamore OHV areas have not been specifically 

surveyed for designation but are known to contain archaeological sites. Prior to designation, 

archaeological survey and additional Tribal consultation would need to be completed and the 

protection measures identified in the Protocol applied. Given the presence of known 

archaeological sites in these areas, there may well also be Tribal concerns. Therefore, it is likely 

that all of these areas would need to be modified and any necessary mitigation completed before 

their final designation and inclusion on the MVUM. Archaeological survey, under the terms of the 

Protocol, would be phased in as funding becomes available and areas added to subsequent 

versions of the MVUM as they acquire archaeological clearance.

Compared to the current condition, by prohibiting travel off of designated routes and outside of 

designated areas and by employing the protection measures identified in the Protocol where cross 

country travel would be permitted, this alternative would significantly reduce impacts to cultural 

resources. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

In this alternative, motorized big game retrieval would be allowed under this alternative for 

retrieving elk and bear within one mile of any designated motorized route, limited only by the 

presence of other closure orders and designated areas where motorized travel is not permitted. 

This would authorize limited cross-country travel on several Districts where it is currently 

prohibited. Specific documentation of impacts to sites due to motorized big game retrieval is not 

readily available and it is unlikely that this activity would have a significant effect on 

archaeological sites, given the low numbers of permits issued for these animals on the Forest 

relative to the large area involved and the short seasons in which it would take place, but the 

inclusion of authorized cross-country travel corridors for big game retrieval to this alternative 

diminishes the beneficial effect of extending the restriction of cross-country travel to the entire 

Forest. It allows the practice to continue on the high elevation Districts, at least within the 

designated corridors during elk and bear seasons, but while the overall area in acres may be 

reduced for the Forest as a whole, it allows limited legal cross-country travel on parts of the low 

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elevation Districts that were previously restricted from such use. However, none of the 1,293,178 

acres proposed for inclusion in these corridors have been surveyed specifically for this purpose 

and conducting archaeological survey of this large an area is unfeasible since it is not possible to 

narrow the survey down owing to the randomness and unpredictability of the location and length 

of routes that might be used. It is anticipated that only about 209 legally harvested bear or elk 

would even be available for motorized retrieval, so the dispersed driving would be very limited. 

The impacts would be similar to district wide fuelwood gathering that is exempt from further 

Section 106 compliance under the PA. Authorization of motorized big game retrieval under this 

alternative would result in greater impacts to cultural resources than under Alternatives A and B, 

but it is not likely to be adverse.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Under Alternative C, cross-country motorized access to dispersed camping areas would be 

allowed within a 200 foot corridor (100 feet on each side) along all designated roads and 

motorized trails. Since designated corridors for dispersed camping access are areas wherein crosscountry travel is allowed, they are subject to the same requirements under the Protocol as the 

proposed designated OHV areas. As a result, unless the specific exemptions under the protocol 

apply, they would not be available for inclusion on the MVUM until they have been surveyed and 

any necessary protective measures are applied and any mitigation is complete or they would be 

eliminated from the proposal if no suitable mitigation is feasible. Application of the Protocol 

would prevent impacts to cultural resources under this Alternative, but at present, none of the 

91,391 acres proposed for inclusion in these corridors have been surveyed specifically for this 

purpose. Any additional archaeological survey, under the terms of the Protocol, would be phased 

in as funding becomes available and corridors would be added to subsequent versions of the 

MVUM as they acquire archaeological clearance.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering 

Under this alternative, cross-country travel is permitted only within 300 feet of a designated 

motorized route within the permitted area, as in Alternative B. This would reduce the potential for 

impacting archaeological sites, degrading traditional use areas, and disrupting traditional 

activities, relative to the current condition, but does not eliminate it. Therefore, the potential for 

impact to cultural resources is the same as for Alternative B.

Alternative D – Direct and Indirect Effects

Designations of unauthorized routes and proposed cross-country areas are undertakings subject to 

compliance with the inventory, consultation, and protection requirements of the Protocol. Under 

the terms of the Protocol, before any route can be added to the MVUM, it must comply with 

Section 106, and any impacts that route may have inflicted on cultural resources would need to be 

avoided or mitigated. Any routes or areas that affect cultural resources and that have not had 

those effects resolved by protection measures of the Protocol would not appear on the MVUM 

and thus would not be open to the public.

Under this alternative, approximately 88 miles of existing unauthorized routes would be closed. A 

total of 584 miles of unauthorized roads and trails would be added to the system and designated 

for motor vehicle use. The resulting motorized route system would total about 4,867 miles of 

Forest system roads and motorized trails open to the public for a net increase from the current 

200 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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condition of over 1915 miles, but would restrict cross-country travel to designated routes and 

areas. 

Approximately 120 miles (20.5 percent) of 50 foot wide corridors along those unclassified routes 

proposed for designation as roads or motorized trails in this alternative were inventoried by 

archaeological survey (Roberts and Mitchell, 2010). Since the survey was contracted additional 

routes have been proposed for designation and some of the routes previously identified were 

dropped from consideration. Approximately 464 of the 584 miles of unauthorized routes proposed 

for designation still require inventory before they can be evaluated for addition to the MVUM. 

This additional archaeological survey, under the terms of the Protocol, would be phased in as 

funding becomes available. Of the 115 routes surveyed, 18 were encumbered by archaeological 

sites, the routes passing through them with varying degrees of disturbance. These routes would 

also be held from inclusion in the MVUM pending further analysis and the application of 

protective measures or they would be eliminated from the proposal if no suitable mitigation is 

feasible.

The actual incidence of damage to sites identified by the survey is fairly low (less than 16 percent 

of the surveyed routes impacted archaeological sites), with most of the vehicular impacts 

associated with those routes that began as cross-country ATV and motorcycle trails. Although 

many of these routes have been in use for years, there is no indication that their presence has led 

to any marked increase in vandalism. It is unlikely that designation of the proposed unauthorized 

routes would have a significant direct impact on cultural resources, particularly once protective 

measures are applied or the affected routes are dropped from consideration.

Compared to the current condition, by prohibiting travel off of designated routes, this alternative 

would reduce direct and indirect effects to cultural resources by restricting cross-country travel

and by employing the protection measures identified in the Protocol, similar to the Proposed 

Action. It differs from Alternatives B and C primarily by increasing the number of motorized 

routes open to the public, and by opening up motorized big game retrieval to additional species 

and hunting units. As with the Proposed Action, any restriction or reduction of uncontrolled offroad travel would reduce impacts to cultural resources. 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under this alternative, 88 miles of unauthorized routes would be closed and cross–country travel 

prohibited other than that associated with CHAMP permits and within four designated OHV areas 

and four “tot lots” where vehicular access would not be confined to specific routes, and cross 

country use would be allowed. Designated OHV areas and tot lots are subject to the same 

archaeological survey and clearance requirements as designated routes. Two of the tot lots have 

been surveyed and found to contain no cultural resources (Roberts and Mitchell, 2010; Howe and 

Nez, 2010); the other two remain to be inventoried. The 2010 archaeological survey (Roberts and 

Mitchell, 2010) examined the proposed Golf Course area and identified no cultural resources. The 

proposed Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Sycamore OHV areas have not been specifically 

surveyed for designation but are known to contain archaeological sites. Prior to designation, 

archaeological survey and additional Tribal consultation would need to be completed and the 

protection measures identified in the Protocol applied. Given the presence of known 

archaeological sites in these areas, there may well also be Tribal concerns. Therefore, it is likely 

that all of these areas would need to be modified and any necessary mitigation completed before 

their final designation and inclusion on the MVUM. Archaeological survey, under the terms of the 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 201
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Protocol, would be phased in as funding becomes available and areas added to subsequent 

versions of the MVUM as they acquire archaeological clearance.

Compared to the current condition, by prohibiting travel off of designated routes and outside of 

designated areas and by employing the protection measures identified in the Protocol, this 

alternative would significantly reduce impacts to cultural resources. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

In this alternative, motorized big game retrieval would be allowed under this alternative for 

retrieving mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, and bear and would be limited to a specified corridor 

along all designated motorized routes, one mile on both sides. It would also be limited by the 

presence of other closure orders and designated areas where motorized travel is not permitted. 

This would authorize cross-country travel on several ranger districts where it is currently 

prohibited. Specific documentation of impacts to sites due to motorized big game retrieval is not 

readily available and while it is unlikely that this activity would have a significant effect on 

archaeological sites. It is anticipated that only about 550 legally harvested bear, elk, whitetail 

deer, and mule deer would even be available for motorized retrieval, so the dispersed driving 

would be very limited. However, the authorization of cross-country travel for big game retrieval 

under this alternative would diminish the beneficial effect of extending the restriction of crosscountry travel to the entire Forest. It allows the practice to continue on the high elevation ranger 

districts, at least during hunting seasons, and it allows limited legal cross-country travel on parts 

of the low elevation ranger districts that were previously restricted from such use. Overall, 

2,068,208 acres would be open to potential impacts to cultural resources resulting from crosscountry motorized travel. Since conducting archaeological survey of this large an area is 

unfeasible and since it is not possible to narrow the survey down owing to the randomness and 

unpredictability of the location and length of routes that might be used, authorization of 

motorized big game retrieval under this Alternative would result in greater impacts to cultural 

resources than any of the other alternatives. The impacts would be similar to district wide 

fuelwood gathering that is exempt from further Section 106 compliance under the PA. 

Authorization of motorized big game retrieval under this Alternative is not likely to adversely 

affect cultural resources. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Under Alternative D, cross-country motorized access to dispersed camping areas would be 

allowed within a 600 foot corridor (300 feet on each side) along all designated roads and 

motorized trails. Since designated corridors for dispersed camping access are areas wherein crosscountry travel is allowed, they are subject to the same requirements under the Protocol as the 

proposed designated OHV areas. As a result, unless the specific exemptions under the protocol 

apply, they would not be available for inclusion on the MVUM until they have been surveyed and 

any necessary protective measures are applied and any mitigation is complete or they would be 

eliminated from the proposal if no suitable mitigation is feasible. Application of the Protocol 

would prevent impacts to cultural resources under this alternative, but at present, none of the 

336,038 acres proposed for inclusion in these corridors have been surveyed specifically for this 

purpose. Any additional archaeological survey, under the terms of the Protocol, would be phased 

in as funding becomes available and corridors added to subsequent versions of the MVUM as 

they acquire archaeological clearance. 

202 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering 

Under this alternative, cross-country travel is throughout the permitted area, and is no change 

from the current condition. Therefore, the potential for impact to cultural resources is the same as 

for alternative A.

Summary of Direct and Indirect Effects for Action Alternatives

All action alternatives examined here involve decommissioning some existing routes. 

Alternatives B, C, and D all include designation of previously unauthorized routes and 

Alternatives C and D further include authorization of areas where motorized use would be 

concentrated and not restricted to specific routes.

Toward this end, a number of unauthorized routes identified for inclusion in what was then the 

proposed action were surveyed in 2010 (Roberts and Mitchell, 2010). The results of this survey 

are summarized in Table 52.

Table 52: Archaeological Survey of Unauthorized Routes by Alternative

Empty Cell Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Miles of Unclassified Routes 

Proposed for Designation 50.44 330.16 583.52 

Number of Unauthorized Routes 

Inventoried by Archaeological Survey 3 117 115

Number of Miles Inventoried by 

Archaeological Survey 1.96 123.59 120.04

Number of Archaeological 

Sites Identified 3 21 29

Number of Routes Encumbered 

by Sites 1 13 18

Percentage of Surveyed Routes 

with Archaeological Sites 33 11.1 15.6

Number of Miles Remaining to be Surveyed 48.48 206.57 463.48 

All three of these alternatives (Alternatives A, B, and C) significantly reduce direct and indirect 

impacts to cultural resources by restricting cross-country travel and by employing the guidelines 

and protection measures identified in the Protocol to the designation of motorized routes and 

areas and the designation of areas and corridors for dispersed camping. Indeed, given that mere 

proximity of motorized access does not appear to create an impact to cultural resources on the 

Tonto National Forest. Employment of the Protocol generally makes all three alternatives roughly 

the same in that regard. It is not expected that the implementation of any of the action alternatives 

would result in significant adverse effects to cultural resources. Indeed, all of the action 

alternatives provided, except the No Action Alternative, greatly reduce the risk of damages to 

cultural resources from uncontrolled and unauthorized cross-country motorized travel.

There is some potential for unforeseeable indirect impact to sites (e.g., illegal vandalism and 

looting) in all of the action alternatives, but increasing the number of routes available for access 

also increases the potential for protection based on efficient monitoring of archaeological site 

condition and law enforcement and increases potential for access to traditional resources and 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 203
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

places of significance for Tribes. Alternative D provides the most access and thus the greater 

potential for efficient site monitoring and Tribal access.

While the potential for impact to cultural resources resulting from motorized big game retrieval is 

relatively low, by expanding the area open to cross-country travel for that purpose beyond what is 

feasible to protect under the Protocol, alternatives C and D (especially alternative D) diminish the 

beneficial effect of extending the restriction of cross-country travel to the entire Forest. In this 

regard, alternative B is the only one that would eliminate those potential impacts. 

Likewise, by restricting motorized access for firewood gathering, alternatives B and C would 

reduce – though not eliminate – the potential for impacts to cultural resources from that activity, 

while alternative D would not.

Cumulative Effects Associated with the Action Alternatives

As previously noted, archaeological sites are, by their very nature, previously affected, reduced 

by the transformation processes of erosion and decay from their original pristine state. Any effect 

to such sites, therefore, is cumulative. Many have also been affected by historic and recent human 

activity, including management activities undertaken by the Forest and resource use and 

extraction projects undertaken prior to the implementation of Section 106 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act. Such actions that are known to have affected archaeological sites on the Tonto 

National Forest include unrestricted livestock grazing, timber harvesting, road and trail 

construction, and a wide variety of recreational activities. There were also the decades of 

essentially unrestricted vandalism and looting. All of these activities have the potential to cause 

permanent damage to the structures, artifacts, and cultural deposits making up archaeological 

sites and many sites on the Forest bear the scars of damages resulting from them. The effects of 

unrestricted motorized cross-country travel have already been discussed in the current conditions.

Reasonably foreseeable actions that can affect cultural and historical and Tribally significant 

resources represent a continuation of the land use practices of the past: livestock grazing, fuels 

reduction and forest thinning, timber harvesting, mining, watershed improvements, recreation 

management (obliteration of social trails and dispersed campsites, construction and designation of 

trails and campsites), lands special use permits (new issuances and maintenance on existing 

structures), new road construction, and personal use activities such as fuelwood harvesting that 

often entail cross-country vehicular access. While these activities can directly and indirectly 

affect cultural and historical and Tribally significant resources as well as cause destruction or 

modification to their environmental contexts, these actions must comply with Section 106. They 

are planned to minimize (and when possible, to eliminate) effects to these properties and have 

measures designed to mitigate disturbance that may occur from project implementation. By 

applying the standards and protection measures in the Protocol and by eliminating cross-country 

travel and reducing the amount of land subject to ground disturbance by vehicle use, it is not 

expected that any of these alternatives would result in any significant increase in cumulative 

effects associated with cultural resources on the Tonto National Forest.

Illegal activities such as vandalism and looting by pothunters clearly affect cultural and historical 

and tribally significant resources. Since these activities are illegal, they cannot be predicted and 

so in the strictest sense are not foreseeable in any legal sense. Still, since these activities have 

been reduced in recent years but not entirely eradicated, they can be expected to continue at some 

level. They can be reduced by monitoring and law enforcement. 

204 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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Contemporary Indian Uses

Affected Environment

Tonto National Forest contains many plant and animal species, water sources, minerals, and 

geographic landforms and places that have significance to contemporary Indian Tribes for their 

use in traditional economies, religious practices, or in Tribal and clan histories. For as much as 

three centuries prior to its being established in 1905, the Forest was part of a large area in central 

Arizona that was occupied by Apache and Yavapai peoples , some of whom continued to live on 

Forest land well into the Twentieth century. It also retains significance through affiliation into 

prehistory for the O’odham, Hopi, and Zuni peoples. 

An important consideration in the fulfillment of the Forest Service mission is the trust 

relationship the Forest Service has with these Tribes and the potential impact Forest Service 

policy, program, and project decisions may have on them. The Tonto National Forest recognizes 

that several area Tribes have cultural ties to and knowledge about lands now managed by the 

Forest Service. Many tribal members regularly visit the Forest to harvest traditional plant 

resources such as acorns, piñon nuts, arroweed, agave, willow, cattails, and beargrass, to collect 

medicinal plants and mineral resources for personal and ceremonial uses, and to collect firewood. 

Currently, the policy regarding collection of forest resources by tribal members (in compliance 

with American Indian Religious Freedom Act and the U.S. Forest Service Policy toward 

American Indians and Alaska Natives (FSM 1563)) for the Tonto National Forest requires a 

permit for timber products to be used for religious purposes. No Forest Service permit is required 

for the collecting of minor quantities of medicinal and ceremonial plants, acorns, pinyon nuts, 

agave, tree boughs, water, plants, quartz crystals, other minerals, soil, invertebrate fossil remains, 

rocks, trees less than six feet in height, and other food plants or other resources for personal 

(noncommercial) use in traditional cultural or religious activities, provided those activities are in 

accordance with Executive Order 13007, applicable laws and regulations, and Forest Service 

policies regarding special forest products and botanical products. For tribal members, no artifacts, 

cultural items, or remains may be collected from archaeological sites without an ARPA 

(Archaeological Resources Protection Act) permit from the Forest. Motorized use for the 

gathering of forest resources is only allowed on designated roads. Tribal members also regularly 

visit traditional cultural properties and sacred sites on the Forest. Resource collection and site 

visitation are both activities that require motorized access, particularly for Tribal elders, who 

make up the majority of traditional practitioners. They use the existing roads to get to the places 

they want to go, but tend to conduct their activities on foot once they get there. The Tribes, 

therefore, wish to maintain access but also desire to protect important natural and cultural 

resources from damage, including that caused by construction of new roads and trails and by 

uncontrolled cross-country motor vehicle traffic. Roads on Cave Creek, Mesa, Globe, Payson, 

and Pleasant Valley ranger districts also access Tribal land adjacent to the Forest. Some of these 

roads are used by Tribal members to get to their activity areas on the Forest. Access to and 

maintenance of these roads is, therefore, a significant concern. On the other hand, these same 

roads are also seen as providing opportunities for trespass onto tribal lands by non-Tribal 

members.

Some general locations used by Tribal members to conduct traditional activities such as plant 

collection and religious rites on the Forest are known, but no specific locations were identified 

during scoping that are within the Area of Potential Effect (APE) for this analysis (the Tonto 

National Forest). It is known, however, that Tribal members utilize both designated and 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 205
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

unauthorized routes to access traditional resource gathering areas and sacred sites on the Tonto 

National Forest, typically using trucks and other full-size vehicles rather than ATVs or 

motorcycles. Such small scale, low frequency uses of the Forest by Tribal members are currently 

allowed without requiring permits except for the removal of timber products. Access is allowed 

on any designated road and timber removal permits do not authorize cross-country travel except 

on those Districts where it is currently allowed.

The Tribal consultation process for the Forest is guided through a variety of laws, Executive 

Orders, Memorandums, and case law. Some of those laws include: National Historic Preservation 

Act (NHPA) and subsequent amendments, Archaeological Resources Protection Act, American 

Indian Religious Freedom Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and National Forest 

Management Act. Executive Orders and Memorandum include 1994 Government-to-Government 

Relations with Native American Tribal Governments, E.O. 13007 Accommodations of Sacred 

Sites, and E.O. 12898 Environmental Justice. Depending on the specific location of an 

undertaking, the Forest routinely consults with between nine and thirteen Tribes regarding 

proposed projects and management policies. These Tribes are: Apache (San Carlos Apache Tribe, 

Tonto Apache Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe, and Yavapai-Apache Nation), Four Southern 

Tribes (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, Ak Chin 

Indian Community, and the Tohono O’odham Nation), Hopi Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Yavapai 

(Yavapai-Prescott Tribe, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and Yavapai-Apache Nation). 

Consultation with these Tribes regarding Travel Management is ongoing83.

Environmental Effects

Significant Tribal places, whether sacred sites or resource collecting areas, or places associated 

with clan or Tribal histories, are located throughout the Forest, though their specific locations 

often remain known only to Tribal members. They can be archaeological or historic sites, 

landmarks, or simply places on the landscape used for traditional activities. Like other heritage 

resources, they are subject to several different types of impact from activities associated with 

recreation and Forest management that can degrade their physical characteristics and disrupt the 

traditional or religious activities associated with them. Like archaeological and historic sites, they 

are irreplaceable and individually unique and their integrity is wholly dependent on the contextual 

relationship with the environment in which they are found, something that cannot be recreated or 

restored once disturbed. They are also, by their very nature, previously affected, reduced by any 

activities taking place there since the land passed out of their control. Any effect to such sites, 

therefore, is cumulative.

Direct effects to sacred sites and traditional use areas can be generally defined as anything that 

results in removal of, displacement of, or damage to the physical features of the landscape 

associated with the traditional use or alteration of the vegetative composition of the area in the 

case of collecting sites. 

Unrestricted motorized travel off of system roads has the potential to create those kinds of 

impacts, as does the repeated use of unauthorized routes. Direct effects can include alterations of 

a sacred site’s setting or context, sometimes to the extent that they are no longer recognizable and 

the various landscape features associated with their past use cannot be relocated. Unrestricted and 

83 Additional information specific to Tribal consultations regarding Travel Management can be found in the project 

record.

206 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

uncontrolled off-highway vehicular use that results in erosion and changes in vegetative 

composition and density or alterations in the presence or availability of particular plant species 

can be especially damaging to traditional collecting areas. 

Indirect impacts can include modern trash contamination and the introduction of noise and light 

pollution from vehicles and camping and the presence of people and activities that may be seen as 

degrading to either the sacred nature of a place or to the experience of conducting traditional 

activities there. They can also take the form of conflicts with other recreational or economic uses 

that affect the ability of traditional practitioners to access these areas.

Assumptions and Methodology

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under the current Forest plan, the southern Ranger Districts (Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and 

Tonto Basin) are closed to unrestricted cross-country motorized travel, but it is allowed on the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley Districts. Under the terms of the Protocol, designation of a specific 

area for unrestricted cross-country motorized access, like the designation of a previously 

unauthorized route, requires Section 106 consultation and unless the specific exemptions in the 

protocol apply, they must be surveyed, evaluated, and any effects to cultural resources, including 

traditional cultural properties, resolved under the protection measures established in the Protocol 

before they can be added to the MVUM. As new information is developed, the MVUM may be 

modified to reflect any resolution of conflicts. Similar guidance for contemporary use areas, 

although not specifically covered by the protocol, is appropriate. 

Permit Zones 

There is currently only one permit zone on the Forest. Permit zones would create no impacts to 

contemporary Indian uses. As such, they will not be analyzed further.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Although specific documentation of impacts to contemporary Indian uses due to motorized big 

game retrieval is not readily available, it is unlikely that this activity in and of itself would have a 

significant effect on them. The short-term, dispersed, and non-repetitive nature of the impact, 

relatively few permits issued, limited duration of hunting seasons, and typically low hunter 

success rates on the Tonto National Forest combine to minimize the potential for conflict84. 

Nevertheless, unrestricted cross-country OHV travel always has a potential degrading traditional 

use areas and disrupting traditional activities. Though it may be difficult to accurately quantify, 

authorizing or designating parameters for motorized big game retrieval may be a potential source 

of impact, especially where it opens up areas to legal cross-country travel that were previously 

restricted. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Restriction of motorized access to dispersed camping locations, whether they are adjacent to 

roads and motorized trails or located at a distance, has the potential to impact contemporary 

84 For more information about hunting and the quantitative data associated with it on the Tonto National Forest, see the

Game and Nongame section of this chapter.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 207
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Indian uses since they often require short or long term stays on the Forest and typically do not 

involve formal campgrounds. Roadside parking for access to dispersed campsites adjacent to 

roads is exempted under the Protocol and allowable under the current Plan on the northern ranger 

districts where cross-country travel is currently allowed. This has been the traditional way that 

Tribal traditional practitioner users have camped on all ranger districts of the Tonto National 

Forest, but camp areas may also extend some distance from the roads in order to secure a degree 

of seclusion. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering 

Cross-country motorized travel is authorized as part of any permit to collect fuelwood. As a 

permitted use, it is not considered to be in the same category as unrestricted cross-country travel

and the permits include rules for motorized access into the permit areas that are designed to limit 

environmental damage. Also, fuelwood permit areas rotate to prevent overuse, limiting the 

potential for repetitive impacts on any given permitted location. Generally, these permit areas are 

defined ahead of time and where cross–country travel is restricted, fuelwood areas may be subject 

to archaeological clearance, in which case it is common practice to modify permit boundaries to 

limit the exposure of archaeological sites to vehicular impacts. While the small numbers of 

permits, low potential for repetitive impacts, and limitations on access built into the permits 

reduce concerns for damage to archaeological sites, cross-country OHV travel always has a 

potential for impacting archaeological sites, degrading traditional use areas, and disrupting 

traditional activities.

Alternative A – Direct and Indirect Effects

Access to areas that Tribal people have historically visited would not change under this 

alternative. Most traditional practitioners typically use full size vehicles rather than ATVs or 

motorcycles and occasionally drive them cross-country to facilitate resource gathering, especially 

for elderly traditional practitioners. Tribal people needing access to collection sites necessary for 

ceremonial activities and other traditional uses would continue to have the same opportunities to 

drive to collection sites. No Tribe has indicated that the current road system is inadequate for their 

continued use of the Forest. Retaining the road system as it is currently used would provide 

necessary access and allow traditional practitioners to continue to use the area. However, 

uncontrolled off-road travel would result in continued damage to sacred sites and traditional use 

areas and may inhibit or limit the use of such areas. Likewise, the potential remains for trespass 

onto reservation lands from uncontrolled and unclassified routes. While not strictly speaking a 

matter of contemporary Indian use, reduction of trespass onto adjacent reservations was identified 

in consultation as a concern.

Cross -country Travel 

Continued cross-country travel on Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts would result in 

continued potential for impacting significant Tribal sites, degrading traditional use areas, and 

disrupting traditional activities. Enforcement of restrictions on uncontrolled motorized travel off 

of system roads on other ranger districts would reduce impacts to contemporary Indian uses. 

208 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Although specific documentation of impacts to contemporary Indian uses due to motorized big 

game retrieval is not readily available, it is unlikely that this activity in and of itself as currently 

experienced on the Forest, where cross-country travel is open on only two ranger districts, would 

have a significant effect on contemporary Indian uses.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Continued vehicular access to dispersed camping will not impact the practice of contemporary 

Indian uses that involves camping. On the other hand, continued cross-country access to 

dispersed camping areas would continue to create a potential for impacts to sacred sites and 

traditional use areas. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering 

Cross-country OHV travel for fuelwood gathering always has a potential for adversely affecting 

significant Tribal sites, degrading traditional use areas, and disrupting traditional activities. These 

effects may be mitigated somewhat by the conditions applied to all fuelwood permits, but the 

potential threat remains.

Alternative B – Direct and Indirect Effects

Under this alternative, approximately 541 miles of the inventoried unauthorized routes would not 

be added to the system. A total of about 50 miles of unauthorized routes would be added to the 

system and designated for motor vehicle use. The resulting motorized route system would total 

approximately 2,560 miles of Forest system roads and motorized trails open to the public, for a 

net reduction of 393 miles. It would also virtually eliminate all cross-country travel. 

This alternative greatly reduces potential direct and indirect effects to sacred sites and traditional 

use areas by restricting cross-country travel, reducing the potential for trespass onto Tribal lands, 

and by employing protection measures to cultural resources and traditional cultural properties 

identified in the Protocol for any newly designated route, corridor, or area. In particular, 

restricting motorized vehicles to designated routes would reduce the potential for disruption of 

traditional cultural or religious activities. However, closure of some existing roads may reduce 

opportunities for traditional resource gathering, visitation of sacred and other traditionally 

significant sites and increase the need for non-motorized travel for elderly traditional 

practitioners. Likewise, eliminating cross-country motorized travel on the northern ranger 

districts and reducing the number of available motorized access routes throughout the Forest by 

closing unauthorized existing roads could reduce access to areas that Tribal people have 

historically visited without restraint. Tribal people needing motorized access to collection sites 

necessary for ceremonial activities and other traditional uses related to subsistence (e.g. medicinal 

or food plant gathering or fuelwood cutting) may have fewer opportunities to drive to collection 

sites with this alternative. Activities authorized under separate NEPA decisions, such as 

traditional gatherings, may be exempted from restrictions of the Travel Management Rule and an 

authorized Forest officer can allow specific limited-use authorization for cross-country motorized 

access or use of a road closed to the public under the terms of a permit for collection of such 

products. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 209
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Any restriction or reduction of uncontrolled off-road travel would reduce impacts to sacred sites 

and traditional use areas and would reduce the potential for trespass onto Tribal lands but may 

restrict motorized access for the practice of contemporary Indian uses. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Since no motorized big game retrieval would be allowed under this alternative, there would be no 

effect on contemporary Indian uses. By excluding motorized big game retrieval, this alternative 

also further reduces potential direct and indirect effects to sacred sites and traditional use areas 

and reduces the potential for trespass onto Tribal lands.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Under this alternative, motorized access for dispersed camping would be limited to designated 

campsites and designated access routes. Assuming that these designated camping areas and routes 

include those used by Tribal people for access to sacred sites and traditional use areas, motorized 

access to dispersed camping under this alternative would have no direct effect on contemporary 

Indian uses. Of course, if the designated campsites and access routes did not include those 

traditionally used by Tribal members for these purposes, then this alternative could be seen as 

limiting Tribal Access.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering 

Under current conditions, cross-country travel is allowed anywhere within the fuelwood permit 

area. Under this alternative, such access is permitted only within 300 feet on both sides of a 

designated motorized route within the permit area. This would reduce the potential for impacting 

sacred sites, degrading traditional use areas, and disrupting traditional activities, but does not 

eliminate it.

Alternative C – Direct and Indirect Effects

Under this alternative, approximately 342 miles of existing unauthorized routes would not be 

added to the system. A total of 330 miles of unauthorized roads and trails would be added to the 

system and designated for motor vehicle use. The resulting motorized route system would total 

about 3,570 miles of Forest system roads and motorized trails open to the public for a net increase 

from the current condition of over 617 miles, but would restrict cross-country travel to designated 

routes and areas. 

This alternative greatly reduces potential direct and indirect effects to sacred sites and traditional 

use areas by restricting cross-country travel, reducing the potential for trespass onto Tribal lands, 

and by employing protection measures identified in the Protocol for any newly designated route, 

corridor, or area. In particular, restricting motorized vehicles to designated routes would reduce 

the potential for disruption of traditional cultural or religious activities. By the same token, 

particularly regarding motorized big game retrieval, it also has greater potential than Alternative 

B for motorized recreational activities to disrupt traditional activities sensitive to public intrusion 

and increases the potential for trespass onto tribal land.

210 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under this alternative, cross–country travel would be limited for motorized big game retrieval and 

within four designated OHV areas and four “tot lots” where vehicular access would not be 

confined to specific routes, and cross country use would be allowed. Designated OHV areas are 

subject to the same archaeological survey, Tribal consultation, and clearance requirements as 

designated routes. Two of the tot lots have been surveyed and found to contain no cultural 

resources (Roberts and Mitchell, 2010; Howe and Nez, 2010); the other two remain to be 

inventoried. The 2010 archaeological survey (Roberts and Mitchell, 2010) examined the proposed 

Golf Course area and identified no cultural resources. The proposed Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt 

Lake, and Sycamore OHV areas have not been specifically surveyed for designation but are 

known to contain archaeological sites; their status relative to the presence of sacred sites or 

traditional use areas is currently unknown. Prior to designation, compliance with section 106 and 

additional Tribal consultation would be completed and the protection measures identified in the 

Protocol applied to historic properties. Given the presence of known archaeological sites in these 

areas, there may well also be Tribal concerns. Therefore, it is likely that all of these areas would 

need to be modified and any necessary mitigation completed before their final designation and 

inclusion on the MVUM. Archaeological survey and ethnohistoric research (depending on the 

outcome of Tribal consultation) would be phased in as funding becomes available and areas 

added to subsequent versions of the MVUM as they acquire archaeological clearance.

Compared to the current condition, by prohibiting travel off of designated routes and outside of 

designated areas and by employing the protection measures similar to those identified in the 

Protocol, this alternative would significantly reduce potential impacts to sacred sites and 

traditional use areas. However, closure of some existing roads may reduce opportunities for 

resource gathering, visitation of sacred and other traditionally significant sites and increase the 

need for non-motorized travel for elderly traditional practitioners. Likewise, eliminating crosscountry travel on the northern ranger districts and reducing the number of available access routes 

throughout the Forest by closing unauthorized routes could reduce access to areas that Tribal 

people have historically visited without restraint. Tribal people needing access to collection sites 

necessary for ceremonial activities and other traditional uses related to subsistence (e.g. medicinal 

or food plant gathering or fuelwood cutting) may have fewer opportunities to drive to collection 

sites with this alternative. This alternative does, however, provide more access opportunities for 

contemporary Indian uses than Alternative B

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Under this alternative, motorized big game retrieval would be allowed under this alternative for 

retrieving elk and bear within one mile on both sides of any designated motorized route, limited 

only by the presence of other closure orders and designated areas where motorized travel is not 

permitted. This would authorize cross-country travel on several districts where it is currently 

prohibited. Specific documentation of impacts to sites due to motorized big game retrieval is not 

readily available and it is unlikely that this activity would have a significant effect on 

contemporary Indian uses, given the low numbers of permits issued for these animals on the 

Forest relative to the large area involved and the short seasons in which it would take place. 

However, allowing motorized big game retrieval, even under the limited conditions of this 

alternative, does increase the potential for direct and indirect effects to sacred sites and traditional 

use areas and increases the potential for trespass onto Tribal lands above what would be 

associated with Alternative B, though it is unknown to what degree. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 211
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

None of the 1,293,178 acres proposed for inclusion in these corridors have been surveyed 

specifically for this purpose and conducting archaeological or ethnohistoric survey of this large 

an area is unfeasible and since it is not possible to narrow the survey down owing to the 

randomness and unpredictability of the location and length of routes that might be used. The 

impacts would be similar to district wide fuelwood gathering that is exempt from further Section 

106 compliance under the PA. Authorization of motorized big game retrieval under this 

alternative would result in greater potential impacts to contemporary Indian uses than under 

Alternatives A and B, but it is not likely to be adverse. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Under Alternative C cross-country motorized access to dispersed camping areas would be 

allowed within a 200 foot corridor (100 feet on each side) along all designated roads and 

motorized trails. Assuming that these designated camping corridors include those campsites used 

by Tribal people for access to sacred sites and traditional use areas, motorized access to dispersed 

camping under this alternative would have no direct effect on contemporary Indian uses. Since 

designated corridors for dispersed camping access are areas wherein cross-country travel is 

allowed, they are subject to the same requirements under the Protocol as the proposed designated 

OHV areas. As a result, , unless the specific exemptions under the protocol apply, they would not 

be available for inclusion on the MVUM until archaeological surveys and Tribal consultations 

have been done and any necessary protective measures are applied and any mitigation is complete 

or they would be eliminated from the proposal if no suitable mitigation is feasible. Application of 

the Protocol would prevent impacts to sacred sites and traditional use areas under this Alternative, 

but at present, none of the 91,391 acres proposed for inclusion in these corridors have been 

surveyed specifically for this purpose. Any archaeological survey and ethnohistoric research 

(depending on the outcome of Tribal consultation), would be phased in as funding becomes 

available and corridors would be added to subsequent versions of the MVUM as they acquire 

archaeological clearance. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering 

Under this alternative, cross-country travel is permitted only within 300 feet on both sides of a 

designated motorized route, as in alternative B. This would reduce the potential for impacting 

sacred sites, degrading traditional use areas, and disrupting traditional activities, relative to the 

current condition, but does not eliminate it. Therefore, the potential for impact to cultural 

resources is the same as for alternative B.

Alternative D – Direct and Indirect Effects

Under this alternative, approximately 88 miles of existing unauthorized routes would not be 

added to the system. A total of 584 miles of unauthorized roads and trails would be added to the 

system and designated for motor vehicle use. The resulting motorized route system would total 

about 4,867 miles of Forest system roads and motorized trails open to the public for a net increase 

from the current condition of over 1,915 miles, but would restrict cross-country travel to 

designated routes and areas. 

Except for the expansion of motorized big game retrieval, this alternative greatly reduces 

potential direct and indirect effects to sacred sites and traditional use areas by restricting crosscountry travel, reducing the potential for trespass onto Tribal lands, and by employing protection 

212 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

measures identified in the Protocol for any newly designated route, corridor, or area. In particular, 

restricting motorized vehicles to designated routes would reduce the potential for disruption of 

traditional cultural or religious activities.

This alternative, with the most proposed motorized access, particularly in regards to roads, would 

have the most potential for providing Tribal access to sacred and traditional places and resources. 

By the same token, it also has greater potential than the other alternatives for motorized 

recreational activities to disrupt traditional activities sensitive to public intrusion and increases the 

potential for trespass onto tribal land. Otherwise, effects on Tribal access to traditional resources 

and significant places under this alternative would be similar to what they would be under the 

alternative C.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under this alternative, cross–country travel prohibited other than that associated with CHAMP 

permits and within four designated OHV areas and four “tot lots” where vehicular access would 

not be confined to specific routes, and cross country use would be allowed. Designated OHV 

areas and tot lots are subject to the same archaeological survey and clearance requirements as 

designated routes. Designated OHV areas are subject to the same archaeological survey, Tribal 

consultation, and clearance requirements as designated routes. Two of the tot lots have been 

surveyed and found to contain no cultural resources (Roberts and Mitchell, 2010; Howe and Nez, 

2010); the other two remain to be inventoried. The 2010 archaeological survey (Roberts and 

Mitchell, 2010) examined the proposed Golf Course area and identified no cultural resources. The 

proposed Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Sycamore OHV areas have not been specifically 

surveyed for designation but are known to contain archaeological sites; their status relative to the 

presence of sacred sites or traditional use areas is currently unknown. Prior to designation, 

archaeological survey and additional Tribal consultation must be completed and the protection 

measures identified in the Protocol applied. Given the presence of known archaeological sites in 

these areas, there may well also be Tribal concerns. Therefore, it is likely that all of these areas 

would need to be modified and any necessary mitigation completed before their final designation 

and inclusion on the MVUM. Archaeological survey and ethnohistoric research (depending on the 

outcome of Tribal consultation), would be phased in as funding becomes available and areas 

added to subsequent versions of the MVUM as they acquire archaeological clearance.

Compared to the current condition, by prohibiting travel off of designated routes and outside of 

designated areas and by employing protection measures similar to those identified in the Protocol, 

this alternative would significantly reduce potential impacts to sacred sites and traditional use 

areas. However, closure of some existing roads may reduce opportunities for resource gathering, 

visitation of sacred and other traditionally significant sites and increase the need for nonmotorized travel for elderly traditional practitioners. Likewise, eliminating cross-country travel

on the northern ranger districts and reducing the number of available access routes throughout the 

Forest by closing unauthorized routes could reduce motorized access to areas that Tribal people 

have historically visited without restraint. Tribal people needing motorized access to collection 

sites necessary for ceremonial activities and other traditional uses related to subsistence (e.g. 

medicinal or food plant gathering or fuelwood cutting) may have fewer opportunities to drive to 

collection sites with this alternative. This alternative does, however, provide more access 

opportunities for contemporary Indian uses than Alternatives B and C. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 213
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

In addition to that associated with CHAMP permits, motorized big game retrieval would be 

allowed under this alternative for retrieving mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, and bear and would not 

be limited to a specified corridor along designated motorized routes. It would be limited only by 

the presence of other closure orders and designated areas where motorized travel is not permitted. 

This would authorize cross-country travel on several districts where it is currently prohibited. 

Specific documentation of impacts to sites due to motorized big game retrieval is not readily 

available and it is unlikely that this activity would have a significant effect on contemporary 

Indian uses, given the low numbers of permits issued for these animals on the Forest relative to 

the large area involved and the short seasons in which it would take place, but allowing 

essentially unrestricted motorized big game retrieval, does increase the potential for direct and 

indirect effects to sacred sites and traditional use areas and increases the potential for trespass 

onto Tribal lands well above even the elevated levels that would be associated with Alternative C, 

though it is unknown to what degree. 

Since none of the 2,248,279 acres open to potential impacts have been surveyed specifically for 

this purpose and conducting archaeological or ethnohistoric survey of this large an area is 

unfeasible and since it is not possible to narrow the survey down owing to the randomness and 

unpredictability of the location and length of routes that might be used, authorization of 

motorized big game retrieval under this alternative would result in the greatest potential impacts 

to contemporary Indian uses than under alternatives A, B and C.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Under Alternative D, cross-country motorized access to dispersed camping areas would be 

allowed within a 600 foot corridor (300 feet on each side) along all designated roads and 

motorized trails. Assuming that these designated camping corridors include those campsites used 

by Tribal people for access to sacred sites and traditional use areas, motorized access to dispersed 

camping under this alternative would have no direct effect on contemporary Indian uses. Since 

designated corridors for dispersed camping access are areas wherein cross-country travel is 

allowed, they are subject to the same requirements under the Protocol as the proposed designated 

OHV areas. As a result, unless the specific exemptions under the protocol apply, they would not 

be available for inclusion on the MVUM until archaeological surveys and Tribal consultations 

have been done and any necessary protective measures are applied and any mitigation is complete 

or they would be eliminated from the proposal if no suitable mitigation is feasible. At present, 

none of the 336,038 acres proposed for inclusion in these corridors have been surveyed 

specifically for this purpose. Archaeological survey and ethnohistoric research (depending on the 

outcome of Tribal consultation), would be phased in as funding becomes available and corridors 

would be added to subsequent versions of the MVUM as they acquire archaeological clearance. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering 

Under this alternative, cross-country travel is throughout the permitted area, as in alternative A. 

Therefore, the potential for impacting sacred sites, degrading traditional use areas, and disrupting 

traditional activities is the same as for alternative A.

214 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Cumulative Effects Associated with Action Alternatives

From the time that control of those lands now comprising the Tonto National Forest left tribal 

hands, there has been a diminution of the number and quality of significant Tribal places 

throughout the Forest. Everything from homestead entry patents and land exchanges to mine 

development to reservoir inundation has reduced Tribal access to the land and its sacred and 

traditional places and in many cases destroyed them. Forest management activities from timber 

harvesting to livestock grazing to campground construction to road building have altered the 

landscape and vegetation of many of these areas, often eliminating the specific resources on 

which traditional uses were focused. Recreational use has had similar effects and introduced new 

conflicts with other user groups and further restrictions of access to traditional places. As these 

areas continue to disappear under reservoirs, into open pit mines, and under highways and 

campgrounds, preservation of those remaining areas and continued vehicular access to them, 

particularly for elder practitioners, has become paramount. Foreseeable Forest uses would differ 

little in the future from what they have been in the past and so would continue to reduce the 

number and quality of these places, though a renewed Forest Service commitment to protect 

sacred sites and traditional use areas may mitigate these losses somewhat. Therefore, despite the 

potential reduction in physical destruction under Alternatives B, C, and D and the potential 

improvement of access under some circumstances, the cumulative effect under all alternatives is 

the continued reduction or restriction of motorized access to traditional lands and resources by 

Tribal members.

Game and Nongame Species (Wildlife Related 

Recreation)

For the purposes of this analysis, wildlife related recreation is defined as hunting, fishing, and 

wildlife viewing. Wildlife related recreation is inherently tied to motorized recreation as all three 

activities generally require the use of motor vehicles to reach destinations to participate in each 

respective activity. This is especially true on public lands, like the Tonto National Forest. 

Motorized vehicles often provide the means for hunters and anglers to reach hunting or fishing 

areas as designated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Therefore, the use of motorized 

vehicles by wildlife related recreationists often contributes significantly to the ability of the 

Arizona Game and Fish Department to meet wildlife conservation objectives. 

Specifically, the use of hunting as a wildlife management and wildlife conservation tool arose out 

of a movement, led by prominent hunters near the turn of the last century, to stop overexploitation of wildlife by market hunters and the desire to have wildlife accessible to all people. 

Since then, hunters have contributed billions of dollars to wildlife management that benefit 

countless wildlife species. These funds support wildlife management agencies, which manage all 

wildlife species, not just those that are hunted. This unique and successful conservation paradigm 

is responsible for supporting a wide variety of conservation activities, including law enforcement, 

research, information and education, habitat management and acquisition, as well as wildlife 

population restoration and management. The importance of hunting to wildlife conservation in 

the broad sense is not tied simply to population control. Game populations are renewable 

resources that literally pay the bills for a far-reaching, comprehensive system of sustainable 

wildlife conservation that has proven itself superior to any other widely implemented model. 

(Heffelfinger, 2013; Mahoney, 2013)

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 215 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Affected Environment

Arizona is rich in biological diversity, ranking among the top five states in the nation for the 

number of native bird, reptile, and mammal species, and in the top ten for overall diversity of 

vertebrates. Some nonnative species were established intentionally, as is the case with rainbow 

trout; while others such as quagga mussels have arrived as unwelcome or invasive species, and 

yet others appeared as they expanded their range. A few species, like the Mexican gray wolf and 

the California condor, were extirpated in Arizona, but have been reestablished through 

reintroduction programs (Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2012b).

The Tonto National Forest mirrors the state with rich biological diversity and numerous wildlife 

species which include 310 bird, 94 mammal, 55 reptile, 14 amphibian, 16 native fish, 

28 nonnative fish, 3 special status invertebrates, and 24 special status plant species85. Wildlife 

habitat within the Tonto National Forest can be divided into 15 wildlife habitat categories based 

on the Tonto National Forest’s potential natural vegetation layer. These habitat types represent 

wildlife habitat that can generally be associated with particular wildlife species and include 

Colorado Plateau grassland, cottonwood willow riparian forest, desert communities, interior 

chaparral, Madrean encinal woodland, Madrean pine-oak woodland, mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forest, mixed conifer with aspen, piñon-juniper chaparral, piñon-juniper grassland, 

ponderosa pine – mild, semidesert grassland, sparsely vegetated, urban and other, and water.

Wildlife habitat descriptions and acreages are listed in the wildlife specialist report of the project 

record.

Tonto National Forest, managed under the principles of multiple uses, plays a vital role in 

Arizona by supporting crucial wildlife habitat and maintaining Arizona’s wildlife heritage as well 

as providing significant opportunities for wildlife related recreation and associated economic 

effects of such. Motorized access to public lands is important in maintaining funding for Arizona 

Game and Fish Department programs that support wildlife conservation. The Arizona Game and 

Fish Department uses hunting as a wildlife management tool and depends on hunting and angling 

access to public lands to meet identified objectives. Hunting on the Tonto National Forest 

includes: nine out of Arizona’s ten big game species (elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, bighorn 

sheep, pronghorn, bear, mountain lion, turkey, and javelina), small game (quail, dove, tree 

squirrel, rabbit, and migratory birds), fur bearing mammals, and predatory mammals. The Tonto 

National Forest contains rivers, lakes, creeks, and ponds that offer diverse fishing opportunities. 

These include six out of eight of central Arizona’s major reservoirs, two trout hatcheries, 

numerous coldwater fish streams, and two of Arizona’s major rivers (Verde River and Salt River).

Furthermore, the biological diversity of the Tonto National Forest provides a wide array of 

wildlife viewing opportunities.

Hunting Participation on the Tonto National Forest

Providing an accurate account of participation of hunting and fishing and other wildlife related 

recreation on the Tonto National Forest can be difficult. For example, determining the overall 

number of people interested in fishing or hunting statewide is relatively easy because people 

wishing to participate in those activities must purchase hunting or fishing licenses, but not all 

people who buy licenses hunt solely on the Tonto National Forest. To determine the number of 

hunters that may hunt on the Tonto National Forest, the Arizona Game and Fish Department relies 

85 For more information, see the Wildlife and Plant Habitat Resources section of this chapter.

216 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

heavily on a well-established hunter questionnaire program to estimate how many hunters hunt in 

a particular game management units and to provide information on game species harvest (Arizona 

Game and Fish Department, 2008). In the case of big game hunting, these licenses or tags are 

distributed via a lottery draw and the numbers of people who wish to participate far exceed those 

that are allowed to participate due to the need to regulate the number of animals harvested (Table 

5386). For example, in 2011 there were 1,503 applicants (people wishing to participate) for only 

six desert bighorn sheep tags (people who actually participated) in Game Management Units87 22 

and 24B on the Tonto National Forest. Most big game hunts have more applicants than the 

number of hunt permits available. 

Table 53: Hunt Applicants and Permits Issued by GMU on Tonto National Forest in 2011 

Species

Game

Management Unit

Number of

Authorized Permits

Number of 1st

Choice Applicants

Whitetail Deer 21, 22, 23, 24A, 24B 3,975 4,917

Mule Deer 21, 22, 23, 24A, 24B 2,750 4,322

Any Antlered Deer 22, 23 275 579

Pronghorn 21 35 424

Elk 21, 22, 23, 24A 2,040 5,556

Turkey 22, 23, 24A 1,590 2,646

Javelina 21, 22, 23, 24A, 24B 4,420 5,207

Bighorn Sheep 22, 24B 6 1,503

Total 15,091 25,158

For bear hunting on the Tonto National Forest, the majority of bear hunting permits are issued 

during the fall hunt seasons that begin in August and run through the end of December. The five 

year average number of bear hunters on the Tonto National Forest is approximately 1,680 hunters 

and five year average black bear harvest is 69 animals. Contrary to management of the other big 

game species listed above, bear hunting permits (known as nonpermit-tags) are not issued through 

a lottery draw system but are available to hunters over the counter at any hunting license dealer. 

Bear harvest is not managed by limitation on hunting permits like deer and elk, but rather 

restrictions on harvest of the female segment of the bear population based on wildlife research 

and reproductive limitations of the species. Each game management unit has a predetermined 

level of acceptable female harvest for that area and when that harvest level is reached the game 

management unit is closed to bear hunting for that season.

Annual black bear harvest on the Tonto National Forest comprises approximately one quarter to 

one third of the statewide harvest for black bears. This level of harvest is consistent with black 

bear research that indicates that Arizona black bear abundance is greatest in central and 

southeastern Arizona. Black bear abundance is influenced by home range size of bears occupying 

86 Black bear is not included in this list because the majority of black bear hunts that occur on the Tonto National Forest 

do not require an individual to apply for a hunt, but rather the nonpermit-tag is available over the counter. The five-year 

average number of black bear hunters on the Tonto National Forest is approximately 1,680 hunters. This estimate is 

derived by taking the number of black bear nonpermit-tags sold statewide and multiplying by the percentage of black 

bear harvested on Tonto National Forest lands. This estimate assumes that the level of black bear harvest is directly 

proportional with the number of nonpermit-tags sold. 87 For a map of the game management units on the Tonto National Forest, see Alternative A’s description in Chapter 2.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 217
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

that habitat; the smaller the home range the greater the abundance. Smallest home ranges of black 

bears in the southwestern United States were found in the Madrean evergreen woodland and 

interior chaparral habitats in the Mazatzal Mountains and just south of the Mogollon Rim 

indicating preferred habitat qualities and greater abundance in this area (Arizona Game and Fish 

Department, 2012a).

The majority of black bears harvested on the Tonto National Forest are harvested during the early 

fall from August through October. Most (57.6 percent) black bears harvested in Arizona between 

1998 and 2002 were killed in areas located primarily south of the Mogollon Rim, and most (55 

percent) were harvested in September (Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2012a). The harvest 

locations of bears on the Tonto National Forest are often at elevations less than 6,000 feet with 

temperatures sometimes exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit during those months. Average adult 

size of female black bears is 150 pounds and male bears are 275 pounds with some males

weighing more than 400 pounds. Due to the conditions described above, the need for black bear 

hunters on the Tonto National Forest to retain the ability to use motorized vehicles to retrieve the 

legally harvested animal may be warranted. With the five year average black bear harvest on the 

Tonto National Forest being 69 animals and the estimated annual motorized big game retrievals 

for black bear estimated at 15 trips, effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat are likely nominal88. 

Although the Tonto National Forest receives the highest levels of expenditures for hunting of any 

National Forest in the Southwestern Region (American Sportfishing Association, 2006), data 

derived from the National Visitor Use Monitoring report for the Tonto National Forest indicates 

that 2.5 percent of visitors to the Tonto National Forest are hunters (U.S. Forest Service, 2012). 

These figures may further represent that the Tonto National Forest is one of the most highly 

visited National Forests in the United States with each recreational activity (e.g., hunting, hiking, 

boating) contributing significantly to the number of visits and economic effects when reported 

separately as a distinct recreational activity.

While the interest in participating in big game hunting has generally increased statewide, the 

same has not been observed with interest in small game hunting. Although data for small game 

hunter participation on the Tonto National Forest is not available, an annual quail hunter check 

station has been in operation on the Tonto National Forest near Punkin Center for nearly ten 

years. According to the data, hunter days for 2004 to 2005 were 169; for 2005 to 2006 were 218; 

for 2006 to 2007 were 94; there was no data for 2007 to 2008; for 2008 to 2009 were 102; and for 

2009 to 2010 were 74. Data from this check station demonstrates a decline of small game hunter 

participation on the Tonto National Forest that is consistent with the statewide decline.

Angling Participation on the Tonto National Forest

Angling participation on the Tonto National Forest is the highest of any National Forest in 

Arizona due to the diversity of fishable waters on the Tonto National Forest and their proximity to 

the Phoenix Metropolitan Area (American Sportfishing Association, 2006; Pringle, 2004). This 

includes the Mogollon Rim area streams (East Verde River, Tonto Creek, Canyon Creek, etc.), the 

Salt River Lakes (Roosevelt, Apache, Canyon, and Saguaro), and the Verde River Lakes (Bartlett 

and Horseshoe) (Figure 45).

88 For a more detailed account for these calculations, see Appendix A of the Arizona Game and Fish Department 

Report which is part of the project record.

218 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 

Figure 45: Map of Major Fishable Waters on the Tonto National Forest

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 219 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

These waters combined include a high diversity of sportfish species including; bass, trout, 

walleye, catfish, sunfish, and even opportunities to fish for native roundtail and headwater chub.

In 2001 the Arizona Game and Fish Department did a statewide survey of angler use. Numbers 

derived from that survey indicate that there were 1,252,663 angler use days on the Tonto National 

Forest, making it one of the most heavily used fishing destinations in Arizona (Pringle 2004). On 

average Arizona anglers spent approximately 19 days fishing in 2001 (Pringle, 2004) and based 

on decrease in fishing license sales since 2001, it is believed to be even lower today. The major 

lakes on the Tonto National Forest (Roosevelt Lake, Bartlett Lake, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, 

and Apache Lake make up five of the top eleven lakes in the state for highest angler use days.

Data derived from the National Visitor Use Monitoring report for the Tonto National Forest 

indicates that 9.5 percent of visitors to the Tonto National Forest were anglers (U.S. Forest 

Service, 2012). 

Economics Associated with Hunters and Anglers on the Tonto 

National Forest

The ability of the Arizona Game and Fish Department to adequately represent current public 

interests in wildlife is being tested by an ongoing societal shift in the way people value and 

interact with wildlife. The Arizona Game and Fish Department conserves game, sport fish, and 

nongame wildlife species, primarily using revenues from discretionary spending of customers 

relating to hunting and fishing license sales. Increasingly, fewer people are interested in hunting 

and fishing as a proportion of the entire population, yet there has been growth in other forms of 

wildlife-related recreation, such as wildlife viewing. Although valuable and contributory to local 

economies (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2012), wildlife viewing activities provide little direct 

revenue for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, but likely contribute significantly to local 

communities. Tied to these trends is the increasing interest in providing input in how wildlife is 

managed. People have many different preferences for wildlife-related recreation programs and 

services. Greater diversity in viewpoints has contributed to increased conflict, as well as 

contradictory social values among stakeholders (Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2012b).

Although economic data for angling on the Tonto National Forest is not specifically available, the 

statewide economic effect estimates that anglers spent $830 million, and contribute $1.1 billion to 

the state's economy (Pringle, 2004). Tonto National Forest angling economic data would be 

expected to be a high proportion of the statewide data based on the angling use days described 

above.

According to the 2006 report for State and National Economic Impacts of Fishing, Hunting and 

Wildlife-Related Recreation on U.S. Forest Service-Managed Lands (American Sportfishing 

Association) Tonto National Forest had the most expenditures for wildlife related recreation in the 

southwestern region:

• $24,350.674 for hunting;

• $21,583,552 for fishing; and

• $11,898,625 for wildlife viewing

Much of this information was obtained from the 2006 United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service, 2008) and the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program (U.S. Forest Service, 2012). 

220 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

From 2000 to present, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has observed a relatively stable 

number of hunting licenses sold (Figure 46). 

Figure 46: Arizona Hunting License Sales, 2000-2012

Fishing License sales over the years have steadily declined due to many factors including: change 

in demographics of Arizona’s human population, economic issues, prolonged drought and 

weather patterns, wildfires, land management agency actions (e.g., closures, restrictions, fees, 

etc.), accessibility of waters, and availability of sportfish (Figure 47). 

Figure 47: Arizona Fishing License Sales, 1980-2008

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 221
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Environmental Effects

Assumptions

The assumptions used in this analysis include:

• Wildlife managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department will be managed according

to existing laws, regulations, and policy to protect these resources according to biological

and societal conditions

• Motorized use on the Tonto National Forest will continue to increase consistent with

growth in Arizona’s population and such increases will affect wildlife and wildlife related

recreation.

• Big game hunter harvest and subsequent motorized big game retrieval occurs equally

across all land ownerships, habitat types, and topography within each game management

unit.

• All areas within each game management unit on Tonto National Forest lands are open

and available to hunting and motorized big game retrieval with the exception of federally

designated wilderness.

• Hunters have equal opportunity to harvest animals and use motorized big game retrieval.

• The proportion of animals harvested by species is similar to the proportion of each game

management unit that is available for motorized big game retrieval.

• Current laws, rules, regulations, orders prohibiting cross-country travel (subsequently

motorized big game retrieval) on the Cave Creek, Mesa, Tonto Basin, and Globe ranger

districts of the Tonto National Forest are adhered to by motorized recreationists.

• In regards to motorized dispersed camping, recreationists will continue camping in

existing motorized dispersed camping sites for any restrictions placed on this activity that

are greater than 100 feet from identified legal roads. For restrictions less than 100 feet

from identified legal roads, recreationists will seek and create new motorized dispersed

camping sites.

• Trends and numbers published in various surveys and publications about wildlife related

recreation at the statewide level are similar to trends observed on the Tonto National

Forest (e.g., 2006 and 2011 United States Fish and Wildlife Service National Survey of

Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation) (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

2008 and 2012).

• The number of hunting and fishing licenses sold directly represents participation in the

respective activity.

• Current levels of motorized travel on the Tonto National Forest have detrimental effects

on wildlife populations particularly on fragile desert habitats.

The following assumptions were used for the hunting/angling motorized access analysis:

• There are no barriers to connectivity of Tonto National Forest roads and motorized trails

open to the public with those outside of the Tonto National Forest boundary.

222 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

• There are no barriers to connectivity of Tonto National Forest roads and motorized trails

within the Tonto National Forest boundaries.

• One mile is a reasonable distance for a hunter/angler to walk to access hunting/fishing

areas from Tonto National Forest roads and motorized trails that are open to the public.

• Private lands within the Tonto National Forest boundary do not allow hunting.

• Hunters/anglers have equal access to alternative types of motor vehicles to allow

motorized travel on all roads and motorized trails proposed to be open for the public

• Hunting/angling motorized travel demands are distributed evenly across the Tonto

National Forest.

• Hunter/angler satisfaction in regards to reasonable motorized access on Tonto National

Forest lands is highly variable on an individual basis and survey instruments are not

available to provide quantitative estimates of such.

• Hunter/angler satisfaction in regards to dispersed motorized camping on Tonto National

Forest lands is highly variable on an individual basis and survey instruments are not

available to provide quantitative estimates of such.

Methodology

The primary method used to determine motorized travel effects on wildlife habitat and wildlife 

populations was personal communication with Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife 

managers and wildlife biologists, who have worked on the Tonto National Forest for many years. 

Many of these wildlife professionals are familiar with the travel management history of the Tonto 

National Forest and have observed and documented the changes in wildlife populations and 

wildlife habitat over the last 10 to 20 years. 

The methods used to describe effects on wildlife related recreation and associated economic 

effects include noting baseline economic data from the State and National Economic Effects of 

Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Related Recreation on U.S. Forest Service-Managed Lands report 

(American Sportfishing Association, 2006). A review of the Tonto National Forest Visitor Use 

Report was also included as it pertains to wildlife related recreation on the Tonto National Forest 

(U.S. Forest Service, 2012). In addition, data from the 2006 and 2011 United States Fish and 

Wildlife Service National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation was 

used to infer trends from the state level to the Tonto National Forest (U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service, 2008 and 2012). Furthermore, personal communication with Arizona Game and Fish 

Department wildlife professionals was used to determine potential effects of each alternative.

During this analysis, each individual Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Manager on 

the Tonto National Forest was asked to assess the effect to wildlife and wildlife related recreation 

as it relates to travel management planning within each ranger district. Summary statements of 

these opinions are included in the effects analysis for each alternative.

Within each game management unit, the Arizona Game and Fish Department collects information 

about wildlife populations through wildlife surveys; information collected includes age and sex 

ratios, juvenile recruitment, population trends, etc. The Arizona Game and Fish Department uses 

a hunter harvest questionnaire program to collect data such as harvest, hunter success, hunter 

demand, hunter days, etc. The game management units that include portions of the Tonto National 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 223
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Forest are GMU 21, 22, 23, 24A, 24B, and 37B. Most of this data is summarized annually in the 

Hunt Arizona report89. 

For hunter and angler participation rates, data was collected from various survey instruments 

including the Statewide survey of 2001 Arizona Anglers (Pringle, 2004), Arizona Game and Fish 

Department Small Game Participation Questionnaire (Arizona Game and Fish Department 2008), 

2013 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (Arizona State Parks, 2013), Hunt 

Arizona 2012 Edition (Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2012a), and personal communication 

with Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife professionals90. 

As a measure of hunter and angler satisfaction with Tonto National Forest access to wildlife 

resources, a GIS modeling analysis was conducted to determine how much Tonto National Forest 

lands (acres) available for hunting and fishing may be lost or gained with each alternative. Under 

this analysis all private lands within the Tonto National Forest were removed from consideration.

An assumption was made in regards to a baseline point of measurement; that one mile from an 

open road or motorized trail would result in reasonable access for hunters/anglers. This one mile 

buffer was placed on all roads and motorized trails proposed to be open for the public under each 

alternative. With each alternative, portions (acreages) of the Tonto National Forest would become 

accessible and portions of the Tonto National Forest would become inaccessible given the one 

mile buffer. The differences in these acreages are the basis for which to measure overall 

hunter/angler access on the Tonto National Forest and then subsequent hunter/angler satisfaction 

with their Tonto National Forest visit. The discussion of these differences is found within the 

effects analysis for each alternative. 

Alternative A – No Action

Direct and Indirect Effects on Wildlife 

Under this alternative, current management of motorized travel on the Tonto National Forest 

would continue. Existing road densities and motorized cross-country travel would continue to 

have detrimental effects to wildlife and wildlife habitat defeating the intent and purpose of the 

Travel Management Rule passed in 200591. 

Direct and Indirect Effects on Wildlife Related Recreation and 

Associated Economic Effects 

Under this alternative, the movement of environmental conditions (soil, water, wildlife, air, etc.) 

away from the desired future condition may occur. Under existing conditions and levels of 

motorized recreational use on the Tonto National Forest (U.S. Forest Service, 2012), natural 

resources would continue to deteriorate and not be sustainable for wildlife populations and their 

habitats92. The subsequent loss of wildlife may result in the Tonto National Forest not being a 

destination for those that enjoy visiting the Tonto National Forest for wildlife related recreation.

Those communities that rely heavily upon Tonto National Forest visitation for wildlife related 

recreation may suffer from loss of revenue.

89 Arizona Game and Fish Department hunting website 90 For more information about these personal communications, see the Arizona Game and Fish Department Report in 

the project record.

91 For more information, see Chapter 1 of this document. 92 For more information, see the Wildlife and Plant Habitat Resources section of this chapter.

224 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Under this alternative, approximately 2,050,400 acres (72 percent of the Tonto National Forest) 

would be available for walk-in wildlife related recreation access within one mile of roads and 

motorized trails open for public use. The existing level of motorized wildlife related recreational 

access (roads and motorized trails open to the public) appears to be sufficient for meeting Arizona 

Game and Fish Department wildlife management objectives and offers continued opportunities 

for recreationists that prefer to recreate in areas away from motorized travel as well. 

Under this alternative the Cave Creek, Mesa, Globe, and Tonto Basin ranger districts would 

remain closed to cross-country travel and therefore motorized big game retrieval would not be 

permitted on those districts. This may affect those hunters that are not knowledgeable of the 

existing restriction, but the effect would be minimal as it is estimated that 550 hunters forestwide

use motorized big game retrieval.

Alternative B

Direct and Indirect Effects on Wildlife 

Under this alternative, movement towards desired future conditions for wildlife and wildlife 

habitat would occur as there would likely be less motorized disturbance to wildlife populations 

and wildlife habitats in areas where road closures take place and through the elimination of crosscountry travel. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has historically been supportive of efforts 

by the Tonto National Forest to reduce road densities where they are deemed duplicative and from 

which a pattern of use has been analyzed and determined to be detrimental to wildlife resources.

The general prohibition against cross-country travel would likely improve wildlife habitat for all 

species. Wildlife and wildlife habitat would likely improve within designated permit zones. For 

permit zones, it is likely that responsible motorized recreationists would respond by obtaining a 

permit for the area, other less responsible recreationists may abandon use of the area and recreate 

somewhere else that may be more detrimental to wildlife and wildlife habitat and into areas that 

have not already been heavily affected by motorized recreation. An appropriate balance of permit 

zones and nonpermit zones in heavy motorized use areas across ranger districts would allow the 

user to choose what motorized experience they desire. The significant restrictions to motorized 

dispersed camping (restricted to approximately 65 designated acres) may have positive effects to 

wildlife and wildlife habitat as there would be less motorized disturbance and less human effect 

on the environment. On the other hand, this reduction of motorized use and potential restriction 

on hunters’ ability to find and harvest big game animals may lead to wildlife populations that are 

above population objectives and subsequent habitat damages. 

Direct and Indirect Effects on Wildlife Related Recreation and 

Associated Economic Effects 

Under this alternative, movement towards and away from desired future conditions for wildlife 

related recreation and associated economics may occur. The reduction in road density, elimination 

of cross-country travel, and reduction in motorized disturbance on wildlife may benefit wildlife 

related recreationists who prefer to recreate in areas away from motorized travel. On the other 

hand, the number of road closures (2,367 miles of decommissioned routes) may create confusion 

amongst recreationists when attempting to determine if particular roads are open or closed, 

particularly if adequate and reasonable signage is not maintained on the ground. Furthermore, if 

the requirement to possess a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is not well established and/or the 

quality and scale of the MVUM does not provide enough information for a reasonable person to 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 225
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

determine whether a road is open or closed, may result in Tonto National Forest visitors not being 

satisfied with their visit. This potential confusion amongst wildlife related recreationists may turn 

them away from pursuing further wildlife related recreation and/or they may go elsewhere 

resulting in subsequent loss of economic effects.

In regards to permit zones, if wildlife and wildlife habitat improve as anecdotally observed on the 

Mesa Ranger District at Bulldog Canyon Permit Zone, wildlife related recreation may increase;

otherwise in areas of the Tonto National Forest that suffer from heavy motorized use (e.g., Lower 

Sycamore, Sugarloaf, and lower section of Four Peaks Road), wildlife related recreationists tend 

to avoid these areas because wildlife is scarce due to degraded wildlife habitat conditions. 

This alternative does not allow for any motorized big game retrieval and therefore, approximately 

550 elk, deer, and bear hunters combined would annually be precluded from using a motor 

vehicle to retrieve their animal (Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2013b). This alternative 

eliminates the ability of the Arizona Game and Fish Department to implement the Challenged 

Hunter Access Mobility Permit (CHAMP) program. It is unknown as to how both groups of 

hunters may react to removal of these privileges, but they may stop hunting, change their hunting 

behavior, hunt somewhere else, and/or choose to violate the restriction. Under this alternative, 

approximately 1,813,400 acres (63 percent) of the Tonto National Forest) are available for walkin wildlife related recreation access within one mile of roads and motorized trails open for public 

use. The level of motorized access (roads and motorized trails open to the public) may result in 

the Arizona Game and Fish Department not being able to meet big game harvest and wildlife 

management objectives at the game management unit level and subsequent statewide level. 

Control and management of large herbivore (ungulate) populations is a critical component of 

maintaining the Tonto National Forest’s ecosystem. Public hunting has been the most effective 

tool for managing herbivore populations and often depends on reasonable motorized access to 

wildlife populations. The harvest and management objectives on the Tonto National Forest rely 

heavily on relatively predictable hunter harvest to reduce negative effects to vulnerable habitats. 

The ability to meet these objectives may be compromised with significant reductions in 

motorized access. As Arizona’s hunters age (Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2012b), the 

need for motorized big game retrieval may increase to a point that harvest needs may not be met 

by hunter demand if those hunters choose not to harvest animals due to restrictions on motorized 

big game retrieval. Current demand for big game hunting on the Tonto National Forest does not 

indicate a decrease in demand for big game permits. A concern with the removal of motorized big 

game retrieval is the spoilage of meat before hunters are able to retrieve their animals. Retrieval 

by motorized means allows hunters to remove the meat in a more efficient manner than packing 

the meat out without the use of motorized vehicles. Many hunting seasons for deer, elk, and bear 

occur in the months of August, September, and October when ambient temperatures on the Tonto 

National Forest are relatively warm (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) which may contribute to 

spoilage of meat. 

In regards to motorized dispersed camping, this alternative allows for approximately 65 acres 

designated for such purposes. It is likely that restrictions of available campsites would result in a 

difficult situation for recreationists unable to locate a legal campsite during periods of high use 

such as hunting seasons or for anglers at Tonto National Forest lakes which allow motorized 

dispersed camping. This could lead to stratification of hunt structures resulting in more seasons 

with fewer permits to mitigate this issue. This, in turn, could lead to seasons occurring later in the 

fall and into the winter in order to meet management goals, which could result in the disruption of 

deer breeding season and exacerbate road damage during wet periods of the year. The restrictions 

226 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

on dispersed motorized camping may lead to less hunting as dispersed motorized camping is the 

most common form of camping used by hunters on the Tonto National Forest. 

The limitation on dispersed motorized camping under this alternative may force recreationists to 

those existing designated spur roads and campsites into close proximity to each other and 

potentially expanding the footprint of these camping areas. Depending on the locations of the 

designated campsites, it may affect the ability of the Tonto National Forest’s hunters to reach 

wildlife populations that need population control through hunting in support of specific wildlife 

habitat objectives (e.g., Canyon Creek riparian area, removal of bears in wildland-urban interface 

areas, etc.). Furthermore, a significant portion of the Tonto National Forest’s anglers use 

motorized dispersed camping to access fishing areas at Tonto National Forest lakes and streams. 

Depending on the location of the designated sites and the distance from these lakes and streams, 

anglers may react by not participating, choosing to participate somewhere else, and/or by

choosing to violate provisions of the Plan. Specific locations on the Tonto National Forest where

this negative effect on hunter and angler participation may be most evident is Fossil Creek 

corridor, East Verde River, Weber Creek, and the Lower Verde River near Box Bar. In addition to 

affecting those using the Tonto National Forest for hunting and fishing, closure of roads and 

motorized trails that lead to dispersed campsites may affect nonconsumptive users of wildlife. 

It is expected under this alternative, that hunter and angler harvest and participation rates would 

decline, particularly as they relate to those hunters and anglers who wish to stay overnight on the 

Tonto National Forest at dispersed camping sites which would be significantly restricted. A 

quantitative analysis of this effect is not available, as it would be speculative in nature. 

Alternative C 

Direct and Indirect Effects on Wildlife 

As with alternative B, movement towards desired future conditions for wildlife and wildlife 

habitat would occur with this alternative, as there would likely be less motorized disturbance to 

wildlife populations and wildlife habitats in areas where road closures take place and through the 

elimination of cross-country travel. The rate of movement towards desired future conditions may 

be slower than that of alternative B. Similar responses may occur to wildlife and wildlife habitat 

as those mentioned in alternative B with the exception that there are fewer restrictions to 

motorized dispersed camping (91,391 acres available in alternative C as compared to 65 acres in 

alternative B). The availability of motorized dispersed camping in this alternative would likely 

not have an effect on hunters’ ability to find and harvest big game animals and subsequently 

wildlife populations objectives would likely remain within guidelines for sustainable wildlife 

habitat conditions.

Direct and Indirect Effects on Wildlife Related Recreation and 

Associated Economic Effect s 

The same or similar effects on wildlife related recreation as described in alternative B would 

occur with this alternative although effects would be less. The addition of OHV Areas at Bartlett 

Lake and Roosevelt Lake would legitimize existing use and wildlife related recreation would 

likely not be affected. As described in alternative B, permit zones may result in responsible 

motorized recreationists obtaining a permit for the area, while other less responsible recreationists 

may abandon use of the area and recreate somewhere else that may be more detrimental to 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 227
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

wildlife and wildlife habitat and into areas that have not already been heavily affected by 

motorized recreation. An appropriate balance of permit zones and areas which do not require a 

permit in heavy motorized use areas across the ranger districts would allow the user to choose 

what motorized experience they desire. St. Clair and Desert Vista permit zones are located 

immediately adjacent to each other on the Cave Creek Ranger District in an area heavily affected 

by motorized use; and therefore, the likelihood of displacement of existing motorized users 

somewhere else on the Tonto National Forest may be higher and associated effects to wildlife, 

wildlife habitat, and associated recreation may occur.

Under this alternative, motorized big game retrieval would be allowed for bear and elk hunters up 

to one mile from a designated road or trail. Therefore, approximately 341 deer hunters would 

annually be precluded from using a motor vehicle to retrieve their animal (Arizona Game and 

Fish Department, 2013b). The effects of this action would be similar as those described in 

Alternative B for motorized big game retrieval. Under this alternative approximately 2,081,500 

acres (73 percent of the Tonto National Forest) are available for walk-in wildlife related 

recreation access within one mile of roads and motorized trails open for public use. This 

alternative allows for essentially the same level of motorized wildlife related recreational access 

(roads and motorized trails open to the public) as the existing condition from which would be 

sufficient for meeting Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife management objectives. The 

Arizona Game and Fish Department Challenged Hunter Access Mobility Permit program would 

be retained under this alternative.

This alternative allows for motorized dispersed camping within 100 feet on each side of 

designated road and trails for approximately 91,390 acres available for such purposes. Although 

many dispersed camping sites may exist on short spur roads and trails beyond 100 feet, it is likely 

that this restriction would not create an environment where wildlife related recreationists are 

unable to locate a legal campsite during periods of high use, such as hunting seasons or for 

anglers at Tonto National Forest lakes which allow motorized dispersed camping.

It is expected that under this alternative, hunter and angler harvest and participation rates would 

remain relatively unchanged. A quantitative analysis of the effect on hunter and angler 

participation rates is not available, as it would be speculative in nature. 

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects on Wildlife 

Under this alternative, current management of motorized travel on the Tonto National Forest 

would include approximately 4,900 miles of roads and motorized trails open to the public. Road 

densities and motorized travel on the Tonto National Forest would continue to have detrimental 

effects to wildlife and wildlife habitat defeating the intent and purpose of the Travel Management 

Rule passed in 2005. It is likely that under this alternative, the effects to wildlife and wildlife 

habitat would be similar to the existing conditions.

Direct and Indirect Effects on Wildlife Related Recreation and 

Associated Economic Effects 

Under this alternative, the movement of environmental conditions (soil, water, wildlife, air, etc.) 

away from the desired future condition may occur. Under existing conditions and levels of 

228 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

motorized recreational use on the Tonto National Forest (U.S. Forest Service, 2012), natural 

resources would continue to deteriorate and not be sustainable for wildlife populations and their 

habitats93. The subsequent loss of wildlife may result in the Tonto National Forest not being a 

destination for those who enjoy visiting the Tonto National Forest for wildlife related recreation.

Those communities which rely heavily upon Tonto National Forest visitation for wildlife related 

recreation may suffer from loss of revenue.

In regards to motorized big game retrieval under this alternative, approximately 550 elk, deer, and 

bear hunters combined would annually be allowed to use a motor vehicle to retrieve their 

animal94 within one mile on both sides of all designated motorized routes. This alternative allows 

for cross-country travel for motorized big game retrieval on four ranger districts (Cave Creek, 

Mesa, Tonto Basin, Globe) which previously have been closed for this activity. The effects to 

wildlife and wildlife habitat are likely nominal considering there is a low number of retrievals 

(550 trips) annually across the entire Forest. Effects would be greatest on those wildlife habitats 

found in the Sonoran Desert habitats because damage from motorized vehicles in that 

environment takes more time to recover. Effects on wildlife related recreation and associated 

economics for motorized big game retrieval would be nominal. Under this alternative 

approximately 2,204,500 acres (77 percent of the Tonto National Forest) are available for walk-in 

wildlife related recreation access within one mile of roads and motorized trails open for public 

use. This alternative allows for essentially the same level of motorized wildlife related 

recreational access (roads and motorized trails open to the public) as the existing condition which 

would be sufficient for meeting Arizona Fish and Game Department wildlife management 

objectives. 

This alternative allows for motorized dispersed camping within 300 feet on each side of 

designated road and trails for approximately 336,000 acres available for such purposes. This 

restriction would not create an environment where wildlife related recreationists are unable to 

locate legal campsites during periods of high use, such as hunting seasons or for anglers at Tonto 

National Forest lakes which allow motorized dispersed camping. Recreationists would likely 

continue camping in existing motorized dispersed camping sites and therefore likely be little to no 

effects on wildlife or wildlife habitats. 

It is expected that under this alternative, hunter and angler harvest and participation rates would

remain relatively unchanged; although, as mentioned in the effects on wildlife, wildlife 

populations may decline over time due to motorized travel effects on individuals and habitats 

resulting in decreased satisfaction and reduced participation in hunting and angling. A 

quantitative analysis of this effect is not available as it would be speculative in nature. 

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects analysis area for this project is the Tonto National Forest and in some 

cases other National Forests and lands open to the public for wildlife related recreation. Other 

National Forests and other lands open to the public for wildlife related recreation are included 

because the effects of this action may affect recreational use patterns across these lands. The past 

20 to 30 years and the next 10 years are the primary focus for actions and events, because effects 

of motorized travel on the Tonto National Forest’s wildlife and wildlife related recreation and 

93 For more information, see the Wildlife and Plant Habitat Resources section of this chapter. 94 For more information, see Appendix A in the Arizona Game and Fish Department Report in the project record.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 229
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

would be significant as they relate to the growth in human population over this period. In general, 

predictions about changes in wildlife related recreational use which may occur on the Tonto 

National Forest are difficult to make and somewhat speculative in nature. However, it would be 

reasonable to assume that under all alternatives, levels of motorized use would continue to 

increase along with population growth following current trends. It would also be reasonable to 

assume that motorized vehicle use patterns may change with time. 

Past actions related to wildlife and wildlife related recreation within this analysis area have 

occurred regularly over the last 20 to 30 years and are too numerous to list. Some of these actions 

have been small, project specific actions such as construction of wildlife habitat improvement 

projects (e.g., water catchments, juniper thinning), while others have been large, landscape level 

changes to wildlife and wildlife related recreation such as the Cave Creek Complex Fire in 2005 

that burned approximately 244,000 acres and the Willow Fire in 2004 that burned approximately 

120,000 acres. Other past actions/occurrences with significant effects to wildlife and wildlife 

related recreation include elk population growth and expansion on the forest over the last 

30 years, Tonto National Forest closure orders (target shooting) and subsequent changes to 

recreational behavior and use patterns, drought and other long-term weather patterns, fees 

associated with Tonto National Forest recreation (e.g., hunting/fishing licenses, Tonto Pass) and 

significant reduction in mule deer population. 

Some proposed reasonable foreseeable actions related to wildlife and wildlife related recreation 

within the analysis area include: reauthorization of grazing allotments, fuels reduction projects 

and forest thinning (e.g., the Four Forest Restoration Initiative), watershed improvement projects, 

recreation management, special use permits, personal use activities, road construction (e.g.,

U.S. Highway 60, State Route 87, State Route 288), wildfires and fire management, continued 

increase in motorized use of the Tonto National Forest related to human population expansion, 

management of invasive aquatic species in the Salt River Lakes and other sites, law enforcement, 

human-wildlife conflicts, management of wildlife diseases, translocations and reintroductions of 

fish and wildlife. 

Observed Effects on Wildlife and Wildlife Related Recreation after Implementation of Travel 

Management Plans on the Coconino and Kaibab national forests

The author discussed the effects on wildlife and wildlife related recreation as a result of 

implementation of a Travel Management Plans on the Coconino and Kaibab national forests with 

Arizona Game and Fish Department personnel involved in coordination with those Forests. Both 

the Coconino and Kaibab National Forest recently implemented Travel Management Plans and 

published motor vehicle use maps, and so observed effects may only include the initial year after 

implementation. The following anecdotally observed effects may be helpful with effects analysis 

on the Tonto National Forest:

• Prior to implementation of the Travel Management Plan and public distribution of the

motor vehicle use map, the Coconino National Forest placed many numbered signs on

roads/motorized trails which had not been previously signed for some time. Many of the

roads/motorized trails, which were signed, were not opened in the Plan and not published

on the motor vehicle use map. As a result, the public began using some of these

numbered roads/motorized trails, effectively opening some areas which had not been

previously open. In some cases this created negative effects on wildlife and created

unlawful uses as the routes were not on the motor vehicle use map. In some cases,

230 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Coconino National Forest and Arizona Game and Fish Department personnel have been 

retroactively pulling these signs since implementation.

• After publication of the motor vehicle use map some errors were detected, creating

confusion among visitors.

• Some visitors became confused with what roads/motorized trails were open and were not

able to easily detect what roads/motorized trails were open because the motor vehicle use

map did not have topographic features.

• The Garmin and smart phone applications were received well by visitors and helped

considerably with visitors in understanding open roads/motorized trails and locations of

camping corridors.

• Some hunters expressed satisfaction with the creation of the “roadless or quiet areas” that

were created with implementation of the Plan, yet became dissatisfied when they planned

their hunting experience around these areas only to be disturbed by other hunters not

following the motor vehicle use map. Other hunters were not satisfied.

• The Kaibab National Forest integrated existing spur roads and existing locations of

campsites, whereas the Coconino National Forest used camping corridors. Some new

campsites in previously undisturbed areas have been developed on the Coconino National

Forest, as a result of visitors being forced into a camping corridor.

• Some hunters expressed dissatisfaction on the Coconino National Forest that they could

not retrieve their animal by motorized means, while those gathering fuelwood were able

to use motor vehicles cross-country to gather wood.

Alternative A - No Action 

Under this alternative, current use of roads and motorized trails would continue to negatively 

affect wildlife populations and wildlife-related recreation may decline. Without a travel 

management plan to provide guidance to travel management on the Tonto National Forest, 

motorized use would likely continue to increase as the human population surrounding the Tonto 

National Forest grows. Some areas on the Tonto National Forest have already reached a level of 

motorized use that is not compatible with natural resource sustainability95. In these areas of the 

Tonto National Forest, wildlife populations have already been affected by loss of habitat and 

increased disturbance. Under this alternative, wildlife habitat damage may continue to expand 

into areas that remain relatively intact and insulated from the negative effects of mostly 

unregulated motorized recreation. Therefore, the cumulative effect of no action, in combination 

with reasonable foreseeable actions, would move wildlife populations and wildlife related 

recreation away from desired future conditions. 

Alternative B 

Under this alternative, effects on wildlife would be beneficial due to less motorized disturbance to 

wildlife populations and wildlife habitats in areas where road closures take place and through 

elimination of cross-country travel. It is unknown how quickly wildlife and wildlife habitat would 

respond favorably to this action. Many factors would determine the rate of improvement of 

wildlife populations and habitat including: weather patterns, how quickly the Tonto National 

95 For more information, see the Wildlife and Plant Habitat section of this document.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 231
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Forest could implement the action, the public’s response and reaction to the action, and current 

status of wildlife populations. With the exception of elk populations (which have shown the 

ability to quickly increase and expand populations), other game species would likely not increase 

to a point beyond Arizona Game and Fish Department population objectives within 10 years after 

implementation of the action.

Effects on wildlife related recreation may be readily apparent soon after implementation of this 

action as recreationists become aware of the changes and choose to comply with the new 

regulations, choose to violate the new regulations, or choose to recreate somewhere else outside 

of Tonto National Forest boundaries. It could be reasonably assumed that hunters’ ability to find 

and harvest game animals by motorized means may be negatively affected by this alternative, but 

it is unknown how quickly and/or if hunters would be able to change hunting patterns to meet 

harvest objectives set by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If wildlife populations respond 

favorably and quickly to reduced motorized disturbance and less habitat damage on the Tonto 

National Forest, it is possible that there would be little change in hunters’ ability to find and 

harvest game species, if the game species population expansion is commensurate with the loss of 

motorized access and occurs in areas which are still accessible.

The reduction in road density, elimination of cross-country travel, and reduction in motorized 

disturbance on wildlife may benefit wildlife related recreationists who prefer to recreate in areas 

away from motorized travel, but based on anecdotal observations from wildlife professionals in 

the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the use of motorized vehicles for wildlife related 

recreation has increased commensurate with the statewide increase in the use of motorized 

vehicles over the last 10 to 20 years (Arizona State Parks, 2013). This action may result in further 

regulation pertaining to wildlife related recreation. This additional burden upon recreationists to 

remain legitimate may create conversion of those wildlife related recreationists to other forms of 

recreation and the subsequent loss of economic effects.

This alternative does not allow for any motorized big game retrieval; and therefore, 

approximately 550 elk, deer, and bear hunters combined would annually be precluded from using 

a motor vehicle to retrieve their animal. This alternative also effectively eliminates 

implementation of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Challenged Hunter Access Mobility 

Permit program (CHAMP). It is unknown how these hunters may react to removal of this 

privilege, but they may stop hunting, hunt somewhere else, or choose to violate the restriction. 

Under this alternative approximately 1,813,400 acres (63 percent of the Tonto National Forest) 

are available for walk-in wildlife related recreation access within one mile of roads and motorized 

trails open for public use. Cumulative effects of this action may result in replacement of big game 

hunters that rely heavily on motorized big game retrieval with those hunters that do not rely on it.

In regards to motorized dispersed camping, this alternative only allows for approximately 

65 acres designated for such purposes. It is likely that restrictions of available campsites would 

result in a difficult situation for recreationists unable to locate a legal campsite during periods of 

high use such as hunting seasons or for anglers at Forest Lakes which allow motorized dispersed 

camping. The restrictions on dispersed motorized camping may lead to less hunting as dispersed 

motorized camping is the most common form of camping used by hunters on the Tonto National 

Forest.

It is expected that under this alternative, hunter and angler harvest and participation rates would 

decline, particularly as they relate to those hunters and anglers who wish to stay overnight on the 

232 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Tonto National Forest because dispersed camping site would be significantly restricted. Effects 

would likely extend to nonconsumptive wildlife related recreationists, who prefer to camp in 

undeveloped sites. A cumulative quantitative analysis of this effect is not available, as it would be 

speculative in nature. 

Alternative C 

Under this alternative the cumulative effects on wildlife and wildlife related recreation would be 

moderate and beneficial in movement towards the desired future condition. Specifically, the 

elimination of cross-country travel and designation of open roads and motorized trails would be 

beneficial for wildlife and make the Tonto National Forest consistent in regards to the prohibition 

of cross-country travel. Restrictions outlined in the alternative on dispersed motorized camping, 

motorized big-game retrieval, and permit zones are not likely to change wildlife related recreation 

significantly. This action may initially raise frustration and confusion with wildlife related 

recreationists similar to any forestwide change in regulations, but not likely to adversely affect 

hunter and angler participation rates.

Alternative D 

It is likely that under this alternative, effects to wildlife and wildlife habitat would move away 

from desired future conditions. In the short term (less than five years) there would likely be 

minimal effect to wildlife related recreation; but in the long term (20 to 30 years), it is likely that 

the undesirable effects of increasing motorized travel on wildlife populations and habitat may 

create an environment where the level of motorized recreation is not sustainable with managing 

desirable populations of wildlife. Should this level be obtained, it is likely that the Tonto National 

Forest would no longer be a destination for those involved in wildlife related recreation and 

associated economic effects would be lost.

Law Enforcement

The Tonto National Forest is not increasing in size, but there is an ever-increasing demand for the 

finite resources, including those related to recreation use96. Thus it defies logic to expect the 

resource to do anything but deteriorate, because the current management plan has been 

unsuccessful in sufficiently protecting the resources. In addition, the stance of allowing an 

activity just because it was historically allowed is not a valid concept, especially for human safety 

and forest protection. Since 1970, the population of Maricopa County (which includes the 

Phoenix metropolitan area) has increased nearly 300 percent (Headwaters Economics, 2013b) and 

is currently approximately 3.8 million (Headwaters Economics, 2013a). From 1995 to 2006, sales 

of off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in Arizona increased approximately 

623 percent (Arizona State Parks, 2009). However, the size of the Tonto National Forest has 

remained fairly constant at nearly 3 million acres. Simultaneously, a significant amount of 

Arizona State Trust Land has been sold and developed around the Phoenix Metropolitan area, 

which eliminated some of the motorized recreational opportunities there.

Because of the increase in potential motorized users visiting the Tonto National Forest, more than 

one enforcement tool would be necessary. At a minimum, the following would be needed:

96 For more detail about these increases, see the Recreation Specialist Report and Socioeconomic Report in the project 

record. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 233
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

• A map that is readable. This action may include multiple maps or a map for every ranger

district in order to get the level of detail necessary to inform the public.

• Signs on the routes done in a consistent manner.

• Barriers/obliteration of decommissioned/closed/unavailable to the public roads.

• Training and meetings among staff and law enforcement officers and cooperators to

ensure consistent understanding of the plan.

Existing Conditions

Currently, the proliferation of unauthorized roads and trails on the desert ranger districts (Cave 

Creek, Mesa, Tonto Basin, and Globe) of the Tonto National Forest cannot be denied97. 

In many cases, Forest Service employees have not been successful in adequately posting and/or 

identifying (on the ground) these unauthorized roads and trails to the public. Once they have been 

established through repeated use the public is often unable to tell unauthorized roads and trails 

from authorized Forest Service System routes. Typically these unauthorized trails start as a single 

set of motorcycle or ATV tracks of minimal width (10 to 50 inches) and grow wider and deeper as 

more vehicles drive on it until they eventually accommodate full-sized vehicles (6 to 8 feet in 

width). In many cases, when signs are installed indicating a road or trail was closed to motorized 

vehicles, the signs are often illegally removed, destroyed or otherwise rendered unreadable. There 

is significant motive for someone who wants to drive a vehicle in an area that is posted closed, to 

remove the signs indicating motor vehicles use is prohibited. Once this is done, the area appears 

to be open as it is not marked closed. 

From a legal standpoint, we (Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers) are obligated to ensure a 

“reasonable person” knew or should have known that they were operating off of a designated 

road or trail or in a location or manner that is contrary to rules or laws. Currently, this is 

extremely difficult to do. Removal of the signs coupled with building new unauthorized access 

points around signs and physical barriers contributes to the difficulty in prosecuting persons 

operating motor vehicles on these roads and areas. Those forest visitors who want to follow the 

laws and regulations could easily end up on an unauthorized route or closed road unintentionally. 

On June 19, 2013, the governor of Arizona signed House Bill 2551 into law, which among other 

things seems to inhibit state and local law enforcement officials from enforcing off-highway 

vehicle (OHV) laws and driving off-road violations on the National Forests in Arizona. Some 

agencies have announced positions that are even more restrictive than this law. There is an 

exception whereby Arizona Game and Fish Department officers MAY enforce regulations in 

situations where they deem habitat damage has occurred. There are also some differences in 

interpreting the law. That said, it could effectively reduce the typical commissioned patrol as it 

relates to motorized travel on the Tonto National Forest to nine ranger district law enforcement 

officers and one supervisor. There are a number of noncommissioned Forest Service employees 

who also conduct limited enforcement activities (referred to as forest protection officers).

97 For more information, see Appendix A of the Law Enforcement Report in the project record.

234 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Environmental Effects

Assumptions

The best chance of successfully enforcing any measure, regardless of the issue, is for the majority 

to understand the importance of the measure and thus want to comply. As it relates to the travel 

management planning, successful enforcement requires, at a minimum:

• The majority of the public to understand the importance of the management plan, the

rules of the management plan and have a desire to comply with those rules. The number

of Forest Service law enforcement officials is small in comparison to the number of forest

visitors, which means it is extremely difficult to educate the public in the field and to

achieve compliance.

• State and local agencies must also understand the importance of the plan and be willing

and active partners in implementing the plan.

It is inconceivable that unlimited access to all user groups for all activities would be sustainable.

It is almost guaranteed that concessions would need to be made by almost all interested parties, 

no matter the alternative selected for managing motorized travel. With that in mind, the single 

most important factor in enforcing the plan would be for those parties to understand the need for 

management. 

Alternative A (No Action)

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel 

Under current conditions, the proliferation of unauthorized roads and trails is obvious in many 

places throughout the Tonto National Forest98. Given population growth and increased numbers 

of off highway motor vehicles, it is illogical to assume the proliferation of unauthorized roads 

would decline or cease under the current management scheme. Currently, almost 700 miles of 

unauthorized roads and trails have been identified on the forest. This is not the entire amount of 

unauthorized roads; it is only what we have identified. 

One area that has been successful in preventing or reducing significant road proliferation, because 

of success in enforcing where motor vehicles may and may not go is the Bulldog Canyon Permit 

Area99 on the Mesa Ranger District. This is the only area on the forest currently managed this 

way. The permit is free, but in order to get the combination to access the area, the public is 

required to come in and sign the permit or fill it out online. When they get the permit, they are 

provided with gate combinations, rules, and a map of the authorized roads. 

In the last five years, law enforcement officers and Forest Protection Officers have documented 

443 violation notices, warning notices and incident reports on Tonto National Forest for driving 

off-road (36 CFR 261.56) (Table 54). Of those, 151 (34 percent) occurred in the Bulldog Canyon 

Permit Area. Of those total incidents, there were 242 violation notices issued and 94 (39 percent) 

were issued in the Bulldog Canyon Permit Area. At approximately 34,720 acres, the Bulldog 

Canyon Permit Area constitutes approximately 1.2 percent of the total Tonto National Forest land 

base and 1.5 percent of nonwilderness land area. While it is not a foolproof system, the law 

98 For more information, see Appendix A of the Law Enforcement Report in the project record 99 For more information about this area, see Chapter 2, Alternative A description.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 235
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

enforcement officers have been much more successful in enforcing off-road violations in this 

area. In recent years, this area has endured much less impact than adjacent areas on the same 

ranger district. This is likely due to a combination of reduced visitation, because of the permit 

requirement, an increased awareness of what is allowed and what is not, and increased 

enforcement success. This permit area may effectively increase usage on other adjacent areas by 

persons who either do not want to get a permit or do not know how. 

Table 54: Violation Notices, Warnings, and Incident Reports for Tonto National Forest, 

including Bulldog Canyon OHV Area

Year Violation Notices Warnings Incident Reports Total

2008 Bulldog Canyon 11 7 6 24 

2008 Rest of Tonto NF 18 18 35 71 

2008 Total 29 25 41 95

2009 Bulldog Canyon 19 7 0 26

2009 Rest of Tonto NF 38 19 16 73 

2009 Total 57 26 16 99 

2010 Bulldog Canyon 9 1 3 13

2010 Rest of Tonto NF 27 9 12 48

2010 Total 36 10 15 61 

2011 Bulldog Canyon 25 7 12 44 

2011 Rest of Tonto NF 29 8 7 44

2011 Total 54 15 19 88

2012 Bulldog Canyon 18 2 3 23 

2012 Rest of Tonto NF 25 9 11 45 

2012 Total 43 11 14 68

2013 Bulldog Canyon 12 7 2 21

2013 Rest of Tonto NF 11 3 6 20 

2013 Total 23 10 8 41 

2008 – 2013 Bulldog Canyon 94 31 26 151

2008 – 2013 Rest of Tonto NF 148 66 78 292

2008 – 2013 Total 242 97 104 443 

Other areas of apparent success have been Forest Order closures due to large fires and subsequent 

flooding issues, such as the Saint Clair and Bushnell Tanks areas, on the Cave Creek and Mesa

ranger districts. These areas have been fenced and gated off, which has almost eliminated motor 

vehicle access all together. 

236 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motorized Cross -country Travel 

In the northern districts (Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts), the impacts of off-road 

activity are not as obvious. Off-road travel is permitted on these ranger districts as long as it does

not result in resource damage. Enforcement is dependent on establishing that damage occurred.

Determining if damage was done is sometimes subjective and can be a point of contention.

Fuelwood cutting and collecting is common on these districts and big game retrieval does occur.

There may or may not be road and trail proliferation as an unintended consequence of using 

motor vehicles to travel cross country, while conducting these permitted activities. While the 

unauthorized trail may eventually constitute damage, it is difficult to hold individuals responsible.

The enforcement program of Tonto National Forest does not have data to indicate the significance 

of cross-country travel on these ranger districts. 

We also have an inconsistency with cross-country travel/off road travel in the Bartlett Lake and 

Roosevelt Lake Recreation areas where we currently allow motorized travel and dispersed 

camping below the high water mark at both lakes when the water levels are low enough to 

accommodate vehicular travel even though off road travel is not otherwise permitted on those 

ranger districts. 

Permit Zones 

As already indicated, the Bulldog Canyon OHV Area is the only permit zone under current 

conditions. It constitutes the one area where we have been much more successful in preventing or 

reducing significant road proliferation and have successfully enforced driving off road violations. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Motorized big game retrieval is authorized on the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts as 

long as it does not cause resource damage. While not considered a significant issue from a law 

enforcement standpoint, there have been cases of individuals not understanding the restrictions 

and that big game retrieval does not apply to wilderness areas nor does it allow for driving off 

road to pursue animals prior to their harvest. The CHAMP permit (for hunters with disabilities) 

allows qualifying persons with the permit to use their motor vehicle off designated roads to wait

for big game and to retrieve big game as long as it is not in conflict with other laws is currently 

honored on Tonto National Forest. Investigation of cross-country travel offenses in areas where 

big game retrieval is authorized is more complicated because of the requirement to establish that 

the cross-country travel did not occur due to big game retrieval. 

It is virtually impossible to measure how often, if ever, motorized big game retrieval has an 

unintended consequence of creating an authorized trail/route. That being said, it is entirely 

plausible that someone witnessing either the act of motorized big game retrieval or the tracks of 

the vehicle afterwards would believe that driving cross-country was legal or that driving along 

those tracks was legal. This could result in establishing an unauthorized route. “Track following” 

is one of the mechanisms by which unauthorized routes are created in the desert ranger districts. 

This is somewhat mitigated by the lower volume of OHV activity on these ranger districts and 

especially in places and times where motorized recovery of big game does occur.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 237
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Repeated use of motor vehicles at dispersed sites does cause some degradation of the site in many

cases. Often resource damage is not only associated with the motor vehicle usage in the site, but 

also from the route created when the motor vehicle leaves a designated route to access the site. 

Some damage to vegetation and cultural resources does occur at dispersed campsites100. Users 

may trim trees for tents and camper access as well as firewood. It should be noted that these 

activities sometimes occur in developed recreation sites as well. Dispersed sites also have been 

established by the public without regard to archaeological resources and there are probably some 

sites that have caused cultural resource damage.

In addition, the Tonto National Forest does not have any existing dispersed camping corridors. As 

a general rule, we allow dispersed camping throughout the forest, and we typically face the same 

enforcement issues with the routes to and from dispersed campsite as we do with travelling on 

unauthorized/user-created roads. If a reasonable person cannot tell that the route to the campsite 

is unauthorized, it is extremely difficult to justify enforcement action against that person. The fact 

that the sites exist is prima facie evidence that the public uses them. As indicated earlier in this 

report, it is much easier to do enforcement when the public wants to comply with the rules. Since 

the public has already demonstrated they want to use these sites, if we can get them designated, 

proper enforcement would be the simplest for this option and reduce the likelihood of increased 

resource damage due to motorized access to dispersed camping areas. We have an inconsistency 

with the application of the rule under our current management structure where we allow crosscountry/off road travel in the Bartlett Lake and Roosevelt Lake Recreation Areas.

Additional Information Pertaining to Motor Vehicle Use 

Designation 

Use of motor vehicles is not restricted for fuelwood gathering, as long as it is conducted in a 

designated area at designated time and the person has a valid permit. Determining if a violation 

has occurred requires law enforcement personnel to establish whether the cross-country motor 

vehicle usage was conducted legally under the conditions of either valid fuelwood gathering 

activity, big game retrieval, or dispersed camping. This does complicate investigations and 

requires additional time and effort. 

Alternative B

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under this alternative, the reduction in miles of roads would likely have both positive and 

negative effects associated with law enforcement. The positive results from fewer roads to travel 

for enforcement reasons, but would also potentially cause a higher violation rate because it would 

be an unpalatable option for much of the public. The magnitude and/or interaction of those 

impacts are hard to determine, but in general the less the majority of the public likes the 

alternative, the more difficult it is to get compliance. 

100 For more information, see the Heritage Resources and Wildlife and Plant Habitat Resources sections of this chapter.

238 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under this alternative, cross-country travel would no longer be allowed in general on the Payson

and Pleasant Valley ranger districts. Fuelwood gathering would be allowed within 300 feet of 

open routes in existing gathering areas. This could simplify enforcement somewhat considering 

someone would have very little defense if they were travelling cross country. However, the 

challenge of getting the public accustomed to the new rules, since cross-country travel has been 

allowed previously, would be a negative aspect of this alternative.

Permit Zones 

The Bulldog Canyon Permit area is the only permit zone we have currently. Under this 

alternative, we would add four additional permit areas: Sycamore and The Rolls on the Mesa

Ranger District and St. Clair and Desert Vista on the Cave Creek Ranger District. Tonto National 

Forest law enforcement personnel have been much more successful in citing and prosecuting 

illegal off road motorized travel in the existing permit zone (Bulldog Canyon) than the rest of the 

forest. As a general rule, adding the other permit areas would likely increase our effectiveness in 

those areas as well. The reasons for the increased success are likely a combination of several 

factors. In order to get the combination to enter the area, the public must sign for the permit, 

which clearly indicates what roads and trails are legal to operate motor vehicles, and thus they 

have been “duly noticed” about what is illegal motorized travel. Law enforcement officers would

be more likely to patrol the area given that they can take action against those who are not 

complying with the permit than they would be to patrol areas that have been so seriously 

degraded that it is almost impossible to prove illegal off road travel enough to take corrective 

action. 

There is potential for negative effects associated with the added permit zones from an 

enforcement standpoint. A percentage of recreationists on the forest are not willing to go get a 

permit, even if it is free. This is based on public comments made in the field101 and the change in 

usage patterns based on observation of the existing permit zone. The result of those restrictive 

areas would either lead users to become noncompliant and enter the permit area illegally or they 

would recreate in a different area. If we increase the permit areas as suggested, it would likely 

push more motor vehicle activity into areas that currently do not have that level of motor vehicle 

activity. The overall objective of enforcement is not to write more tickets but to be effective 

enough to deter violations and thus help protect the resource from increased damage under the 

travel management plan. While the permit zone is more effective in clear cut enforcement as the 

user has been duly noticed and has an understandable map of where they may and may not go, it 

is difficult to determine what affect these permit zones would have on adjacent resources.

The proposed Sycamore Area is very seriously degraded and many of the trails are “braided” to 

the point of being difficult to differentiate between the original route and unauthorized routes. In 

addition, controlling access into that area would be especially difficult as the terrain does not lend 

itself well to providing any natural barriers. Currently it provides an opportunity for the aforementioned portion of the public that does not wish to get a permit. For those reasons, I estimate 

that it would be difficult to conduct efficient or successful enforcement in that area. 

101 The Tonto National Forest Patrol Captain has personally been told by members of the public that they do not want 

to get a permit and do not want to mess with it. They would rather have freedom to recreate as they please.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 239
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has provided statistics which indicate motorized big 

game retrieval is not a commonly practiced activity and is probably not one of the leading causes 

of resource damage caused by motorized travel102. Then logic would dictate that not allowing 

motorized big game retrieval under this alternative would not create a significant law 

enforcement burden. In addition, no user group (whether it is big game hunters, bird watchers, or 

any of the other activities that the public participates in on public land) would have the ability to 

legally drive cross-country to participate in their activity. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Under this alternative, motorized access for dispersed camping would be limited to designated 

dispersed sites which are accessible by a designated road or motorized trail. Enforcement under 

this plan would be a process that would need to be expanded over the years. It would take a 

significant amount of work to identify, document, get archaeological clearances for, and post all 

of the appropriate dispersed camping sites with suitable motorized access. Illegal dispersed 

camping would be difficult to enforce until we accomplished those tasks sufficiently. If we 

assume that the historically used existing dispersed sites would constitute the vast majority of the 

total dispersed sites, the long term effect would be beneficial from an enforcement stand point for 

the following reasons. The public has already demonstrated their willingness to use those 

dispersed sites or they would not exist. Their willingness to use the sites is the equivalent of 

voluntary compliance and likely the easiest option to enforce. The overall management objective 

is to provide dispersed camping opportunity, while protecting the resource and this alternative 

accomplishes that. The vast majority of those sites would be familiar to both Forest Service law 

enforcement officers and Arizona Game and Fish enforcement officers. The primary enforcers of 

the rules and laws would typically have a thorough understanding of use patterns and would 

likely be critical in developing and refining the list of dispersed sites over the initial few years. 

Additional Information P ertaining to Motor Vehicle Use 

Designation 

Under this alternative, fuelwood cutting and gathering would be restricted to within 300 feet on 

both sides of an open route. This could present some confusion and difficulty when determining 

whether or not a motor vehicle is within the 300 foot buffer. First the measurement has to be 

taken (or estimated) and as part of that it has to be determined from what point on the open route 

to take the measurement. This could prove challenging on some of the very winding routes. It 

may require some increased diligence to make sure there is not a closer point from somewhere 

further along the route and also to determine if the vehicle must be within 300 foot of the route 

they used to get the location or from any open route.

Alternative C

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under this alternative there would be more miles of public access, but significantly more of it 

would be motorized trails. While enforcement of the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 

212.5) are fairly clear on designated roads, it is unclear how state motor vehicle code (with the 

102 For more information, see the Game and Nongame section of this chapter.

240 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

exception related to driving intoxicated and reckless driving which apply everywhere) would be 

applied to motorized trails. In general terms, it would take some time and effort to educate the 

public on the significance of motorized trails and how to tell them from roads. The increase in the 

administrative use only roads and trails would cause some enforcement complications, because 

the public may not understand why access is limited to only certain users. The overall amount of 

roads and trails miles accessible to the public would likely garner public support and thus achieve 

more voluntary compliance, which is the preferred condition for enforcement strategy. 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under this alternative, motorized cross-country travel would be limited to eight areas: Bartlett 

Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District); Golf Course (Globe Ranger District); Roosevelt Lake (Tonto 

Basin Ranger District); Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District), and four proposed “tot lots” totaling 

approximately 12 acres. From enforcement standpoint, having the designated areas allowing 

cross-country travel would be simpler to understand and may also serve to protect the resources 

in the remainder of the forest. Clearly a certain user group exists that demands this type of 

recreational opportunity. Providing some limited opportunity for cross-country travel may result 

in fewer attempts at cross-country travel in the other areas of the forest. 

Providing tot lots (areas exclusively for beginner or children riders) is a needed management 

alternative. Segregating those riders from the other areas would give the public a much safer 

environment to train the beginning riders and allow educational efforts to be more focused on 

those areas with the hope of increasing safety and compliance for the generations to come.

Under current conditions, we have an inconsistency in dealing with cross-country travel/off road 

travel in the Bartlett Lake and Roosevelt Lake Recreation Areas, where we currently allow crosscountry motorized travel (in districts where it is prohibited) from the current water level to the 

high water mark when the water levels are low enough to accommodate vehicular travel. This 

alternative would address that inconsistency, but may have an unintended effect of having more 

cross-country travel in those locations than we already do, which may result in user conflicts 

between campers and recreational riders. Additional restrictions on recreational riding in these 

two areas would likely be needed to prevent the conflicts. It is also noted that the actual area 

would change with the water levels in those reservoirs and it can cause some confusion and 

hazards for the public. Changing water levels may prevent travel along portions of Bartlett Lake 

at certain points. This means persons coming off the Forest Road 42/532 complex may not be 

able to exit along Bartlett Lake. It also means that people may get stuck on Bartlett Flats, if the 

water level rises rapidly. Within the last ten years, I have witnessed Bartlett Lake levels rise a 

vertical foot per day on at least two occasions. This can prevent safe exit of vehicles and trailers 

for persons camping along the shore. 

Permit Zones 

Under this alternative, there would be four permit zones, which would increase the permit areas 

from 34,720 acres to approximately 117,000 acres which is approximately 5 percent of the 

nonwilderness lands of the Tonto National Forest. The Bulldog Canyon Permit Area is the only 

current permit zone. It constitutes the one area where we have been much more successful in 

preventing or reducing significant road proliferation and have successfully enforced driving off 

road violations. The permit is free, but in order to get the combination to access the area, the 

public is required to come in and sign the permit. When they receive the permit they are provided 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 241
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

with gate combinations, rules, and a map of the authorized roads. While it is not a foolproof 

system, the Tonto National Forest Law Enforcement and Investigations has been much more 

successful in enforcing off-road violations. It is likely that it has endured much less impact than 

adjacent areas on the same ranger district. This is likely due to a combination of reduced 

visitation because of the permit requirement, an increased awareness of what is allowed and what 

is not, and increased enforcement success. 

Adding the other three permit zones would likely increase the resource protection in those areas 

as well. Two of the areas are on the Cave Creek Ranger District and the office is located on 

Bartlett Dam Road, which is the Primary access route to the St Clair and one of the primary 

routes to the Desert Vista permit areas. This should serve to increase the public’s opportunity to 

obtain permits and explanations of them. Likewise both Forest Service law enforcement officers 

and Arizona Game and Fish Department deputies would access this road network regularly, since 

it is the only access to Bartlett and Horseshoe Lake Recreation areas, which would put them in 

close proximity to patrol the permit areas.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Motorized big game retrieval is proposed to be allowed within one mile from designated routes to 

retrieve elk and bear as long as the area is not closed to motorized traffic for some other reason, 

such as designated wilderness. Creating a one-mile buffer around all the designated routes would 

likely encompass almost all the area of suitable bear and elk habitat that is not in wilderness. This 

would likely remove the need for law enforcement officers to measure the one mile distance, 

which makes determination of that element of the crime easier, but they may have to follow a 

vehicle for the entire distance to determine if they are conducting cross-country travel for the 

purpose of retrieving an elk or bear. I do not foresee a significant issue with the hunters engaging 

in that much off road travel based on the statistics given by the Arizona Game and Fish 

Department. The potential issue would be the appearance of special treatment given to hunters 

and the attempts of others to use that to conceal or justify their cross-country travel.

It is virtually impossible to measure how often, if ever, motorized big game retrieval has an 

unintended consequence of creating an authorized trail/route. That being said, it is entirely 

plausible that someone witnessing either the act of motorized big game retrieval or the tracks of 

the vehicle afterwards would believe that driving cross-country was legal or that driving along the 

tracks witnessed was legal. This could result in establishing an unauthorized route. “Track 

following” is one of the mechanisms by which unauthorized routes are created in the desert 

ranger districts. This is somewhat mitigated by the lower volume of OHV activity on these ranger 

districts.

The CHAMP permit (for hunters with disabilities) allows qualifying persons with the permit to 

use their motor vehicle off designated roads to wait for big game and to retrieve big game as long 

as it is not in conflict with other laws is currently honored on Tonto National Forest. Investigation 

of cross-country travel offenses in areas where big game retrieval is authorized would be more 

complicated because of the requirement to establish that the cross-country travel did not occur 

due to big game retrieval.

242 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Repeated use of motor vehicles at dispersed sites does cause some degradation of the site in many 

cases. Often resource damage is not only associated with the motor vehicle usage in the site, but 

also from the route created, when the motor vehicle leaves a designated route to access the site.

Some damage to vegetation and cultural resources does occur at dispersed campsites, but it is 

likely that camping corridors with a 100 foot buffer on each side along those routes would result 

in more damage as people would be potentially disallowed from camping in existing sites and 

would have to explore, select, and likely improve another location within the buffer. How much 

damage would occur depends largely on if the existing campsites within the corridors are 

sufficient to accommodate the demand for campsites. As of this time, there is not sufficient 

information to determine this; however, resource protection is one of the most important 

functions of law enforcement and forest protection officers. Damage from motorized travel to and 

from dispersed campsites could be difficult to prove and is more likely to occur within this 

corridor than within designated locations. The enforcement issues stem from proving the distance 

from a designated route and determining if the cross-country travel in our developed recreation 

sites is a result of legal dispersed camping activity or not. The entire camping corridor would 

have to have archaeological clearances. Users may trim trees for tents and camper access as well 

as firewood, and they may dig pits and move rocks for fire rings. It should be noted that these 

activities sometimes occur 

Additional Information Pertaining to Motor Vehicle Use 

Designation 

Use of motor vehicles for fuelwood gathering would be restricted to a distance of 300 feet on 

both sides from a route within permitted areas. This requires law enforcement officers to make a 

determination of distance from the route, and complicates enforcement somewhat. For example, 

where exactly to take the measurement, what instrument to use (if any), and how precise do we 

expect the public to be would all need to be taken into consideration. 

Alternative D

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under this alternative there would be approximately 1,500 more miles for motorized access than 

alternative C. In addition, more of these miles would retain the road designation. This would have 

minimal effects on law enforcement. It would, however, reduce the frequency of patrol on some 

of those roads and trails because of the increased mileage to patrol. 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

This alternative is identical to alternative C for areas open to motorized cross-country travel and 

would have the same effects.

Permit Zones 

This alternative includes no change in existing condition as it relates to permit zones, resulting in 

only the Bulldog Canyon Permit Zone being proposed. Bulldog Canyon Permit Area is the only 

permit zone under current conditions. As a result, the effects are identical to alternative A for 

permit zones.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 243
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

This alternative would allow cross-country travel to retrieve deer, bear, and elk forestwide except 

wilderness and other existing closures. This would not likely significantly increase cross-country

travel for big game retrieval. It might significantly increase the burden of proving violators that 

really are not attempting to retrieve big game but claim they are. It might also significantly 

increase the likelihood of inadvertently creating unauthorized routes. The soils in the desert 

ranger districts that this alternative opens up do not recover from vehicular travel very well. The 

tracks of someone retrieving big game are more visible for a longer time and the volume of 

vehicles on these ranger districts is higher all of which increase the likelihood of inadvertently 

causing an unauthorized route due to track following.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Repeated use of motor vehicles at dispersed sites does cause some degradation of the site in many 

cases. Often resource damage is not only associated with the motor vehicle usage in the site, but 

also from the route created when the motor vehicle leaves a designated route to access the site. 

Some damage to vegetation and cultural resources does occur at dispersed campsites, but it is 

likely that camping corridors with a 300 foot buffer on both sides along those routes would result 

in more damage as people would be potentially disallowed from camping in existing sites and 

would have to explore, select, and likely improve another location within the buffer. How much 

damage would occur depends largely on if the existing campsites within the corridors are 

sufficient to accommodate the demand. As of this time, there is not sufficient information to 

determine this. The enforcement issues stem from proving the distance from a designated route 

and determining if the cross-country travel is a result of legal dispersed camping activity or not. 

The entire camping corridor would need to have archaeological clearances. In addition, persons 

may trim trees for tents and camper access as well as firewood, and they may dig pits and move 

rocks for fire rings. It should be noted that these activities sometimes occur in our developed 

recreation sites as well.

Additional Information Pertaining to Motor Vehicle Use 

Designation 

Like with the existing condition, use of motor vehicles is not restricted for fuelwood gathering as 

long as it is conducted in a designated area at designated time and the person has a valid permit. 

Determining if a violation has occurred requires law enforcement personnel to establish whether 

the cross-country motor vehicle usage was conducted legally under the conditions of either valid 

fuelwood gathering activity, big game retrieval, or dispersed camping. This could complicate 

investigations and may require additional time and effort. 

Wildlife and Plant Habitat Resources

This section summarizes existing conditions and effects from all alternatives to threatened and 

endangered species, critical habitats and critical habitats considered, Forest Service sensitive 

species, other animal species considered, management indicator species, and migratory bird 

priority species that may occur or may have habitat within the project area.

244 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Sensitive 

Species

Wildlife on the Tonto National Forest is managed by maintaining habitat to support viable 

populations of all native vertebrate and invertebrate species and other desirable species as 

required by the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 (P.L. 94-588). Other 

regulations provide for specific management of special status species based on their designations 

under various statutes, policies, and plans for which the Forest Service is required to comply.

Affected Environment

Tonto National Forest, managed under the principles of multiple uses, plays a vital role in 

Arizona by supporting crucial wildlife habitat and maintaining Arizona’s wildlife heritage as well 

as providing significant opportunities for wildlife related recreation and associated economic 

effects. Owing to the diversity of habitats, the forest has a rich biological diversity and numerous 

wildlife species which include 310 birds, 94 mammals including 9 big game wildlife species, 55 

reptiles, 14 amphibians, 16 native fishes, 28 non-native fishes. In addition, there are 3 special 

status invertebrates, and 24 special status plant species. Some non-native species were established 

intentionally, as is the case with rainbow trout; while others such as quagga mussels have arrived 

as unwelcome or invasive species, and yet others appeared as they expanded their range. A few 

species, like the Mexican gray wolf and the California condor, were extirpated in Arizona but 

have been re-established through reintroduction programs (Arizona Game and Fish Department, 

2012b). Motorized access across the Tonto National Forest is an important aspect of wildlife 

related recreational pursuits such as bird watching, big game wildlife viewing, hunting, and 

fishing103.

Mammals: Small mammals such as bats, squirrels, rats, and mice contribute to most of the 

mammal diversity within Tonto National Forest. Larger mammals are hunted as game, such 

as American elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, javelina, and black bear104.

Birds: Birds within the Tonto National Forest breed, migrate, or seasonally occur within the 

forest. Nearctic migratory birds, those species that nest in North America and migrate south 

to Central America, South America, and Caribbean for the winter, are of special concern 

because of their declining populations105.

Reptiles: Tonto National Forest supports 23 lizard, 29 snake, and 3 Chelonian species106.

Amphibians: Tonto National Forest supports 6 species of toads, 6 species of frogs, 1 species 

of salamander, and 1 non-native bullfrog species. These water-dependent amphibians occur in 

or near springs, livestock tanks, streams, and rivers within the forest107.

103 For more information about the management of wildlife related recreation, see the Game and Nongame section of 

this chapter.

104 Refer to the Tonto National Forest mammal checklist for a complete list of mammals within the forest (U.S. Forest 

Service, 2008).

105 Refer to the Tonto National Forest bird checklist for a complete list of birds within the forest (U.S. Forest Service, 

2011).

106 Refer to the Tonto National Forest reptile and amphibian checklist for a complete list of reptiles within the forest

(U.S. Forest Service, 2008).

107 Ibid

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 245

 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Fish: The Tonto National Forest has a diverse fish fauna that inhabits approximately 500 

miles of streams that flow on the Forest. There are 14 native stream-dwelling fishes and about 

7 stream-dwelling nonnative sport fish on the forest. All native fishes found on the Tonto 

National Forest are rare and are declining locally and range wide. These native fish species 

range from the Sonoran desert zone to mixed conifer zone108. 

Wildlife habitat within Tonto National Forest can be divided into 12 wildlife habitat categories 

based on potential natural vegetation types (PNVT). PNVT categories are coarse-scale groupings 

of ecosystem types that share similar geography, vegetation, and historic ecosystem disturbances 

such as fire, drought, and native herbivory. This classification most closely matches habitat 

descriptions that other previous documents use, including the original habitat classification within 

the 1985 Tonto National Forest Plan (Forest Plan) and wildlife habitat types used in the forest

wildlife checklists. It is important to use consistent wildlife habitat classifications because: 1) it 

allows for comparison of wildlife habitat changes relative to when the Forest Plan was written 

and 2) it allows the travel management effects to wildlife habitat to be translated to impacts to 

particular wildlife species. As such, PNVTs represent wildlife habitat types that can generally be 

associated with particular wildlife species. PNVT is used to reflect both the current wildlife 

habitat conditions and the expected vegetation cover type to develop following disturbances such 

as fire. Table 55 describes each PNVT and identifies the acreage of each PNVT present on the 

forest.

Table 55: Description and Acreage of Potential Natural Vegetation Types Present on 

Forest 

Potential 

Natural 

Vegetation 

Type

Acres of 

PNVT on 

Forest Description of PNVT

Pinyon-juniper 

chaparral

814,777.88 Mostly found on lower slopes of mountains and in upland rolling hills at 

approximately 4,500 to 7,500 ft. in elevation. Most common pine is the 

Colorado piñon (Pinus edulis), occurring in limited areas. One-seed juniper 

(Juniperus monosperma) is most common in Arizona and New Mexico; 

however, there are areas with Utah juniper (J. osteosperma), alligator juniper 

(J. deppeana), and Rocky Mountain juniper (J. scopulorum). In addition, 

annual and perennial grasses and graminoids, forbs, half-shrubs and shrubs can 

be found beneath the woodland overstory.

Desert 

communities 

725,990.92 Lowest elevations on the Tonto NF on all slope ranges. At its upper elevational 

limit it is bounded by semi-desert grasslands. The Desert Communities PNVT 

consists of several Existing Vegetation Dominance Types including: Triangle 

Bursage (Ambrosia deltoidea), Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata var. 

tridentata), Yellow Paloverde (Parkinsonia microphylla), Jojoba (Simmondsia 

chinensis), Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina), and Evergreen and Deciduous 

Shrubs Mixed. Important overstory plant species (in addition to those named 

above) include saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), 

and various pricklypear and cholla species (Opuntia spp.).

108 Refer to the Tonto National Forest fish checklist for a complete list of fish within the forest (U.S. Forest Service, 

2008). 

246 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Potential 

Natural 

Vegetation 

Type

Acres of 

PNVT on 

Forest Description of PNVT

Semi-desert 

grassland 

394,195.66 Dominant grassland associations/types are black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) 

grassland, blue grama/hairy grama (B. hirsuta) grassland, tobossa (Hilaria 

mutica) grassland, giant sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii) grassland and mixed 

native perennial grassland. Shrubs also occupy these grasslands and their 

abundance and species composition also varies. 

Ponderosa pine - 

mild

250,220.91 Widespread on the Forests and represents the largest wildlife habitat type 

occurring at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 ft on igneous, 

metamorphic, and sedimentary parent soils with good aeration and drainage, 

and across elevational and moisture gradients. The dominant species in this 

system is Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). Other trees, such as Gambel oak, 

Douglas-fir, piñon pine, and junipers may be present. There is typically a 

shrubby understory mixed with grasses and forbs, although this type 

sometimes occurs as savannah with extensive grasslands interspersed between 

widely spaced clumps or individual trees. This system is adapted to drought 

during the growing season, and has evolved several mechanisms to tolerate 

frequent, low intensity surface fires. 

Interior chaparral 280,763.30 Mountain foothills and lower slopes where low-elevation desert landscapes 

transition into wooded evergreens. Interior chaparral consists of mixed shrub 

associations including but not limited to the following species: Manzanita 

(Arctostaphylos spp.), desert ceanothus (Ceanothus greggii), mountain 

mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), silktassles (Garrya spp.), Stansbury 

cliffrose (Purshia stansburiana), shrub live oak (Quercus turbinella), and 

sumacs (Rhus spp.). 

Pinyon-juniper 

grassland 

204,136.68 Mostly found on lower slopes of mountains and in upland rolling hills at 

approximately 4,500 to 7,500 ft. in elevation. Most common pine is the 

Colorado piñon (Pinus edulis), occurring in limited areas. One-seed juniper 

(Juniperus monosperma) is most common in Arizona and New Mexico; 

however, there are areas with Utah juniper (J. osteosperma), alligator juniper 

(J. deppeana), and Rocky Mountain juniper (J. scopulorum). In addition, 

annual and perennial grasses and graminoids, forbs, half-shrubs and shrubs can 

be found beneath the woodland overstory.

Mixed conifer 

with aspen

58,385.76 The highest elevations on the Tonto NF between 5,800 and 7,900 feet. It is 

bounded on its lower limit by ponderosa pine forests and, occasionally, by 

Madrean evergreen woodlands or chaparral. The only Existing Vegetation 

Dominance Type on the Tonto NF is the Mixed Conifer Map Unit. This Map 

Unit and the entire PNVT are highly variable in that the Mixed Conifer on the 

Tonto NF is found in both the Low Sun Cold (LSC) (LSC 6, <1, +1) climatic 

gradient and the Low Sun Mile (LSM) (LSM, 6, -1) gradient. These types will 

respond differently to disturbance. The LSC Mixed Conifer contains Gamble 

Oak without evergreen oaks while the LMS Mixed Conifer contains evergreen 

oaks (Arizona White Oak and Emory Oak) and usually alligator juniper. 

Dominant and co-dominant vegetation varies in elevation and moisture 

availability. In the lower and drier elevation portions within this wildlife 

habitat type, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and ponderosa pine (Pinus 

ponderosa) may co-dominate. In higher and moister areas white fir (Abies 

concolor) may be co-dominant with Douglas fir. The understory vegetation is 

comprised of a wide variety of shrubs, grasses, graminoids (sedges, etc.), and 

forbs; the compositions depends on soil type, aspect, elevation, disturbance 

history and other factors. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 247
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Potential 

Natural 

Vegetation 

Type

Acres of 

PNVT on 

Forest Description of PNVT

Madrean encinal 

woodland

48,181.76 Occurs on foothills, canyons, bajadas and plateaus between the semi-desert 

grasslands and Madrean pine-oak woodlands. This category is dominated by 

Madrean evergreen oaks such as Arizona white oak (Quercus arizonica), 

Emory oak (Quercus emoryi), gray oak (Quercus grisea), Mexican blue oak 

(Quercus oblongifolia), and Toumey oak (Quercus toumeyi). Madrean pine, 

Arizona cypress, pinyon and juniper trees and interior chaparral species may 

be present, but do not co-dominate. The ground cover is dominated by warmseason grasses such as threeawns (Aristida spp.), blue grama (Bouteloua 

gracilis), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), Rothrock grama 

(Bouteloua rothrockii), Arizona cottontop (Digitaria californica), plains 

lovegrass (Eragrostis intermedia), curly-mesquite (Hilaria belangeri), green 

sprangletop (Leptochloa dubia), muhly grasses (Muhlenbergia spp.), or Texas 

bluestem (Schizachyrium cirratum). Historically this vegetation type had over 

10% tree canopy cover, with the exception of early, post-fire plant

communities

Cottonwoodwillow riparian 

forest

41,228.82 Lower elevations along rivers and streams in unconstrained valley bottoms. 

Dominant woody species include cottonwood spp. (Populus spp.), willow 

species (Salix spp.), and mesquite spp. (Prosopis spp.). Various grasses and 

forbs are also present. Many of the areas with this wildlife habitat type have 

experienced an increase in invasive species such as salt cedars (Tamarix spp.), 

and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolius). The vegetation is dependent upon 

on seasonal flooding and high water tables for germination, growth and 

survivorship of the woody dominants. This wildlife habitat is probably the 

least accurate in describing its current condition. A variety of negative impacts 

(for example, grazing, climate change, falling water tables, recreation) will 

probably prevent this wildlife habitat returning back to its original condition. 

This wildlife habitat type has more mesquite, baccharis, and disturbed ground 

than cottonwood and willow.

Mixed broadleaf 

deciduous 

riparian forest

17,731.10 Located in the Madrean and Chihuahuan provinces, mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forests are found along rivers and streams starting at low 

elevations (approximately 4,000 ft.) and climbing up to montane elevations of 

approximately 9,000 ft. The vegetation is a mix of riparian woodlands and 

shrublands with a variety of vegetation associations. The dominant vegetation 

is likely to depend upon a suite of site-specific characteristics including 

elevation, substrate, stream gradient, and depth to groundwater. For example, 

one vegetation association is dominated by bigtooth maple (Acer

grandidentatum) with mixed stands of Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii), some 

scattered conifers and possibly some aspen (Populus tremuloides). Other sites 

can be dominated by a mixture of the following woody species: boxelder (Acer 

negundo), cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia and P. fremontii), Arizona 

sycamore (Platanus wrightii), velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina), Arizona walnut 

(Juglans major), Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica), and willows species 

(Salix spp.). The forest often contains several species of oak and conifers 

(Pinus and Juniperus) from upstream and adjacent uplands. Exotic species 

such as Russian olive and salt cedar are common in some stands, especially at 

lower elevations. Vegetation can be dependent upon annual or periodic 

flooding for growth and reproduction, especially at lower elevations. 

Mines 428.85 Disturbed, developed areas with sparse vegetation

248 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Potential 

Natural 

Vegetation 

Type

Acres of 

PNVT on 

Forest Description of PNVT

Water 28,989.16 Reservoirs and large rivers. The map boundary of the reservoirs and large 

rivers used to calculate overlapping routes, areas, or corridors are not entirely 

accurate. Consequently routes, areas, or corridors may appear to occur in 

“water” wildlife habitat. Most routes, areas, or corridors are near lake shores 

(for example, marinas). In less frequent instances, these areas may be 

temporary lake beds. Consequently, this “water” wildlife habitat my represent 

transitory but important riparian wildlife habitat.

Environmental Effects

Methodology for Analysis 

Whenever possible, species-specific habitat and locality data were used for analysis. Forestspecific Geographic Information System (GIS) data were used for riparian and wetland habitat. 

Additionally, using species-habitat relationships, data were queried by Potential Natural 

Vegetation Type (PNVT) to help with analysis of effects to species’ habitats. Within the Forest 

boundary, PNVTs were derived from aggregated Forest Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey (TES) 

Ecological Units on the Forest and Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project (SWReGAP) 

(Steinke 2007). PNVTs are ecological units based biophysical settings and depict the potential 

vegetation type that would dominate a site under historic fire regimes and biological processes 

(Lee and Smith, 2006). 

Extent and density of roads by type is derived from the Forest GIS database and reflects the on 

the ground road length and design. Forest miles by road type used determined through a GISbased analysis using available data. Roads under Forest Service authorization were analyzed as 

direct and indirect effects; roads on Forest Service lands not under Forest Service authorization 

were included in cumulative effects analysis. Many unauthorized roads are not digitized into the 

Forest GIS data layer. It is unknown how many miles of unauthorized routes actually exist on-theground that are not currently identified in the Forest GIS layer, but it is estimated to be very high 

and expanding every year due to increased motorized vehicular use on the Forest. 

Species occurrence data was obtained from various sources, including the Arizona Game and Fish 

Department’s Heritage Data Management System, species-based habitat mapping, survey data, 

and incidental observations as represented in the forest GIS database. Where site-specific 

information was lacking, information from knowledgeable individuals was used to plot expected 

species distributions. Ultimately, the analysis of effects of each alternative for each species 

utilizes the same data sets resulting in a relative comparison of project impacts among 

alternatives, even if other unknown impacts were present.

Analysis Factors

In the analysis, there is no distinction made between the different types of roads (public, 

administrative, etc.) since there is no way to quantify the difference in impacts between types. 

Administrative roads are those roads that are not open to the public, and will not be depicted on 

the motorized vehicle use maps given to the public. Typical permitted administrative uses 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 249
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

authorized by the Forest Service in writing include: range improvements, ceremonial gathering by 

tribes, outfitter and guide services, maintenance of utility corridors, administrative use by other 

state or federal agencies, or special use permit events.

Lakes, reservoirs, rivers, springs, and perennial streams are aquatic habitat for fish, amphibians, 

reptiles, and invertebrates. Roads within 300 feet of aquatic wildlife habitat or roads crossings 

perennial streams could potentially impact aquatic wildlife habitat, because road use could disturb 

channel banks or the road prism could funnel sediments into aquatic habitat. 

The metric “road density” is used to give a general and relative assessment of potential road 

impacts to perennial streams. The Forest Service developed the Watershed Condition Framework 

(WCF) which is intended to provide a consistent way to evaluate watershed condition at both the 

National and forest levels (U.S. Forest Service, 2011b). One of the indicators for the watershed 

condition classification process is “roads and trails.” This indicator represents 15 percent of the 

overall watershed condition assessment. The road density attribute is rated good, fair, or poor 

depending on road density per square mile within a watershed. The road density rating is good if 

road density is less than 1 mile per square mile, fair if road density ranges from 1 to 2.4 miles per 

square mile, and poor if road density is greater than 2.4 miles per square mile. Density of roads 

and trails within each threatened, endangered, and sensitive (TES) species habitats and within 

designated critical habitats for each alternative is assessed for potential effects. 

Road density data are presented because road impacts may be masked by total mileages when not 

comparing the mileages relative to the occurrence of that impacted habitat within Tonto National 

Forest. For example, although the total road mileages that are included in the no action alternative 

in riparian forests are small, there are relatively few acres of riparian forests. Consequently, the 

resultant road density would be relatively higher than in other more abundant wildlife habitats.

The wildlife data is imperfect, but it is the best available data available to analyze the impacts of 

road designation to wildlife species. The wildlife observational data is not complete, and 

therefore it is not possible to know absolutely whether an individual occurs near added roads. 

That is, an absence of data of a species near a road may simply mean that the area was not 

surveyed, but the individual may still occur in the area. 

To attempt to compensate for this, habitat modeling data for wildlife species is also used to 

evaluate the potential impacts of road designations. Arizona Game and Fish Department created 

these data from Heritage Data Management System data, breeding bird atlas data, Southwest 

Regional Gap habitat models, Arizona Game and Fish Department internal occurrence data, and 

expert opinion on habitat parameters. These habitat models tend to overestimate the current extent 

of federally-listed-species habitat, describing historic/potential habitat rather than 

suitable/occupied habitat.

Additionally, within motorized big game retrieval corridors, hunters who have legally killed 

particular game species are allowed to travel off-road from a designated public route to retrieve 

their harvest.

The area where hunters will retrieve their harvest depends on several factors:

• Game species habitat: if the game species habitat does not occur in an area, it is not

expected that cross-country travel would occur in that area.

250 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

• Proposed and designated public routes: public routes are where hunters could originate

cross-country travel to retrieve the harvest.

• Areas permitted for motorized cross-country: this does not include land not managed by

the Forest Service.

Habitat

Table 56 identifies the miles of roads and road density within each PNVT for each alternative, as 

well as the acreage of each PNVT impacted by the five analysis factors under each alternative.

Table 56: Miles of Roads and Road Density in Each PNVT and Acres of Each PNVT 

Impacted by Five Analysis Factors under Each Alternative

Analysis Factor Alternative 

A 

Alternative 

B 

Alternative 

C 

Alternative 

D 

Pinyon-juniper Chaparral (814,777.88 acres forestwide)

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 721.47 425.52 573.95 703.87 

Road density (miles per square mile) 0.60 0.37 0.48 0.59 

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 271,584.35 0.00 0.00 0.00 

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 271,584.35 0.00 340,423.39 374,607.87 

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 271,584.35 6.09 12,640.21 48,485.13 

Additional Information Pertaining to 

motor vehicle use (personal use 

fuelwood gathering) (acres) 329,724.25 23,689.81 31,556.84 329,724.25 

Desert Communities (725,990.92 acres forestwide)

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 581.57 246.49 396.36 520.48 

Road density (miles per square mile) 0.58 0.29 0.42 0.53 

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 1,316.76 0.00 1,403.92 1,403.92 

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 1,316.76 0.00 32,665.11 240,445.02 

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 1,316.76 10.65 10,191.79 36,880.42 

Additional Information Pertaining to 

motor vehicle use (personal use 

fuelwood gathering) (acres) 71,843.67 7,057.36 8,566.65 71,843.67 

Semi-desert Grassland (394,195.66 acres forestwide)

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 277 169.77 225.54 274.63 

Road density (miles per square mile) 0.46 0.29 0.38 0.46 

Areas open to motorized cross-country 9,353.35 0.00 0.00 0.00

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 251
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Analysis Factor Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D

travel (acres)

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 9,353.35 0.00 43,468.11 94,612.74

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 9,353.35 4.86 4,835.76 17,154.51

Additional Information Pertaining to 

motor vehicle use (personal use 

fuelwood gathering) (acres) 63,352.21 8,093.00 9,867.08 63,352.21

Ponderosa Pine Mild (250,220.91 acres forestwide)

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 1,764.47 857.25 1,255.32 1,725.44

Road density (miles per square mile) 4.67 2.35 3.37 4.57

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 371,855.52 0.00 0.00 0.00

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 371,855.52 0.00 388,939.49 402,943.85

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 371,855.52 24.5 24,495.67 104,934.92

Personal use fuelwood gathering) 

(acres) 192,151.48 28,887.13 34,832.02 192,151.48

Interior Chaparral (280,763.30 acres forestwide)

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 210.81 105.32 155.55 210.12

Road density (miles per square mile) 0.50 0.26 0.38 0.50

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 8,150.13 0.00 0.00 0.00

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 8,150.13 0.00 83,038.16 93,604.62

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 8,150.13 0.97 3,373.60 13,178.38

Personal use fuelwood gathering) 

(acres) 60,441.98 4,184.27 5,979.93 60,441.98

Pinyon-juniper Grassland (204,136.68 acres forestwide)

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 285.74 177.86 233.14 279.68

Road density (miles per square mile) 1.01 0.67 0.84 0.99

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 53,162.35 0.00 0.00 0.00

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 53,162.35 0.00 63,069.28 93,521.69

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 53,162.35 2.29 5,640.58 19,164.07

252 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Analysis Factor Alternative 

A 

Alternative 

B 

Alternative 

C 

Alternative 

D 

Personal use fuelwood gathering) 

(acres) 88,257.26 11,215.39 13,950.02 88,257.26 

Mixed Conifer with Aspen (58,385.76 acres forestwide)

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 286.34 137.91 212.02 257.04 

Road density (miles per square mile) 3.31 1.68 2.50 2.99 

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 144,130.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 144,130.17 0.00 103,095.21 117,697.66 

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 144,130.17 0.72 3,166.15 14,721.38 

Personal use fuelwood gathering) 

(acres) 50,305.85 2,969.17 3,199.41 50,305.85 

Madrean Encinal Woodland (48,181.76 acres forestwide)

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 62.81 30.66 50.82 58.47 

Road density (miles per square mile) 0.83 0.41 0.68 0.78 

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 18,186.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 18,186.98 0.00 20,647.21 20,929.68 

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 18,186.98 0.35 996.6 3,549.79 

Personal use fuelwood gathering) 

(acres) 19,479.61 1,866.32 2,566.50 19,479.61 

Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest (41,228.82 acres forestwide) 

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 444.29 197.48 278.72 393.59 

Road density (miles per square mile) 7.09 3.26 4.52 6.30 

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 361.68 0.00 1,203.52 1,203.52 

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 361.68 0.00 7,433.39 83,545.95 

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 361.68 24.38 5,685.39 20,150.43 

Personal use fuelwood gathering) 

(acres) 15,232.85 3,074.44 4,322.89 15,232.85 

Mixed Broadleaf Deciduous Riparian Forest (17,731.10 acres forestwide) 

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 7 166.51 213.95 256.91 

Road density (miles per square mile) 9.84 6.35 8.06 9.61 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 253
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Analysis Factor Alternative 

A 

Alternative 

B 

Alternative 

C 

Alternative 

D 

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 33,825.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 33,825.25 0.00 31,018.73 43,281.90 

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 33,825.25 3.74 4,345.57 14,381.01 

Personal use fuelwood gathering) 

(acres) 25,846.11 5,777.20 7,117.99 25,846.11 

Mines (428.85 acres forestwide) 

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 

Road density (miles per square mile) 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 0.00 0.00 < 0.01 2.34 

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 0.00 0.00 0.1 0.16 

Personal use fuelwood gathering) 

(acres) 0.74 0.16 0.16 0.74 

Water (28,989.16 acres forestwide) 

Roads and trails open to public use 

(miles) 24.01 13.47 14.43 23.54 

Road density (miles per square mile) 0.56 0.33 0.35 0.55 

Areas open to motorized cross-country 

travel (acres) 0.00 0.00 10,984.43 10,984.43 

Big game retrieval using motorized 

vehicles (acres) 0.00 0.00 7.1 79,943.05 

Access of dispersed camping using 

motorized vehicles (acres) 0.00 0.00 368.34 2,202.42 

Personal use fuelwood gathering) 

(acres) 210.93 44.57 49.72 210.93 

General Effects of Motorized Routes and Associated Uses 

Routes and their associated use can have a variety of impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat. 

Habitat impacts from routes and their associated use include: habitat degradation (for example, 

edge effects and spread of non-natives), fragmentation, and increased fire risk. Routes impact 

individual animals through impeding movement (barriers), causing mortality (vehicle collisions, 

diseases), and causing disturbance (noise)109. 

109 More detailed information associated with these effects can be found in the draft Biological Evaluation Report in the 

project record.

254 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Cumulative Effects Common to All Species 

Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions that are relevant to TES species and critical 

habitats are described below for all alternatives. The cumulative effects analysis area for TES 

species and critical habitats is the forest boundary.

This cumulative effects analysis does not attempt to quantify the effects of past human actions by 

adding up all prior actions on an action-by-action basis. In order to understand the contribution of 

past actions to the cumulative effects of the proposed action and alternatives, this analysis relies 

on current environmental conditions as a proxy for the impacts of past and present actions. This is 

because existing conditions reflect the aggregate impact of all prior human actions and natural 

events that are difficult to quantify that have affected the environment and might contribute to 

cumulative effects. Existing conditions are a result of past and present impacts to wildlife 

resources. 

This analysis focuses on the cumulative impact of those reasonably foreseeable actions that are 

relevant in assessing the impacts of designating a system of motorized use on TES species and 

critical habitats. Although almost all Forest and private or other governmental actions may have 

some relevancy, this report specifically considers those that are most relevant toward resulting in 

a cumulative impact to TES species and critical habitats.

Projects on the forests schedule of proposed action for the period of April 2014 through June 

2014 were considered for the cumulative effects analysis as reasonably foreseeable actions.

Reasonably foreseeable actions that could affect TES species and critical habitats are land 

exchanges, reauthorization of livestock grazing allotments, mining and exploratory drilling, fuels 

reduction projects, forest thinning, watershed/vegetation regeneration and habitat improvement, 

roadway material source pits, recreation management, special use permits (maintenance of 

existing structures, approval of group organization camps), personal use activities, and new road 

construction. While these activities can directly and indirectly affect TES species and as well as 

cause destruction or modification to critical habitats, these actions are planned to minimize (and 

when possible, to eliminate) effects to TES species and critical habitats above current conditions 

and have mitigation measures and Best Management Practices designed to mitigate disturbances 

that may occur from project implementation. 

Some projects may be considered cumulative actions because they may result in impacts to 

critical habitats and thus to TES species associated with the primary constituent elements within a 

PNVT and designated critical habitat, such as renewal of livestock grazing permits that would 

reduce herbaceous ground cover. Other projects that may be considered as cumulative actions 

have not resulted or are not expected to result in a measureable impact to TES species and critical 

habitats as they have been designed to completely avoid or minimize impacts to sensitive species 

and critical habitat resources by including design criteria or mitigations measures such as timing 

restrictions.

Projects involving forest thinning and prescribed fire treatments likely contribute to effects to 

TES species and critical habitats. Although the effects of fuels reduction and thinning projects are 

mitigated to reduce the effects on TES species and critical habitats, they still result in 

modification of vegetation which can affect foraging, nesting, roosting, hiding, and thermal cover, 

and daily and seasonal movements. Recently completed or ongoing planning for restoration and 

fuels management projects include: Salt River Allotments Vegetative Management project, Mesa 

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

vegetation regeneration and habitat improvement project, and the Haigler fuels analysis. Fuels 

reduction projects may have short-term impacts on wildlife from disturbance (during 

implementation) and habitat degradation (up to 3 years after treatment), but generally improve 

TES species and critical habitats over the long-term (from one to ten or more years after project 

implementation) by decreasing the potential for high-intensity wildfire (Strom and Fulé, 2007) 

and improving the productivity and biodiversity of vegetation on which TES species depend 

(Griffis et al., 2001).

Unauthorized and unmanaged dispersed recreation, while not continuous across the Tonto 

National Forest like grazing or across large areas like fuels reduction and thinning projects, can 

result in adverse impacts to TES species and critical habitats. Roads, trails, dispersed camping 

areas, and the use of these by forest users could denude vegetation and compact soils; disturb 

vegetation to which some species may be attached; crush eggs and insects; and collapse burrows 

which can crush individuals; alter and fragment habitat; increase sedimentation into aquatic 

systems; visually and aurally disturb animals during critical periods such as breeding, and harass 

individuals through collection or handling. 

Legal and illegal personal use activities, particularly fuelwood harvesting, affects TES species 

and critical habitats. The removal of dead and down wood can result in the loss of habitat for 

invertebrates, small mammals, and reptiles; all of which are important prey items and habitats for 

some TES species and critical habitats. The removal of snags not only can affect prey species like 

invertebrates and reptiles; it also results in the loss of bat roosting habitat and bird nesting and 

roosting habitat. Fuelwood harvesting could result in the removal of large Gambel’s oak trees, 

which are important for some TES species that nest in their natural cavities and could be tied to 

the presence of roads. Studies have shown there is an observable decrease in standing and 

downed large dead trees within near proximity to open roads (Wisdom and Bate, 2008).

All action alternatives would reduce adverse impacts to TES species and critical habitats 

resources forest-wide by reducing motorized cross-country travel outside of camping, wood 

gathering and motorized big game retrieval corridors. The miles of open roads will decrease in 

almost all PNVTs. Although all alternatives would reduce overall motorized vehicle disturbance, 

action alternatives may increase the intensity of effects to TES species and critical habitats within 

camping and wood gathering corridors. All effects—direct, indirect, and cumulative—are 

evaluated to come to determinations of effects for MIS resources in this report.

Federally Listed Species 

Lesser Long-nosed Bat

The lesser long-nosed bat is found in desert scrub habitat with agave and columnar cacti present 

as food plants at an elevation range of 1,600 to 11,500 feet. Two resources are critical for this 

species: suitable day roosts and adequate concentrations of food plants. Day roosts are typically 

caves and abandoned mines. Lesser long-nosed bats will also use night roosts for short periods to 

digest meals. Night roosts may include day roosts as well as other caves, mines, rock crevices, 

trees, shrubs, and occasionally abandoned buildings.

There are no confirmed reports of individuals on the Forest. The closest confirmed lesser-long 

nosed roost is a cave on tribal lands south of Casa Grande (Bill Burger, personal communications) 

about 65 miles away from Tonto National Forest. Thus, no data are available for lesser longnosed bat occurrences on the forest. Therefore, the following analysis by alternative is based on 

256 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

availability of suitable habitat using PNVT (i.e., desert communities) to determine where suitable 

habitat is present. This metric overestimates amount of suitable habitat as suitable roosts, as well 

as agaves and columnar cacti, are not present in all areas of desert communities.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if Alternative A was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 581.57 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.58 miles per square mile) within potential 

habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on the Forest. The current level of impact is expected to 

continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, approximately 1,316.76 acres of desert community habitat is 

impacted by cross-country motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to potential habitat 

for the lesser long-nosed bat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and 

distribution of lesser long-nosed bat, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, approximately 1,316.76 acres of desert community 

habitat is impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to potential 

habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction 

and distribution of lesser long-nosed bat, as well as to alter habitat. The number of retrieval trips 

across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

703,618 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in lesser long-nosed bat habitat. The 

current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, approximately 1,316.76 acres of desert community habitat is 

impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to 

potential habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, 

reproduction and distribution of lesser long-nosed bat, as well as to alter habitat. The current level 

of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 257
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

approximately 71,843.67 acres of desert community habitat is impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to potential habitat for 

the lesser long-nosed bat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and 

distribution of lesser long-nosed bat, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 246.49 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.29 miles per square mile) within potential 

habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a 

reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in potential habitat for 

the lesser long-nosed bat, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts to foraging habitat, 

such as crushing of potential food plants and compaction of the soil.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within potential habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on the forest 

would be allowed under Alternative B. The level of impact to potential habitat for the lesser longnosed bat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No potential habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat would be affected by motorized big game 

retrieval. The level of impact to potential habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat would be the same 

as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. Approximately 10.65 acres of 

desert community habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under 

this alternative. This would be a major reduction in dispersed camping within potential habitat for 

the lesser long-nosed bat on the forest, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts to 

foraging habitat, such as crushing of potential food plants and compaction of the soil.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. Approximately 7,057.36 acres of desert community habitat would be impacted 

by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a major 

reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within potential habitat for the 

lesser long-nosed bat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts to foraging 

habitat, such as crushing of potential food plants and compaction of the soil.

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 396.36 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.42 miles per square mile) within potential 

habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on the forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction 

in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public within potential habitat for the 

lesser long-nosed bat on the forest, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts to foraging 

habitat, such as crushing of potential food plants and compaction of the soil.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. Approximately 1,403.92 acres of desert community habitat would be 

impacted by motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. This would be a slight increase 

in authorized cross-country motorized use within potential habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on 

the forest. The level of impact to potential habitat for lesser long-nosed bat would be nearly the 

same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

32,665.11 acres of desert community habitat would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval 

under this alternative. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized big game retrieval 

within potential habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on the Forest, and could result in additional 

impacts to the species by increasing impacts to foraging habitat, such as crushing of potential 

food plants and compaction of the soil. However, the number of retrieval trips across the forest is 

estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of 

these trips are anticipated to occur in lesser long-nosed bat habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 10,191.79 acres of desert community habitat would be impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a major increase in dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles within potential habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on the forest, 

and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing impacts to foraging habitat, 

such as crushing of potential food plants and compaction of the soil.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. Approximately 8,566.65 acres of desert community habitat would be impacted 

by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This is a major reduction in 

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within potential habitat for the lesser longnosed bat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts to foraging habitat, 

such as crushing of potential food plants and compaction of the soil.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 396.36 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.42 miles per square mile) within potential 

habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on the forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction 

in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public within potential habitat for the 

lesser long-nosed bat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts to foraging 

habitat, such as crushing of potential food plants and compaction of the soil.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. Approximately 1,403.92 acres of desert community habitat would be 

impacted by motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. This would be a slight increase 

in authorized cross-country motorized use within potential habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on 

the forest. The level of impact to potential habitat for lesser long-nosed bat would be nearly the 

same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

32,665.11 acres of desert community habitat would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval 

under this alternative. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized big game retrieval 

within potential habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on the forest, and could result in additional 

impacts to the species by increasing impacts to foraging habitat, such as crushing of potential 

food plants and compaction of the soil. However, the number of retrieval trips across the forest is 

estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of 

these trips are anticipated to occur in lesser long-nosed bat habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 10,191.79 acres of desert community habitat would be impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a major increase in dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles within potential habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat on the forest, 

and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing impacts to foraging habitat, 

such as crushing of potential food plants and compaction of the soil.

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. Approximately 8,566.65 acres of desert community habitat would be impacted 

by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This is a major reduction in 

cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within potential habitat for the lesser longnosed bat on the forest, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts to foraging habitat, 

such as crushing of potential food plants and compaction of the soil.

Ocelot

The ocelot is found in Desert scrub communities in Arizona. The universal habitat component is 

presence of dense cover of at least 75 percent canopy cover up to 95 percent cover. Prey for the 

ocelot includes rabbits, small rodents, and birds. No desert shrub habitat with dense canopy cover

occurs on the Tonto National Forest. However, ocelots incidentally occur in the forest. 

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are no open roads or motorized trails 

within ocelot habitat on the Forest. Current condition would continue if Alternative A was 

implemented, so no new effects would occur.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 703,618.39 

acres. Currently, no suitable habitat for the ocelot is impacted by cross-country motorized travel. 

Therefore, no effects from motorized cross-country travel are anticipated under Alternative A.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, no suitable habitat for the ocelot is impacted by 

motorized big game retrieval. Therefore, no effects from motorized travel for big game retrieval 

are anticipated under Alternative A.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no suitable habitat for the ocelot is impacted by dispersed camping 

using motorized vehicles. Therefore, no effects from dispersed camping using motorized vehicles 

are anticipated under Alternative A.

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Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

7.72 acres of habitat where an ocelot was previously found is impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to ocelot habitat has 

the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of the ocelot, as well as 

to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if Alternative B was implemented. There would be no open roads or motorized trails under 

this alternative in ocelot habitat on the Forest. The level of impact would be the same as current 

conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No ocelot habitat would be affected by cross-country motorized use. The level of impact to ocelot 

habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No ocelot habitat would be affected by motorized big game retrieval. The level of impact to 

ocelot habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if Alternative B was implemented. No suitable habitat for the ocelot 

would be impacted by dispersed camping using motorized vehicles under this alternative. The 

level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres under Alternative B. There would be 6.94 acres in the area where an ocelot was 

previously observed on the forest impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles. This 

would be a slight reduction in fuelwood gathering within this area.

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads or motorized trails 

within ocelot habitat on the Forest under Alternative C. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No suitable habitat for the ocelot would be impacted by motorized 

cross-country travel under Alternative C. The level of impact would be the same as current 

conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if Alternative C is implemented. There would be 

5.13 acres in the area where an ocelot was previously observed on the Forest impacted by 

motorized big game retrieval. This would be an increase in motorized big game retrieval within 

this area. However, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips 

in and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few if any of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in the area where an ocelot was previously observed on the Forest.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if Alternative C is implemented. There 

would be 2.90 acres in the area where an ocelot was previously observed on the Forest impacted 

by dispersed camping using motor vehicles. This would be an increase in dispersed camping 

using motor vehicles within this area.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

 Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. There would be 6.94 acres in the area where an ocelot was previously observed 

on the Forest impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles. This would be a slight 

reduction in fuelwood gathering within this area.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if Alternative D was implemented. There would be no open roads or motorized trails within 

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

suitable habitat for the ocelot on the Forest. The level of impact would be the same as current 

conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if Alternative D 

is implemented. No suitable habitat for the ocelot would be impacted by motorized cross-country 

travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if Alternative D is implemented. There would be 

7.72 acres in the area where an ocelot was previously observed on the Forest impacted by

motorized big game retrieval. This would be an increase in fuelwood gathering within this area. 

However, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and 

out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few if any of these trips are anticipated to 

occur in the area where an ocelot was previously observed on the Forest.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if Alternative D is implemented. 

There would be 6.94 acres in the area where an ocelot was previously observed on the Forest 

impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles. This would be an increase in dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles within this area.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. There 

would be 7.72 acres in the area where an ocelot was previously observed on the Forest impacted 

by motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. Because there is no change from Alternative A, the 

current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative D is implemented.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and Critical Habitat

The southwestern willow flycatcher is found in cottonwood/willow and tamarisk vegetation 

communities along rivers and streams at elevations below 8,500 feet. Nesting southwestern 

willow flycatchers prefer dense riparian thickets in areas where perennial flow, surface water, or 

saturated soil is present from April through September. In most riverine situations, associated 

channels are wide and shallow with a well-defined floodplain and a broad valley. Streams are 

slightly entrenched with well-defined meanders and riffle/pool bed features. Quiet water 

dominates, as in backwaters, pools, beaver ponds, or non-riffle stream stretches. 

Vegetative species composition and structure varies across the range of the southwestern willow 

flycatcher. The variation ranges from homogeneous patches of one or several species with a 

single canopy layer to heterogeneous patches of numerous species with existing under, mid, and 

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over stories. Canopy covers are consistently high (greater than 90 percent) throughout the range 

(Spencer et al. 1996). In the Verde Valley, nesting willow flycatchers occur in tamarisk and mixed 

riparian habitats. Patch width of breeding sites in both tamarisk and mixed riparian habitat types 

tend to be more linear, varying from 460 feet to 1,640 feet in maximum width (Sferra et al.,

1995). Overstory canopies average between 50 and 55 feet tall (Spencer et al., 1996). Patch size 

varies from 5 to 121 acres in mixed riparian and tamarisk (Spencer et al., 1996). 

The southwestern willow flycatcher is found in all ranger districts, and breeds in Cave Creek, 

Globe, Payson, and Tonto Basin ranger districts. Critical habitat for the southwestern willow 

flycatcher is designated in Cave Creek, Globe, Payson, and Tonto Basin ranger districts.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Use of roads and motorized trails can increase access near riparian zones, increase sedimentation 

into streams, cause damage to riparian vegetation, and increase the potential for spreading 

invasive plants. The presence and noise of vehicles within close proximity to nesting sites could 

cause aural and visual disturbance to nesting flycatchers. Currently, there are approximately 47.96 

miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 2.56 miles per square mile) 

within southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat on the Forest. There are approximately 

47.44 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 2.45 miles per square mile) 

within southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat on the Forest. Current conditions would

continue if this alternative was implemented, so no new effects are anticipated.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 703,618.39 

acres. Unrestricted cross-country motorized travel can increase access near riparian zones, 

increase sedimentation into streams, cause damage to riparian vegetation, and increase the 

potential for spreading invasive plants. The presence and noise of vehicles within close 

proximity to nesting sites could cause aural and visual disturbance to nesting flycatchers. 

Currently, approximately 320.32 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat and

approximately 219.60 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat on the Forest are 

impacted by cross-country motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to southwestern 

willow flycatcher occupied habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction 

and distribution of southwestern willow flycatcher, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of 

impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval can 

increase access near riparian zones, increase sedimentation into streams, cause damage to riparian 

vegetation, and increase the potential for spreading invasive plants. The presence and noise of 

vehicles within close proximity to nesting sites could cause aural and visual disturbance to 

nesting flycatchers. Currently, approximately 320.32 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher 

occupied habitat and approximately 219.60 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher critical 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 265
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

habitat on the Forest are impacted by cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval. 

Motorized use within or adjacent to southwestern willow flycatcher habitat has the potential to 

influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of southwestern willow flycatcher, as 

well as to alter habitat. However, effects from noise and human disturbance are expected to be 

minimal to non-existent because the season of use would not overlap the time of year this species 

is present on the Tonto NF. In addition, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because 

Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian 

areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips 

across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

703,618 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in flycatcher habitat. The current level of 

impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles can increase access near riparian 

zones, increase sedimentation into streams, cause damage to riparian vegetation, and increase the 

potential for spreading invasive plants. The presence and noise of vehicles within close proximity 

to nesting sites could cause aural and visual disturbance to nesting flycatchers. Currently, 

approximately 320.32 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat and 

approximately 219.60 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat on the Forest are 

impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to 

southwestern willow flycatcher habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, 

reproduction and distribution of southwestern willow flycatcher, as well as to alter habitat. The 

current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Crosscountry motorized travel for fuelwood gathering can increase access near riparian zones, increase 

sedimentation into streams, cause damage to riparian vegetation, and increase the potential for 

spreading invasive plants. The presence and noise of vehicles within close proximity to nesting 

sites could cause aural and visual disturbance to nesting flycatchers. Currently, approximately 

1,186.66 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering; no southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat on the 

Forest is currently impacted. Motorized use within or adjacent to southwestern willow flycatcher 

habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of 

southwestern willow flycatcher, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected 

to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 19.38 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.03 miles per square mile) within southwestern 

willow flycatcher occupied habitat and approximately 15.09 miles of open roads and motorized 

266 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

trails (with a road density of 0.78 miles per square mile) within southwestern willow flycatcher 

critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative B. This would be a decrease in the amount of roads 

and motorized trails open to the public in southwestern willow flycatcher habitat and critical 

habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing the 

spread of invasive plants.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within southwestern willow flycatcher habitat or critical habitat 

on the Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in authorized 

cross-country motorized use within southwestern willow flycatcher habitat and critical habitat on 

the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing the 

spread of invasive plants. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within southwestern willow flycatcher habitat or critical habitat 

on the Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in motorized big 

game retrieval within southwestern willow flycatcher habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, 

and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing the spread of invasive 

plants. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 

3.61 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat impacted by dispersed camping 

using motor vehicles under Alternative B; no critical habitat would be impacted. This would be a 

decrease in dispersed camping within southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat and 

critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, 

and reducing the spread of invasive plants.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. There would be approximately 165.58 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher 

occupied habitat impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative B. This 

would be a decrease in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within 

southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by 

reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to 

riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing the spread of invasive plants. No critical habitat 

would be impacted, which is the same as current conditions.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 267
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 30.87 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.65 miles per square mile) within southwestern 

willow flycatcher occupied habitat and approximately 28.15 miles of open roads and motorized 

trails (with a road density of 1.46 miles per square mile) within southwestern willow flycatcher 

critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative C. This would be a decrease in the amount of roads 

and motorized trails open to the public in southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat and 

critical habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing the 

spread of invasive plants.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

Alternative C is implemented. There would be approximately 879.35 acres of southwestern 

willow flycatcher occupied habitat impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative 

C; no critical habitat would be impacted. This would be a decrease in authorized cross-country 

motorized use within southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat and critical habitat on the 

Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing the 

spread of invasive plants.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. There would be 

approximately 355.96 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat impacted by 

motorized big game retrieval under Alternative C. This would be a slight increase in authorized 

motorized big game retrieval within southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat on the 

Forest, and could increase access near riparian zones, increase sedimentation into streams, cause 

additional damage to riparian vegetation, and increase the potential for spreading invasive plants. 

Approximately 15.22 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat on the Forest would 

be impacted by motorized big game retrieval. This would be a major decrease in authorized 

motorized big game retrieval in southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat and could reduce 

impacts within critical habitat. Effects from noise and human disturbance are expected to be 

minimal to non-existent because the season of use would not overlap the time of year this species 

is present on the Tonto NF. In addition, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because 

Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian 

areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips 

across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in flycatcher habitat.

268 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

There would be approximately 476.07 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat 

and approximately 323.54 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would be an increase in 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles within southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat 

and critical habitat on the Forest, and could result in impacts by increasing access near riparian 

zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, causing additional damage to riparian vegetation, 

and increasing the potential for spreading invasive plants.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. There would be approximately 321.51 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher 

occupied habitat impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This 

would be a decrease in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within 

southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing 

access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian 

vegetation by vehicles, and reducing the spread of invasive plants. No critical habitat would be 

impacted, which would be the same as current conditions.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 45.00 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 2.40 miles per square mile) within southwestern 

willow flycatcher occupied habitat and approximately 45.91 miles of open roads and motorized 

trails (with a road density of 2.37 miles per square mile) impacted within southwestern willow 

flycatcher critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative D. This would be a slight decrease in the 

amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in southwestern willow flycatcher 

occupied habitat and critical habitat, and could benefit the species by reducing access near 

riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by 

vehicles, and reducing the spread of invasive plants. 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. There would be approximately 879.35 acres of southwestern willow 

flycatcher occupied habitat and approximately 405.36 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher 

critical habitat on the Forest impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. 

This would be an increase in authorized cross-country motorized use within southwestern willow 

flycatcher occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and could result in impacts by 

increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, causing additional 

damage to riparian vegetation, and increasing the potential for spreading invasive plants.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 269
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if Alternative D is implemented. There would be 

approximately 10,075.19 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat and 

approximately 8,241.80 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat on the Forest 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval under Alternative D. This would be a major increase in 

authorized motorized big game retrieval within southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat 

and critical habitat on the Forest, and could result in impacts by increasing access near riparian 

zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, causing additional damage to riparian vegetation, 

and increasing the potential for spreading invasive plants. Effects from noise and human 

disturbance are expected to be minimal to non-existent because the season of use would not 

overlap the time of year this species is present on the Tonto National Forest. In addition, any 

effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department 

regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage 

to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 

total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in flycatcher habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

There would be approximately 1,783.47 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat 

and approximately 1,444.85 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat on the Forest 

impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative D. This would be a major 

increase in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within southwestern willow flycatcher 

occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and could result in impacts by increasing 

access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, causing additional damage to 

riparian vegetation, and increasing the potential for spreading invasive plants.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. There 

would be approximately 1,186.66 acres of southwestern willow flycatcher occupied habitat and 

no critical habitat impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under this 

alternative. Because there is no change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected 

to continue if Alternative D is implemented.

Mexican Spotted Owl and Critical Habitat

The Mexican spotted owl (MSO) occupies steep slopes with mixed conifer and ponderosa 

pine/Gambel oak vegetation types, usually characterized by high canopy closure, high stem 

density, multi-layered canopies within the stand, numerous snags, and downed woody material. 

This species is found at an elevation range of 4,100 to 9,000 feet.

MSOs are nocturnal predators that feed primarily on small mammals. They are “perch and 

pounce” predators that locate prey from an elevated perch by sight or sound, then pounce on the 

prey and capture it with their talons. They consume a variety of prey throughout their range, but 

270 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

commonly eat small and medium sized rodents such as woodrats, peromyscid mice, and 

microtine voles. They also eat bats, birds, reptiles, and arthropods.

On the forest, the MSO is found in Globe, Mesa, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger 

districts. Critical habitat for the MSO is designated in all ranger districts. Portions of two 

recovery units occur within Tonto National Forest: the Upper Gila Mountain Recovery Unit and 

the Basin and Range-West Recovery Unit.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if Alternative A was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 4.84 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 2.24 miles per square mile) within MSO 

occupied habitat on the Forest. There are approximately 74.01 miles of open roads and motorized 

trails (with a road density of 1.04 miles per square mile) within PACs and approximately 14.73 

miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.98 miles per square mile) 

within core areas on the Forest. Currently, approximately 1,077.98 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 1.54 miles per square mile) are present within MSO 

critical habitat on the Forest. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A 

is implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, approximately 1,257.20 acres of MSO occupied habitat, 

28,752.97 acres of MSO PACs, 6,577.17 acres of MSO core areas, and 194,545.38 acres of MSO 

critical habitat are impacted by cross-country motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent 

to MSO habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of 

MSO, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative 

A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, approximately 1,257.20 acres of MSO occupied 

habitat, 28,752.97 acres of PACs, 6,577.17 acres of core areas, and 194,545.38 acres of critical 

habitat are impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to MSO 

habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of MSO, as 

well as to alter habitat. The number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total 

trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to 

occur in MSO habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 271
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 1,257.20 acres of MSO occupied habitat, 28,752.97 acres of PACs, 

6,577.17 acres of core areas, and 194,545.38 acres of critical habitat are impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to MSO habitat has the potential 

to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of MSO, as well as to alter habitat. 

The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. According 

to Forest data, no MSO occupied habitat or PACs are impacted by cross-country motorized travel 

for fuelwood gathering, while approximately 457.78 acres of core areas and 181,279.92 acres of 

critical habitat are impacted, though there appears to be an error within the data as PACs would 

have to be impacted if core areas are impacted (i.e., core areas are always delineated within 

PACs). Motorized use within or adjacent to MSO habitat has the potential to influence behavior, 

survival, reproduction and distribution of MSO, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of 

impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 0.90 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.42 miles per square mile) within MSO 

occupied habitat, 7.48 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.10 miles 

per square mile) within PACs, 1.53 miles of roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 

0.10 miles per square mile) would be open to the public within core areas, and 512.18 miles of 

roads and motorized trails would be open to the public (with a road density of 0.73 miles per 

square mile) within MSO critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative B. This would be a 

decrease in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in MSO occupied habitat, 

PACs, core areas, and critical habitat, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing the 

potential for noise disturbance from motorized vehicles.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated Forest-wide if this Alternative B was 

implemented. No cross-country motorized use within MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, or 

critical habitat on the Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in 

authorized cross-country motorized use within MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, and 

critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing the potential for noise 

disturbance from motorized vehicles and disturbance due to human presence, as well as habitat 

degradation.

272 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, or critical habitat on 

the Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in authorized crosscountry motorized use within MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, and critical habitat on the 

Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing the potential for noise disturbance from 

motorized vehicles and disturbance due to human presence, as well as habitat degradation.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if Alternative B was implemented. No currently occupied MSO 

occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this 

alternative; however, approximately 0.72 acres of PACs, 0.01 acres of core areas, and 10.64 acres 

of MSO critical habitat on the Forest would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor 

vehicles. This would be a major reduction in dispersed camping in MSO occupied habitat, PACs, 

core areas, and critical habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts associated with 

noise disturbance from motor vehicles, reducing disturbance due to human presence, and 

reducing habitat degradation.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. No MSO occupied habitat or PACs would be impacted by fuelwood gathering 

using motor vehicles under Alternative B; the level of impact would be the same as current 

conditions. No core areas and approximately 15,880.43 acres of critical habitat on the Forest 

would be impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering; this would be a 

decrease in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering in these areas, and would 

benefit the species by reducing impacts associated with noise disturbance from motor vehicles, 

reducing disturbance due to human presence, and reducing habitat degradation. However, because 

of the large amount of critical habitat in which fuelwood gathering would be allowed, impacts to 

critical habitat could be substantial. Collection of downed wood for fuelwood could impact one of 

the primary constituent elements (PCE) of critical habitat related to maintenance of adequate prey 

species, specifically the PCE requiring high volumes of fallen trees and other woody debris. 

Therefore, while motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under Alternative B is expected to 

benefit the MSO by reducing potential impacts where the species is known to occur, this 

alternative is likely to adversely affect designated critical habitat in areas where the species is 

currently not known to occur.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public on the Forest for 

motorized travel if Alternative C was implemented. There would be approximately 1.76 miles of 

open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.81 miles per square mile) within MSO 

occupied habitat, 43.08 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 

0.60 miles per square mile) within MSO PACs, 7.01 miles of roads and motorized trails (with a 

road density of 0.47 miles per square mile) would be open to the public within MSO core areas, 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 273
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

and 768.47 miles of roads and motorized trails would be open to the public (with a road density 

of 1.10 miles per square mile) within MSO critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative C. This 

would be a decrease in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in MSO 

occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, and critical habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing 

impacts associated with noise disturbance from motor vehicles, reducing disturbance due to 

human presence, and reducing habitat degradation.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres of the Forest in designated 

areas at Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), 

Roosevelt Lake (Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots 

if this alternative is implemented. No MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, or critical habitat 

would be impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative C. This would be a 

decrease in authorized cross-country motorized use within MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core 

areas, and critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts 

associated with noise disturbance from motor vehicles, reducing disturbance due to human 

presence, and reducing habitat degradation.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres of the Forest if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 1,257.48 acres of MSO occupied habitat, 30,042.96 acres of MSO PACs, 

6,728.28 acres of MSO core areas, and 294,865.76 acres of MSO critical habitat would be 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval under Alternative C. The level of impact to MSO 

occupied habitat would be the same as current conditions, while there would be an increase in 

motorized big game retrieval in critical habitat, and a slight increase in PACs and core areas. This 

could result in additional impacts to the MSO by increasing noise disturbance from motor 

vehicles, increasing disturbance due to human presence, and increasing habitat degradation. 

However, effects from noise and human disturbance are expected to be minimal because the 

hunting season would not overlap the breeding season for this species. Furthermore, the number 

of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, 

spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in MSO habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 35.71 acres of MSO occupied habitat, 660.40 acres of MSO PACs, 128.06 acres 

of MSO core areas, and 13,990.52 acres of MSO critical habitat on the Forest would be impacted 

by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would be a major decrease 

in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, and 

critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts associated with 

noise disturbance from motor vehicles, reducing disturbance due to human presence, and 

reducing habitat degradation.

274 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a road in the 

Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. No MSO occupied habitat, PACs, or core areas would be impacted by fuelwood 

gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative C; the level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions. There would be 20,951.29 acres of critical habitat on the Forest impacted by 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. This would be a decrease in motorized travel for 

fuelwood gathering in these areas, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts associated 

with noise disturbance from motor vehicles, reducing disturbance due to human presence, and 

reducing habitat degradation.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Under Alternative D, 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel. There would be approximately 4.25 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 1.97 miles per square mile) within MSO occupied habitat, approximately 71.28 miles 

of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.00 miles per square mile) within 

MSO PACs, approximately 14.48 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 

0.96 miles per square mile) within MSO core areas, and approximately 1,036.82 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.48 miles per square mile) within MSO critical 

habitat on the Forest under Alternative D. This would be a slight reduction in the amount of roads 

and motorized trails open to the public in MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, and critical 

habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts associated with noise disturbance from 

motor vehicles, reducing disturbance due to human presence, and reducing habitat degradation.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, or critical habitat would 

be impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. This would be a decrease in 

authorized cross-country motorized use within MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, and 

critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing impacts associated with 

noise disturbance from motor vehicles, reducing disturbance due to human presence, and 

reducing habitat degradation.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

1,257.20 acres of MSO occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval 

under Alternative D; the level of impact would be the same as current conditions (i.e., under 

Alternative A). There would be approximately 32,686.17 acres of MSO PACs, 7,169.20 acres of 

core areas, and 324,398.42 acres of critical habitat on the Forest impacted by motorized big game 

retrieval. This would be an increase in motorized big game retrieval in MSO PACs, core areas, 

and critical habitat, and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing noise 

disturbance from motor vehicles, increasing disturbance due to human presence, and increasing 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 275
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

habitat degradation. However, effects from noise and human disturbance are expected to be 

minimal to non-existent because the hunting season would not overlap the breeding season for 

this species. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 

550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in MSO habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

There would be approximately 312.49 acres of MSO occupied habitat, 4,460.83 acres of PACs, 

969.91 acres of core areas, and 59,516.06 acres of critical habitat impacted by dispersed camping 

using motor vehicles under Alternative D. This would be a decrease in dispersed camping using 

motor vehicles within MSO occupied habitat, PACs, core areas, and critical habitat on the Forest, 

and would benefit the species by reducing impacts associated with noise disturbance from motor 

vehicles, reducing disturbance due to human presence, and reducing habitat degradation.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. No 

MSO occupied habitat or PACs would be impacted by cross-country motorized travel for 

fuelwood gathering under this alternative. There would be 457.78 acres of MSO core areas and 

181,279.92 acres of MSO critical habitat on the Forest impacted by cross-country motorized 

travel for fuelwood gathering. Because there is no change from Alternative A, the current level of 

impact is expected to continue if Alternative D is implemented.

Yuma Clapper Rail

The Yuma clapper rail lives and nests in freshwater marshes where moist to wet soil and dense 

vegetation, predominately bulrush and cattails, at least 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) in height, 

occurs (Todd 1986; Eddleman and Conway, 1998). This species is found at elevations below 

4,500 feet. 

Tonto National Forest is at the fringe of the Yuma clapper rail’s range. Within the forest, habitat 

for this species is found in the Cave Creek (Verde River south of Needle Rock), Mesa (Goldfield), 

and Tonto Basin (Tonto Creek at Roosevelt Lake) ranger districts. No specific data are available 

for Yuma clapper rail occurrences on the Tonto National Forest. Therefore, the following analysis 

by alternative is based on data for potential habitat. A total of 16.56 acres of Yuma clapper rail 

potential habitat is present on the forest.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 14.87 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 574.69 miles per square mile) within Yuma 

clapper rail potential habitat on the Forest. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

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Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Yuma clapper rail potential habitat is impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to Yuma clapper rail potential habitat has the 

potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Yuma clapper rail, as 

well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Yuma clapper rail potential habitat is impacted by 

motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to Yuma clapper rail potential 

habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Yuma 

clapper rail, as well as to alter habitat. The number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated 

to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; none of these trips 

are anticipated to occur in Yuma clapper rail habitat. The current level of impact is expected to 

continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Yuma clapper rail potential habitat is impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to Yuma clapper rail potential 

habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Yuma 

clapper rail, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

no Yuma clapper rail potential habitat is impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood 

gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to Yuma clapper rail potential habitat has the 

potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Yuma clapper rail, as 

well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 9.39 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 362.90 miles per square mile) within Yuma 

clapper rail potential habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction in the 

amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Yuma clapper rail potential habitat and 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 277
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation 

into streams, and reducing the spread of invasive plants.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Yuma clapper rail habitat would be affected by cross-country motorized use. The level of 

impact to Yuma clapper rail habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Yuma clapper rail habitat would be affected by motorized big game retrieval. The level of 

impact to Yuma clapper rail habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No Yuma clapper rail potential 

habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. The 

level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. No Yuma clapper rail potential habitat would be impacted by fuelwood 

gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 11.53 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 445.60 miles per square mile) within Yuma 

clapper rail potential habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction in the 

amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Yuma clapper rail potential habitat and 

would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation 

into streams, and reducing the spread of invasive plants.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No Yuma clapper rail potential habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

278 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. No Yuma clapper 

rail potential habitat would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval under this alternative. 

The number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an 

annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; none of these trips are anticipated to occur in Yuma 

clapper rail habitat. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 45.37 acres of Yuma clapper rail potential habitat would be impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be an increase in dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles within Yuma clapper rail potential habitat on the Forest and could 

result in additional impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing 

sedimentation into streams, increasing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and increasing 

the spread of invasive plants.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. No Yuma clapper rail potential habitat would be impacted by fuelwood 

gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 9.06 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 350.14 miles per square mile) within Yuma 

clapper rail potential habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction in the 

amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Yuma clapper rail potential habitat and 

would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation 

into streams, and reducing the spread of invasive plants.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if Alternative D 

is implemented. No Yuma clapper rail potential habitat would be impacted by motorized crosscountry travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 279
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if Alternative D is implemented. There would be 

1,997.81 acres of Yuma clapper rail potential habitat impacted by motorized big game retrieval 

under this alternative. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized big game retrieval 

within Yuma clapper rail potential habitat on the Forest and could result in additional impacts to 

the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, 

increasing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and increasing the spread of invasive plants.

However, effects from noise and human disturbance are expected to be minimal to non-existent 

because the season of use would not overlap the breeding season. In addition, any effects to 

habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state 

that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. 

Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in 

and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to 

occur in Yuma clapper rail habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 199.72 acres of Yuma clapper rail potential habitat would be impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be an increase in 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles within Yuma clapper rail potential habitat on the Forest 

and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian zones, 

increasing sedimentation into streams, increasing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and 

increasing the spread of invasive plants.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. No 

Yuma clapper rail Arizona Game and Fish Department this alternative. Because there is no 

change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is 

implemented.

Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo

The western yellow-billed cuckoo is associated with large tracts of undisturbed low-elevation 

riparian deciduous forests consisting of mature trees (typically cottonwood) with a vegetative 

understory component of shrubs and smaller young trees, especially where mesquite bosques 

occur in the uplands.

On Tonto National Forest, the western yellow-billed cuckoo is found in the Cave Creek, Mesa, 

Globe, and Tonto Basin ranger districts along the Verde and Lower Salt rivers and Tonto and 

Pinto creeks. A proposed rule for western yellow-billed cuckoo proposed critical habitat is 

currently being prepared by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). According to USFWS 

(S. Sferra, pers. comm., 2014), probable locations for proposed critical habitat include: 

• Verde River upstream from Horseshoe Reservoir to just north of Isler Flat.

280 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

• Verde River downstream from Bartlett Dam to the town of Rio Verde but may stop near

Needlerock.

• Pinto Creek north of Highway 60. It starts at the boundary of Gila and Pinal counties and

extends down to near Roosevelt Lake where the riparian vegetation ends.

• Salt River inflow to Roosevelt Lake upstream to where it intersects with Highway 288.

There is a sharp left turn on the highway there.

• Pinal Creek reach that starts north of Horseshoe ben wash and extends downstream to

where the vegetation ends.

• Tonto Creek from Quartz ledge canyon downstream to inflow of Roosevelt Lake.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 14.32 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 2.46 miles per square mile) within western 

yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the Forest. Critical habitat will most likely be in the 

same areas as occupied habitat, and the number of roads and road density within critical habitat, 

once proposed, would be similar. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 232.03 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat is 

impacted by cross-country motorized travel. Critical habitat will most likely be in the same areas 

as occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from cross-country 

motorized travel would be similar. Motorized use within or adjacent to western yellow-billed 

cuckoo habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of 

western yellow-billed cuckoo, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected 

to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, 232.03 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo 

occupied habitat is impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Critical habitat will most likely be 

in the same areas as occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from 

motorized big game retrieval would be similar. Motorized use within or adjacent to western 

yellow-billed cuckoo habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and 

distribution of western yellow-billed cuckoo, as well as to alter habitat. However, effects from 

noise and human disturbance are expected to be minimal to non-existent because the season of 

use would not overlap the breeding season. In addition, any effects to habitat are expected to be 

minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive 

through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 281
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, 

spread over 703,618 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in western yellow-billed 

cuckoo habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 232.03 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat is 

impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Critical habitat will most likely be in the 

same areas as occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be similar. Motorized use within or adjacent to 

western yellow-billed cuckoo habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, 

reproduction and distribution of western yellow-billed cuckoo, as well as to alter habitat. The 

current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

602.43 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. Critical habitat will most likely be in the same areas as 

occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from dispersed camping 

using motor vehicles would be similar. Motorized use within or adjacent to western yellow-billed 

cuckoo habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of 

western yellow-billed cuckoo, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected 

to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 6.62 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.14 miles per square mile) within western 

yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the Forest under Alternative B. This would be a 

reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in western yellow-billed 

cuckoo occupied habitat and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, 

reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing activities within line of site of cuckoos which 

may cause flushing, premature fledging, or site abandonment. Critical habitat will most likely be 

in the same areas as occupied habitat, and the number of roads and road density within critical 

habitat, once proposed, would be similar.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the 

Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in authorized crosscountry motorized use within western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the Forest, and 

282 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing activities within line of 

site of cuckoos which may cause flushing, premature fledging, or site abandonment.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the 

Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in motorized big game 

retrieval within western yellow-billed cuckoo habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species 

by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to 

riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing activities within line of site of cuckoos which may 

cause flushing, premature fledging, or site abandonment.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if Alternative B was implemented. Approximately 0.18 acres of 

western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using 

motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a major reduction in dispersed camping 

within western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the Forest and would be beneficial to the 

species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing 

damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing activities within line of site of cuckoos 

which may cause flushing, premature fledging, or site abandonment. Critical habitat will most 

likely be in the same areas as occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once 

proposed, from dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be similar. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. Approximately 66.27 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat 

would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative B. This would 

be a major reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within western 

yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the Forest and would be beneficial to the species by 

reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to 

riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing activities within line of site of cuckoos which may 

cause flushing, premature fledging, or site abandonment. Critical habitat will most likely be in the 

same areas as occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from 

fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles would be similar. 

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 10.55 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.81 miles per square mile) within western 

yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the Forest under Alternative C. This would be a 

reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in western yellow-billed 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 283
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

cuckoo occupied habitat and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing activities within line of site of cuckoos 

which may cause flushing, premature fledging, or site abandonment. Critical habitat will most 

likely be in the same areas as occupied habitat, and the number of roads and road density within 

critical habitat, once proposed, would be similar.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. Approximately 0.44 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied 

habitat would be impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative C. This would be 

a major decrease in authorized cross-country motorized use within western yellow-billed cuckoo 

occupied habitat on the Forest and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near 

riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by 

vehicles, and reducing activities within line of site of cuckoos which may cause flushing, 

premature fledging, or site abandonment. Critical habitat will most likely be in the same areas as 

occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from cross-country 

motorized travel would be similar.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

117.67 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized 

big game retrieval under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in authorized motorized big 

game retrieval within western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the Forest and would be 

beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing activities within line of 

site of cuckoos which may cause flushing, premature fledging, or site abandonment. Critical 

habitat will most likely be in the same areas as occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical 

habitat, once proposed, from motorized big game retrieval would be similar. However, effects 

from noise and human disturbance are expected to be minimal to non-existent because the season 

of use would not overlap the breeding season. In addition, any effects to habitat are expected to 

be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot 

drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the 

number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an 

annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in western 

yellow-billed cuckoo habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 133.51 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat would be impacted 

by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would be a decrease in 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles within western yellow-billed cuckoo habitat on the 

Forest and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

284 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and reducing 

activities within line of site of cuckoos which may cause flushing, premature fledging, or site 

abandonment. Critical habitat will most likely be in the same areas as occupied habitat, and 

potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from dispersed camping using motor vehicles

would be similar. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. Approximately 188.48 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat 

would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would 

be a reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within western yellowbilled cuckoo occupied habitat and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near 

riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by 

vehicles, and reducing activities within line of site of cuckoos which may cause flushing, 

premature fledging, or site abandonment. Critical habitat will most likely be in the same areas as 

occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from fuelwood gathering 

using motor vehicles would be similar. 

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 14.32 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 2.46 miles per square mile) within western 

yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the Forest under Alternative D. The level of impact 

would be the same as current conditions. Critical habitat will most likely be in the same areas as 

occupied habitat, and the number of roads and road density within critical habitat, once proposed, 

would be similar. 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. Approximately 0.44 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied 

habitat would be impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. This would be 

a major reduction in authorized cross-country motorized use within western yellow-billed cuckoo 

occupied habitat on the Forest and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near 

riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by 

vehicles, and reducing activities within line of site of cuckoos which may cause flushing, 

premature fledging, or site abandonment. Critical habitat will most likely be in the same areas as 

occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from cross-country 

motorized travel would be similar. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 285
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

2,872.82 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized 

big game retrieval under Alternative D. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized 

big game retrieval within western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on the Forest and could 

result in additional impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing 

sedimentation into streams, increasing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, and increasing 

activities within line of site of cuckoos which may cause flushing, premature fledging, or site 

abandonment. Critical habitat will most likely be in the same areas as occupied habitat, and 

potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from motorized big game retrieval would be

similar. However, effects from noise and human disturbance are expected to be minimal to nonexistent because the season of use would not overlap the breeding season. In addition, any effects 

to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations 

state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the 

habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total 

trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are anticipated 

to occur in western yellow-billed cuckoo habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 530.25 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat would be impacted 

by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative D. This would be an increase in 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles within western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat on 

the Forest and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian 

zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, increasing damage to riparian vegetation by 

vehicles, and increasing activities within line of site of cuckoos which may cause flushing, 

premature fledging, or site abandonment. Critical habitat will most likely be in the same areas as 

occupied habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from dispersed camping 

using motor vehicles would be similar.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. 

Approximately 602.43 acres of western yellow-billed cuckoo occupied habitat would be impacted 

by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under Alternative D. Because there is 

no change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this 

alternative is implemented. Critical habitat will most likely be in the same areas as occupied 

habitat, and potential effects to critical habitat, once proposed, from fuelwood gathering using 

motor vehicles would be similar.

Narrow-headed Gartersnake and Proposed Critical Habitat

The narrow-headed gartersnake is the most aquatic of gartersnakes, seldom found far from quiet, 

rocky pools in large streams and rivers. It is a riparian obligate species, found along and below 

the Mogollon Rim at elevations ranging from 2,200 to 8,000 feet. This species is strongly 

286 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

associated with clear, rocky streams using predominately pool and riffle habitat that includes 

cobbles and boulders. 

On the Tonto National Forest, the narrow-headed gartersnake has been found in the Cave Creek, 

Mesa, Globe, and Tonto Basin ranger districts. Critical habitat for the narrow-headed gartersnake 

is proposed on the forest. 

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are 1.46 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 2.88 miles per square mile) within narrow-headed 

gartersnake occupied habitat and 79.01 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 1.69 miles per square mile) within narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat 

on the Forest. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 105.19 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 

10,079.43 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat are impacted by crosscountry motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to narrow-headed gartersnake habitat 

has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of narrow-headed 

gartersnake, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, 105.19 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied 

habitat and 10,079.43 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest 

are impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to narrow-headed 

gartersnake habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution 

of narrow-headed gartersnake, as well as to alter habitat. However, any effects to habitat are 

expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters 

cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, 

the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an 

annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in narrowheaded gartersnake habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 105.19 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 287
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

10,079.43 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest are impacted 

by dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to narrow-headed 

gartersnake habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution 

of narrow-headed gartersnake, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected 

to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

97.75 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 9,456.81 acres of narrow-headed 

gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by cross-country motorized travel 

for fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to narrow-headed gartersnake habitat 

has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of narrow-headed 

gartersnake, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 1.07 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 2.11 miles per square mile) within narrow-headed 

gartersnake occupied habitat and 55.99 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 1.20 miles per square mile) within narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat 

on the Forest under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in the amount of roads and 

motorized trails open to the public in narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and critical 

habitat, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases, and reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat or proposed 

critical habitat on the Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in 

authorized cross-country motorized use within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 

proposed critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near 

riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by 

vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing 

the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat or proposed 

critical habitat on the Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in 

motorized big game retrieval within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and proposed 

critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian 

288 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the 

potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if Alternative B was implemented. No narrow-headed gartersnake 

occupied habitat and 0.76 acre of narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the 

Forest would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative B. This 

would be a major reduction in dispersed camping within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied 

habitat and critical habitat, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the 

potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. There would be 22.21 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 

1,217.24 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by 

fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in crosscountry motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied 

habitat and critical habitat, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the 

potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 1.46 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 2.88 miles per square mile) within narrow-headed 

gartersnake occupied habitat and 67.06 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 1.43 miles per square mile) within narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat 

on the Forest under Alternative C. This would the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat or critical habitat 

would be impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative C. This would be a 

reduction in authorized motorized cross-country use within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied 

habitat on the Forest and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 289
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the 

potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. There would be 

106.37 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 9,544.93 acres of narrow-headed 

gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by motorized big game retrieval 

under Alternative C. This would be a slight increase in authorized motorized big game retrieval 

within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and a slight decrease in authorized motorized 

big game retrieval in narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest. Impacts 

would be nearly the same as current conditions. However, any effects to habitat are expected to be 

minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive 

through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of 

retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, 

spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in narrow-headed 

gartersnake habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

There would be 16.13 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 767.04 acres of 

narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by dispersed camping 

using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in dispersed camping using 

motor vehicles within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and critical habitat on the 

Forest, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, reducing the 

potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the potential for forest 

users to handle/collect garter snakes.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. There would be 29.42 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 

1,534.27 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by 

fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in crosscountry motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied 

habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing 

access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian 

vegetation by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, 

and reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes.

290 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 1.46 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 2.88 miles per square mile) within narrow-headed 

gartersnake occupied habitat and 77.54 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 1.66 miles per square mile) within narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat 

on the Forest under Alternative D. The level of impact to narrow-headed gartersnake occupied 

habitat would be the same as current conditions, while there would be a slight reduction in the 

amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in the narrow-headed gartersnake 

proposed critical habitat. 

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat or critical habitat 

would be impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. This would be a 

reduction in authorized motorized cross-country use within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied 

habitat on the Forest and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the 

potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

261.24 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 13,203.33 acres of narrowheaded gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest would be impacted by motorized big 

game retrieval under Alternative D. This would be an increase in authorized motorized big game 

retrieval within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest and 

could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian zones, 

increasing sedimentation into streams, increasing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, 

increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and increasing the 

potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes. However, any effects to habitat are 

expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters 

cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, 

the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an 

annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in narrowheaded gartersnake habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented.

There would be 48.88 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 2,567.85 acres of 

narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by dispersed camping 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 291
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

using motor vehicles under Alternative D. This would be a reduction in dispersed camping using 

motor vehicles within narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and critical habitat on the 

Forest and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, reducing the 

potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the potential for forest 

users to handle/collect garter snakes.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. There 

would be 97.75 acres of narrow-headed gartersnake occupied habitat and 9,456.81 acres of 

narrow-headed gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under Alternative D. Because there is no change from 

Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is 

implemented.

Northern Mexican Gartersnake and Proposed Critical Habitat

The northern Mexican gartersnake is a riparian obligate species that is usually found in or near 

streams and ponds in canyons up to 6,200 feet in elevation. This garter snake is most closely 

linked to shallow slow-moving or impounded waters, though it also occurs in other aquatic 

environments. The northern Mexican garter snake is also found in wetlands, cienegas, stock 

tanks, large river riparian woodlands, and streamside gallery forests. The elevation range for this 

species is 130–8,497 feet. The northern Mexican garter snake's diet consists of leopard frogs, 

toads, tadpoles, various native fishes and lizards and small rodents which are taken during 

occasional terrestrial forays. The northern Mexican gartersnake is found in all ranger districts on 

Tonto National Forest and is its proposed critical habitat.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are 1.31 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 2.04 miles per square mile) within northern Mexican 

gartersnake occupied habitat and 22.39 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 1.01 miles per square mile) within northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical 

habitat on the Forest. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 62.95 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 

1,716.52 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest are 

impacted by cross-country motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to northern 

Mexican gartersnake habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and 

292 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

distribution of northern Mexican gartersnake, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of 

impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, 62.95 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake 

occupied habitat and 1,716.52 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on 

the Forest are impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to 

northern Mexican gartersnake habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, 

reproduction and distribution of northern Mexican gartersnake, as well as to alter habitat. 

However, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish 

Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that 

causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is 

estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; few of 

these trips are anticipated to occur in northern Mexican gartersnake habitat. The current level of 

impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 62.95 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 

1,716.52 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest are 

impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to 

northern Mexican gartersnake habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, 

reproduction and distribution of northern Mexican gartersnake, as well as to alter habitat. The 

current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

9.98 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 1,116.75 acres of northern 

Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to northern Mexican 

gartersnake habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution 

of northern Mexican gartersnake, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 0.68 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 1.06 miles per square mile) within northern Mexican 

gartersnake occupied habitat and 15.81 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 0.72 miles per square mile) within northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 293
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

habitat on the Forest under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in the amount of roads and 

motorized trails open to the public in northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 

proposed critical habitat, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic 

organisms and diseases, reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes, and 

reducing disturbance to foraging forays into the uplands.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat or 

proposed critical habitat on the Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a 

reduction in authorized cross-country motorized use within northern Mexican gartersnake 

occupied habitat and proposed critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by 

reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to 

riparian vegetation by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases, reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes, and reducing 

disturbance to foraging forays into the uplands.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat or 

proposed critical habitat on the Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a 

reduction in motorized big game retrieval within northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat 

and proposed critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near 

riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by 

vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, reducing the 

potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes, and reducing disturbance to foraging 

forays into the uplands. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No northern Mexican gartersnake occupied 

habitat and 0.18 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest 

would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative B. This would 

be a reduction in dispersed camping within northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 

proposed critical habitat, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, reducing the potential 

for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes, and reducing disturbance to foraging forays into 

the uplands.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. No northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 169.50 acres of 

294 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest would be impacted by 

fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in crosscountry motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within northern Mexican gartersnake occupied 

habitat and proposed critical habitat, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access 

near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation 

by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, reducing 

the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes, and reducing disturbance to foraging 

forays into the uplands.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 0.86 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 2.04 miles per square mile) within northern Mexican 

gartersnake occupied habitat and 18.27 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 0.83 miles per square mile) within northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical 

habitat on the Forest under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in the amount of roads and 

motorized trails open to the public in northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and critical 

habitat, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases, reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes, and reducing 

disturbance to foraging forays into the uplands.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat or critical habitat 

would be impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative C. This would be a 

reduction in authorized cross-country motorized use within northern Mexican gartersnake 

occupied habitat on the Forest and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near 

riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by 

vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, reducing the 

potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes, and reducing disturbance to foraging 

forays into the uplands.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. There would be 9.98 acres of 

northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 1,505.01 acres of northern Mexican 

gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by motorized big game retrieval 

under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in authorized motorized big game retrieval within 

northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat on the Forest and would be beneficial to the 

species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, reducing 

damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic 

organisms and diseases, reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes, and 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 295
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

reducing disturbance to foraging forays into the uplands. However, any effects to habitat are 

expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters 

cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, 

the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an 

annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in northern 

Mexican gartersnake habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting 91,391.29 acres if Alternative C is implemented. There would be 

27.71 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 219.24 acres of northern 

Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by dispersed camping using 

motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would be a decrease in dispersed camping using motor 

vehicles within northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat on the Forest and would be 

beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of 

nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect 

garter snakes, and reducing disturbance to foraging forays into the uplands.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on 161,784.64 acres. 

No northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 174.36 acres of northern Mexican 

gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest would be impacted by fuelwood gathering 

using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in cross-country motorized 

travel for fuelwood gathering within northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and critical 

habitat, and would be beneficial to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, reducing the 

potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, reducing the potential for forest 

users to handle/collect garter snakes, and reducing disturbance to foraging forays into the 

uplands.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

There would be 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails open to the public for motorized travel if this 

alternative was implemented. There would be 1.31 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with 

a road density of 2.04 miles per square mile) within northern Mexican gartersnake occupied 

habitat and 22.32 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.01 miles per 

square mile) within northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest under 

Alternative D. The level of impact to habitat would be the same as current conditions while there 

would be a slight decrease in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in 

northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat.

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat or proposed 

critical habitat would be impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. This 

would be a reduction in authorized cross-country motorized use within northern Mexican 

gartersnake occupied habitat and proposed critical habitat on the Forest, and would be beneficial 

to the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, 

reducing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative 

aquatic organisms and diseases, reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter 

snakes, and reducing disturbance to foraging forays into the uplands.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if Alternative D is implemented. There would be 

400.57 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 5,545.09 acres of northern 

Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by motorized big game 

retrieval under Alternative D. This would be an increase in authorized motorized big game 

retrieval within northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and proposed critical habitat on 

the Forest and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian 

zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, increasing damage to riparian vegetation by 

vehicles, increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, increasing 

the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter snakes, and increasing disturbance to 

foraging forays into the uplands. However, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal 

because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through 

riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval 

trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in northern Mexican gartersnake 

habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

There would be 85.39 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 832.83 acres 

of northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles under Alternative D. This would be an increase in dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles within northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and a 

decrease within proposed critical habitat on the Forest, and could result in additional impacts to 

the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, 

increasing damage to riparian vegetation by vehicles, increasing the potential spread of nonnative 

aquatic organisms and diseases, increasing the potential for forest users to handle/collect garter 

snakes, and increasing disturbance to foraging forays into the uplands.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 297
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. There 

would be 9.98 acres of northern Mexican gartersnake occupied habitat and 1,116.75 acres of 

northern Mexican gartersnake proposed critical habitat on the Forest impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under Alternative D. Because there is no change from 

Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is 

implemented.

Chiricahua Leopard Frog and Critical Habitat 

The Chiricahua leopard frog (CLF) is a habitat generalist, breeding in slack waters in a variety of 

natural and man-made aquatic systems, including found in streams, rivers, backwaters, ponds, 

and stock tanks that are mostly free from introduced fish, crayfish, and bullfrogs. Habitat 

heterogeneity is thought to be important in providing habitat for the frog’s different life stages 

and seasonal requirements. The elevation range of the CLF is 3,300 to 8,900 feet. 

On the Tonto National Forest, the CLF is found in the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts. 

Historically, this species occurred on the Globe Ranger District, but it has been extirpated.

Critical habitat is designated in Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts. All critical habitat 

within the forest is within Recovery Unit 5. There are 2 management units consisting of Unit 24 

(Crouch, Gentry, and Cherry Creeks, and Parallel Canyon) and Unit 25 (Ellison and Lewis 

Creeks).

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are 6.80 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 4.90 miles per square mile) within CLF occupied habitat 

and 3.44 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 4.38 miles per square 

mile) within CLF critical habitat on the Forest. Current condition would continue if Alternative A 

was implemented, so no new effects would occur.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 746.14 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 417.19 acres of CLF 

critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by cross-country motorized travel. Motorized use 

within or adjacent to CLF habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction 

and distribution of CLF, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to 

continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, 746.14 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 

417.19 acres of CLF critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by motorized big game retrieval. 

Motorized use within or adjacent to CLF habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, 

reproduction and distribution of CLF, as well as to alter habitat. However, any effects to habitat 

are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that 

hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. 

Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in 

and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur 

in CLF habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 746.14 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 417.19 acres of CLF 

critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized 

use within or adjacent to CLF habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, 

reproduction and distribution of CLF, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

134.64 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 110.41 acres of CLF critical habitat on the Forest are 

impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or 

adjacent to CLF habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and 

distribution of CLF, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue 

if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 4.73 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 3.41 miles per square mile) within CLF occupied habitat 

and 2.84 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 3.62 miles per square 

mile) within CLF critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in 

the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in CLF occupied habitat and critical 

habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing access to sites, reducing erosion and 

sedimentation into stock tanks, reducing disturbance to dispersal habitat and dispersing frogs, 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the 

potential for forest users to handle/collect frogs.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within CLF habitat and critical habitat on the Forest would be 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 299
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in authorized cross-country motorized 

use within CLF occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species 

by reducing access to sites, reducing erosion and sedimentation into stock tanks, reducing 

disturbance to dispersal habitat and dispersing frogs, reducing damage to shoreline and aquatic 

habitat by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, 

and reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect frogs.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within CLF habitat and critical habitat on the Forest would be 

allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in motorized big game retrieval within 

CLF occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing 

access to sites, reducing erosion and sedimentation into stock tanks, reducing disturbance to 

dispersal habitat and dispersing frogs, reducing damage to shoreline and aquatic habitat by 

vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing 

the potential for forest users to handle/collect frogs.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. There would be 0.16 acres of CLF 

occupied habitat and no CLF critical habitat impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles 

under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in dispersed camping within CLF occupied 

habitat and critical habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing access to sites, reducing 

erosion and sedimentation into stock tanks, reducing disturbance to dispersal habitat and 

dispersing frogs, reducing damage to shoreline and aquatic habitat by vehicles, reducing the 

potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the potential for forest 

users to handle/collect frogs.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on 132,568.44 acres. 

There would be 33.90 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 32.88 acres of CLF critical habitat on 

the Forest impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative B. This would 

be a reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within CLF occupied 

habitat and critical habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing access to sites, reducing 

erosion and sedimentation into stock tanks, reducing disturbance to dispersal habitat and 

dispersing frogs, reducing damage to shoreline and aquatic habitat by vehicles, reducing the 

potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the potential for forest 

users to handle/collect frogs.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 5.37 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 3.87 miles per square mile) within CLF occupied habitat 

300 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

and 2.85 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 3.63 miles per square 

mile) within CLF critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in 

the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in CLF occupied habitat and critical 

habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing access to sites, reducing erosion and 

sedimentation into stock tanks, reducing disturbance to dispersal habitat and dispersing frogs, 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the 

potential for forest users to handle/collect frogs.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No CLF occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under Alternative C. This would be a decrease in authorized crosscountry motorized use within CLF occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and would 

benefit the species by reducing access to sites, reducing erosion and sedimentation into stock 

tanks, reducing disturbance to dispersal habitat and dispersing frogs, reducing damage to 

shoreline and aquatic habitat by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic 

organisms and diseases, and reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect frogs.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. There would be 

740.44 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 417.19 acres of CLF critical habitat on the Forest 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval under Alternative C. This would be a slight decrease in 

authorized motorized big game retrieval within CLF occupied habitat and the same level of 

impact as current conditions within critical habitat on the Forest. However, any effects to habitat 

are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that 

hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat.

Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in 

and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to 

occur in CLF habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

There would be 60.54 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 54.53 acres of CLF critical habitat on 

the Forest impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would 

be a decrease in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within CLF occupied habitat and critical 

habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access to sites, reducing erosion 

and sedimentation into stock tanks, reducing disturbance to dispersal habitat and dispersing frogs, 

reducing damage to shoreline and aquatic habitat by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of 

nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and reducing the potential for forest users to 

handle/collect frogs.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 301
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. There would be 57.24 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 37.14 acres of CLF 

critical habitat on the Forest impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under 

Alternative C. This would be a reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood 

gathering within CLF occupied habitat and critical habitat, and would benefit the species by 

reducing access to sites, reducing erosion and sedimentation into stock tanks, reducing 

disturbance to dispersal habitat and dispersing frogs, reducing damage to shoreline and aquatic 

habitat by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, 

and reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect frogs.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 6.80 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 4.90 miles per square mile) within CLF occupied habitat 

and 3.44 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 4.38 miles per square 

mile) within CLF critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative D. The level of impact would be 

the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No CLF occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. This would be a reduction in authorized 

cross-country motorized use within CLF occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and 

would benefit the species by reducing access to sites, reducing erosion and sedimentation into 

stock tanks, reducing disturbance to dispersal habitat and dispersing frogs, reducing damage to 

shoreline and aquatic habitat by vehicles, reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic 

organisms and diseases, and reducing the potential for forest users to handle/collect frogs.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. There would be 

740.44 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 417.19 acres of CLF critical habitat on the Forest 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval under Alternative D. This would be a slight decrease in 

authorized motorized big game retrieval within CLF occupied habitat and the same level of 

impact as current conditions within critical habitat on the Forest. However, any effects to habitat 

are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that 

hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. 

Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in 

and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to 

occur in CLF habitat.

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if Alternative D is implemented. 

There would be 303.80 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 153.40 acres of CLF critical habitat on 

the Forest impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative D. This would 

be a reduction in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within CLF occupied habitat on the 

Forest, while it would be an increase of this activity in CLF critical habitat on the Forest. This 

could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing access to sites, increasing erosion 

and sedimentation into stock tanks, increasing disturbance to dispersal habitat and dispersing 

frogs, increasing damage to shoreline and aquatic habitat by vehicles, increasing the potential 

spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases, and increasing the potential for forest users 

to handle/collect frogs

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. There 

would be 134.64 acres of CLF occupied habitat and 110.41 acres of CLF critical habitat on the 

Forest impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under Alternative D. 

Because there is no change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue 

if this alternative is implemented. 

Gila Chub and Critical Habitat

The Gila chub inhabits pools, springs, backwaters, and streams at elevations from 2,000 to 5,500 

feet. 

The Gila chub has been extirpated from Tonto National Forest. Formerly, this species was found 

in Silver Creek in the Cave Creek Ranger District), and in Mineral Creek in the Globe and Tonto 

Basin ranger districts. Augmentations are planned for Silver Creek. Critical habitat for the Gila 

chub is designated on the forest in Cave Creek and Globe ranger districts.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are 0.42 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 17.40 miles per square mile) within Gila chub occupied 

habitat and 0.68 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.26 miles per 

square mile) within Gila chub critical habitat on the Forest. Current condition would continue if 

Alternative A was implemented, so no new effects would occur.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 703,618.39 

acres. Currently, no Gila chub occupied habitat or critical habitat is impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to Gila chub habitat has the potential to 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 303
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Gila chub, as well as to alter habitat. 

The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Based on the Forest assessment of where vehicles are expected 

to be driven compared to data for the species, no Gila chub occupied habitat or critical habitat is 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to Gila chub habitat 

has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Gila chub, as 

well as to alter habitat. The number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total 

trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to 

occur in Gila chub habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Gila chub occupied habitat or critical habitat is impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to Gila chub habitat 

has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Gila chub, as 

well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

no Gila chub occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood 

gathering, though 132.68 acres of Gila chub critical habitat is impacted on the Forest. Motorized 

use within or adjacent to Gila chub habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, 

reproduction and distribution of Gila chub, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact 

is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 0.05 of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 2.07 miles per square mile) within Gila chub occupied 

habitat and 0.68 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.26 miles per 

square mile) would be impacted within Gila chub critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative 

B. This would be a reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in 

Gila chub occupied habitat, and the level of impact to critical habitat would be the same as 

current conditions. This would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, 

reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic 

organisms and diseases.

304 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within Gila chub occupied habitat and critical habitat on the 

Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in authorized crosscountry motorized use within Gila chub occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and 

would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within Gila chub occupied habitat and critical habitat on the 

Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in motorized big game 

retrieval within Gila chub occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit 

the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No Gila chub occupied habitat or 

critical habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative 

B. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. No Gila chub occupied habitat and 12.05 acres of Gila chub critical habitat on 

the Forest would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative B. 

The level of impact to occupied habitat would be the same as current conditions while there 

would be a reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within Gila chub 

critical habitat on the Forest.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 0.05 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 2.07 miles per square mile) within Gila chub occupied 

habitat and 0.68 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.26 miles per 

square mile) within Gila chub critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative C. The level of

impact to critical habitat would be the same as current conditions, while this would be a reduction 

in the amount of open roads and motorized trails in Gila chub occupied habitat, and would benefit 

the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 305
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if Alternative C 

is implemented. No Gila chub occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if Alternative C is implemented. Based on the Forest 

assessment of where vehicles are expected to be driven compared to data for the species, no Gila 

chub occupied habitat and 12.44 acres of Gila chub critical habitat on the Forest would be 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval under this alternative. The level of impact to occupied 

habitat would be the same as current conditions, while this would be an increase in authorized 

motorized big game retrieval in Gila chub critical habitat. The number of retrieval trips across the 

Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 

acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in Gila chub habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

There would be 0.61 acres of Gila chub occupied habitat and 13.42 acres of Gila chub critical 

habitat on the Forest impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative C. 

This would be an increase in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within Gila chub occupied 

habitat and critical habitat on the Forest and could result in additional impacts to the species by 

increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, and increasing the 

potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. No Gila chub occupied habitat and 12.05 acres of Gila chub critical habitat on 

the Forest would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative C. 

The level of impact to occupied habitat would be the same as current conditions, while this would 

be a reduction in fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles in Gila chub critical habitat.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 0.42 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 17.40 miles per square mile) within Gila chub occupied 

habitat and 0.68 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.26 miles per 

square mile) impacted within Gila chub critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative D. The 

level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

306 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No Gila chub occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted 

by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. Based on the 

Forest assessment of where vehicles are expected to be driven compared to data for the species, 

there would be 15.45 acres of Gila chub occupied habitat and 346.05 acres of Gila chub critical 

habitat on the Forest impacted by motorized big game retrieval under Alternative D. This would 

be an increase in authorized motorized big game retrieval within Gila chub occupied habitat and 

critical habitat on the Forest, and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing 

access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, and increasing the potential 

spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. However, any effects to habitat are expected 

to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot 

drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the 

number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an 

annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in Gila chub 

habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if Alternative D is implemented. 

There would be 7.13 acres of Gila chub occupied habitat and 44.81 acres of Gila chub critical 

habitat on the Forest impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative D. 

This would be an increase in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within Gila chub occupied 

habitat and critical habitat on the Forest and could result in additional impacts to the species by 

increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, and increasing the 

potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. No Gila 

chub occupied habitat and 132.68 acres of Gila chub critical habitat on the Forest would be 

impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under Alternative D. Because 

there is no change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this 

alternative is implemented.

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Loach Minnow and Critical Habitat

The loach minnow is a benthic species of small to large perennial streams with swift, shallow 

water over cobble and gravel. Recurrent flooding and a natural hydrograph are important. This 

species is found at elevations below 8,000 feet. 

The loach minnow has been extirpated from Tonto National Forest. However, the Arizona Game 

and Fish Department stocked 1,500 plus fish in Fossil Creek in the late 2000s. Loach minnow 

critical habitat is designated on Cave Creek and Payson ranger districts.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are no open roads and motorized trails 

within loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat on the Forest. Current condition would 

continue if Alternative A was implemented, so no new effects would occur.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat is impacted by 

cross-country motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to loach minnow habitat has the 

potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of loach minnow, as well 

as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Based on the Forest assessment of where vehicles are expected 

to be driven compared to data for the species, no loach minnow occupied habitat or critical 

habitat is impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to loach 

minnow habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of 

loach minnow, as well as to alter habitat. However, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest 

is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; few of 

these trips are anticipated to occur in loach minnow habitat. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat is impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to loach minnow 

habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of loach 

minnow, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

308 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

no loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat is impacted by cross-country motorized 

travel for fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to loach minnow habitat has the 

potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of loach minnow, as well 

as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative B. The 

level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be affected by cross-country 

motorized use. The level of impact to loach minnow occupied habitat and critical habitat would 

be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be affected by motorized big game 

retrieval. The level of impact to loach minnow habitat and critical habitat would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No loach minnow occupied 

habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under 

Alternative B. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. No loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by 

fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative B. The level of impact would be the 

same as current conditions.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 309
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative C. The 

level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be 

impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative C. The level of impact would be 

the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Based on the 

Forest assessment of where vehicles are expected to be driven compared to data for the species, 

no loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by motorized big game 

retrieval under Alternative C. The number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 

209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; none of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in loach minnow habitat. The level of impact would be the same as current 

conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. No 

loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using 

motor vehicles under Alternative C. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. No loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by 

fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative C. The level of impact would be the 

same as current conditions.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative D. The 

level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

310 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be 

impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. The level of impact would be 

the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. Based on the 

Forest analysis of data for the species and where vehicles are expected to be driven, no loach 

minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval 

under Alternative D. The number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total 

trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; none of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in loach minnow occupied habitat. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if Alternative D is implemented. No 

loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using 

motor vehicles under Alternative D. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. No 

loach minnow occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by cross-country motorized 

travel for fuelwood gathering under Alternative D. Because there is no change from Alternative 

A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is implemented.

Colorado Pikeminnow

The Colorado pikeminnow inhabits warm, swift, turbid mainstem rivers, preferring eddies and 

pools. This species is found at elevations below 4,000 feet. On the Tonto National Forest, the 

Colorado pikeminnow is found on the Cave Creek, Globe, and Tonto Basin ranger districts.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 0.63 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.20 miles per square mile) within Colorado 

pikeminnow occupied habitat on the Forest. Current condition would continue if Alternative A 

was implemented, so no new effects would occur.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 311
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat is impacted by crosscountry motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to Colorado pikeminnow habitat has 

the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Colorado 

pikeminnow, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Based on the Forest assessment of where vehicles are expected 

to be driven compared to data for the species, no Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat is 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to Colorado 

pikeminnow habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and 

distribution of Colorado pikeminnow, as well as to alter habitat. However, the number of retrieval 

trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

703,618 acres; none of these trips are anticipated to occur in Colorado pikeminnow habitat. The 

current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat is impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to Colorado pikeminnow habitat 

has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Colorado 

pikeminnow, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

no Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country motorized travel for 

fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to Colorado pikeminnow habitat has the 

potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Colorado pikeminnow, 

as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be 

a reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Colorado 

312 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

pikeminnow occupied habitat and could benefit the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative 

aquatic organisms and diseases.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be affected by cross-country motorized use. 

The level of impact to Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be the same as current 

conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated Forest-wide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be affected by motorized big game retrieval. 

The level of impact to Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be the same as current 

conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No Colorado pikeminnow 

occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this 

alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. No Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by fuelwood 

gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. The level of 

impact would be the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 313
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Based on the 

Forest assessment of where vehicles are expected to be driven compared to data for the species, 

no Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval 

under this alternative. The number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total 

trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; none of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in Colorado pikeminnow habitat. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. No 

Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor 

vehicles under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. No Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by fuelwood 

gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 0.63 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.20 miles per square mile) within Colorado 

pikeminnow occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. The level of impact would be 

the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

1,157.17 acres of Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big 

game retrieval under this alternative. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized big 

314 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

game retrieval within Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat on the Forest and could result in 

additional impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing 

sedimentation into streams, and increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms 

and diseases. However, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game 

and Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a 

manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the 

Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 

acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in Colorado pikeminnow habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 20.10 acres of Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be an increase in 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles within Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat on the 

Forest and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian 

zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, and increasing the potential spread of nonnative 

aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. No 

Colorado pikeminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by cross-country motorized travel for 

fuelwood gathering under this alternative. Because there is no change from Alternative A, the 

current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is implemented.

Desert Pupfish

The desert pupfish inhabits shallow springs, small streams, and marshes at elevations below 4,000 

feet. This species tolerates saline and warm water. On the Tonto National Forest, the desert 

pupfish is found in the Mesa Ranger District.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 0.01 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.30 miles per square mile) within desert 

pupfish occupied habitat on the Forest. Current condition would continue if Alternative A was 

implemented, so no new effects would occur.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. No desert pupfish occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country motorized 

travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to desert pupfish habitat has the potential to influence 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 315
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of desert pupfish, as well as to alter habitat. The 

current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Based on the Forest assessment of where vehicles are expected 

to be driven compared to data for the species, no desert pupfish occupied habitat is impacted by 

motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to desert pupfish habitat has the 

potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of desert pupfish, as well 

as to alter habitat. However, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 

550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; none of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in desert pupfish habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue 

if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no desert pupfish occupied habitat is impacted by dispersed camping 

using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to desert pupfish habitat has the potential 

to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of desert pupfish, as well as to alter 

habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

no desert pupfish occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood 

gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to desert pupfish habitat has the potential to influence 

behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of desert pupfish, as well as to alter habitat. The 

current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 0.01 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.30 miles per square mile) within desert 

pupfish occupied habitat on the Forest under Alternative B. The level of impact would be the 

same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No desert pupfish occupied habitat would be affected by cross-country motorized use. The level 

of impact to desert pupfish habitat would be the same as current conditions.

316 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No desert pupfish occupied habitat would be affected by motorized big game retrieval. The level 

of impact to desert pupfish habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No desert pupfish occupied 

habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. The 

level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. No desert pupfish occupied habitat would be impacted by fuelwood gathering 

using motor vehicles under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current 

conditions.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 0.01 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.30 miles per square mile) within desert 

pupfish occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. The level of impact would be the 

same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No desert pupfish occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized 

cross-country travel under Alternative C. The level of impact would be the same as current 

conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

0.48 acres of desert pupfish occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval 

under this alternative. This would be an increase in authorized motorized big game retrieval 

within desert pupfish occupied habitat on the Forest, and could result in additional impacts to the 

species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, and 

increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. However, any effects 

to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 317
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the 

habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total 

trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated 

to occur in desert pupfish habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. No 

desert pupfish occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles 

under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. No desert pupfish occupied habitat would be impacted by fuelwood gathering 

using motor vehicles under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current 

conditions.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 0.01 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.30 miles per square mile) within desert 

pupfish occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. The level of impact would be the 

same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No desert pupfish occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized 

cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current 

conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if Alternative D is implemented. Approximately 5.71 

acres of desert pupfish occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval 

under this alternative. This would be an increase in authorized motorized big game retrieval 

within desert pupfish occupied habitat on the Forest and could result in additional impacts to the 

species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, and 

increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. However, any effects 

to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations 

state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the 

318 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total 

trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are anticipated 

to occur in desert pupfish habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 2.28 acres of desert pupfish occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be an increase in dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles within desert pupfish occupied habitat on the Forest and could 

result in additional impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing 

sedimentation into streams, and increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms 

and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. No 

desert pupfish occupied habitat would be impacted by cross-country motorized travel for 

fuelwood gathering under this alternative. Because there is no change from Alternative A, the 

current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is implemented.

Spikedace and Critical Habitat

The spikedace inhabits medium to large perennial streams with moderate to swift velocity waters 

over cobble and gravel substrate. Recurrent flooding and a natural hydrograph are important to 

withstanding invasion of exotic species. This species is found at elevations below 6,000 feet. 

The spikedace was extirpated on the Tonto National Forest. However, Arizona Game and Fish 

Department stocked 1,000 spikedace into Fossil Creek between 2007 and 2009. Critical habitat is 

designated on Tonto National Forest in Cave Creek, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin 

ranger districts. 

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are no open roads and motorized trails 

within spikedace occupied habitat and 23.40 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 1.91 miles per square mile) within spikedace critical habitat on the Forest. The current 

level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 11.10 acres of spikedace occupied habitat and 842.27 acres of 

spikedace critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by cross-country motorized travel. Motorized 

use within or adjacent to spikedace habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 319
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

reproduction and distribution of spikedace, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact 

is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, 11.10 acres of spikedace occupied habitat and 842.27 

acres of spikedace critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by motorized big game retrieval. 

Motorized use within or adjacent to spikedace habitat has the potential to influence behavior, 

survival, reproduction and distribution of spikedace, as well as to alter habitat. However, any 

effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department

regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage 

to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 

550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; few of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in spikedace habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 11.10 acres of spikedace occupied habitat and 842.27 acres of 

spikedace critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles. 

Motorized use within or adjacent to spikedace habitat has the potential to influence behavior, 

survival, reproduction and distribution of spikedace, as well as to alter habitat. The current level 

of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

no spikedace occupied habitat and 1,066.02 acres of spikedace critical habitat on the Forest is 

impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or 

adjacent to spikedace habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and 

distribution of spikedace, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to 

continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within spikedace occupied habitat and 9.32 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 0.76 miles per square mile) within spikedace critical habitat on the Forest under 

Alternative B. The level of impact to occupied habitat would be the same as current conditions, 

while this would be a reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in 

spikedace critical habitat.

320 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within spikedace occupied habitat and critical habitat on the 

Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in authorized crosscountry motorized use within spikedace occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and 

would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within spikedace occupied habitat and critical habitat on the 

Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in motorized big game 

retrieval within spikedace occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit 

the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No spikedace occupied habitat or 

critical habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this 

alternative. This would be a reduction in dispersed camping within spikedace occupied habitat 

and critical habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, 

reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic 

organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. No spikedace occupied habitat and 65.73 acres of spikedace critical habitat on 

the Forest would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. 

The level of impact to occupied habitat would be the same as current conditions, while this would 

be a reduction in motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within spikedace critical habitat.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within spikedace occupied habitat and 12.93 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 1.06 miles per square mile) within spikedace critical habitat on the Forest under 

Alternative C. The level of impact to occupied habitat would be the same as current conditions, 

while this would be a reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in 

spikedace critical habitat.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 321
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No spikedace occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted 

by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in authorized 

cross-country motorized use within spikedace occupied habitat and critical habitat, and would 

benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, 

and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Based on the 

Forest assessment of where vehicles are expected to be driven compared to data for the species, 

no spikedace occupied habitat and 693.07 acres of spikedace critical habitat on the Forest would 

be impacted by motorized big game retrieval under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in 

authorized motorized big game retrieval within spikedace occupied habitat and critical habitat on 

the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases. Any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish 

Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that 

causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is 

estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of 

these trips are anticipated to occur in spikedace habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. No 

spikedace occupied habitat and 137.76 acres of spikedace critical habitat on the Forest would be 

impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would be a 

reduction in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within spikedace occupied habitat and 

critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative 

aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. No spikedace occupied habitat and 80.52 acres of spikedace critical habitat on 

the Forest would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative C. 

The level of impact to occupied habitat would be the same as current conditions, while this would 

be a major decrease in fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles in spikedace critical habitat.

322 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if Alternative D was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within spikedace occupied habitat and 22.43 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road 

density of 1.83 miles per square mile) would be impacted within spikedace critical habitat on the 

Forest under Alternative D. The level of impact to occupied habitat would be the same as current 

conditions, while this would be a slight reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails 

open to the public in spikedace critical habitat.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if Alternative D 

is implemented. No spikedace occupied habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact to occupied habitat 

would be the same as current conditions, while this would be a major reduction in authorized 

cross-country motorized use in spikedace critical habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. There would be 

9.36 acres of spikedace occupied habitat and 4,867.23 acres of spikedace critical habitat on the 

Forest impacted by motorized big game retrieval under Alternative D. This would be a decrease 

in authorized motorized big game retrieval within spikedace occupied habitat on the Forest, and 

would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. This 

would be an increase in authorized motorized big game retrieval within spikedace critical habitat 

on the Forest. Any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish 

Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that 

causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is 

estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of 

these trips are anticipated to occur in spikedace habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. No 

spikedace occupied habitat and 730.98 acres of spikedace critical habitat on the Forest would be 

impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative D. This would be a 

decrease in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within spikedace occupied habitat and 

critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative 

aquatic organisms and diseases.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 323
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. No 

spikedace occupied habitat and 1,066.02 acres of spikedace critical habitat on the Forest would be 

impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under Alternative D. Because 

there is no change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this 

alternative is implemented.

Razorback Sucker and Critical Habitat

The razorback sucker inhabits riverine and lacustrine areas, generally not in fast moving water 

and may use backwaters. This species is found at elevations below 6,000 feet. 

On Tonto National Forest, the razorback sucker is found in Cave Creek, Tonto Basin, and Globe 

ranger districts. In addition, Arizona Game and Fish Department stocked razorback suckers in 

Fossil Creek in the late 2000s.

Critical habitat is designated on Tonto National Forest in Cave Creek, Globe, Payson, and Tonto 

Basin ranger districts.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 1.33 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.42 miles per square mile) within razorback 

sucker occupied habitat and 0.71 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 

0.16 miles per square mile) within razorback sucker critical habitat on the Forest. The current 

level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 5.21 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 5,982.79 acres 

of razorback sucker critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by cross-country motorized travel. 

Motorized use within or adjacent to razorback sucker habitat has the potential to influence 

behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of razorback sucker, as well as to alter habitat. 

The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, 5.21 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 

5,982.79 acres of razorback sucker critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by motorized big 

game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to razorback sucker habitat has the potential to 

influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of razorback sucker, as well as to alter 

habitat. However, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and 

324 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner 

that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is 

estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; few of 

these trips are anticipated to occur in razorback sucker habitat. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 5.21 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 5,982.79 acres 

razorback sucker critical habitat on the Forest are impacted by dispersed camping using motor 

vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to razorback sucker habitat has the potential to 

influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of razorback sucker, as well as to alter 

habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

7.72 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 101.84 acres of razorback sucker critical 

habitat on the Forest are impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. 

Motorized use within or adjacent to razorback sucker habitat has the potential to influence 

behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of razorback sucker, as well as to alter habitat. 

The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 0.34 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.11 miles per square mile) within razorback 

sucker occupied habitat and no roads and motorized trails would be open to the public within 

razorback sucker critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in 

the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in razorback sucker occupied habitat 

and critical habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, 

reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic 

organisms and diseases.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within razorback sucker occupied habitat and critical habitat on 

the Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in authorized crosscountry motorized use within razorback sucker occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, 

and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 325
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No cross-country motorized use within razorback sucker occupied habitat and critical habitat on 

the Forest would be allowed under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in motorized big 

game retrieval within razorback sucker occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and 

would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No razorback sucker occupied 

habitat or critical habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under 

this alternative. This would be a reduction in dispersed camping within razorback sucker 

occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing 

access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread 

of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. Approximately 6.91 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 1.83 acres 

of razorback sucker critical habitat on the Forest would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using 

motor vehicles under Alternative B. This would be a reduction in cross-country motorized travel 

for fuelwood gathering within razorback sucker occupied habitat and critical habitat on the 

Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 0.71 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 0.22 miles per square mile) within razorback sucker 

occupied habitat and no open roads and motorized trails within razorback sucker critical habitat 

on the Forest under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in the amount of roads and 

motorized trails open to the public in razorback sucker occupied habitat and critical habitat, and 

would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No razorback sucker occupied habitat or critical habitat would be 

impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative C. This would be a decrease in 

326 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

authorized cross-country motorized use within razorback sucker occupied habitat and critical 

habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, 

reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic 

organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

10.40 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 35.08 acres of razorback sucker critical 

habitat on the Forest would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval under Alternative C. 

This would be a major reduction in authorized motorized big game retrieval in razorback sucker 

critical habitat. However, this would be an increase in authorized motorized big game retrieval 

within razorback sucker occupied habitat on the Forest and could result in additional impacts to 

the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, and 

increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. Any effects to habitat 

are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that 

hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. 

Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in 

and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to 

occur in razorback sucker habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented.

There would be 4.66 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 1.08 acres of razorback 

sucker critical habitat on the Forest impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under 

Alternative C. This would be a decrease in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within 

razorback sucker occupied habitat and critical habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species 

by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the 

potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. Approximately 6.91 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 1.83 acres 

of razorback sucker critical habitat on the Forest would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using 

motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would be a decrease in cross-country motorized travel 

for fuelwood gathering within razorback sucker occupied habitat and critical habitat on the 

Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 327
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be 1.33 miles of open roads and 

motorized trails (with a road density of 0.42 miles per square mile) within razorback sucker 

occupied habitat and 0.71 miles of open roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.16 

miles per square mile) within razorback sucker critical habitat on the Forest under Alternative D. 

The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No razorback sucker occupied habitat or critical habitat would be 

impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. This would be a decrease in 

authorized cross-country motorized use within razorback sucker occupied habitat and critical 

habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, 

reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic 

organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. There would be 

1,180.01 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 1,311.57 acres of razorback sucker 

critical habitat on the Forest impacted by motorized big game retrieval under Alternative D. This 

would be a decrease in authorized motorized big game retrieval within razorback sucker critical 

habitat on the Forest, while it would be a major increase in authorized motorized big game 

retrieval within razorback sucker occupied habitat on the Forest, and could result in additional 

impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into 

streams, and increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. 

However, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish 

Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that 

causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is 

estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of 

these trips are anticipated to occur in razorback sucker habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

There would be 37.34 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 39.23 acres of razorback 

sucker critical habitat on the Forest impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under 

Alternative D. This would be an increase in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within 

razorback sucker occupied habitat on the Forest and could result in additional impacts to the 

species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into streams, and 

increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. This would be a 

328 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

major decrease in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within razorback sucker critical habitat 

on the Forest. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. There 

would be 7.72 acres of razorback sucker occupied habitat and 101.84 acres of razorback sucker 

critical habitat on the Forest impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering 

under Alternative D. Because there is no change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is 

expected to continue if this alternative is implemented.

Gila Topminnow

The Gila topminnow inhabits slow moving low gradient streams, springs, and backwaters at 

elevations below 4,000 feet. 

On Tonto National Forest, the Gila topminnow is found in Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto 

Basin ranger districts. 

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 0.39 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 2.75 miles per square mile) within Gila 

topminnow occupied habitat on the Forest. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Gila topminnow occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to Gila topminnow habitat has the potential to 

influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Gila topminnow, as well as to alter 

habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Based on the Forest assessment of where vehicles are expected 

to be driven compared to data for the species, no Gila topminnow occupied habitat is impacted by 

motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to Gila topminnow habitat has the 

potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Gila topminnow, as well 

as to alter habitat. However, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona 

Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a 

manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the 

Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 329
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

few of these trips are anticipated to occur in Gila topminnow habitat. The current level of impact 

is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Gila topminnow occupied habitat is impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to Gila topminnow habitat has 

the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Gila topminnow, as 

well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

6.49 acres of Gila topminnow occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country motorized travel for 

fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to Gila topminnow habitat has the potential 

to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Gila topminnow, as well as to 

alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 0.02 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.14 miles per square mile) within Gila 

topminnow occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction in the 

amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Gila topminnow occupied habitat, and 

would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be affected by cross-country motorized use. The 

level of impact to Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be affected by motorized big game retrieval. The 

level of impact to Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No Gila topminnow occupied 

330 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. The 

level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. No Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by fuelwood 

gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a reduction in cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within Gila topminnow occupied habitat on the Forest, 

and would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 0.02 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.14 miles per square mile) within Gila 

topminnow occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction in the 

amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Gila topminnow occupied habitat, and 

would benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

32.45 acres of Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big game 

retrieval under this alternative. This would be an increase in authorized motorized big game 

retrieval within Gila topminnow occupied habitat on the Forest and could result in additional 

impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into 

streams, and increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. 

However, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish 

Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that 

causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is 

estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of 

these trips are anticipated to occur in Gila topminnow habitat.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 331
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. No 

Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles 

under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. No Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by fuelwood 

gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a reduction in cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within Gila topminnow occupied habitat, and would 

benefit the species by reducing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, 

and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 0.35 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 2.46 miles per square mile) within Gila 

topminnow occupied habitat on the Forest under Alternative D. This would be a slight reduction 

in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Gila topminnow occupied 

habitat, with impacts nearly the same as current conditions.

Areas Open to Motorized Cross-country Travel

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

58.42 acres of Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big game 

retrieval under Alternative D. This would be an increase in authorized motorized big game 

retrieval within Gila topminnow occupied habitat on the Forest, and could result in additional 

impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing sedimentation into 

streams, and increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. 

However, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish 

Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that 

causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is 

estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of 

these trips are anticipated to occur in Gila topminnow habitat.

332 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 8.05 acres of Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles under Alternative D. This would be an increase in dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles within Gila topminnow occupied habitat on the Forest, and could 

result in additional impacts to the species by increasing access near riparian zones, increasing 

sedimentation into streams, and increasing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms 

and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. 

Approximately 6.49 acres of Gila topminnow occupied habitat would be impacted by crosscountry motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under Alternative D. Because there is no change 

from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is 

implemented.

Arizona Cliffrose

The Arizona cliffrose is found in nutrient-deficient, calcareous limy-tuff soils derived from 

Tertiary lacustrine deposits at elevations of 2,100–2,700 feet. On Tonto National Forest, the 

Arizona cliffrose is found in the Cave Creek Ranger District near Horseshoe Lake.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are no open roads and motorized trails 

within Arizona cliffrose habitat on the Forest. Current condition would continue if Alternative A 

was implemented, so no new effects would occur.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Arizona cliffrose habitat is impacted by cross-country motorized 

travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona cliffrose habitat could crush individual plants 

or alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Arizona cliffrose habitat is impacted by motorized 

big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona cliffrose habitat could crush 

individual plants or alter habitat. The number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 333
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; few of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in Arizona cliffrose habitat. The current level of impact is expected to 

continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Arizona cliffrose habitat is impacted by dispersed camping using 

motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona cliffrose habitat could crush 

individual plants or alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative 

A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

no Arizona cliffrose habitat is impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood 

gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona cliffrose habitat could crush individual 

plants or alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within Arizona cliffrose habitat on the Forest under Alternative B. The level of impact would be 

the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Arizona cliffrose habitat would be affected by cross-country motorized use. The level of 

impact to Arizona cliffrose habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Arizona cliffrose habitat would be affected by motorized big game retrieval. The level of 

impact to Arizona cliffrose habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No Arizona cliffrose habitat 

would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative B. The level of 

impact would be the same as current conditions.

334 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. No Arizona cliffrose habitat would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using 

motor vehicles under Alternative B. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within Arizona cliffrose habitat on the Forest under Alternative C. The level of impact would be 

the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if Alternative C 

is implemented. No Arizona cliffrose habitat would be impacted by motorized cross-country 

travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. No Arizona 

cliffrose habitat would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval under Alternative C. The 

number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an 

annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; none of these trips are anticipated to occur in Arizona 

cliffrose habitat. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. No 

Arizona cliffrose habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under 

Alternative C. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. No Arizona cliffrose habitat would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using 

motor vehicles under Alternative C. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 335
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be no open roads and motorized trails 

within Arizona cliffrose habitat on the Forest under Alternative D. The level of impact would be 

the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No Arizona cliffrose habitat would be impacted by motorized crosscountry travel under Alternative D. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

20.70 acres of Arizona cliffrose habitat would be impacted by motorized big game retrieval under 

Alternative D. This would be an increase in authorized motorized big game retrieval within 

Arizona cliffrose habitat on the Forest and could result in additional impacts to the species by 

increasing crushing of foliage or root system and increasing injury or mortality of individual 

plants or groups of plants. However, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to 

be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in Arizona cliffrose habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. No 

Arizona cliffrose habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under 

Alternative D. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. No 

Arizona cliffrose habitat would be impacted by cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood 

gathering under Alternative D. Because there is no change from Alternative A, the current level of 

impact is expected to continue if this alternative is implemented.

Arizona Hedgehog Cactus

Arizona hedgehog cactus is typically associated with interior chaparral and madrean evergreen 

woodland communities. A few plants may extend into the transition zones with upper Sonoran 

desert and beyond into ponderosa pine type between approximately 3,300 to 5,700 feet. This 

species occurs on parent materials of igneous origin, primarily Schultze Granite and Apache Leap 

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Tuff (Dacite); plants occurring on Pinal schist and Pioneer formations are found in proximity to 

the preferred parent materials and where the formations are expressed as exposed bedrock.

The Arizona hedgehog cactus is found on Tonto National Forest in Globe and possibly Mesa 

ranger districts. This species has been documented from Queen Creek east of Superior to Pinto 

Valley and north of Superior, into the Superstition Wilderness; it is also found in the Pinal 

Mountains south of Globe and the Mescal Mountains south of Tonto National Forest.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 11.62 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 5.74 miles per square mile) within Arizona 

hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest. The current level of impact is expected to 

continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat is impacted by crosscountry motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona hedgehog cactus habitat 

could crush individual plants or alter habitat although this would be minimized due to the 

preferred rocky and steep habitat this subspecies is associated with. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat is 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona hedgehog 

cactus habitat could crush individual plants or alter habitat. However, the number of retrieval trips 

across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

703,618 acres; none of these trips are anticipated to occur in Arizona hedgehog cactus habitat. 

The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat is impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona hedgehog 

cactus habitat could crush individual plants or alter habitat. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 337
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

762.76 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona hedgehog 

cactus habitat could crush individual plants or alter habitat. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 10.18 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 5.03 miles per square mile) within Arizona 

hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a slight 

reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Arizona hedgehog 

cactus occupied habitat on the Forest, and the level of impact to Arizona hedgehog cactus 

occupied habitat would be nearly the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be affected by cross-country motorized use. 

The level of impact to Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be the same as current 

conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be affected by motorized big game retrieval. 

The level of impact to Arizona hedgehog cactus habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No Arizona hedgehog cactus 

occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this 

alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. Approximately 242.66 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat 

would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would 

be a reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within Arizona hedgehog 

cactus occupied habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing crushing of 

stems or root system and reducing injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants.

338 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 10.72 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 5.30 miles per square mile) within Arizona 

hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a slight 

reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Arizona hedgehog 

cactus occupied habitat and the level of impact would be nearly the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this

alternative is implemented. No Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

912.36 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big 

game retrieval under this alternative. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized big 

game retrieval within Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest, and could result in 

additional impacts to the species by increasing crushing of stems or root system and increasing 

injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants. However, the number of retrieval trips 

across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in Arizona hedgehog cactus habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 107.11 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a major increase in 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles within Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the 

Forest, and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing crushing of stems or 

root system and increasing injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. Approximately 249.58 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat 

would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would 

be a reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within Arizona hedgehog 

cactus occupied habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing crushing of stems or root 

system and reducing injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 339
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 11.60 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 5.73 miles per square mile) within Arizona 

hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a very slight 

reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Arizona hedgehog 

cactus occupied habitat and the level of impact would be nearly the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if Alternative D is implemented. Approximately 

1,033.34 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big 

game retrieval under this alternative. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized big 

game retrieval within Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest, and could result in 

additional impacts to the species by increasing crushing of stems or root system and increasing 

injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants. However, the number of retrieval trips 

across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in Arizona hedgehog cactus habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 330.04 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be an increase in 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles within Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the 

Forest, and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing crushing of stems or 

root system and increasing injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. 

Approximately 762.76 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by 

cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under this alternative. Because there is no 

change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is 

implemented.

340 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Federal Candidate Species 

Headwater Chub

The headwater chub can be found in medium-sized streams in large, deep pools often associated 

with cover such as undercut banks or deep places created by trees or rocks at elevations of 3,000–

6,700 feet. The headwater chub on Tonto National Forest is on the Tonto Basin, Payson, and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 11.62 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 5.74 miles per square mile) within Arizona 

hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest. The current level of impact is expected to 

continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat is impacted by crosscountry motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona hedgehog cactus habitat 

could crush individual plants or alter habitat although this would be minimized due to the 

preferred rocky and steep habitat this subspecies is associated with. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat is 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona hedgehog 

cactus habitat could crush individual plants or alter habitat. However, the number of retrieval trips 

across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

703,618 acres; none of these trips are anticipated to occur in Arizona hedgehog cactus habitat. 

The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat is impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona hedgehog 

cactus habitat could crush individual plants or alter habitat. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 341
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

762.76 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to Arizona hedgehog 

cactus habitat could crush individual plants or alter habitat. The current level of impact is 

expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 10.18 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 5.03 miles per square mile) within Arizona 

hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a slight 

reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Arizona hedgehog 

cactus occupied habitat on the Forest, and the level of impact to Arizona hedgehog cactus 

occupied habitat would be nearly the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be affected by cross-country motorized use. 

The level of impact to Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be the same as current 

conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be affected by motorized big game retrieval. 

The level of impact to Arizona hedgehog cactus habitat would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. No Arizona hedgehog cactus 

occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this 

alternative. The level of impact would be the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. Approximately 242.66 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat 

would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would 

be a reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within Arizona hedgehog 

cactus occupied habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by reducing crushing of 

stems or root system and reducing injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants.

342 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 10.72 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 5.30 miles per square mile) within Arizona 

hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a slight 

reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Arizona hedgehog 

cactus occupied habitat and the level of impact would be nearly the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

912.36 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big 

game retrieval under this alternative. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized big 

game retrieval within Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest, and could result in 

additional impacts to the species by increasing crushing of stems or root system and increasing 

injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants. However, the number of retrieval trips 

across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in Arizona hedgehog cactus habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 107.11 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a major increase in 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles within Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the 

Forest, and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing crushing of stems or 

root system and increasing injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. Approximately 249.58 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat 

would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would 

be a reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within Arizona hedgehog 

cactus occupied habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing crushing of stems or root 

system and reducing injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 343
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 11.60 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 5.73 miles per square mile) within Arizona 

hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a very slight 

reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Arizona hedgehog 

cactus occupied habitat and the level of impact would be nearly the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by 

motorized cross-country travel under this alternative. The level of impact would be the same as 

current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if Alternative D is implemented. Approximately 

1,033.34 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big 

game retrieval under this alternative. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized big 

game retrieval within Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the Forest, and could result in 

additional impacts to the species by increasing crushing of stems or root system and increasing 

injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants. However, the number of retrieval trips 

across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in Arizona hedgehog cactus habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 330.04 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be an increase in 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles within Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat on the 

Forest, and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing crushing of stems or 

root system and increasing injury or mortality of individual plants or groups of plants.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. 

Approximately 762.76 acres of Arizona hedgehog cactus occupied habitat would be impacted by 

cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under this alternative. Because there is no 

change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is 

implemented.

344 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Roundtail Chub

Roundtail Chub can be found in cool to warm waters of rivers and streams, often occupying the 

deepest pools and eddies of large streams at elevations of 1,000 to 7,500 feet. On the Tonto 

National Forest, the roundtail chub is on all ranger districts. 

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 26.98 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 2.87 miles per square mile) within roundtail 

chub occupied habitat on the Forest. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 425.47 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat is impacted by 

cross-country motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to roundtail chub habitat has the 

potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of roundtail chub, as well 

as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is 

implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, 425.47 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat is 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to roundtail chub 

habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of roundtail 

chub, as well as to alter habitat. However, any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal 

because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that hunters cannot drive through 

riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval 

trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 

703,618 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in roundtail chub habitat. The current 

level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, 425.47 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat is impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to roundtail chub 

habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of roundtail 

chub, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative 

A is implemented.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 345
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

461.26 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country motorized travel for 

fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to roundtail chub habitat has the potential 

to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of roundtail chub, as well as to alter 

habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 8.64 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.92 miles per square mile) within roundtail 

chub occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction in the 

amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in roundtail chub occupied habitat and 

would be beneficial to the roundtail chub by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No roundtail chub occupied habitat would be affected by cross-country motorized use. This 

would be a reduction in authorized cross-country motorized use within roundtail chub occupied 

habitat, and would benefit the species by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No roundtail chub occupied habitat would be affected by motorized big game retrieval. This 

would be a reduction in motorized big game retrieval within roundtail chub occupied habitat, and 

would benefit the species by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if this alternative was implemented. Approximately 0.05 acres of 

roundtail chub occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor vehicles 

under this alternative. This would be a major reduction in dispersed camping within the Forest. 

This would be beneficial to the roundtail chub by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases.

346 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. Approximately 61.78 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat would be 

impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a 

major reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within the Forest. This 

would be beneficial to the roundtail chub by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 12.19 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.29 miles per square mile) within roundtail 

chub occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction in the 

amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in roundtail chub occupied habitat, and 

would be beneficial to the species by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No roundtail chub occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized 

cross-country travel under this alternative. This would be a slight increase in authorized crosscountry motorized use within roundtail chub occupied habitat on the Forest.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

263.93 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big game 

retrieval under this alternative. This would be a decrease in authorized motorized big game 

retrieval within roundtail chub occupied habitat on the Forest. This would be beneficial to the 

roundtail chub by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. Any effects to habitat 

are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations state that 

hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage to the habitat. 

Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in 

and out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to 

occur in roundtail chub habitat.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 347
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 51.85 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a decrease in dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles within roundtail chub occupied habitat on the Forest. This would 

be beneficial to the roundtail chub by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing 

sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and 

diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. Approximately 76.78 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat would be 

impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a 

major reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within roundtail chub 

occupied habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the species by decreasing access near riparian 

zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative 

aquatic organisms and diseases.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 16.68 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.77 miles per square mile) within roundtail 

chub occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction in the 

amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in roundtail chub occupied habitat, and 

would benefit the species by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. No roundtail chub occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized 

cross-country travel under this alternative. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

1,929.91 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big game 

retrieval under this alternative. This would be an increase in authorized motorized big game 

retrieval within roundtail chub occupied habitat on the Forest, and could result in additional 

impacts to the species by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into 

streams, and reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases. However, 

348 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

any effects to habitat are expected to be minimal because Arizona Game and Fish Department

regulations state that hunters cannot drive through riparian areas in a manner that causes damage 

to the habitat. Furthermore, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 

550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are 

anticipated to occur in roundtail chub habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 390.83 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles under this alternative. This would be a decrease in dispersed 

camping using motor vehicles within roundtail chub habitat on the Forest, and would benefit the 

species by decreasing access near riparian zones, reducing sedimentation into streams, and 

reducing the potential spread of nonnative aquatic organisms and diseases.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. 

Approximately 461.26 acres of roundtail chub occupied habitat would be impacted by crosscountry motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under this alternative. Because there is no 

change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is 

implemented.

Morafka’s Desert Tortoise

Morafka’s desert tortoise inhabits rocky slopes and bajadas of Mojave and Sonoran desert scrub 

habitats at elevations ranging from 500 to 5,300 feet. 

Morafka’s desert tortoise occurs on Tonto National Forest in Cave Creek, Globe, and Tonto Basin 

ranger districts.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,958.58 miles of roads and no trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. Currently, there are approximately 47.49 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.60 miles per square mile) within Morafka’s 

desert tortoise occupied habitat on the Forest. Current condition would continue if Alternative A 

was implemented, so no new effects would occur.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized travel would continue unrestricted within the Payson and Pleasant 

Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat is impacted by crosscountry motorized travel. Motorized use within or adjacent to Morafka’s desert tortoise habitat 

has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of Morafka’s desert 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 349
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

tortoise, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to continue if 

Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Cross-country motorized travel for big game retrieval would continue unrestricted within the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on 

approximately 703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat is 

impacted by motorized big game retrieval. Motorized use within or adjacent to Morafka’s desert 

tortoise habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of 

Morafka’s desert tortoise, as well as to alter habitat. The number of retrieval trips across the 

Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and out on an annual basis, spread over 703,618 acres; 

none of these trips are anticipated to occur in Morafka’s desert tortoise habitat. The current level 

of impact is expected to continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motorized vehicles would continue unrestricted within the Payson and 

Pleasant Valley ranger districts and in other ranger districts where authorized on approximately 

703,618.39 acres. Currently, no Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat is impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles. Motorized use within or adjacent to Morafka’s desert 

tortoise habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of 

Morafka’s desert tortoise, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to 

continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue within the Globe, Payson, 

Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. Currently, 

224.00 acres of Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat is impacted by cross-country 

motorized travel for fuelwood gathering. Motorized use within or adjacent to Morafka’s desert 

tortoise habitat has the potential to influence behavior, survival, reproduction and distribution of 

Morafka’s desert tortoise, as well as to alter habitat. The current level of impact is expected to 

continue if Alternative A is implemented.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 2,559.57 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if Alternative B was implemented. There would be approximately 23.35 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 0.79 miles per square mile) within Morafka’s 

desert tortoise occupied habitat on the Forest under this alternative. This would be a reduction in 

the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied 

habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing road densities through habitat, reducing 

barriers to movement, and allowing for increased movement.

350 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Cross-country motorized use would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would be affected by cross-country motorized use. 

The level of impact to Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would be the same as current 

conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be eliminated forestwide if Alternative B was implemented. 

No Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would be affected by motorized big game retrieval. 

The level of impact to Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would be the same as current 

conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to 414 designated sites, impacting 

approximately 65.45 acres if Alternative B was implemented. Approximately 0.18 acres of 

Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would be impacted by dispersed camping using motor 

vehicles under this alternative. This would be a slight increase in dispersed camping within 

Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat, with impacts nearly the same as current conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

132,568.44 acres. Approximately 60.04 acres of Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would 

be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative B. This would be a 

reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within Morafka’s desert 

tortoise occupied habitat and would benefit the species by reducing the potential for tortoises to 

be injured or killed and reducing the potential for motorized vehicles to collapse burrows used by 

tortoises.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 3,569.52 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 35.44 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.20 miles per square mile) within Morafka’s 

desert tortoise occupied habitat on the Forest under Alternative C. This would be a reduction in 

the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied 

habitat, and would benefit the species by reducing road densities through habitat, reducing 

barriers to movement, and allowing for increased movement.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. Approximately 150.96 acres of Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 351
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

habitat would be impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative C. This would be 

an increase in authorized cross-country motorized use within Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied 

habitat on the Forest and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing the 

potential for tortoises to be injured or killed and increasing the potential for motorized vehicles to 

collapse burrows used by tortoises.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 1,293,178.12 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

2,442.67 acres of Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized big 

game retrieval under Alternative C. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized big 

game retrieval within Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat on the Forest and could result in 

additional impacts to the species by increasing the potential for tortoises to be injured or killed 

and increasing the potential for motorized vehicles to collapse burrows used by tortoises. 

However, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 209 total trips in and 

out on an annual basis, spread over 1,293,178 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in 

Morafka’s desert tortoise habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 100 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 91,391.29 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 770.19 acres of Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would be impacted by 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would be an increase in 

dispersed camping using motor vehicles within Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat on the 

Forest and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing the potential for 

tortoises to be injured or killed and increasing the potential for motorized vehicles to collapse 

burrows used by tortoises.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would be permitted within 300 feet of a 

road in the Globe, Payson, Pleasant Valley, and Tonto Basin ranger districts on approximately 

161,784.64 acres. Approximately 105.67 acres of Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat 

would be impacted by fuelwood gathering using motor vehicles under Alternative C. This would 

be a reduction in cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering within Morafka’s desert 

tortoise occupied habitat and would benefit the species by reducing the potential for tortoises to 

be injured or killed and reducing the potential for motorized vehicles to collapse burrows used by 

tortoises.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Roads and Trails Open to Motorized Travel

Approximately 4,859.34 miles of roads and trails would be open to the public for motorized 

travel if this alternative was implemented. There would be approximately 45.11 miles of open 

roads and motorized trails (with a road density of 1.52 miles per square mile) within Morafka’s 

desert tortoise occupied habitat on the Forest under Alternative D. This would be a slight 

352 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

reduction in the amount of roads and motorized trails open to the public in Morafka’s desert 

tortoise occupied habitat, with impacts nearly the same as current conditions.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Motorized cross-country travel would be restricted to 6,790.37 acres in designated areas at 

Bartlett Lake (Cave Creek Ranger District), Golf Course (Globe Ranger District), Roosevelt Lake 

(Tonto Basin Ranger District), and Sycamore (Mesa Ranger District) and tot lots if this 

alternative is implemented. Approximately 150.96 acres of Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied 

habitat would be impacted by motorized cross-country travel under Alternative D. This would be 

an increase in authorized cross-country motorized use within Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied 

habitat on the Forest and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing the 

potential for tortoises to be injured or killed and increasing the potential for motorized vehicles to 

collapse burrows used by tortoises.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within 1 mile of roads and motorized trails, 

impacting approximately 2,068,208.36 acres if this alternative is implemented. Approximately 

12,110.72 acres of Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would be impacted by motorized 

big game retrieval under Alternative D. This would be a major increase in authorized motorized 

big game retrieval within Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat on the Forest and could result 

in additional impacts to the species by increasing the potential for tortoises to be injured or killed 

and increasing the potential for motorized vehicles to collapse burrows used by tortoises. 

However, the number of retrieval trips across the Forest is estimated to be 550 total trips in and 

out on an annual basis, spread over 2,068,208 acres; few of these trips are anticipated to occur in 

Morafka’s desert tortoise habitat.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping using motor vehicles would be restricted to areas within 300 feet of roads and 

motorized trails, impacting approximately 336,037.85 acres if this alternative is implemented. 

Approximately 2,545.10 acres of Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would be impacted 

by dispersed camping using motor vehicles under Alternative D. This would be a major increase 

in dispersed camping using motor vehicles within Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat on 

the Forest and could result in additional impacts to the species by increasing the potential for 

tortoises to be injured or killed and increasing the potential for motorized vehicles to collapse 

burrows used by tortoises.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering would continue unrestricted in areas 

currently permitted for fuelwood gathering, impacting approximately 1,345,997.76 acres. 

Approximately 224.01 acres of Morafka’s desert tortoise occupied habitat would be impacted by 

cross-country motorized travel for fuelwood gathering under Alternative D. Because there is no 

change from Alternative A, the current level of impact is expected to continue if this alternative is 

implemented.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 353
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Forest Sensitive Species 

Forest sensitive species are those species that are not federally-listed, but the Forest Service is 

concerned about viability of the species. The goal for forest sensitive species is to prevent the 

species from becoming threatened or endangered because of Forest Service actions. Table 57

identifies forest sensitive species on the Tonto National Forest.

Table 57: Species Considered Sensitive on the Tonto National Forest

Common Name Scientific Name

Bat, Allen’s lappet-browed Idionycteris phyllotis

Bat, pale townsend’s big-eared Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens

Bat, spotted Euderma maculatum

Bat, western red Lasiurus blossevillii

Falcon, American peregrine Falco peregrinus anatum

Flycatcher, sulphur-bellied Myiodynastes luteiventris

Goshawk, northern Accipiter gentilis

Junco, yellow-eyed Junco phaeonotus

Lizard, Bezy’s night Xantusia bezyi

Frog, lowland leopard Rana yavapaiensis

Frog, western barking Eleutherodactylus augusti cactorum

Sucker, desert Catostomus clarki

Sucker, Sonora Catostomus insignis

Beetle, Parker’s cylloepus riffle Cylloepus parkeri

Caddisfly, a Wormaldia planae

Mayfly, a Fallceon eatoni

Midge, netwing Agathon arizonicus

Springsnail, Fossil Pyrgulopsis simplex

Agave, Hohokam Agave murpheyi

Agave, Tonto basin Agave delamateri

Breadroot, Verde Pediomelum verdiensis

Buckwheat, Ripley wild Eriogonum ripleyi

Bugbane, Arizona Cimicifuga arizonica

354 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Common Name Scientific Name

Dock, blumer’s Rumex orthoneurus

Fleabane, Fish Creek Erigeron piscaticus

Fleabane, Mogollon Erigeron anchana

Groundsel, Toumey Packera neomexicana var. toumeyi (=Senecio n. var. t.)

Mallow, Pima indian Abutilon parishii

Milkwort, Hualapai Polygala rusbyi

Phlox, Arizona Phlox amabilis

Rockdaisy, Fish Creek Perityle saxicola

Rockdaisy, Salt River Perityle gilensis var. salensis

Root, Arizona alum Heuchera glomerulata

Root, Eastwood alum Heuchera eastwoodiae

Sage, Galiuro Salvia amissa

Sandwort, Mt. Dellenbaugh Arenaria aberrans

Sedge, Chihuahuan Carex chihuahuensis

Sedge, Cochise Carex ultra (=C.spissa var. ultra)

Snapdragon, mapleleaf false Mabrya acerifolia (=Maurandya a.)

Vetch, horseshoe deer Lotus mearnsii var. equisolensis

Woodfern, Aravaipa Thelypteris puberula var. sonorensis

Direct and Indirect Effects for all Alternatives

For all of the action alternatives, along with the no action, there is likely to be either no impact to 

the species—in situations where the habitat would not be effected by the proposed activities—or 

there may be effects to individuals of the species, but is not likely to result in a trend toward 

federal listing or loss of viability110. 

Management Indicator Species

The Forest Service is required to maintain viable populations of native and desired non-native 

species by evaluating a project’s effects on selected management indicator species (MIS). 

Management indicator species are defined as: “Plant and animal species, communities, or special 

110 For a more detailed account of the effects to each species and their habitat, see the Biological Evaluation Report in 

the project record.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 355
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

habitats selected for emphasis in planning, and which are monitored during forest plan 

implementation in order to assess the effects of management activities on their populations and 

the populations of other species with similar habitat needs which they may represent” (FSM 

2620.5).

In order to meet the National Forest Management Act requirement to maintain viable populations 

of native and desired non-native species, MIS were selected based on a variety of criteria. In 

general, MIS were selected to serve as barometers of management effects on other species with 

similar habitat requirements. The Tonto National Forest has 29 MIS, which consist mostly of 

birds, to represent 30 habitat features. This section is a Forest level analysis composed of a 

description of current habitat and population trends of each MIS population, an interpretation of 

changes in populations and habitat trends since implementation of the 1985 Tonto National Forest 

Plan (Forest Plan) in relation to potential affects to MIS from implementation of the designated 

system of roads and trails. A forestwide assessment entitled Management Indicator Species Status 

Report (Klein et al., 2005) summarizes current knowledge of population and habitat trends for 

MIS on the Tonto National Forest. 

Affected Environment

Because currently there is no geographically based vegetation data from the original 1985 Forest 

Plan, it is difficult to compare the project’s impact to the vegetation layer developed for 

implementation of the Forest Plan. Consequently, the most recent PNVT GIS layer was utilized to 

determine the project’s impact on MIS resources. 

Table 58 includes all 29 MIS, the habitat features they represent, the relationship between the 

vegetation types used in the 1985 Forest Plan and PNVT, and the current habitat and population 

trends on the Tonto National Forest111 (Klein et al., 2005).

111 For a more detailed account for each species, their habitat, distribution, and the habitat and population trend, see the 

Management Indicator Species report in the project record.

356 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Draft E

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

nvironmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 357

Table 58: Habitat Types and Trends for Management Indicator Species on the Tonto National Forest

Species Indicator of

Related 

Vegetation Type in 

Current Forest 

Plan

Vegetation Type 

Used in Current 

Analysis

Acres of PNVT 

on Forest 

analyzed*

Acres of 

Vegetation 

Type on 

Forest

Habitat 

Trend

Population 

Trend 

Elk

(Cervus elaphus) 

General forest 

conditions 

Ponderosa pine, mixed 

conifer 

Ponderosa Pine 

Forest (Mild), Mixed 

Conifer (with Aspen)

308,607 308, 619 Static Stable

Turkey 

(Meleagris gallopavo) 

Vertical 

diversity – 

forest mix

Ponderosa pine, mixed 

conifer 

Ponderosa Pine 

Forest (Mild), Mixed 

Conifer (with Aspen)

308,607 308,619 Static Stable

Pygmy Nuthatch

(Sitta pygmaea) 

Old growth 

pine 

Ponderosa pine, mixed 

conifer 

Ponderosa Pine 

Forest (Mild), Mixed 

Conifer (with Aspen)

308,607 308,619 Static Decrease

Violet-green Swallow

(Tachycineta 

thalassina)

Cavity-nesting 

habitat 

Ponderosa pine, mixed 

conifer 

Ponderosa Pine 

Forest (Mild), Mixed 

Conifer (with Aspen)

308,607 308,619 Static Decrease

Western Bluebird

(Sialia mexicana) 

Forest openings Ponderosa pine, mixed 

conifer 

Ponderosa Pine 

Forest (Mild), Mixed 

Conifer (with Aspen) 

308,607 308,619 Static Stable

Hairy Woodpecker

(Picoides villosus) 

Snags Ponderosa pine, mixed 

conifer 

Ponderosa Pine 

Forest (Mild), Mixed 

Conifer (with Aspen)

308,607 308,619 Static Stable

Northern Goshawk

(Accipiter gentilis) 

Vertical 

diversity 

Ponderosa pine, mixed 

conifer 

Ponderosa Pine 

Forest (Mild), Mixed 

Conifer (with Aspen)

308,607 308,619 Static Decrease

Abert’s Squirrel

(Sciurus arizonensis) 

Successional 

stages of pine

Ponderosa pine, mixed 

conifer 

Ponderosa Pine 

Forest (Mild), Mixed 

Conifer (with Aspen)

308,607 308,619 Static Decrease

Ash-throated 

Flycatcher

(Myiarchus 

tyrannulus)

Ground cover Pinyon-juniper (PJ) and 

chaparral

PJ Chaparral, PJ 

Grassland, Madrean 

Encinal Woodland, 

Interior Chaparral

1,347,860 1,347,919 Static Stable
358

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Species Indicator of

Related 

Vegetation Type in 

Current Forest 

Plan

Vegetation Type 

Used in Current 

Analysis

Acres of PNVT 

on Forest 

analyzed*

Acres of 

Vegetation 

Type on 

Forest

Habitat 

Trend

Population 

Trend 

Gray Vireo

(Vireo vicinior) 

Tree density Pinyon-juniper and 

chaparral

PJ Chaparral, PJ 

Grassland, Madrean 

Encinal Woodland, 

Interior Chaparral

1,347,860 1,347,919 Static Decrease

Townsend’s Solitaire

(Myadestes 

townsendi) 

Juniper berry 

production 

Pinyon-juniper and 

chaparral

PJ Chaparral, PJ 

Grassland, Madrean 

Encinal Woodland, 

Interior Chaparral

1,347,860 1,347,919 Static Stable

Juniper (Plain) 

Titmouse 

(Beaolophus 

ridgwayi)

General 

woodland 

conditions 

Pinyon-juniper and 

chaparral

PJ Chaparral, PJ 

Grassland, Madrean 

Encinal Woodland, 

Interior Chaparral

1,347,860 1,347,919 Static Decrease

Northern (Common) 

Flicker

(Colaptes auratus) 

Snags Pinyon-juniper and 

chaparral

PJ Chaparral, PJ 

Grassland, Madrean 

Encinal Woodland, 

Interior Chaparral

1,347,860 1,347,919 Static Stable

Spotted Towhee

(Pipilo maculates) 

Successional 

stages of 

pinyon-juniper 

Pinyon-juniper and 

chaparral

PJ Chaparral, PJ 

Grassland, Madrean 

Encinal Woodland, 

Interior Chaparral

1,347,860 1,347,919 Static Stable

Spotted Towhee 

(Pipilo maculates) 

Shrub density Pinyon-juniper and 

chaparral

PJ Chaparral, PJ 

Grassland, Madrean 

Encinal Woodland, 

Interior Chaparral

1,347,860 1,347,919 Static Stable

Black-chinned 

Sparrow 

(Spizella atrogularis) 

Shrub diversity Pinyon-juniper and

chaparral

PJ Chaparral, PJ 

Grassland, Madrean 

Encinal Woodland, 

Interior Chaparral

1,347,860 1,347,919 Static Stable

Savannah Sparrow

(Passerculus 

sandwichen-sis)

Grass species 

diversity 

Desert grassland Semidesert 

Grassland 394,196 316,894 Upward/static

Stable
Draft E

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

nvironmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 359

Species Indicator of

Related 

Vegetation Type in 

Current Forest 

Plan

Vegetation Type 

Used in Current 

Analysis

Acres of PNVT 

on Forest 

analyzed*

Acres of 

Vegetation 

Type on 

Forest

Habitat 

Trend

Population 

Trend 

Horned Lark

(Eremophila alpestris)

Vegetation 

aspect

Desert grassland Semidesert 

Grassland 394,196 316,894 Upward/ static Decrease

Black-throated 

Sparrow 

(Amphispiza bilineata)

Shrub diversity Desert scrub Desert Communities 725,991 727,127 Downward/ 

static

Stable

Canyon Towhee

(Pipilo fuscus)

Ground cover Desert scrub Desert Communities 725,991 727,127 Downward/

static

Decrease

Bald Eagle

(Halaeetus 

leucocepha-lus)

General riparian Low elevation riparian Cottonwood Willow 

Riparian Forest 41,229 41,247 No change Stable

Bell’s Vireo

(Vireo bellii)

Well-developed 

understory 

Low elevation riparian Cottonwood Willow 

Riparian Forest 41,229 41,247 No change Decrease

Summer Tanager

(Piranga rubra)

Tall, mature 

trees

Low elevation riparian Cottonwood Willow 

Riparian Forest 41,229 41,247 No change Decrease

Hooded Oriole

(Icterus cucullatus)

Medium-sized 

Trees

Low elevation riparian Cottonwood Willow 

Riparian Forest 41,229 41,247 No change Stable

Hairy Woodpecker

(Picoides villosus) 

Snags, cavities High elevation Riparian Mixed Broadleaf 

Deciduous Riparian 

Forest 

17,731 17,732 No change Stable

Arizona Gray Squirrel

(Sciurus arizonensis) 

General riparian High elevation Riparian Mixed Broadleaf 

Deciduous Riparian 

Forest 

17,731 17,732 No change Stable

Warbling Vireo

(Vireo gilvus) 

Tall overstory High elevation Riparian Mixed Broadleaf 

Deciduous Riparian 

Forest 

17,731 17,732 No change Stable

Western Wood Pewee

(Contopus sordidulus) 

Medium 

overstory 

High elevation Riparian Mixed Broadleaf 

Deciduous Riparian 

Forest 

17,731 17,732 No change Decrease
360

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

Species Indicator of

Related 

Vegetation Type in 

Current Forest 

Plan

Vegetation Type 

Used in Current 

Analysis

Acres of PNVT 

on Forest 

analyzed*

Acres of 

Vegetation 

Type on 

Forest

Habitat 

Trend

Population 

Trend 

Common Black Hawk

(Buteogallus 

anthracinus)

Riparian 

streamside

High elevation Riparian Mixed Broadleaf 

Deciduous Riparian 

Forest 

17,731 17,732 No change Decrease

Macro-invertebrates Water quality Temporary riparian, 

marsh, littoral 

vegetation 

Water 28,989 N/A† N/A N/A

*

PNVT acres analyzed do not include private lands located within the Tonto NF boundary but do include designated roadless and wilderness areas. ^ NA =If there is no data for a particular PNVT for either an element or an alternative then there is no action occurring within that area
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Potential natural vegetation categories are coarse-scale groupings of ecosystem types that share 

similar geography, vegetation, and historic ecosystem disturbances such as fire, drought, and

native herbivory. The potential natural vegetation type GIS layer is considered the best available 

layer to reflect both the current wildlife habitat conditions and the expected vegetation cover type 

for the life of this project. Although there may be areas that have burned to alter the potential 

natural vegetation layer, most of the potential natural vegetation layer accurately reflects the 

current vegetation conditions.

Environmental Effects

Methodology for Analysis 

Analysis of project effects for MIS focuses on habitat changes within potential natural vegetation 

types (PNVT), which are MIS associated habitats. Achievement of the future expected habitat 

conditions would be indicated by the maintenance or increased occurrence and density of MIS 

across the forest. 

Data Limitations and Inaccuracies 

The PNVT analysis was originally conducted in 2010 as a basis for the preparation of an 

Environmental Assessment. During the continuing analyses there may have been assumptions 

made that are not fully documented and embedded in all analyses in the PNVT and species data 

layers. For instance in not all locations do the boundaries of the PNVT layer match the forest 

boundary data layer. Additionally during the analysis timeline riparian areas, water bodies, and 

perennial streams layers have been updated. As the acreage and boundaries of these vegetation 

types shifted, ecotones between adjacent upland vegetation types may not accurately reflect this 

realignment in all cases. As an example, data discrepancies of revised acres the ponderosa 

pine/mixed conifer PNVT was estimated to be 283,204 acres in 1985 for implementation of the 

Tonto National Forest Plan. During data analyses conducted for the 2005 Management Indicator 

Status Report the 1985 ponderosa pine/mixed conifer PNVT was revised to an estimated 423,241 

acres and the 2005 ponderosa pine/mixed conifer PNVT acres estimated to be 421, 138 acres, 

depicting a stable trend. During the 2010 revision of the PNVT data base, the ponderosa 

pine/mixed conifer PNVT was estimated at 308, 607.67 acres. Analyses estimated acres of 

ponderosa pine/mixed conifer PNVT in Alternative A that would be designated open to motorized 

cross country travel is at 515, 985.69 acres or 167 percent larger than the estimated forest wide 

ponderosa pine/mixed conifer PNVT acres. These data inconsistencies make direct comparison of 

habitat changes since implementation of the Forest Plan inseparable from enhancements in GIS 

and other data collection mechanisms. 

For the purposes of determining effects to MIS resources from implementation of the Tonto 

National Forest Travel Management Plan it is assumed the 2005 revised MIS Status Report to be 

the most current knowledge of population and habitat trends for MIS resources. For comparison 

of alternatives it is assumed that the 2010 PNVT forest wide PNVT data to be most current. All 

alternatives are compared to the forest wide PNVT acre estimates. In instances where the acres 

analyzed for an alternative is greater than forest wide acres a reduction in acres proposed for 

each analysis factor and therefore percent of forest wide acres, is considered a have beneficial 

effect to MIS resources. As an example, forest wide acres of ponderosa pine/mixed conifer PNVT 

acres that would be open to motorized cross-country travel to be 308,606.67 acres while 

Alternative A analyses 515,985.69 (167 percent) acres as open to motorized cross-country travel. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 361
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C analyses 492,034.70 (159 percent) of forest wide acres as open to motorized crosscountry travel. Alternative C is considered to have a greater beneficial effect to MIS resources 

than Alternative A due to acres and percent of forest wide acres decreases under Alternative C. 

The data reviewed and utilized in this analysis is the best available data the Tonto National Forest

currently has. GIS data and habitat modeling conducted for this analysis is a representation of 

what is actually occurring on the ground and as such, there is always the likelihood of error.

Direct and Indirect Effects—All Alternatives 

Some level of impact is occurring to MIS resources wherever motorized vehicle travel is allowed. 

Factors such as habitats and species present, density of species, location of travel in relation to 

important habitats, time of year or even time of day, amount of vehicle travel, and a myriad of 

other factors could apply in determining what and to what extent impacts are occurring. 

Vehicle use can affect MIS species through: 1) loss of habitat due to conversion of native 

vegetation to a particular road/trail surface (paved, gravel, dirt); 2) fragmentation of habitats due 

to a road and trail system development; 3) interruption in migratory patterns of MIS species to 

reach breeding habitat or winter range habitat; and 4) lack of habitat use by MIS species due to 

disturbance caused by vehicle use (Gucinski et al., 2000). 

Under any alternative the direct loss of habitat from the conversion of native vegetation to roads 

and trails would generally be considered minor. Currently, the Tonto National Forest has 

management jurisdiction for approximately 5,000 miles of system roads spread across the 

approximate 4,632 square miles of forest system lands. Currently road density is approximately 

1.07 miles of forest road per square mile of forest system lands. While the totals of direct habitat 

loss are considered to be relatively low and overall watersheds and hydrologic regimes would be 

considered as substantially intact (Potyondy and Geier, 2011), MIS species may avoid using the 

undisturbed habitat adjacent to the road due to disturbance while the road is in use (Rowland et 

al., 2005). 

Each alternative includes permit zone(s), which are a discrete area where effects from OHV use 

could negatively impact resources, but complete exclusion to the area by OHV use would not be 

desirable. In a permit zone, cross-country travel is not allowed. Instead, motorized vehicle users 

are required to obtain a permit to access the area, which would have locked gates and barriers 

restricting non-permitted access. The potential effects to MIS species are assessed by the addition 

or decommissioning of roads within each specific PNVT within each permit zone in relation to 

the total miles of designated road within each permit zone in total with all designated roads. This 

would not have a singular unique effect due to the permit zone designation. Currently there is one 

permit zone on the Tonto National Forest. 

Each alternative would allow for some degree of vehicle use for fuelwood gathering for personal 

use. The Tonto National Forest generates 400,000 to 500,000 cubic feet of available dead and 

down fuelwood annually. The forest allows for the harvest of dead standing juniper and cypress 

up to 18 inch diameter at the base and dead standing pine up to 12 inch diameter at 4.5 feet above 

the ground annually. It is expected that snags and dead and downed wood would be found mostly 

in the forested PNVTs. 

Available fuelwood is the result of both natural occurring events and Tonto National Forest

management activities. Natural events or disturbances that result in the creation of fuelwood 

362 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

include but are not limited to wildfire, insect outbreaks, droughts, and heavy snowfalls. These 

typically occur to varying degrees across the forest in an extremely random pattern. Areas 

affected can range from small scattered patches to large landscape scales. Resulting fuel loads are 

also extremely variable, ranging from high concentrations of mortality and breakage to very light 

and scattered accumulations. 

Management activities that generate available fuelwood include prescribed fire, range 

improvement cuttings, timber stand improvement cuttings, and restoration activities. After these 

treatments are completed, slash and associated breakage becomes available for fuelwood 

gathering. Treatment areas range in size from 50 to 1,000 acres or more in size. Treatments are 

usually followed several years later by prescribed fire to reduce the increased fuel load to more 

manageable levels reducing the intensity of the prescribed fire making it easier to manage. Access 

to fuelwood gathering areas is currently provided by both system and non-system roads and often 

extends for great distances away from roads and trails. 

Fuelwood gathering during the spring and summer is concentrated near system roads where 

concentrations of fuelwood can be seen from the vehicle. Available fuelwood in these areas can 

quickly become depleted requiring fuelwood gatherers to scout the surrounding terrain to find 

wood. As areas where disturbances have occurred are located, fuelwood gatherers begin to move 

off roads and trails to take advantage of these concentrations. 

Under Alternatives A and D fuelwood gathering practice would continue, allowing personal use 

fuelwood gatherers to spread out across the permitted areas to obtain their wood. Alternatives B 

and C would restrict the use of motorized vehicles for fuelwood gathering to within 300 feet on 

both sides of designated roads and trails. This can lead to concentrated use in some areas, 

effectively removing all available dead and down and dead standing fuelwood. In areas further 

away from the roads and trails, concentrations of dead and down fuel would start to accumulate 

over time, increasing the risk of uncharacteristically intense fire behavior. Historically, forest 

system roadsides are mostly cleared of dead and down fuelwood each year by late August, five 

months into the nine month season, coinciding with the primary nesting season of neotropical 

birds. This analysis assumes that wood cutters will rarely physically haul wood over 100 feet 

from a vehicle and frequently use old skid trails or gaps in the forest to work their vehicles into 

the forest a considerable distance where they can load wood directly into their vehicles. While 

most of the wood cutters that receive a fuelwood permit would stay within 300 feet of designated 

routes, the more experienced cutters rarely cut near the road, and regularly venture beyond 300 

feet. A conservative estimate of these wood cutters would be 30 percent of regular permit holders 

or approximately 300 individuals.

All alternatives would include some allowances for the use of motorized vehicle for dispersed 

camping. Use of motor vehicles off forest system roads to access campsites is a popular activity 

on the Tonto National Forest. In some instances, forest visitors park their vehicles at trailheads or 

roadside locations and hike to their camping spots. Others will drive cross-country to their desired 

camping spot, often with a recreational vehicle or camping trailer. Frequently-used dispersed 

campsites, where evidence of past use exists, are located along both forest system roads and 

unauthorized routes throughout the Tonto National Forest. 

Currently, the distance traveled from existing roads to frequently-used dispersed campsites can 

vary depending on the terrain and proximity to water and shade trees. Based on knowledge from 

Forest Service law enforcement officers and Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 363
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Managers, most of these dispersed campsites are within 300 feet of an existing road, including 

sites on the four ranger districts where cross-country travel is currently prohibited. On the 

northern two ranger districts (Payson and Pleasant Valley), driving cross-country has been 

permitted regardless of the distance from an existing road. On the four southern ranger districts 

(Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, and Tonto Basin), driving off road is prohibited unless posted open. 

Fuelwood gathered for campfires within the immediate areas of dispersed campsites may reduce 

logs and snags. Prolonged and persistent pedestrian and vehicle presence at dispersed campsite 

could reduce grass and shrub understory vegetation and prevent natural vegetation regeneration. 

Each alternative would include some level of motorized vehicle use for big game retrieval. Within 

motorized big game retrieval corridors, hunters who have legally killed particular game species 

are allowed to travel off-road from a designated public route to retrieve their harvest. Several 

considerations determine where and how many acres are potentially impacted by motorized big 

game retrieval: 1) where hunters are allowed to hunt (game management units); 2) proposed and 

existing public roads; 3) the distance hunters would be allowed to drive cross-country to pick-up 

their harvest; and 4) elk, bear, mule deer and whitetail deer habitat within game management 

units where big game hunts are authorized. There are portions of seven game management units 

totaling 2,883,758 acres within the Tonto National Forest. Elk hunts are permitted in four game 

management units with open hunting seasons beginning in August with various specific hunts 

occurring through December. These game management units are comprised of 2,242,458 acres 

with elk habitat located primarily in the northern portions of the game management units. Mule 

deer and whitetail deer hunts occur in all seven game management units with archery hunts 

authorized in August and December and firearms seasons occurring in late October through 

portions of November and December. It is assumed that deer hunters would hunt in essentially all 

habitats within the game management units. Bear hunts are permitted in five game management 

units comprised of 2,844,394 acres with black bear habitat located primarily in the northern 

portions of the game management units. Bear hunts could occur in August through December of 

each year. 

Arizona Game and Fish Department has estimated the number of annual, motorized harvests for 

these four big game animals under consideration for motorized big game retrieval for each action 

alternative. These estimates rely on the assumption that 30 percent of successful hunters would 

use their motor vehicle to retrieve their harvest. Arizona Game and Fish Department estimates the 

total number of trips annually would be 193 for elk and 15 for bear, 135 for mule deer and 206 for 

whitetail deer. The general hunting season for elk, bear, mule deer, and whitetail deer occurs from 

August to December. Consequently, motorized big game retrieval is not anticipated to measurably 

disturb breeding birds, which nesting occurs generally from April through August each year. It is 

also anticipated that a hunter would make one to two passes through a route to retrieve big game. 

One to two passes is not expected to destroy many annual plants. Webb (1983) found that after a 

single pass, annual plants on an OHV route remained intact, but most were destroyed after ten 

passes. It is expected that perennial plants are more robust and are likely to also sustain the one to 

two passes that a hunter would make to retrieve their harvest. The habitat will likely recover from 

one to two passes from a motorized vehicle. 

Disturbance related to travel management is largely a result of human intrusion and modification 

of existing habitats. Disturbance may be in the form of noise, human presence, or anything that 

causes displacement, avoidance, stress or other behavioral responses such as chainsaw noise, 

gunshots that create a startle response, consistent intrusions that alter foraging patterns, temporary 

intrusions that cause avoidance. It can also include disturbance to habitat features or loss of 

364 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

habitat for some species, such as occurs when rutting in wet meadows changes hydrology, 

compacts soils or injures or kills individual plants or animals. Roads and trails facilitate human 

access into wildlife habitats. People who use open routes, habitat adjacent to open routes, and 

cross-country travel areas could incidentally trample or dislodge nestlings or eggs of some 

breeding bird species that nest on the ground or shrubs. Alternatives that have more closed routes, 

fewer open routes, and smaller cross-country travel areas are expected to have less direct impact 

to MIS species. Open routes can lead to more fuelwood harvesting, which could decrease the 

amount of dead and downed wood affecting cavity nesting habitat and habitat for raptor prey 

species. Human presence, and human-created unfamiliar or proximate noise disturbance, may 

displace MIS species from preferred habitats. MIS species could be exposed to high levels of 

traffic noise, visual disturbance from passing vehicles, and the risk of collision with motorized 

vehicles. Traffic noise can reduce the distance over which acoustic signals such as song can be 

detected, an effect known as acoustic interference or masking (Parris and Schneider, 2008). 

Consequently, less motorized vehicle use means fewer direct impacts (disturbances and mortality) 

and indirect impacts (habitat degradation due to camping and wood gathering).

Indirect effects of motorized vehicle travel include such road use effects as habitat fragmentation, 

traffic causing vertebrate avoidance or road kill; and additional facilitation effects, such as over 

hunting, which can increase with road access (Gucinski et al., 2000). Creating roads and trails (of 

any kind) diminishes habitat connectivity, increases the proportion of edge to interior habitat, and 

decreases patch size of habitats including OHV routes, represent a principal factor contributing to 

habitat fragmentation at various scales. Both paved roads and OHV routes—ranging from 4-lane 

paved highways to two-track routes less than 3 meters (3.3 yards) wide—that separate oncecontinuous habitat can disrupt the movement and dispersal of many wildlife species between and 

within habitats (Reed et al., 1996; Forman et al., 2003; Meffe and Carroll, 1997; Swihart and 

Slade, 1984; Brody and Pelton, 1989; Yanes et al., 1995; Lovallo and Anderson, 1996; Clevenger, 

1998; Forman and Alexander, 1998; Jackson and Griffen, 1998, all as cited in Ouren et al., 2007).

The measurement of disturbance impacts to MIS species resulting from human intrusion is driven 

by the frequency and location of human activity. The presence of roads and trails does not 

necessarily correspond to the level of recreational human use. For this analysis, the action 

alternatives with fewer roads and trails open to motorized use would likely concentrate human 

disturbance impacts into smaller areas, which could increase disturbance impacts in those areas 

(especially in popular camping areas or on motorized trails) but would decrease disturbance 

impacts in other areas of the Tonto National Forest.

Designated motorized vehicle use corridors of 300 feet from roads for dispersed camping, big 

game retrieval, and personal use fuelwood gathering would increase the direct and indirect 

disturbance and habitat fragmentation effects of roads, as discussed above. Assuming a relatively 

constant number of forest users, fewer miles of designated corridors would mean more 

concentrated areas of camping, fuelwood gathering, and big game retrieval and a continued 

proliferation of dispersed campsites in those areas. More miles of designated corridors would 

mean campers; fuel wood gatherers and big game retrieval could be more widely dispersed. 

Therefore, the magnitude of impacts from motorized vehicle corridors would depend in part on 

the miles or acres of designated corridors under each alternative. Motorized vehicle corridors 

would have similar effects as open roads, motorized trails, and open areas including disturbance 

and intrusion into habitat, possibly reducing areas of secure habitat for some MIS species.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 365
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

In general, those alternatives with more miles of open roads and motorized trails would create 

more opportunity for adverse impacts to MIS species from roads and road use. These impacts 

include human disturbance caused by noise and physical intrusion. Impacts to hunting may occur 

due to increased hunter access further into game habitat on open roads and trails. Harvest of down 

logs and snags by Forest visitors is anticipated to increase at higher road densities. 

The effects on MIS species are primarily from indirect actions incidental to the route (camping, 

fuelwood gathering) because the effects (existing route prism) have already occurred. The 

exceptions are those from motorized big game retrieval and fuelwood gathering routes where new 

routes are created.

Cumulative Effects—All Alternatives 

Past, present and reasonably foreseeable actions that are relevant to MIS resources are described 

below for all alternatives. The cumulative effects analysis area for MIS resources is the Forest 

boundary.

This cumulative effects analysis does not attempt to quantify the effects of past human actions by 

adding up all prior actions on an action-by-action basis. In order to understand the contribution of 

past actions to the cumulative effects of the proposed action and alternatives, this analysis relies 

on current environmental conditions as a proxy for the impacts of past and present actions. This is 

because existing conditions reflect the aggregate impact of all prior human actions and natural 

events that are difficult to quantify that have affected the environment and might contribute to 

cumulative effects. Existing conditions are a result of past and present impacts to wildlife 

resources. 

This analysis focuses on the cumulative impact of those reasonably foreseeable actions that are 

relevant in assessing the impacts of designating a system of motorized use on MIS and their

habitats. Although almost all forest and private or other governmental actions may have some 

relevancy, this analysis specifically considers those that are most relevant toward resulting in a 

cumulative impact to MIS and their habitats.

Projects on the Tonto National Forest’s Schedule of Proposed Action for the period of April 2014 

through June 2014 were considered for the cumulative effects analysis as reasonably foreseeable 

actions.

Reasonably foreseeable actions that could affect MIS resources are land exchanges, 

reauthorization of livestock grazing allotments, mining and exploratory drilling, fuels reduction 

projects, forest thinning, watershed/vegetation regeneration and habitat improvement, roadway 

material source pits, recreation management, special use permits (maintenance of existing 

structures, approval of group organization camps), personal use activities, and new road 

construction. While these activities can directly and indirectly affect MIS species as well as cause 

destruction or modification to MIS habitats, these actions are planned to minimize (and when 

possible, to eliminate) effects to MIS species and their habitat above current conditions and have 

mitigation measures and Best Management Practices designed to mitigate disturbances that may 

occur from project implementation. 

Some projects may be considered cumulative actions because they may result in impacts to 

PNVT and thus to MIS associated with a primary constituent element within a PNVT, such as 

renewal of livestock grazing permits that would reduce herbaceous ground cover. Other projects 

366 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

that may be considered as cumulative actions have not resulted or are not expected to result in a 

measureable impact to MIS resources as they have been designed to completely avoid or 

minimize impacts to MIS resources by including design criteria or mitigations such as timing 

restrictions.

Projects involving forest thinning and prescribed fire treatments likely contribute to effects to 

MIS resources. Although the effects of fuels reduction and thinning projects are mitigated to 

reduce the effects on MIS resources, they still result in modification of vegetation which can 

affect foraging, nesting, roosting, hiding and thermal cover, and daily and seasonal movements. 

Recently completed or ongoing planning for restoration and fuels management projects include: 

Salt River Allotments Vegetative Management project, Mesa vegetation regeneration and habitat 

improvement project, and the Haigler fuels analysis. Fuels reduction projects may have shortterm impacts on wildlife from disturbance (during implementation) and habitat degradation (up to 

3 years after treatment), but generally improve MIS resources over the long-term (from one to ten 

or more years after project implementation) by decreasing the potential for high-intensity wildfire 

(Strom and Fulé, 2007) and improving the productivity and biodiversity of vegetation on which 

MIS depend (Griffis et al., 2001).

Unauthorized and unmanaged dispersed recreation, while not continuous across the Tonto NF like 

grazing or across large areas like fuels reduction and thinning projects, can result in adverse 

impacts to MIS resources. Roads, trails, dispersed camping areas, and the use of these by forest 

users could denude vegetation and compact soils; disturb vegetation to which some species may 

be attached; crush eggs and insects; and collapse burrows which can crush individuals; alter and 

fragment habitat; increase sedimentation into aquatic systems; visually and aurally disturb 

animals during critical periods such as breeding, and harass individuals through collection or 

handling. 

Legal and illegal personal use activities, particularly fuelwood harvesting, affects wildlife and 

their habitat. The removal of dead and down wood can result in the loss of habitat for 

invertebrates, small mammals, and reptiles; all of which are important prey items for some MIS. 

The removal of snags not only can affect prey species like invertebrates and reptiles; it also 

results in the loss of bat roosting habitat and bird nesting and roosting habitat. Fuelwood 

harvesting could result in the removal of large, Gambel oak trees which are important for MIS 

species that nest in their natural cavities and could be tied to the presence of roads, and studies 

have shown there is an observable decrease in standing and downed large dead trees within near 

proximity to open roads (Wisdom and Bate, 2008).

All action alternatives would reduce adverse impacts to MIS resources forest-wide by reducing 

motorized cross-country travel outside of camping, wood gathering and motorized big game 

retrieval corridors. The miles of open roads will decrease in almost all PNVTs. Although all 

alternatives would reduce overall motorized vehicle disturbance, action alternatives may increase 

the intensity of effects to MIS resources within dispersed camping and wood gathering corridors. 

Indicators of Ponderosa Pine Forest Mild and Mixed Conifer with 

Aspen 

Ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen vegetation types are indicators for elk, 

turkey, pygmy nuthatch, violet-green swallow, western bluebird, hairy woodpecker, northern 

goshawk, and Abert’s squirrel.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 367
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 59 identifies the amount of habitat of Ponderosa Pine Forest Mild and Mixed Conifer with 

Aspen that is impacted by each of the five elements under each alternative112. 

Table 59: Total Acres of Ponderosa Pine Forest Mild and Mixed Conifer with Aspen 

Habitat Impacted under Each Alternative

Elements Forestwide

Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D 

Roads and trails 

open to public use 

(miles)

2,604.54 2,050.81 

(79%) 

995.16 

(38%) 

1,467.34 

(56%) 

1,982.48 

(76%) 

Road Density (miles 

per square mile) 4.4 2.2 3.1 4.2 

Areas open to 

motorized crosscountry travel (acres)

308,606.67 515,985.69 

(167%) 

0 

(0%) 

0 

(0%) 

0 

(0%) 

Big game retrieval 

using motorized 

vehicles (acres)

308,606.67 515,985.69 

(167%) 

0 

(0%) 

492,034.7 

(159%) 

520,641.51 

(169%) 

Access of dispersed 

camping using 

motorized vehicles 

(acres)

308,606.67 515,985.69 

(167%) 

25.22 

(<1%) 

27,661.82 

(9%) 

119,656.3 

(39%) 

Additional 

Information 

Pertaining to motor 

vehicle use (personal 

use fuelwood 

gathering) (acres)

308,606.67 242,457.33 

(79%) 

31,856.3 

(10%) 

38,031.43 

(12%) 

242,457.33 

(79%) 

Elk

The elk is an indicator species for general forest conditions in ponderosa pine/mixed conifer with 

aspen PNVT. 

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effect of road construction and maintenance is the conversion of native habitat to nonvegetated road ways and is a linear loss of elk habitat to total miles of roadways within elk 

habitat. The primary effect of roads to elk is habitat fragmentation and reduction in forest cover to 

a level that it no longer functions effectively as elk habitat. Direct and indirect loss of elk habitat 

from road construction will vary across the landscape however a rough overall estimate of habitat 

loss of 5 acres per linear mile of road is often applied (Rowland et al., 2005). Alternative A would 

designate 2,051 miles of roads and trail open to public use which could reduce elk habitat 

effectiveness by 10,255 acres. 

112 For percentages in the table that are greater than 100 percent, see the information in Data Limitations and 

Inaccuracies in this section for more information.

368 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, impacts would be reduced due to the limited amount of roads within the 

PNVT. Direct and indirect loss of elk habitat from road construction will vary across the 

landscape however a rough overall estimate of habitat loss of 5 acres per linear mile of road is 

often applied (Rowland et al 2005). Alternative B would designate 995 miles of roads and trail 

open to public use which could reduce elk habitat effectiveness by 3,980 acres, a 61 percent 

decrease in potential effects to elk habitat from Alternative A. Impacts such as OHV and motor 

vehicle use for big game retrieval (MBGR) use would not be allowed under this alternative thus 

this would have more beneficial effects on general forest conditions for the elk when compared to 

Alternative A. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping and 

fire wood gathering occurs), but would be reduced due to the limited amount of roads within the 

PNVT. Based on these effects, Alternative B improves elk habitat quality over Alternative A.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, impacts would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the 

PNVT. Direct and indirect loss of elk habitat from road construction will vary across the 

landscape however a rough overall estimate of habitat loss of 5 acres per linear mile of road is 

often applied (Rowland et al 2005). Alternative C would designate 1,467 miles of roads and trails 

open to public use which could reduce elk habitat effectiveness by 5,868 acres, a 43 percent 

decrease in potential effects to elk habitat from Alternative A and a 47 percent increase from 

Alternative B. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping, 

fire wood gathering, MBGR, and OHV areas are designated), but would be reduced due to limited 

amount of roads within the PNVT when compared to Alternative A but would have more of an 

effect on habitat when compared to Alternative B. Alternative C improves elk habitat quality over 

Alternative A but improves elk habitat quality less than Alternative B. Alternative C would have a 

beneficial effect to general forest conditions when compared to current baseline conditions.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, impacts would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the 

PNVT. Direct and indirect loss of elk habitat from road construction will vary across the 

landscape however a rough overall estimate of habitat loss of 5 acres per linear mile of road is 

often applied (Rowland et al 2005). Alternative D would designate 1,982 miles of roads and trails 

open to public use which could reduce elk habitat effectiveness by 7,928 acres, a 23 percent 

decrease in potential effects to elk habitat from Alternative A and a 100 percent increase from 

Alternative B and a 35 percent increase from Alternative C. There would be impacts on habitat 

elements in localized areas (where camping, fire wood gathering, MBGR, and OHV areas are 

designated), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT when 

compared to Alternative A but would have greater potential affect when compared to Alternative 

B and Alternative C. Alternative D improves elk habitat quality more than Alternative A and 

improves elk habitat quality to a lesser extent when compared to Alternative B and Alternative C. 

This Alternative would have a beneficial effect to general forest conditions when compared to 

current baseline conditions.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 369
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Turkey

The turkey is an indicator species for vertical diversity - forest mix within the ponderosa pine 

mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The impact of roads and trails designated for public use on wildlife can be pervasive and long 

lasting and when the disruption from motorized vehicle travel is severe wildlife populations may 

be reduced below the natural carrying capacity of the land (Webb and Wilshire, 1883). The effect 

of road construction and maintenance is the conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road 

ways and is a linear direct loss of ponderosa pine forest and mixed conifer with Aspen PNVT to 

total miles of roadways within turkey habitat. Both large snags and large downed trees are 

important elements to vertical diversity of ponderosa pine indicator habitat for the turkey. Under 

the No Action alternative, continued unrestricted off-road motorized travel and use of roads and 

motorized trails for dispersed camping, big game retrieval and fuelwood gathering would 

continue in the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. The primary 

effect of roads to turkeys may be destruction of nesting, feeding and roosting habitat, creation of 

barriers to movement and in influencing patterns of population dispersal and habitat use provided 

by the vertical diversity of the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen type from 

the effects of motorized vehicle travel. Direct and indirect effects to turkey habitat from 

motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and 

authorized use. Alternative A would designate 2,605 miles of roads and trail open to public use 

which could affect turkey habitat.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative direct and indirect effects to turkey populations and habitat from roads and 

travels designed for public use would be reduced by 61 percent when compared to Alternative A. 

Effects to turkey populations and habitat from OHV and MBGR use not be permitted and thus 

this would have beneficial effect on turkey populations and habitat above Alternative A. There 

would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas where camping and fire wood gathering 

would be designated but would be reduced to less than 1 percent and 10 percent respectively of 

forest-wide acres within the ponderosa pine mild and mixed conifer with aspen as compared to 

167 percent and 79 percent respectively of acres designated in Alternative A. Alternative B 

improves turkey habitat quality more than what would be expected with Alternative A. 

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative direct and indirect effects to turkey populations and habitat from roads and 

travels designed for public use would be reduced by 28 percent when compared to Alternative A. 

Effects to turkey populations and habitat from motorized cross-country travel would not be 

permitted and thus this would have beneficial effect on turkey populations and habitat above 

Alternative A and similar effects as Alternative B. Alternative C would designate dispersed 

camping on approximately 9 percent of forest wide ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer 

with aspen PNVT as compared to 167 percent in Alternative A and less than 1 percent in 

Alternative B. Alternative C would permit fuelwood gathering on 12 percent of forest wide 

ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT compared to 79 percent in 

370 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative A and 10 percent of Alternative C. Alternative C would improve turkey habitat quality 

more than Alternative A but less than Alternative B. 

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, direct and indirect effects to turkey populations and habitat from roads and 

trails designed for public use are similar to Alternative A with a road density of 4.2 miles of roads 

per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Effects to 

turkey populations and habitat from motorized cross-country travel would not be permitted and 

thus this would have a beneficial effect on turkey populations and habitat above Alternative A and 

similar affects as Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D would designate dispersed 

camping on approximately 39 percent of forest wide ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed 

conifer with aspen PNVT as compared to 167 percent in Alternative A and would designate 

greater areas for dispersed camping than Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D would be 

similar to Alternative A for permitted fuelwood gathering on 79 percent of forest wide ponderosa 

pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT compared to 10 percent in Alternative B and 

12 percent in Alternative C. Alternative D would improve turkey habitat quality over Alternative 

A but less than what would be expected from Alternative B and Alternative C.

Pygmy Nuthatch

The pygmy nuthatch is an indicator species for old growth pine within the ponderosa pine mild 

and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The direct effect of roads and trails designated for public use and associated road maintenance is 

the conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of 

ponderosa pine forest and mixed conifer with Aspen PNVT to total miles of roadways within 

pygmy nuthatch habitat. Alternative A would designate 4.4 miles of road per square mile of 

ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT, the highest permitted road 

density of all alternatives. However, Alternative A is not anticipated to have measurable effects to 

current old growth pine and conifer forest and therefore habitat quality for pygmy nuthatch 

populations. Alternative A would permit continued unrestricted off-road motorized travel and use 

of roads and motorized trails for dispersed camping, big game retrieval and fuelwood gathering 

throughout the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Primary effects 

to pygmy nuthatch from Alternative A would be effects of disturbance from noise from motor 

vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to 

pygmy nuthatch habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use. Alternative A would designate 2,051 miles of roads and 

trail open to public use which could have effects to pygmy nuthatch trend due to habitat 

degradation.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, direct and indirect effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use 

would be reduced to 2.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed 

conifer with aspen PNVT a 50 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A. Alternative B 

is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current old growth pine and conifer forest and 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 371
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

therefore habitat quality for pygmy nuthatch populations. Alternative B would not designate 

motorized cross country travel, motorized big game retrieval and would limit dispersed camping 

to less than 1 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Effects 

to pygmy nuthatch due to disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use would be reduced under 

this alternative and would have beneficial effects to pygmy nuthatch populations as compared to 

Alternative A. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping and 

fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the 

PNVT. Alternative B increases pygmy nuthatch habitat quality over Alternative A.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, direct and indirect effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use 

would be reduced to 3.1 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed 

conifer with aspen PNVT, a 30 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A and a 41 

percent increase in road density compared to Alternative B. Alternative C is not anticipated to 

have measurable effects to current old growth pine and conifer forest and therefore habitat quality 

for pygmy nuthatch populations. Alternative C would not authorize motorized cross country 

travel, but would permit motorized big game retrieval similar to Alternative A and would limit 

dispersed camping to less than 9 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with 

aspen PNVT and would be similar to Alternative B in permitted fuelwood gathering. Effects to 

pygmy nuthatch due to disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use would be reduced under 

this alternative compared to Alternative A and would have increased direct effects from noise 

disturbance compared to Alternative B. Alternative C would increase pygmy nuthatch habitat 

quality over Alternative A but would be less effective at improving habitat quality than 

Alternative B. 

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, direct and indirect effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use 

would be similar to Alternative A designating 4.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa 

pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT, a 90 percent increase in road density from 

Alternative B and a 35 percent increase in road density compared to Alternative C. Alternative D 

is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current old growth pine and conifer forest and 

therefore habitat quality for pygmy nuthatch populations. Alternative D would not authorize 

motorized cross country travel similar to Alternative A, but would permit motorized big game 

retrieval and fuelwood gathering similar to Alternative A and would limit dispersed camping to 

less than 39 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Direct 

effects to pygmy nuthatch due to disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use would be 

reduced under this alternative compared to Alternative A only from designated dispersed camping 

and would increase effects compared to Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D would 

increases pygmy nuthatch habitat quality over Alternative A but would improve pygmy nuthatch 

habitat quality less than Alternative B and Alternative C.

Violet-green Swallow

The violet-green swallow is an indicator species for cavity nesting habitat within the ponderosa 

pine mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT.

372 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of roads and trails designated for public use and associated road maintenance is the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of ponderosa 

pine forest and mixed conifer with Aspen PNVT to total miles of roadways within violet-green 

swallow habitat which would affect cavity nesting habitat. Alternative A would designate 4.4 

miles of road per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT, 

the highest permitted road density of all alternatives. However, roads and trails designated for 

public use in Alternative A is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current cavity nesting 

habitat and therefore habitat quality for violet-green swallow populations. Alternative A would 

permit continued unrestricted off-road motorized travel, use of roads and motorized trails for 

dispersed camping, on 167 percent of forest-wide ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer 

with aspen PNVT and fuelwood gathering on 79 percent of forest-wide ponderosa pine forest 

mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. These elements would have a direct effect to cavity 

nesting habitat from harvest of snags for fuelwood and campfires if removal occurred during the 

breeding season directly impacting nesting birds. Alternative A may lower snag density below 

Forest Plan objectives of 2 to 3 snags per acre, in localized areas but may not reduce snag density 

below Forest Plan objectives of 180 snags per 100 acres across the PNVT. Primary effects to 

violet-green swallow from Alternative A would be effects to cavity nesting habitat, disturbance 

from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big 

game retrieval. Direct and Indirect effects to violet-green swallow habitat from motorized vehicle 

use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use. Alternative 

A would designate 2,051 miles of roads and trail open to public use which could have negatively 

affect pygmy nuthatch trend due to habitat loss or degradation.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, direct and indirect effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use 

would be reduced to 2.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed 

conifer with aspen PNVT a 50 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A. Alternative B 

is not anticipated to have measurable effect to current cavity nesting habitat and therefore habitat 

quality for violet-green swallow populations. Alternative B would not designate motorized cross 

country travel, motorized big game retrieval and would limit dispersed camping to less than 1 

percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Alternative B is not 

anticipated to reduce snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 2 to 3 snags per acre with the 

exception of limited campsites and fuelwood gathering areas, and would not reduce snag density 

below Forest Plan objectives of 180 snags per 100 acres across the PNVT. Effects to violet-green 

swallows due to disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use would be reduced under this 

alternative and would have beneficial effects to violet-green swallow populations as compared to 

Alternative A. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping and 

fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the 

PNVT. Alternative B improves violet-green swallow habitat quality over Alternative A.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 3.1 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT, a 30 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A and a 41 percent increase in 

road density compared to Alternative B. Alternative C is not anticipated to have measurable 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 373
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

effects to cavity nesting habitat and therefore habitat quality for violet-green swallow 

populations. Alternative C is not anticipated to reduce snag density below Forest Plan objectives 

of 2 to 3 snags per acre with the exception of limited campsites and fuelwood gathering areas, and 

would not reduce snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 180 snags per 100 acres across the 

PNVT. Alternative C would not authorize motorized cross country travel, but would permit 

motorized big game retrieval similar to Alternative A and would limit dispersed camping to less 

than 9 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT and would be 

similar to Alternative B in permitted fuelwood gathering. Effects to violet-green swallows due to 

disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use would be reduced under this alternative compared 

to Alternative A and would increase effects compared to Alternative B. Alternative C would 

improve violet-green swallow habitat quality over Alternative A but would be less than what 

would occur from Alternative B.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be similar to 

Alternative A designating 4.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and 

mixed conifer with aspen PNVT, a 90 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 

35 percent increase in road density compared to Alternative C. Alternative D is not anticipated to 

have measurable effects to current nesting habitat and therefore habitat quality for violet-green 

swallow populations. Alternative D would not authorize motorized cross country travel similar to 

Alternative A, but would permit motorized big game retrieval and fuelwood gathering similar to 

Alternative A and would limit dispersed camping to less than 39 percent of ponderosa pine forest 

mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Effects to violet-green swallow due to disturbance 

from noise from motor vehicle use would be reduced under this alternative compared to 

Alternative A only from designated dispersed camping and would increase effects compared to 

Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D would improve violet-green swallow habitat 

quality over Alternative A but would be less than what is expected from Alternative B and 

Alternative C.

Western Bluebird

The western blue bird is an indicator species for forest openings within the ponderosa pine mild 

and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effect of roads and trails designated for public use and associated road maintenance is the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of ponderosa 

pine forest and mixed conifer with Aspen PNVT to total miles of roadways within western blue 

bird habitat which would affect forest openings. Alternative A would designate 4.4 miles of road 

per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT, the highest 

permitted road density of all alternatives. However, roads and trails designated for public use in 

Alternative A is not anticipated to have measurable effects to forest openings from current 

baseline conditions and therefore habitat quality for western blue bird populations. Alternative A 

would permit continued unrestricted off-road motorized travel, use of roads and motorized trails 

for dispersed camping, on 167 percent of forest-wide ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed 

conifer with aspen PNVT and fuelwood gathering on 79 percent of forest-wide ponderosa pine 

forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Primary effects to western blue bird habitat 

374 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

quality from Alternative A would be the effect of disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, 

dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to western 

blue bird habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated 

roadways and authorized use, particularly dispersed camping which increase disturbance in forest 

opening adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would designate 2,051 

miles of roads and trail open to public use which could negatively affect western blue bird trend 

due to habitat loss or degradation.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 2.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT a 50 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A. Alternative B is not anticipated 

to have measurable effects to current forest openings and therefore habitat quality for western 

bluebird populations. Alternative B would not designate motorized cross country travel, 

motorized big game retrieval and would limit dispersed camping to less than 1 percent of 

ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Effects to western bluebirds due 

to disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use and dispersed camping would be reduced under 

this alternative and would have beneficial effects to western bluebird habitat quality as compared 

to Alternative A. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where motorized 

dispersed camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited 

amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative B would improve western bluebird habitat quality 

more than Alternative A since road density in this PNVT is lower.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 3.1 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT, a 30 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A and a 41 percent increase in 

road density compared to Alternative B. Alternative C is not anticipated to have measurable 

effects to forest openings and therefore habitat quality for western bluebird populations. 

Alternative C would not authorize motorized cross country travel, but would permit motorized 

big game retrieval similar to Alternative A and would limit dispersed camping to less than 9 

percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT and would be similar 

to Alternative B in permitted fuelwood gathering. Effects to western bluebird habitat quality due 

to disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use and dispersed camping would be reduced under 

this alternative compared to Alternative A and would increase effects compared to Alternative B. 

Alternative C would improve western bluebird habitat quality over Alternative A but would be 

less than what would occur from Alternative B.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be similar to 

Alternative A designating 4.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and 

mixed conifer with aspen PNVT, a 90 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 

35 percent increase in road density compared to Alternative C. Alternative D is not anticipated to 

have measurable effects to forest openings and therefore habitat quality for western bluebird 

populations. Alternative D would not authorize motorized cross country travel similar to 

Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C, but would permit motorized big game retrieval 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 375
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

and fuelwood gathering similar to Alternative A and would limit dispersed camping to less than 

39 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Effects to western 

bluebird habitat quality due to disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use and dispersed 

camping would be reduced under this alternative compared to Alternative A and would increase 

effects to western bluebird habitat quality compared to Alternative B and Alternative C. 

Alternative D would improve western bluebird habitat quality over Alternative A but would be 

less than what would occur from Alternative B and Alternative C.

Hairy Woodpecker

The hairy woodpecker is an indicator species for snags within the ponderosa pine mild and mixed 

conifer with aspen PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effect of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance that would remove 

snags that may have posed a hazard to motorist using these roads and results in the conversion of 

native habitat to non-vegetated roadways and would include a linear direct loss of snags within 

ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with Aspen PNVT in relation to total miles of 

roadways within the PNVT. Large snags are important elements to cavity nesting birds associated 

with ponderosa pine indicator habitat for the hairy woodpecker. Alternative A would continue 

unrestricted off-road motorized travel and use of roads and motorized trails for dispersed 

camping, big game retrieval, and fuelwood gathering would continue in the ponderosa pine forest 

mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. The primary effect of Alternative A to hairy 

woodpecker habitat quality would be destruction of snag habitat due harvest of standing dead 

wood for campfire use and personal fuelwood gathering in proximity to roadways designated for 

motorized public use with the PNVT. Alternative A may reduce snag density below Forest Plan 

objectives of 2 to 3 snags per acre within areas designated for motorized vehicle use but is not 

anticipated to reduce snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 180 snags per 100 acres across 

the PNVT. Effects to hairy woodpecker habitat quality include disturbance from noise from motor 

vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to 

hairy woodpecker habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use, particularly dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering 

which increase disturbance to snag habitat adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. 

Alternative A would designate 2,051 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could 

have direct and indirect effects to hairy woodpecker population trend. Direct and indirect effects 

to hairy woodpecker habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use. Alternative A would designate 2,605 miles of roads and 

trail open to public use which could affect hairy woodpecker habitat.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 2.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT a 50 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A and would result in reduced 

removal of snags that may pose a hazard to roadways and camping sites. Alternative B is not 

anticipated to have measurable effects to current snag habitat and therefore habitat quality for 

hairy woodpecker populations. Alternative B may reduce snag density below Forest Plan 

objectives of 2 to 3 snags per acre within limited campsites and fuelwood gathering areas but is 

376 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

not anticipated to reduce snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 180 snags per 100 acres 

across the PNVT. Alternative B would not designate motorized cross country travel, or motorized 

big game retrieval and would limit dispersed camping to less than 1 percent of ponderosa pine 

forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Effects to hairy woodpecker habitat quality 

would include destruction of snag habitat in proximity to dispersed camp sites and fuelwood 

gathering adjacent to designated roads. Effects to hairy woodpecker habitat due to disturbance 

from noise from motor vehicle use, motorized dispersed camping, and fuelwood gathering would 

be reduced under this alternative and would have beneficial effects to hairy woodpecker habitat 

quality as compared to Alternative A. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized 

areas (where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited 

amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative B improves hairy woodpecker habitat quality more 

than what would occur with Alternative A.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 3.1 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT, a 30 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A and a 41 percent increase in 

road density compared to Alternative B. Alternative C is not anticipated to have measurable 

effects to snap habitat and therefore habitat quality for hairy woodpecker populations. Alternative 

C may reduce snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 2 to 3 snags per acre within limited 

campsites and fuelwood gathering areas but is not anticipated to reduce snag density below Forest 

Plan objectives of 180 snags per 100 acres across the PNVT. Alternative C would reduce the need 

for removal of snags that pose a hazard to roadways and camping areas. Alternative C would not 

authorize motorized cross country travel, but would permit motorized big game retrieval similar 

to Alternative A and would limit dispersed camping to less than 9 percent of ponderosa pine forest 

mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT and would be similar to Alternative B in permitted 

fuelwood gathering. Effects to hairy woodpecker habitat quality would include destruction of 

snag habitat in proximity to dispersed camp sites and fuelwood gathering adjacent to designated 

roads. Effects to hairy woodpecker habitat due to disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, 

dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering would be reduced under this alternative compared to 

Alternative A, but would increase effects to hairy woodpecker habitat quality compared to 

Alternative B. Alternative C would improve hairy woodpecker habitat quality over Alternative A 

but is less than what would occur from Alternative B.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be similar to 

Alternative A designating 4.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and 

mixed conifer with aspen PNVT, a 90 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 

35 percent increase in road density compared to Alternative C and would increase need for 

removal of snags that pose a hazard to roadways and camping areas. Alternative D is not 

anticipated to have measurable direct effect to snag habitat and therefore habitat quality for hairy 

woodpecker populations. Alternative D may reduce snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 

2 to 3 snags per acre within dispersed camping areas and fuelwood gathering areas but is not 

anticipated to reduce snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 180 snags per 100 acres across 

the PNVT. Alternative D would not authorize motorized cross country travel similar to 

Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C, but would permit motorized big game retrieval 

and fuelwood gathering similar to Alternative A and would limit dispersed camping to less than 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 377
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

39 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Effects to hairy 

woodpecker habitat quality would include destruction of snag habitat in proximity to dispersed 

camp sites and fuelwood gathering adjacent to designated roads. Effects to hairy woodpecker 

habitat due to disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood 

gathering would be reduced under this alternative compared to Alternative A, but would increase 

effects to hairy woodpecker habitat quality compared to Alternative B and Alternative C.

Northern Goshawk

The northern goshawk is an indicator species for vertical diversity within the ponderosa pine mild 

and mixed conifer with aspen.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of ponderosa 

pine forest and mixed conifer with Aspen PNVT to total miles of roadways within northern 

goshawk habitat. Both large trees, variable understory and large downed trees are important 

elements to vertical diversity of ponderosa pine indicator habitat for the northern goshawk 

providing nesting, perching, and prey species habitat. Alternative A would continue to authorize 

unrestricted off-road motorized travel and use of roads and motorized trails for dispersed 

camping, big game retrieval, and fuelwood gathering in the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed 

conifer with aspen PNVT. The primary effects of roads to northern goshawk habitat quality would 

be destruction of prey species habitat due harvest of down logs and wood for campfire use and 

personal fuelwood gathering in proximity to roadways designated for motorized public use with 

the PNVT. Effects to northern goshawk habitat quality include disturbance from noise from motor 

vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to 

hairy woodpecker habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. 

Alternative A would designate 2,051 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could 

have effects to northern goshawk population trends. Direct and indirect effects to northern 

goshawk habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated 

roadways and authorized use. Alternative A would designate 2,605 miles of roads and trail open 

to public use which could affect northern goshawk habitat quality.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 2.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT a 50 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A and would result in reduce 

effects forest vegetation structural diversity. Alternative B is not anticipated to have measurable 

effects to current forest structure therefore habitat quality for northern goshawk populations. 

Alternative B would not designate motorized cross country travel, or motorized big game 

retrieval and would limit dispersed camping to less than 1 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild 

and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Effects to northern goshawk habitat quality would include 

harvest of down logs and destruction of understory habitat for prey species in proximity to 

dispersed camp sites and fuelwood gathering adjacent to designated roads. Effects to northern 

goshawk habitat due to noise disturbance from motor vehicle use, motorized dispersed camping, 

and fuelwood gathering would be reduced under this alternative and would have beneficial effects 

378 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

to northern goshawk habitat quality as compared to Alternative A. There would be impacts on 

habitat elements in localized areas (where motorized dispersed camping and fire wood gathering 

is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative 

B improves northern goshawk habitat quality over Alternative A.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 3.1 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT, a 30 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A and a 41 percent increase in 

road density compared to Alternative B. Alternative C is not anticipated to have measurable 

effects to current forest structure and therefore habitat quality for northern goshawk populations. 

Alternative C would result in reduce effects to forest vegetation structural diversity as compared 

to Alternative A. Alternative C would not authorize motorized cross country travel, but would 

permit motorized big game retrieval similar to Alternative A and would limit dispersed camping 

to less than 9 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT and 

would be similar to Alternative B in permitted fuelwood gathering. Effects to northern goshawk 

habitat quality would include harvest of down logs and destruction of understory habitat for prey 

species in proximity to dispersed camp sites and fuelwood gathering adjacent to designated roads. 

Effects to northern goshawk habitat due to noise disturbance from motor vehicle use, dispersed 

camping and fuelwood gathering would be reduced under this alternative and would have 

beneficial effects to northern goshawk habitat quality as compared to Alternative A but would 

increase effects to northern goshawk habitat quality compared to Alternative B. There would be 

impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering is 

permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative C 

improves northern goshawk habitat quality over Alternative A, but less than what would be 

expected with Alternative B.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be similar to 

Alternative A designating 4.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and 

mixed conifer with aspen PNVT, a 90 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 

35 percent increase in road density compared to Alternative C. Alternative D is not anticipated to 

have measurable effects to current forest structure and therefore habitat quality for northern 

goshawk populations. Alternative D would result in reduce effects to forest vegetation structural 

diversity as compared to Alternative A. Alternative D would not authorize motorized cross 

country travel, but would permit motorized big game retrieval similar to Alternative A and would 

limit dispersed camping to 39 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT and would be similar to Alternative B in permitted fuelwood gathering. Effects to northern 

goshawk habitat quality would include harvest of down logs and destruction of understory habitat 

for prey species in proximity to dispersed camp sites and fuelwood gathering adjacent to 

designated roads. Effects to northern goshawk habitat due to noise disturbance from motor 

vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering would be reduced under this alternative 

compared to Alternative A and would have beneficial effects to northern goshawk habitat quality 

as compared to Alternative A but would increase effects to northern goshawk habitat quality 

compared to Alternative B and Alternative C. There would be impacts on habitat elements in 

localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due 

to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative D improves northern goshawk habitat 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 379
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

quality over Alternative A, but less than what would be expected with Alternative B and 

Alternative C.

Abert’s Squirrel

The Abert's squirrel is an indicator species for successional stages of pine within the ponderosa 

pine mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of ponderosa 

pine forest and mixed conifer with Aspen PNVT to total miles of roadways within Abert’s 

squirrel habitat. Diversity of forest structural stages include variable tree maturity and understory 

with litter that are important elements to vertical diversity of ponderosa pine indicator habitat for 

the Abert’s squirrel providing nesting, and foraging habitat. Alternative A would continue to 

authorize unrestricted off-road motorized travel and use of roads and motorized trails for 

dispersed camping, big game retrieval, and fuelwood gathering in the ponderosa pine forest mild 

and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. The primary indirect effect of roads to Abert’s squirrel 

habitat quality would be destruction of understory and litter habitat due harvest of downlogs and 

wood for campfire use and personal fuelwood gathering and potential hunter harvest of Abert’s 

squirrel throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for motorized 

public use with the PNVT. Effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat quality could include disturbance 

from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big 

game retrieval. Effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with 

increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative A would designate 2,051 miles of roads and trails open to 

public use which could have effects to Abert’s squirrel population trends.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 2.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT a 50 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A and would result in reduce 

effects forest structural stages. Alternative B is not anticipated to have measurable effects to 

current forest structure therefore habitat quality for Abert’s squirrel populations. Alternative B 

would not designate motorized cross country travel, or motorized big game retrieval and would 

limit dispersed camping to less than 1 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer 

with aspen PNVT. Effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat quality would include destruction of 

understory and litter habitat due harvest of downlogs and wood for campfire use and personal 

fuelwood in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for motorized public use with the 

PNVT. Effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat due to noise disturbance from motor vehicle use, 

dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering would be reduced under this alternative and would 

have beneficial effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat quality as compared to Alternative A. There 

would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering 

is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative 

B improves Abert’s squirrel habitat quality over Alternative A.

380 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 3.1 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT, a 30 percent reduction in road density from Alternative A and a 41 percent increase in 

road density compared to Alternative B. Alternative C is not anticipated to have measurable 

effects to current forest structural stages and therefore habitat quality for Abert’s squirrel 

populations. Alternative C would result in reduced effects to forest vegetation structural diversity 

as compared to Alternative A. Alternative C would not authorize motorized cross country travel, 

but would permit motorized big game retrieval similar to Alternative A and would limit dispersed 

camping to less than 9 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT 

and would be similar to Alternative B in permitted fuelwood gathering. Effects to Abert’s squirrel 

habitat quality would be destruction of understory and litter habitat due harvest of downlogs and 

wood for campfire use and personal fuelwood gathering and potential hunter harvest of Abert’s 

squirrel throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for motorized 

public use with the PNVT. Effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat due to noise disturbance from motor 

vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering would be reduced under this alternative 

and would have beneficial effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat quality as compared to Alternative A 

but would increase effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat quality compared to Alternative B. There 

would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering 

is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative 

C improves Abert’s squirrel habitat quality over Alternative A.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be similar to 

Alternative A designating 4.2 miles of roads per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and 

mixed conifer with aspen PNVT, a 90 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 

35 percent increase in road density compared to Alternative C. Alternative D is not anticipated to 

have measurable effects to current forest structural stages and therefore habitat quality for Abert’s 

squirrel populations. Alternative D would result in reduce effects to forest vegetation structural 

diversity as compared to Alternative A. Alternative D would not authorize motorized cross 

country travel, but would permit motorized big game retrieval similar to Alternative A and would 

limit dispersed camping to 39 percent of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT and would be similar to Alternative B in permitted fuelwood gathering. Effects to Abert’s 

squirrel habitat quality would include destruction of understory and litter habitat due harvest of 

downlogs and wood for campfire use and personal fuelwood gathering and potential hunter 

harvest of Abert’s squirrel throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and 

trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat due to noise 

disturbance from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering would be reduced 

under this alternative and would have beneficial effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat quality as 

compared to Alternative A but would increase effects to Abert’s squirrel habitat quality compared 

to Alternative B and compared to Alternative C. There would be impacts on habitat elements in 

localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due 

to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative D improves Abert’s squirrel habitat 

quality over Alternative A, but would increase effects to Abert;s squirrel habitat quality compared 

to Alternative B and Alternative C.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 381
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Cumulative Effects to Ponderosa Pine Forest Mild and Mixed Conifer with

Aspen Species

The ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen vegetation types provide habitat for 

elk, turkey, pygmy nuthatch, violet-green swallow, western bluebird, hairy woodpecker, northern 

goshawk, and Abert’s squirrel.

Alternative A 

Alternative A would potentially result in a long-term cumulative decrease in forest structural 

stages, snags, and large downed woody debris. This alternative would cumulatively contribute to 

a decrease in key habitat components such as snags and large woody debris, old growth forests, 

cavity nesting habitat, forest opening, and general forest conditions that are expected to be at risk 

from increased future demand for use of forest resources. Alternative A would continue wood and 

forest product harvesting, dispersed camping, motorized cross-country travel and unlimited 

motorized big game retrieval within the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT. Motorized use of roads and trails may result in cumulative effects to the PNVT when 

other Tonto National Forest activities such as land exchanges, reauthorization of livestock 

grazing allotments, mining and exploratory drilling, fuels reduction projects, forest thinning, 

watershed/vegetation regeneration and habitat improvement, roadway material source pits, 

recreation management, personal use activities, and new road construction. Use of roads and 

motorized trails, cross-country travel and dispersed camping could cause noise disturbance within 

all structural stages of the PNVT and could result in cumulative effects to habitat quality to MIS 

species. The cumulative effects of Tonto NF activities are expected to maintain designated roads 

at an approximate overall density of 4.4 miles of road per square mile of ponderosa pine forest 

mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles of roads per 

square mile of forest habitat may have a higher probability of impaired watershed function 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010) and is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on 

habitat quality of the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. 

Alternative B 

There would be no effects to forest structural stage diversity, snags, and large downed woody 

debris quantity and habitat quality in the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT. While this alternative may result in some improvement to habitat quality, it would be 

unlikely that these changes would impact reproductive success to the degree that forestwide 

population change would occur. Overall, this alternative is not expected to change 

forestwidehabitat or population trends for ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with 

aspen PNVT. The effects of this alternative may combine with other activities to result in a 

beneficial cumulative effect to ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT 

habitat quality over a much broader area. For example areas open to cross-country motorized 

travel would be permitted on 167 percent of the forest-wide PNVT, while Alternative would not 

permit motorized cross country travel. The cumulative effects of Alternative B in relation to 

Tonto NF activities are expected to maintain designated roads at an approximate overall density 

of 2.2 miles of road per square mile of ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT. Road densities in excess of 1 mile to 2.4 miles of road per square miles of 2.4 miles of 

roads per square mile of forest habitat may have a higher probability of a functioning at risk 

watershed or a watershed in fair condition supported by Tonto NF Plan or analysis and data 

382 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010) and is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on 

habitat quality of the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT.

Alternative C 

This alternative is expected to result in an overall effect of decreasing impacts to the ponderosa 

pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT and decreasing disturbance to the species 

that use it for habitat compared to Alternative A but increase potential habitat quality effects when 

compared to Alternative B. This alternative may result in effects to the quality of this habitat by 

changing the patterns of habitat available (reduced fragmentation from road use) and potentially 

affecting the abundance of key habitat elements such as large snags or large downed trees. This 

alternative‘s reduction of roads to 3.1 miles of road per square miles of the ponderosa pine forest 

mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT and may have a higher probability of impaired 

watershed function (Potyondy and Geier, 2010) but is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen 

PNVT. Alternative C would not change the amount or age class distribution of indicator habitat. 

Habitat quality could improve, given the elimination of cross-country travel and reductions in the 

amount of open roads, motorized trails, and MBGR, lessening disturbance to MIS. When 

combined with other Tonto NF activities the cumulative effects of Alternative C may combine 

with other activities to result in a beneficial cumulative effect to ponderosa pine forest mild and 

mixed conifer dependent MIS species over a much broader area. For example Alternative A 

would permit motorized cross-country travel, motorized big game retrieval, and fuelwood 

gathering on 167 percent of the forest-wide PNVT, while Alternative C would be similar to 

Alternative A for motorized big game retrieval it would reduce dispersed camping to 9 percent of 

PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering to 12 percent of PNVT acres. The cumulative effects of 

Alternative C are not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality or 

the species that use the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT for 

habitat.

Alternative D 

Alternative D would not change the amount or vegetation structural stage of MIS habitat in the 

ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT. Factors that would improve 

habitat quality include the elimination of cross-country travel and reductions in the amount of 

acres of dispersed camping lessening disturbance to MIS. Public use roadways would be similar 

to Alternative A, MBGR, and fuelwood gathering would also be similar to Alternative A

providing little improvement in habitat quality compared to the No Action Alternative. Factors 

that moderate any improvement in habitat quality include maintaining an overall road density of 

4.2 miles of open roads per square mile of PNVT, camping and MBGR corridors over a large 

amount of the PNVT. While this alternative may result in some improvements and some negative 

impacts to habitat quality, it would be unlikely that these changes would impact reproductive 

success to the degree that Forest-wide population change would occur. Overall, this alternative is 

not expected to change Forest-wide habitat or population trends for ponderosa pine forest mild 

and mixed conifer with aspen MIS species, but would provide fewer benefits and have greater 

impacts from disturbance compared to Alternative B and Alternative C. The effects of this 

alternative may combine with other activities to result in a beneficial cumulative effect to 

ponderosa pine dependent MIS species over a similar area as Alternative A .The cumulative 

effects of Alternative D are not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 383
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

quality or the species that use the ponderosa pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT 

for habitat.

Indicators of Pinyon-Juniper Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper 

Grassland, Madrean Encinal Woodland, and Interior Chaparral 

The pinyon-juniper chaparral, pinyon-juniper grassland, madrean encinal woodland, and interior 

chaparral vegetation types are indicators for the ash-throated flycatcher, gray vireo, Townsend’s 

solitaire, juniper titmouse, northern flicker, spotted towhee, and black-chinned sparrow.

Table 60 identifies the amount of habitat that is impacted by each of the five elements under each 

alternative.

Table 60: Total acres of Pinyon-Juniper Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper Grassland, Madrean 

Encinal Woodland, and Interior Chaparral Habitat Impacted under Each Alternative

Elements Forestwide

Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D

Roads and trails 

open to public use 

(miles)

1,759.79 1,280.83 

(73%) 

739.36 

(42%) 

1013.46 

(58%) 

1,252.14 

(71%) 

Road Density (miles 

per square miles) 0.65 0.39 0.52 0.71 

Areas open to 

motorized crosscountry travel (acres)

1,347,859.62 351,083.81 

(26%) 

0 

(0%) 

0 

(0%) 

0 

(0%) 

Big game retrieval 

using motorized 

vehicles (acres)

1,347,859.62 351,083.81 

(26%) 

0 

(0%) 

507,178.04 

(38%) 

582,663.86 

(43%) 

Access of dispersed 

camping using 

motorized vehicles 

(acres)

1,347,859.62 351,083.81 

(26%) 

9.7 

(<1%) 

22,650.99 

(2%) 

84,377.37 

(6%) 

Additional 

Information 

Pertaining to motor 

vehicle use (personal 

use fuelwood 

gathering) (acres)

1,347,859.62 497,903.1 

(37%) 

40,955.79 

(3%) 

54,053.29 

(4%) 

497,903.1 

(37%) 

Ash-throated Flycatcher

The ash-throated is an indicator species for ground cover within Pinyon-Juniper Chaparral, 

Pinyon-Juniper Grassland, Madrean Encinal Woodland, and Interior Chaparral PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (PJ) PNVT total miles of roadways within ash-throated flycatcher habitat. Diversity of forest 

384 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

structural stages includes variable tree maturity necessary for cavity nesting habitat and 

understory with litter that are important elements to ground cover diversity of P-J PNVT indicator 

habitat for the ash-throated flycatcher providing foraging habitat. Alternative A would designate 

0.65 miles of roads per mile of P-J PNVT. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative A would continue to authorize unrestricted off-road motorized travel, motorized big 

game retrieval, dispersed camping and fuelwood harvest on 26 percent of PNVT acres. The

primary effect of roads to ash-throated flycatcher habitat quality would be destruction of 

understory vegetation and ground cover from harvest of down logs and wood for campfire use, 

fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways 

designated roads and trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to ash-throated 

flycatcher habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed 

camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to ash-throated 

flycatcher habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated 

roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A 

would designate 1,281 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could have an effect to 

ash-throated flycatcher habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on 

habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 0.39 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 40 percent reduction in road density from 

Alternative A and would result in reduce effects P-J structural stages including ground cover. 

Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in 

good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010).Alternative B is not anticipated to have measurable 

effects to current P-J structure therefore habitat quality for ash-throated flycatcher populations. 

Alternative B would not designate motorized cross country travel, or motorized big game 

retrieval and would limit dispersed camping to less than 1 percent of P-J PNVT and fuelwood 

gathering to 3 percent of P-J PNVT. Effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat quality would 

include destruction of understory and litter habitat due harvest of downlogs and wood for 

campfire use and personal fuelwood in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for 

motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat due to noise 

disturbance from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering would be reduced 

under this alternative and would have beneficial effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat quality 

as compared to Alternative A. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas 

(where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited 

amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative B improves ash-throated flycatcher habitat quality 

over Alternative A, but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 0.52 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 20 percent reduction in road density from 

Alternative A and a 33 percent increase in road density from Alternative B. Alternative C would 

result in reduce effects to P-J structural stages including ground cover compared to Alternative A 

but would increase effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat quality compared to Alternative B. 

Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 385
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010).Alternative C is not anticipated to have measurable 

effects to current P-J structure therefore habitat quality for ash-throated flycatcher populations. 

Alternative C would not designate motorized cross country travel, and would limit dispersed 

camping to 2 percent of P-J PNVT and fuelwood gathering to 4 percent of P-J PNVT and 

motorized big game retrieval to 38 percent of P-J PNVT. Effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat 

quality would include destruction of understory and litter habitat due harvest of downlogs and 

wood for campfire use and personal fuelwood in proximity to roadways designated roads and 

trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat due to 

noise disturbance from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering would be 

reduced under this alternative and would have beneficial effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat 

quality as compared to Alternative A but would increase effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat 

quality compared to Alternative B. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas 

(where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited 

amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative C improves ash-throated flycatcher habitat quality 

over Alternative A, but increases habitat quality less than Alternative B. Alternative C is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be increased 

to 0.71 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 9 percent increase in road density from 

Alternative A and a 82 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 36 percent 

increase in road density from Alternative C. Alternative D would result in increased effects to 

ash-throated flycatcher habitat quality to P-J structural stages including ground cover compared to 

Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative D is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current P-J structure therefore 

habitat quality for ash-throated flycatcher populations. Alternative D would not designate 

motorized cross country travel, and would increase motorized big game retrieval over all 

alternatives, be similar in designated areas for fuelwood gathering to Alternative A, would 

increase fuelwood gathering areas from Alternative B and Alternative C and would limit 

dispersed camping to 6 percent of P-J PNVT. Effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat quality 

would include destruction of understory and litter habitat due harvest of downlogs and wood for 

campfire use and personal fuelwood in proximity to designated roads and trails for motorized 

public use with the PNVT. Effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat due to noise disturbance from 

dispersed camping would be reduced compared to Alternative A, and increased compared to 

Alternative B and Alternative C. Effects to ash-throated flycatcher habitat from fuelwood 

gathering would be similar to Alternative A, greater than Alternative B and Alternative C. Effects 

from motorized big game retrieval would be greater than all other alternatives. There would be 

impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering is 

permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative D 

decreases ash-throated flycatcher habitat quality over Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative 

C. Alternative D is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of 

the P-J PNVT.

Gray Vireo

The Gray vireo is an indicator species for tree density within Pinyon-Juniper Chaparral, PinyonJuniper Grassland, Madrean Encinal Woodland, and Interior Chaparral PNVT.

386 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (PJ) PNVT total miles of roadways within gray vireo habitat. Diversity of forest structural stages 

includes variable tree maturity and density that are important elements to ground cover diversity 

of P-J PNVT indicator habitat for the gray vireo. Alternative A would designate 0.65 miles of 

roads per mile of P-J PNVT. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be 

an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would 

continue to authorize unrestricted off-road motorized travel, motorized big game retrieval, 

dispersed camping and fuelwood harvest on 26 percent of PNVT acres. There are no effects 

anticipated to green tree density in Alternative A. Effects to gray vireo habitat quality would be 

destruction of understory vegetation and ground cover that may limit tree germination and growth 

and reduce tree density in areas permitted for motorized vehicle use throughout the PNVT. 

Effects to gray vireo habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, 

dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to gray vireo 

habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways 

and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would 

designate 1,281 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could have effects to gray vireo 

flycatcher habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 0.39 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 40 percent reduction in road density from 

Alternative A and would result in reduce effects P-J structural stages including tree density. Road 

densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good 

condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B is not anticipated to have measurable effects 

to current P-J structure therefore habitat quality for gray vireo populations. Alternative B would 

not designate motorized cross country travel, or motorized big game retrieval and would limit 

dispersed camping to less than 1 percent of P-J PNVT and fuelwood gathering to 3 percent of P-J 

PNVT. Effects to gray vireo habitat quality would include destruction of understory and litter 

habitat reducing tree germination, and ultimately tree density in proximity to roadways 

designated roads and trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to gray vireo habitat 

due to noise disturbance from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering 

would be reduced under this alternative and would have beneficial effects to gray vireo habitat 

quality as compared to Alternative A. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized 

areas (where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited 

amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative B improves gray vireo habitat quality over 

Alternative A, but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality 

of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 0.52 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 20 percent reduction in road density from 

Alternative A and a 33 percent increase in road density from Alternative B. Alternative C would 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 387
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

result in reduce effects to P-J structural stages including tree density compared to Alternative A 

and would increase effects to gray vireo habitat quality compared to Alternative B. Road densities 

of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative C is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current 

P-J structure therefore habitat quality for gray vireo flycatcher populations. Alternative C would 

not designate motorized cross country travel, and would limit dispersed camping to 2 percent of 

P-J PNVT and fuelwood gathering to 4 percent of P-J PNVT and motorized big game retrieval to 

38 percent of P-J PNVT. Effects to gray vireo habitat quality would include destruction of 

understory and litter habitat reducing tree germination and ultimately tree density in proximity to 

roadways designated roads and trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to gray 

vireo habitat due to noise disturbance from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood 

gathering would be reduced under this alternative and would have beneficial effects to gray vireo 

habitat quality as compared to Alternative A but would have less of a positive effect on habitat 

quality compared to Alternative B. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas 

(where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited 

amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative C improves gray vireo habitat quality over 

Alternative A, but less than what would be expected from Alternative B. Alternative C is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be increased 

to 0.71 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 9 percent increase in road density from 

Alternative A and a 82 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 36 percent 

increase in road density from Alternative C. Alternative D would result in increased effects to 

gray vireo habitat quality to P-J structural stages including tree density compared to Alternative 

A, Alternative B and Alternative C. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat 

would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D 

is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current P-J structure including tree density 

therefore habitat quality for gray vireo populations. Alternative D would not designate motorized 

cross country travel, and would increase motorized big game retrieval over all alternatives, be 

similar in designated areas for fuelwood gathering to Alternative A, would increase fuelwood 

gathering areas from Alternative B and Alternative C and would limit dispersed camping to 6 

percent of P-J PNVT. Effects to gray vireo habitat quality would include destruction of understory 

and litter habitat reducing tree germination and ultimately tree density in proximity to designated 

roads and trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to gray vireo habitat due to noise 

disturbance from dispersed camping would be reduced compared to Alternative A, and increased 

compared to Alternative B and Alternative C. Effects to gray vireo habitat from fuelwood 

gathering would be similar to Alternative A, greater than Alternative B and Alternative C. Effects 

from motorized big game retrieval would be greater than all other alternatives. There would be 

impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering is 

permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative D 

decreases gray vireo habitat quality over Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. 

Alternative D is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of 

the P-J PNVT.

388 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Townsend’s Solitaire

The Townsend's solitaire is an indicator species for juniper berry production within PinyonJuniper Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper Grassland, Madrean Encinal Woodland, and Interior Chaparral 

PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (P-J 

PNVT) total miles of roadways within Townsend’s solitaire habitat. Diversity of forest structural 

stages includes variable tree maturity necessary for juniper berry production that is an important 

element to indicator habitat for the Townsend’s solitaire in providing foraging habitat. Alternative 

A would designate 0.65 miles of roads per mile of P-J PNVT. Road densities of less than 1 mile 

per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and 

Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue to authorize unrestricted off-road motorized travel, 

motorized big game retrieval, dispersed camping and fuelwood harvest on 26 percent of PNVT 

acres. The primary effect of Alternative A to Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality would be from 

effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality and would include disturbance from noise from 

motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and motorized big game retrieval. 

Effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased 

miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public 

use. Alternative A would designate 1,281 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could 

have effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (P-J 

PNVT) total miles of roadways within Townsend’s solitaire habitat. Diversity of forest structural 

stages includes variable tree maturity necessary for juniper berry production that is an important 

element to indicator habitat for the Townsend’s solitaire in providing foraging habitat. Alternative 

B would designate 0.39 miles of roads per mile of P-J PNVT, a 40 reduction in road density 

compared to Alternative A. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an 

indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B is not 

anticipated to have measurable effects to current P-J structure therefore habitat quality for 

Townsend’s solitaire populations. Alternative B would not designate motorized cross country 

travel, or motorized big game retrieval and would limit dispersed camping to less than 1 percent 

of P-J PNVT and fuelwood gathering to 3 percent of P-J PNVT. The primary effect of Alternative 

B to Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality would be from effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat 

quality and would include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping and 

fuel wood gathering. Effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat from motorized vehicle use would 

increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed 

roads for motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 739 miles of roads and trails open 

to public use which could have effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat, a reduction of 42 percent 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 389
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

from Alternative A but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 0.52 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 20 percent reduction in road density from 

Alternative A and a 33 percent increase in road density from Alternative B. Alternative C would 

result in reduce effects to P-J structural stages including juniper berry production compared to 

Alternative A but would increase effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality compared to 

Alternative B. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of 

watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative C is not anticipated to have 

measurable effects to current P-J structure or juniper berry production therefore habitat quality for 

Townsend’s solitaire populations. Alternative C would not designate motorized cross country 

travel, and would limit dispersed camping to 2 percent of P-J PNVT and fuelwood gathering to 4 

percent of P-J PNVT and motorized big game retrieval to 38 percent of P-J PNVT. Effects to 

Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality would include noise disturbance from motor vehicle use, 

dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering and would be reduced under this alternative and 

would have beneficial effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality as compared to Alternative A 

but would increase effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality from motorized big game 

retrieval when compared to Alternative A. Alternative C would increase effects to Townsend’s 

solitaire habitat quality from effects of motor vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood 

gathering compared to Alternative B. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized 

areas (where camping, motorized big game retrieval and fire wood gathering is permitted), but 

would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative C improves 

Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality over Alternative A, but less than what would occur with 

Alternative B. Alternative C is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on 

habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be increased 

to 0.71 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 9 percent increase in road density from 

Alternative A and a 82 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 36 percent 

increase in road density from Alternative C. Alternative D would result in increased effects to 

Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality to P-J structural stages including juniper berry production 

compared to Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. Road densities of less than 1 mile per 

square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative D is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current P-J structure 

therefore habitat quality for Townsend’s solitaire populations. Alternative D would not designate 

motorized cross country travel, and would increase motorized big game retrieval over all 

alternatives, be similar in designated areas for fuelwood gathering to Alternative A, and reduce 

dispersed camping to 6 percent of P-J PNVT. Effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality 

would include noise disturbance from dispersed camping, motorized big game retrieval, and 

dispersed camping. Alternative D effects to Townsend’s solitaire habitat quality would be 

increased compared to Alternative A, Alternative B, and Alternative C. Effects to Townsend’s 

solitaire habitat from fuelwood gathering would be similar to Alternative A, greater than 

Alternative B and Alternative C. There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas 

(where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited 

390 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative D decreases Townsend’s Solitaire habitat quality 

over Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D is not anticipated to have a 

measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Juniper Titmouse

The juniper titmouse is an indicator species for general woodland conditions within PinyonJuniper Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper Grassland, Madrean Encinal Woodland, and Interior Chaparral 

PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (PJ) PNVT total miles of roadways within juniper titmouse habitat. General woodland conditions 

are composed of variable woodland tree species and structural stage with shrub and grass 

understory habitat that are important element to indicator habitat for the juniper titmouse. 

Alternative A would designate 0.65 miles of roads per mile of P-J PNVT. Road densities of less 

than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue to authorize unrestricted off-road 

motorized travel, motorized big game retrieval, dispersed camping and fuelwood harvest on 26 

percent of PNVT acres. The primary effect of Alternative A to juniper titmouse habitat quality 

would be from effects to general woodland conditions and would include disturbance from noise 

from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and motorized big game 

retrieval. Effects to juniper titmouse habitat would include harvest of down logs, reduction of 

grass and shrub understory from fuelwood harvest and dispersed camping. Motorized vehicle use 

would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to 

designed roads for motorized vehicle use. Alternative A would designate 1,281 miles of roads and 

trails open to motorized public use which could have effects to juniper titmouse habitat but is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (PJ) PNVT total miles of roadways within juniper titmouse habitat. General woodland conditions 

are composed of variable woodland tree species and structural stages with shrub and grass 

understory habitat that are important elements to indicator habitat for the juniper titmouse. 

Alternative B would designate 0.39 miles of roads per mile of P-J PNVT, a 40 percent reduction 

in road density compared to Alternative A. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative B is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current P-J structure therefore 

habitat quality for juniper titmouse populations. Alternative B would not designate motorized 

cross country travel, or motorized big game retrieval and would limit dispersed camping to less 

than 1 percent of P-J PNVT and fuelwood gathering to 3 percent of P-J PNVT. The primary effect 

of Alternative B to juniper titmouse habitat quality would be from effects to general woodland 

conditions and would include disturbance from noise from motorized vehicle use of roads and 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 391
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

trails, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to juniper titmouse habitat would 

include harvest of down logs, reduction of grass and shrub understory from fuelwood harvest and 

dispersed camping. Effects to juniper titmouse habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase 

with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 739 miles of roads and trails open to public 

use which could have effects to juniper titmouse habitat, a reduction of 42 percent reduction in 

motorized roads and trails from Alternative A but is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 0.52 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 20 percent reduction in road density from 

Alternative A and a 33 percent increase in road density from Alternative B. Alternative C would 

result in reduce effects to general woodland conditions compared to Alternative A but would 

increase effects to juniper titmouse habitat quality compared to Alternative B. Road densities of 

less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition 

(Potyondy and Geier 2010).Alternative C is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current 

general woodland habitat conditions therefore habitat quality for juniper titmouse populations. 

Alternative C would not designate motorized cross country travel, and would limit dispersed 

camping to 2 percent of P-J PNVT and fuelwood gathering to 4 percent of P-J PNVT and 

motorized big game retrieval to 38 percent of P-J PNVT. Effects to juniper titmouse habitat 

quality would include noise disturbance from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood 

gathering and would be reduced under this alternative and would have beneficial effects to 

juniper titmouse habitat quality as compared to Alternative A but would increase effects to juniper 

titmouse habitat quality from motorized big game retrieval when compared to Alternative A. 

Alternative C would increase effects to juniper titmouse habitat quality from effects of motor 

vehicle use, dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering compared to Alternative B. There would 

be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping, motorized big game retrieval 

and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads 

within the PNVT. Alternative C improves juniper titmouse habitat quality over Alternative A, but 

less than what would occur from Alternative B. Alternative C is not anticipated to have a 

measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be increased 

to 0.71 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 9 percent increase in road density from 

Alternative A and a 82 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 36 percent 

increase in road density from Alternative C. Alternative D would result in increased effects to 

juniper titmouse habitat quality to general woodland conditions compared to Alternative A, 

Alternative B and Alternative C. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would 

be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D is not 

anticipated to have measurable effects to current general woodland conditions therefore habitat 

quality for juniper titmouse populations. Alternative D would not designate motorized cross 

country travel, and would increase motorized big game retrieval over all alternatives, be similar in 

designated areas for fuelwood gathering to Alternative A, and reduce dispersed camping to 6 

percent of P-J PNVT. The primary effect of Alternative D to juniper titmouse habitat quality 

would be from effects to general woodland conditions and would include disturbance from noise 

392 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and motorized big game 

retrieval. Effects to juniper titmouse habitat would include harvest of down logs, reduction of 

grass and shrub understory from fuelwood harvest and dispersed camping. Alternative D effects 

to juniper titmouse habitat quality would be increased compared to Alternative A, Alternative B, 

and Alternative C. Effects to juniper titmouse habitat from fuelwood gathering would be similar 

to Alternative A, greater than Alternative B and Alternative C. There would be impacts on habitat 

elements in localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be 

reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative D decreases juniper 

titmouse habitat quality over Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Northern Flicker

The northern flicker is an indicator species for snags within Pinyon-Juniper Chaparral, PinyonJuniper Grassland, Madrean Encinal Woodland, and Interior Chaparral PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (PJ) PNVT total miles of roadways within northern flicker habitat. General woodland conditions are 

composed of variable woodland tree species that meet Forest Plan guidelines for snag habitat that 

is an important element to indicator habitat for the northern flicker. Alternative A would designate 

0.65 miles of roads per mile of P-J PNVT. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier 2010). 

Alternative A would continue to authorize unrestricted off-road motorized travel, motorized big 

game retrieval, dispersed camping and fuelwood harvest on 26 percent of PNVT acres. The 

primary effect of Alternative A to northern flicker habitat quality would be from effects caused by 

the harvest of snags for personal fuelwood gathering and campfires from dispersed camping. 

Alternative A may lower snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 2 to 3 snags per acre, in 

localized areas but may not reduce snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 180 snags per 

100 acres across the PNVT. Effects to northern flicker habitat quality would include disturbance 

from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big 

game retrieval. Motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated 

roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized vehicle use. Alternative A 

would designate 1,281 miles of roads and trails open to motorized public use which could have 

direct and indirect effects to northern flicker habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable 

and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (PJ) PNVT total miles of roadways within northern flicker habitat. General woodland conditions are 

composed of variable woodland tree species and structural stages that meet Forest Plan guidelines 

for snag habitat that are important elements to indicator habitat for the northern flicker. 

Alternative B would designate 0.39 miles of roads per mile of P-J PNVT, a 40 percent reduction 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 393
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

in road density compared to Alternative A. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative B is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current P-J structure and snag 

density therefore habitat quality for northern flicker populations. Alternative B is not anticipated 

to lower snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 2 to 3 snags per acre, and would not reduce 

snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 180 snags per 100 acres across the PNVT. 

Alternative B would not designate motorized cross country travel, or motorized big game 

retrieval and would limit dispersed camping to less than 1 percent of P-J PNVT and fuelwood 

gathering to 3 percent of P-J PNVT. The primary effect of Alternative B to northern flicker 

habitat quality would be from effects caused by the harvest of snags for personal fuelwood 

gathering and campfires from dispersed camping. Effects to northern flicker habitat quality would 

include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of designated roads and trails, fuelwood 

gathering and dispersed camping. Effects to northern flicker habitat from motorized vehicle use 

would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to 

designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 739 miles of roads and 

trails open to public use which could have effects to northern flicker habitat, a reduction of 42 

percent in motorized roads and trails from Alternative A, but is not anticipated to have a 

measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 0.52 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 20 percent reduction in road density from 

Alternative A and a 33 percent increase in road density from Alternative B. Alternative C would 

result in reduce effects to snag density within the PNVT compared to Alternative A but would 

increase effects to northern flicker habitat quality compared to Alternative B. Road densities of 

less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010).Alternative C is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current 

snag density across the PNVT therefore habitat quality for northern flicker populations. 

Alternative C would not designate motorized cross country travel, and would limit dispersed 

camping to 2 percent of P-J PNVT and fuelwood gathering to 4 percent of P-J PNVT and 

motorized big game retrieval to 38 percent of P-J PNVT. Alternative C is not anticipated to lower 

snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 2 to 3 snags per acre, and not reduce snag density 

below Forest Plan objectives of 180 snags per 100 acres across the PNVT. Effects to northern 

flicker habitat quality would include noise disturbance from motor vehicle use, dispersed 

camping, and fuelwood gathering and would be reduced under this alternative and would have 

beneficial effects to juniper titmouse habitat quality as compared to Alternative A but would 

increase effects to juniper titmouse habitat quality from motorized big game retrieval when 

compared to Alternative A. The primary effect of Alternative C to northern flicker habitat quality 

would be from effects caused by the harvest of snags for personal fuelwood gathering and 

campfires from dispersed camping. Effects to northern flicker habitat quality would include 

disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of designated roads and trails, fuelwood gathering, 

motorized big game retrieval and dispersed camping. Effects to northern flicker habitat from 

motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and 

authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. There would be impacts on 

habitat elements in localized areas (where camping, motorized big game retrieval and fire wood 

gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. 

Alternative C improves northern flicker habitat quality over Alternative A, but less than what 

394 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

would be expectedfrom Alternative B. Alternative C is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be increased 

to 0.71 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 9 percent increase in road density from 

Alternative A and a 82 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 36 percent 

increase in road density from Alternative C. Alternative D would result in increased effects to 

northern flicker habitat quality to snag density compared to Alternative A, Alternative B and 

Alternative C. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of 

watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D is not anticipated to 

lower snag density below Forest Plan objectives of 2 to 3 snags per acre, and not reduce snag 

density below Forest Plan objectives of 180 snags per 100 acres across the PNVT therefore 

habitat quality for northern flicker populations. Alternative D would not designate motorized 

cross country travel, and would increase motorized big game retrieval over all alternatives, be 

similar in designated areas for fuelwood gathering to Alternative A, and reduce dispersed 

camping to 6 percent of P-J PNVT. The primary effect of Alternative D to northern flicker habitat 

quality would be from effects caused by the harvest of snags for personal fuelwood gathering and 

campfires from dispersed camping. Effects to northern flicker habitat quality would include 

disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of designated roads and trails, fuelwood gathering, 

motorized big game retrieval and dispersed camping. Effects to northern flicker habitat from 

motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and 

authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative D road effects 

would have the greatest negative impact on habitat quality after Alternative A and the road system 

proposed with Alternative B would have the least negative impact followed by Alternative C. 

Effects to northern flicker habitat from fuelwood gathering would be similar to Alternative A, 

greater than Alternative B and Alternative C. There would be impacts on habitat elements in 

localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due 

to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative D decreases northern flicker habitat 

quality over Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D is not anticipated to 

have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Spotted Towhee

The spotted towhee is an indicator species for successional stages of pinyon-juniper within 

Pinyon-Juniper Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper Grassland, Madrean Encinal Woodland, and Interior 

Chaparral PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (PJ) PNVT total miles of roadways within spotted towhee habitat. Diversity of woodland structural 

stages includes variable tree maturity necessary for presence of all successional stages and a 

variable to dense shrub understory with litter that are important elements to P-J PNVT indicator 

habitat for the spotted towhee. Alternative A would designate 0.65 miles of roads per mile of P-J 

PNVT. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 395
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue to 

authorize unrestricted off-road motorized travel, motorized big game retrieval, dispersed camping 

and fuelwood harvest on 26 percent of PNVT acres. The primary effect of Alternative A to 

spotted towhee habitat quality would be from effects caused by disturbance from noise from 

motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. 

Effects to spotted towhee habitat quality would include reduction or loss of shrub understory 

habitat from fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping. Effects to spotted towhee habitat quality 

from motorized vehicle use of designated roads and trails would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized vehicle use. 

Alternative A would designate 1,281 miles of roads and trails open to motorized public use which 

could have effects to spotted towhee habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (PJ) PNVT total miles of roadways within spotted towhee habitat. Diversity of woodland structural 

stages includes variable tree maturity necessary for presence of all successional stages and a 

variable to dense shrub understory with litter that are important elements to P-J PNVT indicator 

habitat for the spotted towhee.. Alternative B would designate 0.39 miles of roads per mile of P-J 

PNVT, a 40 percent reduction in road density compared to Alternative A. Road densities of less 

than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current 

P-J structure and shrub understory density therefore habitat quality for spotted towhee 

populations. Alternative B would not designate motorized cross country travel, or motorized big 

game retrieval and would limit dispersed camping to less than 1 percent of P-J PNVT and 

fuelwood gathering to 3 percent of P-J PNVT. The primary effect of Alternative B to spotted 

towhee habitat quality would be from effects caused by disturbance from noise from motor 

vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to 

spotted towhee habitat quality would include reduction or loss of shrub understory habitat from 

fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping. Effects to spotted towhee habitat quality from 

motorized vehicle use of designated roads and trails would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized vehicle use. 

Alternative B would designate 739 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could have 

effects to spotted towhee habitat, a reduction of 42 percent in motorized roads and trails from 

Alternative A, but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality 

of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 0.52 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 20 percent reduction in road density from 

Alternative A and a 33 percent increase in road density from Alternative B. Alternative C would 

result in reduced effects to woodland successional stages and variable to dense shrub understories 

with litter that are important elements to P-J PNVT indicator habitat for the spotted towhee 

compared to Alternative A but would increase effects to spotted towhee habitat quality compared 

to Alternative B. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator 

396 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010).Alternative C is not anticipated to 

have measurable effects to current successional stages and variable to dense shrub understories 

across the PNVT therefore habitat quality for spotted towhee populations. Alternative C would 

not designate motorized cross country travel, and would limit dispersed camping to 2 percent of 

P-J PNVT and fuelwood gathering to 4 percent of P-J PNVT and motorized big game retrieval to 

38 percent of P-J PNVT. The primary effect of Alternative C to spotted towhee habitat quality 

would be from effects caused by disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed 

camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to spotted towhee 

habitat quality would include reduction or loss of shrub understory habitat from fuelwood 

gathering and dispersed camping. Effects to spotted towhee habitat quality from motorized 

vehicle use of designated roads and trails would increase with increased miles of designated 

roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized vehicle use. Effects to 

spotted towhee habitat quality under this alternative would be beneficial to spotted towhee habitat 

quality as compared to Alternative A but would increase effects to spotted towhee habitat quality 

from motorized big game retrieval when compared to Alternative A. Effects to spotted towhee 

habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways 

and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. There would be impacts 

on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping, and fuelwood gathering is permitted), but 

would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative C improves 

spotted towhee habitat quality over Alternative A, but less than what is expected from Alternative 

B. Alternative C is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of 

the P-J PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be increased 

to 0.71 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 9 percent increase in road density from 

Alternative A and a 82 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 36 percent 

increase in road density from Alternative C. Alternative D would result in increased effects to 

spotted towhee habitat quality from effects to woodland successional stages and variable to dense 

shrub understories with litter that are important elements to P-J PNVT indicator habitat for the 

spotted towhee compared to Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. Road densities of 

less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current 

woodland successional stages and variable to dense shrub understories with litter across the 

PNVT and therefore habitat quality for spotted towhee populations. Alternative D would not 

designate motorized cross country travel, and would increase motorized big game retrieval over 

all alternatives, be similar in designated areas for fuelwood gathering to Alternative A, and reduce 

dispersed camping to 6 percent of P-J PNVT. The primary effect of Alternative D to spotted 

towhee habitat quality would be from effects caused by disturbance from noise from motor 

vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to 

spotted towhee habitat quality would include reduction or loss of shrub understory habitat from 

fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping. Effects to spotted towhee habitat quality from 

motorized vehicle use of designated roads and trails would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized vehicle use. 

Alternative D effects to spotted towhee habitat quality would be increased compared to 

Alternative A, Alternative B, and Alternative C. Effects to spotted towhee habitat from fuelwood 

gathering would be similar to Alternative A, greater than Alternative B and Alternative C. There 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 397
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering 

is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative 

D decreases spotted towhee habitat quality over Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. 

Alternative D is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of 

the P-J PNVT.

Black-chinned Sparrow

The black-chinned sparrow is an indicator species for shrub density within Pinyon-Juniper 

Chaparral, Pinyon-Juniper Grassland, Madrean Encinal Woodland, and Interior Chaparral PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (PJ) PNVT total miles of roadways within black-chinned sparrow habitat. Diversity of woodland 

structural stages includes variable tree maturity with a variable to dense, diverse shrub understory 

that is important elements to P-J PNVT indicator habitat for the black-chinned sparrow. 

Alternative A would designate 0.65 miles of roads per mile of P-J PNVT. Road densities of less 

than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue to authorize unrestricted off-road 

motorized travel, motorized big game retrieval, dispersed camping and fuelwood harvest on 26 

percent of PNVT acres. The primary effect of Alternative A to black-chinned sparrow habitat 

quality would be from effects caused by disturbance from noise from motorized vehicle use of 

roads and trails, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and motorized big game retrieval. 

Effects to black-chinned sparrow habitat quality would include reduction or loss of shrub habitat 

component from fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping. Effects to black chinned sparrow 

habitat quality from motorized vehicle use of designated roads and trails would increase with 

increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized vehicle use. Alternative A would designate 1,281 miles of roads and trails open to 

motorized public use which could have effects to black-chinned sparrow habitat but is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of pinyonjuniper chaparral grassland, pinyon-juniper madrean encinal woodland and interior chaparral (PJ) PNVT total miles of roadways within black-chinned sparrow habitat. Diversity of woodland 

structural stages includes variable tree maturity and variable to dense, diverse shrub habitat 

necessary with litter that is an important element to P-J PNVT indicator habitat for the blackchinned sparrow. Alternative B would designate 0.39 miles of roads per mile of P-J PNVT, a 40 

percent reduction in road density compared to Alternative A. Road densities of less than 1 mile 

per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and 

Geier, 2010). Alternative B is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current P-J structure 

and shrub understory diversity and density therefore habitat quality for black-chinned sparrow 

populations. Alternative B would not designate motorized cross country travel, or motorized big 

game retrieval and would limit dispersed camping to less than 1 percent of P-J PNVT and 

398 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

fuelwood gathering to 3 percent of P-J PNVT. The primary effect of Alternative B to blackchinned sparrow habitat quality would be from effects caused by disturbance from noise from 

motorized vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and motorized 

big game retrieval. Effects to black-chinned sparrow habitat quality would include reduction or 

loss of the shrub habitat component from fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping. Effects to 

black chinned sparrow habitat quality from motorized vehicle use of designated roads and trails 

would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to 

designed roads for motorized vehicle use. Alternative B would designate 739 miles of roads and 

trails open to public use which could have effects to black-chinned sparrow habitat, a reduction of 

42 percent in motorized roads and trails from Alternative A, but is not anticipated to have a 

measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be reduced 

to 0.52 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 20 percent reduction in road density from 

Alternative A and a 33 percent increase in road density from Alternative B. Alternative C would 

result in reduced effects to variable to dense shrub understories with litter that are important 

elements to P-J PNVT indicator habitat for the black-chinned sparrow compared to Alternative A 

but would increase effects to black-chinned sparrow habitat quality compared to Alternative B. 

Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in 

good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010).Alternative C is not anticipated to have measurable 

effects to current variable to dense shrub understories across the PNVT therefore habitat quality 

for black-chinned sparrow populations. Alternative C would not designate motorized cross 

country travel, and would limit dispersed camping to 2 percent of P-J PNVT and fuelwood 

gathering to 4 percent of P-J PNVT and motorized big game retrieval to 38 percent of P-J PNVT. 

The primary effect of Alternative C to black-chinned sparrow habitat quality would be from 

effects caused by disturbance from noise from motorized vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed 

camping, fuel wood gathering and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to black-chinned sparrow 

habitat quality would include reduction or loss of the shrub habitat component from fuelwood 

gathering and dispersed camping. Effects to black-chinned sparrow habitat quality from 

motorized vehicle use of designated roads and trails would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized vehicle use. 

Effects to black-chinned sparrow habitat quality under this alternative would be beneficial to 

habitat quality compared to Alternative A but would increase effects to black-chinned sparrow 

habitat quality from motorized big game retrieval when compared to Alternative A. Effects to 

black-chinned sparrow habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. 

There would be impacts on habitat elements in localized areas (where camping, and fuelwood 

gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. 

Alternative C improves black-chinned sparrow habitat quality over Alternative A, but less than 

what is expected with Alternative B. Alternative C is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, effects of roads and trails open to motorized public use would be increased 

to 0.71 miles of roads per square mile of P-J PNVT a 9 percent increase in road density from 

Alternative A and a 82 percent increase in road density from Alternative B and a 36 percent 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 399
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

increase in road density from Alternative C. Alternative D would result in increased effects to 

black-chinned sparrow habitat quality from effects to the shrub with litter habitat component that 

is an important element to P-J PNVT indicator habitat for the black-chinned sparrow compared to 

Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative D is not anticipated to have measurable effects to current shrub density and diversity 

across the PNVT and therefore habitat quality for black-chinned sparrow populations. Alternative 

D would not designate motorized cross country travel, and would increase motorized big game 

retrieval over all alternatives, be similar in designated areas for fuelwood gathering to Alternative 

A, and reduce dispersed camping to 6 percent of P-J PNVT. The primary effect of Alternative D 

to black-chinned sparrow habitat quality would be from effects caused by disturbance from noise 

from motorized vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and 

motorized big game retrieval. Effects to black-chinned sparrow habitat quality would include 

reduction or loss of the shrub habitat component from fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping. 

Effects to black-chinned sparrow habitat quality from motorized vehicle use of designated roads 

and trails would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use 

adjacent to designed roads for motorized vehicle use. Alternative D effects to black-chinned 

habitat quality would be increased compared to Alternative A, Alternative B, and Alternative C. 

Effects to black-chinned sparrow habitat from fuelwood gathering would be similar to Alternative 

A, greater than Alternative B and Alternative C. There would be impacts on habitat elements in 

localized areas (where camping and fire wood gathering is permitted), but would be reduced due 

to limited amount of roads within the PNVT. Alternative D decreases black-chinned sparrow 

habitat quality over Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Cumulative Effects to Pinyon-Juniper Chaparral, Pinypon-Juniper 

Grassland, Madrean Encinal Woodland, and Juniper Chaparral Species

The pinyon-juniper chaparral, pinypon-juniper grassland, madrean encinal woodland, and juniper 

chaparral vegetation types provide habitat for the ash-throated flycatcher, gray vireo, Townsend’s 

solitaire, juniper titmouse, northern flicker, spotted towhee, and black-chinned sparrow

Alternative A 

Alternative A would potentially result in a long-term cumulative decrease in Pinyon-Juniper 

Chaparral, Pinypon-Juniper Grassland, Madrean Encinal Woodland, and Juniper Chaparral (P-J) 

PNVT structural stages, ground cover, shrubs, snags, and large downed woody debris. This 

alternative would cumulatively contribute to a decrease in key habitat components such as snags 

and large woody debris, cavity nesting habitat, shrub diversity and density, and general woodland 

conditions that are expected to be at risk from increased future demand for use of forest 

resources. Alternative A would continue wood and forest product harvesting, dispersed camping, 

motorized cross-country travel and unlimited motorized big game retrieval within the P-J PNVT. 

Motorized use of roads and trails may result in cumulative effects to the PNVT when other Tonto 

National Forest activities such as land exchanges, reauthorization of livestock grazing allotments, 

mining and exploratory drilling, fuels reduction projects, forest thinning, watershed/vegetation 

regeneration and habitat improvement, roadway material source pits, recreation management, 

personal use activities, and new road construction. Use of roads and motorized trails, crosscountry travel and dispersed camping could cause noise disturbance within all structural stages of 

400 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

the PNVT and could result in cumulative effects to habitat quality to MIS species. The cumulative 

effects of Tonto National Forest activities are expected to maintain designated roads at an 

approximate overall density of 0.65 miles of road per square mile of P-J PNVT. Road densities of 

less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watersheds in good condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010) and therefore is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible 

effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT. 

Alternative B 

There would be no effects to forest structural stage diversity, ground cover, shrubs, snags, and 

large downed woody debris and habitat quality in the P-J PNVT. While this alternative may result 

in some improvement to habitat quality, it would be unlikely that these changes would impact 

reproductive success to the degree that forestwide population change would occur. Overall, this 

alternative is not expected to change forestwide habitat or population trends for the P-J PNVT. 

The effects of this alternative may combine with other activities to result in a beneficial 

cumulative effect to P-J PNVT habitat quality over a much broader area. For example areas open 

to cross-country motorized travel would be permitted on 167 percent of the forestwide PNVT, 

while Alternative B would not permit motorized cross country travel. The cumulative effects of 

Alternative B in relation to Tonto National Forest activities are expected to maintain designated 

roads at an approximate overall density of 0.39 miles of road per square mile of P-J PNVT. Road 

densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watersheds in good 

condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010) and therefore is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT).

Alternative C 

This alternative is expected to result in an overall effect of decreasing impacts to P-J PNVT and 

decreasing disturbance to the species that use it for habitat compared to Alternative A but increase 

potential habitat quality effects when compared to Alternative B. This alternative may result in 

effects to the quality of this habitat by changing the patterns of habitat available (reduced 

fragmentation from road use) and potentially affecting the abundance of key habitat elements 

such as snags and large woody debris, cavity nesting habitat, shrub diversity and density, and 

general woodland conditions. This alternative‘s reduction of roads to 0.52 miles of road per 

square miles of the P-J PNVT. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be 

an indicator of watersheds in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010) and therefore is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT). 

Alternative C would not change the amount or age class distribution of indicator habitat over the 

P-J PNVT. Habitat quality could improve, given the elimination of cross-country travel and 

reductions in the amount of open roads, motorized trails, and MBGR, lessening disturbance to 

MIS. When combined with other Tonto National Forest activities the cumulative effects of 

Alternative C may combine with other activities to result in a beneficial cumulative effect to P-J 

PNVT dependent MIS species over a much broader area. Alternative C would increase motorized 

bog game retrieval from Alternative A, would reduce dispersed camping to 9 percent of PNVT 

acres and fuelwood gathering to 12 percent of PNVT acres. The cumulative effects of Alternative 

C are not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality or the species 

that use P-J PNVT for habitat.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 401
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

 Alternative D 

Alternative D would not change the amount or vegetation structural stage, ground cover, shrubs, 

snags, and large downed woody debris of MIS habitat in the P-J PNVT. Factors that would 

improve habitat quality include the elimination of cross-country travel and reductions in the 

amount of acres of dispersed camping lessening disturbance to MIS. Motorized vehicle use of 

roads and trails would be increased to 0.71 miles of road per mile of P-J PNVT a 9 percent 

increase from Alternative A, an 82 percent increase from Alternative B and a 36 percent increase 

from Alternative C. Fuelwood gathering would be similar to Alternative A and MBGR would be 

increased above all alternatives providing little improvement in habitat quality from current 

baseline conditions. Factors that moderate any improvement in habitat quality include 

maintaining an overall road density of 0.71 miles of open roads per square mile of PNVT, 

fuelwood gathering and MBGR corridors over a large amount of the PNVT. While this alternative 

may result in some improvements and some negative impacts to habitat quality, it would be 

unlikely that these changes would impact reproductive success to the degree that woodland-wide 

MIS species population change would occur. Overall, this alternative is not expected to change 

Forest-wide habitat or population trends but would provide fewer benefits and have greater 

impacts from disturbance compared to Alternative B and Alternative C. The effects of this 

alternative may combine with other activities to result in a beneficial cumulative effect to 

woodland dependent MIS species over a similar area as Alternative A through eliminating 

motorized cross-country travel. The cumulative effects of Alternative D are not anticipated to 

have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality or the species that use the ponderosa 

pine forest mild and mixed conifer with aspen PNVT for habitat.

Indicators of Semidesert Grassland 

The semidesert grassland vegetation types are indicators for savannah sparrow and horned lark. 

Table 61 identifies the amount of habitat of semidesert grassland that is impacted by each of the 

five elements under each alternative.

Table 61: Total acres of Semidesert Grassland Habitat Impacted under Each Alternative

Elements Forestwide

Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D

Roads and trails 

open to public use 

(miles)

376.91 

277 

(73%) 

169.77 

(45%) 

225.54 

(60%) 

274.63 

(73%) 

Road density (miles 

per square mile) 0.46 0.29 0.38 0.46 

Areas open to 

motorized crosscountry travel (acres)

394,195.66 9,353.35 

(2%) 

0 

(0%) 

0 

(0%) 

0 

(0%) 

Big game retrieval 

using motorized 

vehicles (acres)

394,195.66 9,353.35 

(2%) 

0 

(0%) 

43,468.11 

(11%) 

94,612.74 

(24%) 

Access of dispersed 

camping using 

motorized vehicles 

(acres)

394,195.66 9,353.35 

(2%) 

4.86 

(<1%) 

4,835.76 

(1%) 

17,154.51 

(4%) 

402 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Elements Forestwide

Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D

Additional 

Information 

Pertaining to motor 

vehicle use (personal 

use fuelwood 

gathering) (acres)

394,195.66 63,352.21

(16%)

8,093

(2%)

9,867.08

(3%)

63,352.21

(16%)

Savannah Sparrow

The savannah sparrow is an indicator species for grass species diversity within semi-desert 

grassland PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of semidesert 

grassland PNVT total miles of roadways within savannah sparrow habitat. Diversity of grassland 

habitats includes a grass understory with diverse species composition with litter that is an 

important element to diversity of grass species in the semidesert grassland PNVT indicator 

habitat for the savannah sparrow. Alternative A would designate 277 miles of roads as open to 

motorized public use, a reduction of 27 percent from current public use roads and trails and 

would designate a road density of 0.46 miles of roads per mile of semidesert grassland PNVT.

Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in 

good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue to authorize motorized 

cross-country travel, motorized big game retrieval and dispersed camping on 2 percent of the 

semidesert grassland PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 16 percent of PNVT acres. The primary 

direct effect of roads to savannah sparrow habitat quality would be destruction of grass 

understory and ground cover from harvest of down logs and wood for campfire use, fuelwood 

gathering and dispersed camping throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated 

roads and trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to savannah sparrow habitat 

quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel 

wood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to savannah sparrow habitat from 

motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and 

authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would designate 

277 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could have direct and indirect effects to 

savannah sparrow habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on 

habitat quality of the semidesert grassland PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of semidesert 

grassland PNVT total miles of roadways within savannah sparrow habitat. Diversity of grassland 

habitats includes a grass understory with diverse species composition with litter that is an 

important element to diversity of grass species in the semidesert grassland PNVT indicator 

habitat for the savannah sparrow. Alternative B would designate 170 miles of roads as open to 

motorized public use, a reduction of 38 percent reduction form Alternative A and would designate 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 403
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

a road density of 0.0.29 miles of roads per mile of semidesert grassland PNVT. Road densities of 

less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B would continue to authorize dispersed camping on less 

than 1 percent of the semidesert grassland PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 2 percent of PNVT 

acres. Alternative B would not authorize MBGRor motorized cross-country travel. The primary 

direct effect of roads to savannah sparrow habitat quality would be destruction of grass 

understory and ground cover from harvest of down logs and wood for fuelwood gathering and 

dispersed camping throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for 

motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to savannah sparrow habitat quality could include 

disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, and fuel 

wood gathering. Effects to savannah sparrow habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase 

with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 170 miles of roads and trails open to public 

use which could have direct and indirect effects to savannah sparrow habitat but is not anticipated 

to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of semidesert 

grassland PNVT total miles of roadways within savannah sparrow habitat. Diversity of grassland 

habitats includes a grass understory with diverse species composition with litter that is an 

important element to diversity of grass species in the semidesert grassland PNVT indicator 

habitat for the savannah sparrow. Alternative C would designate 226 miles of roads as open to 

motorized public use, a reduction of 18 percent from Alternative A and a 33 percent increase in 

miles of designated road and trails from Alternative B. Alternative C would designate a road 

density of 0.38 miles of roads per mile of semidesert grassland PNVT. Road densities of less than 

1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy 

and Geier, 2010). Alternative C would continue to authorize dispersed camping on 1 percent of 

the semidesert grassland PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 3 percent of PNVT acres. MBGR would 

be authorized on 11 percent of semidesert PNVT a 450 percent increase in MBGR from 

Alternative A. Alternative C would not authorize motorized cross-country travel. The primary 

effect of roads to savannah sparrow habitat quality would be destruction of grass understory and 

ground cover from harvest of down logs and wood for fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping 

throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for motorized public 

use with the PNVT. Effects to savannah sparrow habitat quality could include disturbance from 

noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. 

Effects to savannah sparrow habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased 

miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public 

use. Alternative C would decrease effects to savannah sparrow habitat from Alternative A 

primarily from not permitting motorized cross-country travel and would increase effects to 

savannah sparrow habitat from Alternative B. Alternative C would designate 226 miles of roads 

and trails open to public use which could have direct and indirect effects to savannah sparrow 

habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the 

P-J PNVT.

404 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of semidesert 

grassland PNVT total miles of roadways within savannah sparrow habitat. Diversity of grassland 

habitats includes a grass understory with diverse species composition with litter that is an 

important element to diversity of grass species in the semidesert grassland PNVT indicator 

habitat for the savannah sparrow. Alternative D would designate 275 miles of roads as open to 

motorized public use, similar to Alternative A, a 62 percent increase from Alternative B and a 21 

percent increase in miles of designated road and trails from Alternative C. Alternative D would 

designate a road density of 0.46 miles of roads per mile of semidesert grassland PNVT similar to 

Alternative A. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of 

watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D would continue to 

authorize dispersed camping on 4 percent of the semidesert grassland PNVT; greater than any 

alternative and fuelwood harvest on 16 percent of PNVT acres similar to Alternative A. MBGR 

would be authorized on 24 percent of semidesert PNVT; greater than any alternative. Alternative 

D would not authorize motorized cross-country travel. The primary direct effect of roads to 

savannah sparrow habitat quality would be destruction of grass understory and ground cover from 

harvest of down logs and wood for fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping throughout the 

PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for motorized public use with the 

PNVT. Effects to savannah sparrow habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from 

motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to 

savannah sparrow habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. 

Alternative D would decrease effects to savannah sparrow habitat from Alternative A primarily 

from not permitting motorized cross-country travel and would increase effects to savannah 

sparrow habitat from Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D would designate 275 miles of 

roads and trails open to public use which could have direct and indirect effects to savannah 

sparrow habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality 

of the P-J PNVT.

Horned Lark

The horned lark is an indicator species for vegetation aspect within semi-desert grassland PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of semidesert 

grassland PNVT total miles of roadways within horned lark habitat. Diversity of grassland 

habitats includes a grass understory with diverse species composition and areas of bare ground 

that is an important element to the semidesert grassland PNVT indicator habitat for the horned 

lark. Alternative A would designate 277 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a 

reduction of 27 percent from current public use roads and trails and would designate a road 

density of 0.46 miles of roads per mile of semidesert grassland PNVT. Road densities of less than 

1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy 

and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue to authorize motorized cross-country travel, 

motorized big game retrieval and dispersed camping on 2 percent of the semidesert grassland 

PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 16 percent of PNVT acres. Effects to horned lark habitat quality 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 405
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood 

gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to horned lark habitat from motorized 

vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use 

adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would designate 277 miles of 

roads and trails open to public use which could have effects to horned lark habitat but is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of semidesert 

grassland PNVT total miles of roadways within horned lark habitat. Diversity of grassland 

habitats includes a grass understory with diverse species composition and areas of bare ground 

that is an important element to the semidesert grassland PNVT indicator habitat for the horned 

lark. Alternative B would designate 170 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a 

reduction of 38 percent from Alternative A and would designate a road density of 0.29 miles of 

roads per mile of semidesert grassland PNVT. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative B would continue to authorize dispersed camping on less than 1 percent of the 

semidesert grassland PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 2 percent of PNVT acres. Alternative B 

would not authorize MBGR or motorized cross-country travel. Effects to horned lark habitat 

quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed 

camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to horned lark habitat from motorized vehicle use 

would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to 

designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 170 miles of roads and 

trails open to public use which could have direct and indirect effects to savannah sparrow habitat 

but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J 

PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of semidesert 

grassland PNVT total miles of roadways within horned lark habitat. Diversity of grassland 

habitats includes a grass understory with diverse species composition and areas of bare ground 

that is an important element to the semidesert grassland PNVT indicator habitat for the horned 

lark. Alternative C would designate 226 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a 

reduction of 18 percent reduction from Alternative A and a 33 percent increase in miles of 

designated road and trails from Alternative B. Alternative C would designate a road density of 

0.38 miles of roads per mile of semidesert grassland PNVT. Road densities of less than 1 mile per 

square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative C would continue to authorize dispersed camping on 1 percent of the 

semidesert grassland PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 3 percent of PNVT acres. MBGR would be 

authorized on 11 percent of semidesert PNVT a 450 percent increase in MBGR from Alternative 

A. Alternative C would not authorize motorized cross-country travel. The primary indirect effect 

of roads to horned lark habitat quality would be destruction of grass understory and ground cover 

from harvest of down logs and wood for fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping throughout 

the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for motorized public use with the 

PNVT. Effects to horned lark habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor 

406 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to horned 

lark habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated 

roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative C 

would decrease effects to horned lark habitat from Alternative A primarily from not permitting 

motorized cross-country travel and would increase effects to savannah sparrow habitat from 

Alternative B. Alternative C would designate 226 miles of roads and trails open to public use 

which could have effects to horned lark habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of semidesert 

grassland PNVT total miles of roadways within horned lark habitat. Diversity of grassland 

habitats includes a grass understory with diverse species composition and areas of bare ground 

that is an important element to the semidesert grassland PNVT indicator habitat for the horned 

lark. Alternative D would designate 226 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a 

reduction of 18 percent reduction from Alternative A and a 33 percent increase in miles of 

designated road and trails from Alternative B and a 21 percent increase in miles of designated 

road and trails from Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 0.46 miles of 

roads per mile of semidesert grassland PNVT similar to Alternative A. Road densities of less than 

1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy 

and Geier, 2010). Alternative D would continue to authorize dispersed camping on 4 percent of 

the semidesert grassland PNVT; greater than any alternative and fuelwood harvest on 16 percent 

of PNVT acres similar to Alternative A. MBGR would be authorized on 24 percent of semidesert 

PNVT; greater than any alternative. Alternative D would not authorize motorized cross-country 

travel. The primary indirect effect of roads to horned lark habitat quality would be destruction of 

grass understory and ground cover from harvest of down logs and wood for fuelwood gathering 

and dispersed camping throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and 

trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to horned lark habitat quality could include 

disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, and fuel 

wood gathering. Effects to horned lark habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with 

increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative D would decrease effects to horned lark habitat from 

Alternative A primarily from not permitting motorized cross-country travel and would increase 

effects to horned lark habitat from Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D would 

designate 275 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could have direct and indirect 

effects to horned lark habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on 

habitat quality of the P-J.

Cumulative Effects to Semidesert Grassland

Alternative A 

Alternative A would potentially result in a long-term cumulative decrease in the semidesert 

grassland PNVT structural stages, shrub and grass understory ground cover with some bare 

ground. This alternative would cumulatively contribute to a decrease in key habitat components 

such as, shrub and grass understory ground cover with some bare ground, and general semidesert 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 407
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

grassland habitat conditions that are expected to be at risk from increased future demand for use

of forest resources. Alternative A would continue wood and forest product harvesting, dispersed 

camping, motorized cross-country travel and unlimited motorized big game retrieval within the 

semidesert grassland PNVT. Motorized use of roads and trails may result in cumulative effects to 

the PNVT when other Tonto National Forest activities such as land exchanges, reauthorization of 

livestock grazing allotments, mining and exploratory drilling, watershed/vegetation regeneration 

and habitat improvement, roadway material source pits, recreation management, personal use 

activities, and new road construction. Use of roads and motorized trails, cross-country travel and 

dispersed camping could cause noise disturbance within all structural stages of the PNVT and 

could result in cumulative effects to habitat quality to MIS species. The cumulative effects of 

Tonto National Forest activities are expected to maintain designated roads at an approximate 

overall density of 0.46 miles of road per square mile of the semidesert grassland PNVT. Road 

densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watersheds in good 

condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010) and therefore is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the semidesert grassland PNVT. 

Alternative B 

There would be no direct effects to semidesert grassland structural stage diversity, perennial grass 

ground cover, shrubs, and habitat quality in the semidesert grassland PNVT. While this alternative 

may result in some improvement to habitat quality, it would be unlikely that these changes would 

impact reproductive success to the degree that forestwide population change would occur. 

Overall, this alternative is not expected to change forestwide habitat or population trends for the 

semidesert grassland PNVT. The effects of this alternative may combine with other activities to 

result in a beneficial cumulative effect to semidesert grassland PNVT habitat quality over a much 

of the PNVT through elimination of motorized cross country travel, reduced dispersed camping, 

MBGR and fuelwood gathering. The cumulative effects of Alternative B in relation to Tonto 

National Forest activities are expected to maintain designated roads at an approximate overall 

density of 0.29 miles of road per square mile of semidesert grassland PNVT. Road densities of 

less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watersheds in good condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010) and therefore is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible 

effect on habitat quality of the semidesert grassland PNVT.

Alternative C 

This alternative is expected to result in an overall effect of decreasing impacts to semidesert 

grassland PNVT and decreasing disturbance to the species that use it for habitat compared to 

Alternative A but increase potential habitat quality effects when compared to Alternative B. This 

alternative may result in effects to the quality of this habitat by potentially affecting the 

abundance of key habitat elements such as structural stage, shrub and grass understory ground 

cover with some bare ground and general semidesert grassland conditions. This alternative‘s 

reduction of roads to 0.38 miles of road per square miles of the semidesert grassland PNVT 

would decrease potential effects to semidesert grassland PVNT from Alternative A and increase 

effects to the PNVT from Alternative B. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat 

would be an indicator of watersheds in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010) and therefore 

is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the semidesert 

grassland PNVT. Alternative C would not change the amount or distribution of indicator habitat 

over the semidesert grassland PNVT. Habitat quality could improve, given the elimination of 

cross-country travel and reductions in the amount of open roads and motorized trails, and 

408 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

dispersed camping, lessening disturbance to MIS. Factors that moderate any improvements in 

habitat quality include increasing MBGR to 11 percent of the semidesert grassland PNVT. When 

combined with other Tonto National Forest activities the cumulative effects of Alternative C may 

combine with other activities to result in a beneficial cumulative effect to semidesert grassland 

PNVT dependent MIS species over a much broader area. Alternative C would increase MBGR 

from Alternative A, would reduce dispersed camping to 1 percent of PNVT acres and fuelwood 

gathering to 3 percent of PNVT acres. The cumulative effects of Alternative C are not anticipated 

to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality or the species that use semidesert 

grassland PNVT for habitat.

 Alternative D 

Alternative D would not change the amount or vegetation structural stage, shrub and grass 

understory ground cover with some bare ground and general semidesert grassland PNVT. Factors 

that would improve habitat quality include the elimination of cross-country travel lessening 

disturbance to MIS. Motorized vehicle use of roads and trails would be increased to 0.46 miles of 

road per mile of semidesert grassland PNVT similar to Alternative A, an 59 percent increase from 

Alternative B and a 21 percent increase from Alternative C. Fuelwood gathering would be similar 

to Alternative A and MBGR would be increased above all alternatives providing little 

improvement in habitat quality from current baseline conditions. Factors that moderate any 

improvement in habitat quality include maintaining an overall road density of 0.46 miles of open 

roads per square mile of PNVT, fuelwood gathering and MBGR corridors over a large amount of 

the PNVT. While this alternative may result in some improvements and some negative impacts to 

habitat quality, it would be unlikely that these changes would impact reproductive success to the 

degree that woodland-wide MIS species population change would occur. Overall, this alternative 

is not expected to change forestwide habitat or population trends but would provide fewer 

benefits and have greater impacts from disturbance compared to Alternative B and Alternative C. 

The effects of this alternative may combine with other activities to result in a beneficial 

cumulative effect to semidesert grassland dependent MIS species over a similar area as 

Alternative A through eliminating motorized cross-country travel. The cumulative effects of 

Alternative D are not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality or 

the species that use the semidesert grassland PNVT for habitat.

Indicators of Desert Communities 

The desert community vegetation type is an indicator for the black-throated sparrow and canyon 

towhee.

Table 62 identifies the amount of habitat of Desert Communities that is impacted by each of the 

five elements under each alternative.

Table 62: Total acres of Desert Communities Habitat Impacted under Each Alternative

Elements Forestwide

Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D

Roads and trails open 

to public use (miles) 810.23

581.57

(72%)

246.49

(30%)

396.36

(49%)

520.48

(64%)

Road density (miles 

per square mile) 0.58 0.29 0.42 0.53

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 409
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Elements Forestwide

Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D

Areas open to 

motorized crosscountry travel (acres)

725,990.92 1,316.76 

(<1%) 

0 

(0%) 

1,403.92 

(<1%) 

1,403.92 

(0%) 

Big game retrieval 

using motorized 

vehicles (acres)

725,990.92 1,316.76 

(<1%) 

0 

(0%) 

32,665.11 

(4%) 

240,445.02 

(33%) 

Access of dispersed 

camping using 

motorized vehicles 

(acres)

725,990.92 1,316.76 

(<1%) 

10.65 

(<1%) 

10,191.79 

(1%) 

36,880.42 

(5%) 

Additional 

Information 

Pertaining to motor 

vehicle use (personal 

use fuelwood 

gathering) (acres)

725,990.92 71,843.67 

(10%) 

7,057.36 

(1%) 

8,566.65 

(1%) 

71,843.67 

(1%) 

Black-throated Sparrow

The black-throated sparrow is an indicator species for shrub density within desert communities 

PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of desert 

communities PNVT total miles of roadways within black-throated sparrow habitat. Diversity of 

desert community habitats includes shrublands with diverse species composition with grass-forb 

understory with litter that is an important element to diversity of desert communities PNVT 

indicator habitat for the black-throated sparrow. Alternative A would designate 582 miles of roads 

as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 28 percent from current public use roads and trails 

and would designate a road density of 0.58 miles of roads per mile of desert communities PNVT. 

Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in 

good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue to authorize motorized 

cross-country travel, motorized big game retrieval and dispersed camping on less than percent of 

the desert communities PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 10 percent of PNVT acres. The primary 

direct effect of roads to black-throated sparrow habitat quality would be destruction of shrublands 

and ground cover from harvest of down logs and wood for campfire use, fuelwood gathering and 

dispersed camping throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for 

motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to black-throated sparrow habitat quality could 

include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering, 

and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to black-throated sparrow habitat from motorized 

vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use 

adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would designate 582 miles of 

roads and trails open to public use which could have direct and indirect effects to black-throated 

sparrow habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality 

of the P-J PNVT.

410 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of desert 

communities PNVT total miles of roadways within black-throated sparrow habitat. Diversity of 

desert community habitats includes shrublands with diverse species composition with grass-forb 

understory with litter that is an important element to diversity of desert communities PNVT 

indicator habitat for the black-throated sparrow. Alternative B would designate 246 miles of roads 

as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 58 percent reduction from Alternative A and 

would designate a road density of 0.29 miles of roads per mile of desert communities PNVT a 

reduction in road density of 50 percent from Alternative A. Road densities of less than 1 mile per 

square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative B would not authorize motorized cross-country travel, or MBGR. Alternative 

B would authorize continue to authorize dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering on 1 percent 

of the desert communities PNVT. The primary direct effect of roads to black-throated sparrow 

habitat quality would be destruction of shrublands and ground cover from harvest of down logs 

and wood for campfire use, fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping throughout the PNVT in 

proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. 

Effects to black-throated sparrow habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor 

vehicle use, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to black-throated sparrow 

habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways 

and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative B would 

designate 246 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would increase black-throated 

sparrow habitat quality over Alternative A. Alternative B have could have direct and indirect 

effects to black-throated sparrow habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible 

effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of desert 

communities PNVT total miles of roadways within black-throated sparrow habitat. Diversity of 

desert community habitats includes shrublands with diverse species composition with grass-forb 

understory with litter that is an important element to diversity of desert communities PNVT 

indicator habitat for the black-throated sparrow. Alternative C would designate 396 miles of roads 

as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 32 percent from Alternative A and a 61 percent 

increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B. Alternative C would designate 

a road density of 0.42 miles of roads per mile of desert communities PNVT a reduction in road 

density of 28 percent from Alternative A and would increase road density by 45 percent from 

Alternative B. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of 

watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative C would authorize 

motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, and fuelwood gathering on 1 percent of the 

PNVT and would authorize MBGR on 4 percent of desert communities. The primary direct effect 

of roads to black-throated sparrow habitat quality would be destruction of shrublands and ground 

cover from harvest of down logs and wood for campfire use, fuelwood gathering and dispersed 

camping throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for 

motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to black-throated sparrow habitat quality could 

include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, cross-country travel, 

dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to black-throated sparrow habitat from 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 411
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and 

authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative C would 

designate 396 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would increase black-throated 

sparrow habitat quality over Alternative A and would decrease black-throated sparrow habitat 

quality from Alternative B. Alternative C have could have direct and indirect effects to blackthroated sparrow habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on 

habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of desert 

communities PNVT total miles of roadways within black-throated sparrow habitat. Diversity of 

desert community habitats includes shrublands with diverse species composition with grass-forb 

understory with litter that is an important element to diversity of desert communities PNVT 

indicator habitat for the black-throated sparrow. Alternative D would designate 520 miles of roads 

as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 11 percent from Alternative A, a 111 percent 

increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B and an increase of 31 percent 

from Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 0.53 miles of roads per mile 

of desert communities PNVT a reduction in road density of 8 percent from Alternative A and 

would increase road density by 83 percent from Alternative B and a 26 percent increase in road 

density from Alternative C. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an 

indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D would 

authorize motorized cross-country travel on 1 percent of the PNVT, authorize MBGR on 33 

percent of PNVT acres greater than any alternative, and dispersed camping 5 percent of PNVT 

acres, greater than any alternative and fuelwood gathering on 10 percent of PNVT acres similar to 

Alternative A. The primary direct effect of roads to black-throated sparrow habitat quality would 

be destruction of shrublands and ground cover from harvest of down logs and wood for campfire 

use, fuelwood gathering, and dispersed camping throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways 

designated roads and trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to black-throated 

sparrow habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and 

trails, cross-country travel, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to black-throated 

sparrow habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated 

roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative D 

would designate 520 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would decrease blackthroated sparrow habitat quality over all alternatives. Alternative D have could have direct and 

indirect effects to black-throated sparrow habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT. 

Canyon Towhee

The canyon towhee is an indicator species for ground cover within desert communities PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of desert 

communities PNVT total miles of roadways within canyon towhee habitat. Diversity of desert 

community habitats includes shrublands with diverse species composition with grass-forb 

412 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

understory with litter providing ground cover that is an important element to diversity of desert 

communities PNVT indicator habitat for the canyon towhee. Alternative A would designate 582 

miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 28 percent from current public use 

roads and trails and would designate a road density of 0.58 miles of roads per mile of desert 

communities PNVT. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an 

indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would 

continue to authorize motorized cross-country travel, motorized big game retrieval and dispersed 

camping on less than 1 percent of the desert communities PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 10 

percent of PNVT acres. The primary direct effect of roads to canyon towhee habitat quality would 

be destruction of ground cover from harvest of down logs and wood for campfire use, fuelwood 

gathering and dispersed camping throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated 

roads and trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to canyon towhee habitat quality 

could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, fuel wood 

gathering, and motorized big game retrieval. Effects to canyon towhee habitat from motorized 

vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use 

adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would designate 582 miles of 

roads and trails open to public use which could have direct and indirect effects to canyon towhee 

habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the 

P-J PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of desert 

communities PNVT total miles of roadways within canyon towhee habitat. Diversity of desert 

community habitats includes shrublands with diverse species composition with grass-forb 

understory with litter providing ground cover that is an important element to diversity of desert 

communities PNVT indicator habitat for the canyon towhee. Alternative B would designate 246 

miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 58 percent from Alternative A and 

would designate a road density of 0.29 miles of roads per mile of desert communities PNVT a 

reduction in road density of 50 percent from Alternative A. Road densities of less than 1 mile per 

square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative B would not authorize motorized cross-country travel, or MBGR. Alternative 

B would authorize continue to authorize dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering on 1 percent 

of the desert communities PNVT. The primary direct effect of roads to canyon towhee habitat 

quality would be destruction of ground cover from harvest of down logs and wood for campfire 

use, fuelwood gathering and dispersed camping throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways 

designated roads and trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to canyon towhee 

habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use, dispersed camping, 

and fuel wood gathering. Effects to canyon towhee habitat from motorized vehicle use would 

increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed 

roads for motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 246 miles of roads and trails open 

to public use and would increase canyon towhee habitat quality over Alternative A. Alternative B 

have could have direct and indirect effects to canyon towhee habitat but is not anticipated to have 

a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the desert communities PNVT.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 413
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of desert 

communities PNVT total miles of roadways within canyon towhee habitat. Diversity of desert 

community habitats includes shrublands with diverse species composition with grass-forb 

understory with litter providing ground cover that is an important element to diversity of desert 

communities PNVT indicator habitat for the canyon towhee. Alternative C would designate 396 

miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 32 percent reduction from 

Alternative A and a 61 percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B. 

Alternative C would designate a road density of 0.42 miles of roads per mile of desert 

communities PNVT a reduction in road density of 28 percent from Alternative A and would 

increase road density by 45 percent from Alternative B. Road densities of less than 1 mile per 

square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative C would authorize motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, and 

fuelwood gathering on 1 percent of the PNVT and would authorize MBGR on 4 percent of desert 

communities. The primary direct effect of roads to canyon towhee habitat quality would be 

destruction of ground cover from harvest of down logs and wood for campfire use, fuelwood 

gathering and dispersed camping throughout the PNVT in proximity to roadways designated 

roads and trails for motorized public use with the PNVT. Effects to canyon towhee habitat quality 

could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, cross-country 

travel, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to canyon towhee habitat from 

motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and 

authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative C would 

designate 396 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would increase canyon towhee 

habitat quality over Alternative A and would decrease canyon towhee habitat quality from 

Alternative B. Alternative C could have direct and indirect effects to canyon towhee habitat but is 

not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the desert 

communities PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of desert 

communities PNVT total miles of roadways within canyon towhee habitat. Diversity of desert 

community habitats includes shrublands with diverse species composition with grass-forb 

understory with litter providing ground cover that is an important element to diversity of desert 

communities PNVT indicator habitat for the canyon towhee. Alternative D would designate 520 

miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 11 percent from Alternative A, a 

111 percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B and an increase of 

31 percent from Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 0.53 miles of 

roads per mile of desert communities PNVT a reduction in road density of 8 percent from 

Alternative A and would increase road density by 83 percent from Alternative B and a 26 percent 

increase in road density from Alternative C. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative D would authorize motorized cross-country travel on 1 percent of the PNVT, 

authorize MBGR on 33 percent of PNVT acres greater than any alternative, and dispersed 

camping 5 percent of PNVT acres, greater than any alternative and fuelwood gathering on 10 

percent of PNVT acres similar to Alternative A. The primary direct effect of roads to canyon 

414 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

towhee habitat quality would be destruction of shrublands and ground cover from harvest of 

down logs and wood for campfire use, fuelwood gathering, and dispersed camping throughout the 

PNVT in proximity to roadways designated roads and trails for motorized public use with the 

PNVT. Effects to canyon towhee habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor 

vehicle use of roads and trails, cross-country travel, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. 

Effects to canyon towhee habitat from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles 

of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. 

Alternative D would designate 520 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would 

decrease canyon towhee habitat quality over all alternatives. Alternative D have could have direct 

and indirect effects to canyon towhee habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the desert communities PNVT.

Cumulative Effects to Desert Communities

Alternative A 

Alternative A would potentially result in a long-term cumulative decrease in the desert 

communities PNVT shrubs structural stages, and grass understory ground cover. This alternative 

would cumulatively contribute to a decrease in key habitat components such as, shrub and grass 

understory and ground cover, and general semidesert grassland habitat conditions that are 

expected to be at risk from increased future demand for use of forest resources. Alternative A 

would continue wood and forest product harvesting, dispersed camping, motorized cross-country 

travel and unlimited motorized big game retrieval within the desert communities PNVT. 

Motorized use of roads and trails may result in cumulative effects to the PNVT when other Tonto 

National Forest activities such as land exchanges, reauthorization of livestock grazing allotments, 

mining and exploratory drilling, watershed/vegetation regeneration and habitat improvement, 

roadway material source pits, recreation management, personal use activities, and new road 

construction. Use of roads and motorized trails, cross-country travel and dispersed camping could 

cause noise disturbance within all structural stages of the PNVT and could result in cumulative 

effects to habitat quality to MIS species. The cumulative effects of Tonto National Forest 

activities are expected to maintain designated roads at an approximate overall density of 0.58 

miles of road per square mile of the desert communities PNVT. Road densities of less than 1 mile 

per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watersheds in good condition (Potyondy and 

Geier, 2010) and therefore is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

quality of the desert communities PNVT. 

Alternative B 

There would be no direct effects to desert communities structural stage diversity, perennial grass 

ground cover, shrubs, and habitat quality to desert communities PNVT MIS. While this 

alternative may result in some improvement to habitat quality, it would be unlikely that these 

changes would impact reproductive success to the degree that forestwide population change 

would occur. Overall, this alternative is not expected to change forestwide habitat or population 

trends for the desert communities PNVT MIS. The effects of this alternative may combine with 

other activities to result in a beneficial cumulative effect to desert communities PNVT habitat 

quality over a much of the PNVT through elimination of motorized cross country travel, MBGR 

and reduced dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering. The cumulative effects of Alternative B 

in relation to Tonto National Forest activities are expected to maintain designated roads at an 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 415
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

approximate overall density of 0.29 miles of road per square mile of desert grassland PNVT. 

Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watersheds in 

good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010) and therefore is not anticipated to have a measurable 

and detectible effect on habitat quality of the desert communities PNVT.

Alternative C 

This alternative is expected to result in an overall effect of decreasing impacts to desert 

communites PNVT and decreasing disturbance to the species that use it for habitat compared to 

Alternative A but increase potential habitat quality effects when compared to Alternative B. This 

alternative may result in effects to the quality of this habitat by potentially affecting the 

abundance of key habitat elements such as structural stage, shrub and grass understory ground 

cover and general desert communities conditions. This alternative‘s reduction of roads to 0.42 

miles of road per square miles of the desert communities PNVT would decrease potential effects 

to desert communities PNVT from Alternative A and increase effects to the PNVT from 

Alternative B. Road densities of less than 1 mile per square mile habitat would be an indicator of 

watersheds in good condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010) and therefore is not anticipated to have 

a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the desert communities PNVT. Alternative 

C would not change the amount or distribution of indicator habitat over the desert communities 

PNVT. Habitat quality could improve, given the reduction in the amount of open roads and 

motorized trails, and maintaining cross-country travel, dispersed camping, and fuel wood 

gathering comparable to Alternative A but increased over Alternative B. Factors that moderate 

any improvements in habitat quality include increasing MBGR to 4 percent of the desert 

communities PNVT. When combined with other Tonto National Forest activities the cumulative 

effects of Alternative C may combine with other activities to result in a beneficial cumulative 

effect to desert communities PNVT dependent MIS species over a much broader area. Alternative 

C would increase MBGR from Alternative A and decrease MBGR from Alternative B, and would 

be similar to Alternative A in authorized dispersed camping, and cross-country travel and would 

reduce fuelwood gathering and increase cross-country travel, MBGR and dispersed camping from 

Alternative B. The cumulative effects of Alternative C are not anticipated to have a measurable 

and detectible effect on habitat quality or the species that use desert communities PNVT for 

habitat.

 Alternative D 

Alternative D would not change the amount or vegetation structural stage, shrub, and grass 

understory ground cover with some bare ground and general desert communities PNVT. Crosscountry travel would be authorized in Alternative D. Alternative D would authorize MBGR and 

dispersed camping on greater habitat acres than any alternative and would maintain fuelwood 

gathering similar to Alternative A and on more habitat than Alternative B and Alternative C. 

Motorized vehicle use of roads and trails would be increased to 0.53 miles of road per mile of 

desert communities PNVT similar to Alternative A, an 83 percent increase from Alternative B 

and a 26 percent increase from Alternative C. Fuelwood gathering would be similar to Alternative 

A and MBGR would be increased above all alternatives providing little improvement in habitat 

quality from current baseline conditions. Factors that moderate any improvement in habitat 

quality include maintaining an overall road density of 0.53 miles of open roads per square mile of 

PNVT, fuelwood gathering and MBGR corridors over a large amount of the PNVT. While this 

alternative may result in negative impacts to habitat quality, it would be unlikely that these 

changes would impact reproductive success to the degree that woodland-wide MIS species 

416 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

population change would occur. Overall, this alternative is not expected to change forestwide 

habitat or population trends but would provide fewer benefits and have greater impacts from 

disturbance compared to Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative C. The cumulative effects 

of Alternative D are not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality 

or the species that use the semidesert grassland PNVT for habitat.

Indicators of Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest 

The Cottonwood Willow Riparian vegetation type is an indicator for the bald eagle, bell’s vireo, 

summer tanager, and hooded oriole.

Table 63 identifies the amount of habitat of Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest that is impacted 

by each of the five elements under each alternative113.

Table 63: Total Acres of Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest Habitat Impacted under 

Each Alternative

Elements Forestwide

Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D

Roads and trails open 

to public use (miles) 488.95

444.29

(91%)

197.48

(40%)

278.72

(57%)

393.59

(80%)

Road density (miles 

per square mile) 7.09 3.26 4.52 6.30

Areas open to 

motorized crosscountry travel (acres)

41,228.82

361.68

(1%)

0

(0%)

1,203.52

(3%)

1,203.52

(3%)

Big game retrieval 

using motorized 

vehicles (acres)

41,228.82

361.68

(1%)

0

(0%)

7,433.39

(18%)

83,545.95

(203%)

Access of dispersed 

camping using 

motorized vehicles 

(acres)

41,228.82

361.68

(1%)

24.38

(<1%)

5,685.39

(14%)

20,150.43

(49%)

Additional 

Information 

Pertaining to motor 

vehicle use (personal 

use fuelwood 

gathering) (acres)

41,228.82 15,232.85

(37%)

3,074.44

(7%)

4,322.89

(10%)

15,232.85

(37%)

Bald Eagle

The bald eagle is an indicator species for general riparian habitat within the cottonwood willow 

riparian forest PNVT.

113 For percentages in the table that are greater than 100 percent, see the information in Data Limitations and 

Inaccuracies in this section for more information.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 417

 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within bald eagle habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes a variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity and diverse grass-forb understory with litter providing 

ground cover that is an important element to diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT indicator 

habitat for the bald eagle. Alternative A would designate 444 miles of roads as open to motorized 

public use, a reduction of 91 percent of current public use roads and trails and would designate a 

road density of 7.1 miles of roads per mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT. Road 

densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with 

higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and 

Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue to authorize motorized cross-country travel, MBGR 

and dispersed camping on 1 percent of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT and 

fuelwood harvest on 37 percent of PNVT acres. The primary effects to bald eagle habitat quality 

could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized crosscountry travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to canyon bald eagle 

habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated 

roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A 

would designate 444 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could have effects to bald 

eagle habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of 

the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within bald eagle habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity and diverse grass-forb understory with litter providing 

ground cover that is an important element to diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT indicator 

habitat for the bald eagle. Alternative B would designate 197 miles of roads as open to motorized 

public use, a reduction of 55 percent reduction from Alternative A and would designate a road 

density of 3.26 miles of roads per mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT a reduction in 

road density of 54 percent from Alternative A. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square 

mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is 

altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B would not 

authorize motorized cross-country travel, or MBGR. Alternative B would authorize continue to 

authorize dispersed camping on less than 1 percent of PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering on 7 

percent of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT. The primary effects to bald eagle habitat 

quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed 

camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to bald eagle habitat quality from motorized vehicle 

use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to 

designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 197 miles of roads and 

trails open to public use and would increase bald eagle habitat quality over Alternative A. 

Alternative B have could have effects to bald eagle habitat but is not anticipated to have a 

measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the P-J PNVT.

418 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within bald eagle habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity and diverse grass-forb understory with litter providing 

ground cover that is an important element to diversity of cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT indicator habitat for the bald eagle. Alternative C would designate 279 miles of roads as 

open to motorized public use, a reduction of 37 percent reduction from Alternative A and a 41 

percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B. Alternative C would 

designate a road density of 4.52 miles of roads per mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT a reduction in road density of 36 percent from Alternative A and would increase road 

density by 38 percent from Alternative B. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is 

altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative C would authorize 

motorized cross-country travel on 3 percent on PNVT acres, dispersed camping on 14 percent on 

PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering on 10 percent of the PNVT, and would authorize MBGR on 

18 percent of desert cottonwood willow riparian forest. The primary effects to bald eagle habitat 

quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed 

camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to bald eagle habitat quality from motorized vehicle 

use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to 

designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative C would designate 279 miles of roads and 

trails open to public use and would be similar to effects as Alternative A and would decrease bald 

eagle habitat quality from Alternative B. Alternative C have could have effects to bald eagle 

habitat quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality 

of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within bald eagle habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity and diverse grass-forb understory with litter providing 

ground cover that is an important element to diversity of cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT indicator habitat for the bald eagle. Alternative D would designate 394 miles of roads as 

open to motorized public use, a reduction of 11 percent reduction from Alternative A, a 99 

percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B and an increase of 41 

percent from Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 6.30 miles of roads 

per mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 11 percent 

from Alternative A and would increase road density by 93 percent from Alternative B and a 39 

percent increase in road density from Alternative C. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per 

square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic 

regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D would 

authorize motorized cross-country travel on 3 percent of the PNVT, authorize MBGR on 203 

percent of PNVT acres greater than any alternative, and dispersed camping 49 percent of PNVT 

acres, greater than any alternative and fuelwood gathering on 37 percent of PNVT acres similar to 

Alternative A. The primary effects to bald eagle habitat quality could include disturbance from 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 419
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. 

Effects to bald eagle habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased 

miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public 

use. Alternative D would designate 394 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would be 

similar to effects as Alternative A and would decrease bald eagle habitat quality from Alternative 

B and Alternative C. Alternative D could have effects to bald eagle habitat quality but is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow 

riparian forest PNVT.

Bell’s Vireo

The Bell's vireo is an indicator species for well-developed understory within the cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within Bell’s vireo habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes a variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity and diverse grass-forb understory with litter providing well 

developed understory that is an important element to diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT 

indicator habitat for the Bell’s vireo. Alternative A would designate 444 miles of roads as open to 

motorized public use, a reduction of 91 percent of current public use roads and trails and would 

designate a road density of 7.1 miles of roads per mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of 

watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue to authorize motorized cross-country 

travel, MBGR and dispersed camping on 1 percent of the cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 37 percent of PNVT acres. The primary effects to Bell’s vireo 

habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, 

motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to 

Bell’s vireo habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. 

Alternative A would designate 444 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could have 

effects to Bell’s vireo habitat quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible 

effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within Bell’s vireo habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity and diverse grass-forb understory with litter providing well 

developed understory that is an important element to diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT 

indicator habitat for the Bell’s vireo. Alternative B would designate 197 miles of roads as open to 

motorized public use, a reduction of 55 percent reduction from Alternative A and would designate 

a road density of 3.26 miles of roads per mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT a 

420 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

reduction in road density of 54 percent from Alternative A. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles 

per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic 

regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B would 

not authorize motorized cross-country travel, or MBGR. Alternative B would continue to 

authorize dispersed camping on less than 1 percent of PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering on 7 

percent of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT. Effects to cottonwood willow riparian 

forest would be due to destruction or removal of shrub and understory vegetation from dispersed 

camping and fuelwood gathering. The primary effect to Bell’s vireo habitat quality could include 

disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, and fuel 

wood gathering. Effects to Bell’s vireo habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase 

with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 197 miles of roads and trails open to public 

use and would increase Bell’s vireo habitat quality over Alternative A. Alternative B have could 

have direct and indirect effects to Bell’s vireo habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable 

and detectible effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within Bell’s vireo habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity and diverse grass-forb understory with litter providing well 

developed understory that is an important element to diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT 

indicator habitat for the Bell’s vireo. Alternative C would designate 279 miles of roads as open to 

motorized public use, a reduction of 37 percent reduction from Alternative A and a 41 percent 

increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B. Alternative C would designate 

a road density of 4.52 miles of roads per mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT a 

reduction in road density of 36 percent from Alternative A and would increase road density by 38 

percent from Alternative B. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would 

be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could 

be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative C would authorize motorized crosscountry travel on 3 percent on PNVT acres, dispersed camping on 14 percent on PNVT acres and 

fuelwood gathering on 10 percent of the PNVT, and would authorize MBGR on 18 percent of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest communities. Effects to cottonwood willow riparian forest 

would be due to destruction or removal of shrub and understory vegetation from dispersed 

camping and fuelwood gathering. The primary effects to Bell’s vireo habitat quality could include 

disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, and fuel 

wood gathering. Effects to Bell’s vireo habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase 

with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative C would designate 279 miles of roads and trails open to public 

use and would be similar to effects as Alternative A and would decrease Bell’s vireo habitat 

quality from Alternative B. Alternative C could have direct and indirect effects to Bell’s vireo 

habitat quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality 

of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 421
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within Bell’s vireo habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity and diverse grass-forb understory with litter providing well 

developed understory that is an important element to diversity of cottonwood willow riparian

forest PNVT indicator habitat for the Bell’s vireo. Alternative D would designate 394 miles of 

roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 11 percent from Alternative A, a 99 percent 

increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B and an increase of 41 percent 

from Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 6.30 miles of roads per mile 

of desert communities PNVT a reduction in road density of 11 percent from Alternative A and 

would increase road density by 93 percent from Alternative B and a 39 percent increase in road 

density from Alternative C. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be 

an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in 

poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D would authorize motorized crosscountry travel on 3 percent of the PNVT, authorize MBGR on 203 percent of PNVT acres greater 

than any alternative, and dispersed camping 49 percent of PNVT acres, greater than any 

alternative and fuelwood gathering on 37 percent of PNVT acres similar to Alternative A. Effects 

to cottonwood willow riparian forest would be due to destruction or removal of shrub and 

understory vegetation from dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering. The primary effects to 

Bell’s vireo habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads 

and trails, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering. Effects to Bell’s vireo habitat quality 

from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and 

authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative D would 

designate 394 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would be similar to effects as 

Alternative A and would decrease Bell’s vireo habitat quality from Alternative B and Alternative 

C. Alternative D could have direct and indirect effects to Bell’s vireo habitat quality but is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow 

riparian forest PNVT.

Summer Tanager

The summer tanager is an indicator species for tall, mature trees within the cottonwood willow 

riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within summer tanager habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes a variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity including tall, mature trees that are an important element to 

diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT indicator habitat for the summer tanager. Alternative A 

would designate 444 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 91 percent of 

current public use roads and trails and would designate a road density of 7.1 miles of roads per 

mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square 

mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is 

422 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue 

to authorize motorized cross-country travel, MBGR and dispersed camping on 1 percent of the 

cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 37 percent of PNVT acres. 

The primary effects to summer tanager habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from 

motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, 

fuelwood gathering and MBGR. Effects to summer tanager habitat quality from motorized 

vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use 

adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would designate 444 miles of 

roads and trails open to public use which could have effects to summer tanager habitat quality but 

is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within summer tanager habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity including tall, mature trees that are an important element to 

diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT indicator habitat for the summer tanager. Alternative B 

would designate 197 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 55 percent 

reduction from Alternative A and would designate a road density of 3.26 miles of roads per mile 

of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 54 percent from 

Alternative A. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator 

of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor 

condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B would not authorize motorized cross-country 

travel, or MBGR. Alternative B would continue to authorize dispersed camping on less than 1 

percent of PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering on 7 percent of the cottonwood willow riparian 

forest PNVT. The primary effects to summer tanager habitat quality could include disturbance 

from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, and fuelwood 

gathering. Effects to summer tanager habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase 

with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 197 miles of roads and trails open to public 

use and would increase summer tanager habitat quality over Alternative A. Alternative B have 

could have effects to summer tanager habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and 

detectible effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within summer tanager habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity including tall, mature trees that are an important element to 

diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT indicator habitat for the summer tanager. Alternative C 

would designate 279 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 37 percent 

reduction from Alternative A and a 41 percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from 

Alternative B. Alternative C would designate a road density of 4.52 miles of roads per mile of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 36 percent from 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 423
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative A and would increase road density by 38 percent from Alternative B. Road densities 

in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher 

probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative C would authorize motorized cross-country travel on 3 percent on PNVT 

acres, dispersed camping on 14 percent on PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering on 10 percent of 

the PNVT, and would authorize MBGR on 18 percent of cottonwood willow riparian forest 

communities. The primary effects to summer tanager habitat quality could include disturbance 

from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed 

camping, fuelwood gathering and MBGR. Effects to summer tanager habitat quality from 

motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and 

authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative C would 

designate 279 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would be similar to effects as 

Alternative A and would decrease summer tanager habitat quality from Alternative B. Alternative 

C could have effects to summer tanager habitat quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable 

and detectible effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within summer tanager habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity including tall, mature trees that are an important element to 

diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT indicator habitat for the summer tanager. Alternative D 

would designate 394 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 11 percent 

from Alternative A, a 99 percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B 

and an increase of 41 percent from Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 

6.30 miles of roads per mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road 

density of 11 percent from Alternative A and would increase road density by 93 percent from 

Alternative B and a 39 percent increase in road density from Alternative C. Road densities in 

excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher 

probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative D would authorize motorized cross-country travel on 3 percent of the PNVT, 

authorize MBGR on 203 percent of PNVT acres greater than any alternative, and dispersed 

camping 49 percent of PNVT acres, greater than any alternative and fuelwood gathering on 37 

percent of PNVT acres similar to Alternative A. The primary effects to summer tanager habitat 

quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, 

motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuelwood gathering and MBGR. Effects to 

summer tanager habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles 

of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use 

Alternative D would designate 394 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would be 

similar to effects as Alternative A and would decrease summer tanager habitat quality from 

Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D could have effects to summer tanager habitat 

quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the 

cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

424 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Hooded Oriole

The Hooded Oriole is an indicator species for medium sized trees within the cottonwood willow 

riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within hooded oriole habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes a variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity including medium size trees that are an important element to 

diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT indicator habitat for the hooded oriole. Alternative A 

would designate 444 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 91 percent of 

current public use roads and trails and would designate a road density of 7.1 miles of roads per 

mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square 

mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is 

altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue 

to authorize motorized cross-country travel, MBGR and dispersed camping on 1 percent of the 

cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 37 percent of PNVT acres. 

The primary effects to hooded oriole habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from 

motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, 

fuelwood gathering and MBGR. Effects to hooded oriole habitat quality from motorized vehicle 

use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to 

designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would designate 444 miles of roads and 

trails open to public use which could have effects to hooded oriole habitat quality but is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow 

riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within hooded oriole habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity including medium size trees that are an important element to 

diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT indicator habitat for the hooded oriole. Alternative B 

would designate 197 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 55 percent 

reduction from Alternative A and would designate a road density of 3.26 miles of roads per mile 

of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 54 percent from 

Alternative A. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator 

of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor 

condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B would not authorize motorized cross-country 

travel, or MBGR. Alternative B would continue to authorize dispersed camping on less than 1 

percent of PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering on 7 percent of the cottonwood willow riparian 

forest PNVT. The primary effects to hooded oriole habitat quality could include disturbance from 

noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, dispersed camping, and fuelwood gathering. 

Effects to hooded oriole habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased 

miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 425
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

use. Alternative B would designate 197 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would 

increase hooded oriole habitat quality over Alternative A. Alternative B have could have effects to 

hooded oriole habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

quality of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within hooded oriole habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying 

structural stages and height diversity including medium size trees that are an important element to 

diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT indicator habitat for the hooded oriole. Alternative C 

would designate 279 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 37 percent 

reduction from Alternative A and a 41 percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from 

Alternative B. Alternative C would designate a road density of 4.52 miles of roads per mile of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 36 percent from 

Alternative A and would increase road density by 38 percent from Alternative B. Road densities 

in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher 

probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative C would authorize motorized cross-country travel on 3 percent on PNVT 

acres, dispersed camping on 14 percent on PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering on 10 percent of 

the PNVT, and would authorize MBGR on 18 percent of cottonwood willow riparian forest 

communities. The primary effects to hooded oriole habitat quality could include disturbance from 

noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed 

camping, fuelwood gathering and MBGR. Effects to hooded oriole habitat quality from motorized 

vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use 

adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative C would designate 279 miles of 

roads and trails open to public use and would be similar to effects as Alternative A and would 

decrease hooded oriole quality from Alternative B. Alternative C could have effects to hooded 

oriole habitat quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

quality of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within hooded oriole habitat. Diversity of 

cottonwood willow riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree species with varying

structural stages and height diversity including medium size trees that are an important element to 

diversity of cottonwood willow PNVT indicator habitat for the hooded oriole. Alternative D 

would designate 394 miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 11 percent 

from Alternative A, a 99 percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B 

and an increase of 41 percent from Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 

6.30 miles of roads per mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road 

density of 11 percent from Alternative A and would increase road density by 93 percent from 

Alternative B and a 39 percent increase in road density from Alternative C. Road densities in 

excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher 

probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

426 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

2010). Alternative D would authorize motorized cross-country travel on 3 percent of the PNVT, 

authorize MBGR on 203 percent of PNVT acres greater than any alternative, and dispersed 

camping 49 percent of PNVT acres, greater than any alternative and fuelwood gathering on 37 

percent of PNVT acres similar to Alternative A. The primary effects to hooded oriole habitat 

quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, 

motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuelwood gathering and MBGR. Effects to 

hooded oriole habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. 

Alternative D would designate 394 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would be 

similar to effects as Alternative A and would decrease hooded oriole habitat quality from 

Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D could have effects to hooded oriole habitat quality 

but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the 

cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Cumulative Effects to Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest Species

Alternative A 

Alternative A would potentially result in a long-term cumulative decrease in the cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT structural stages, tree heights and a well-developed understory. This 

alternative would cumulatively contribute to a decrease in key habitat components such as a welldeveloped understory, and general cottonwood willow riparian forest habitat conditions that are 

expected to be at risk from increased future demand for use of forest resources. Alternative A 

would continue wood and forest product harvesting, dispersed camping, motorized cross-country 

travel and unlimited motorized big game retrieval within the cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT. Motorized use of roads and trails may result in cumulative effects to the PNVT when 

other Tonto National Forest activities such as land exchanges, reauthorization of livestock 

grazing allotments, mining and exploratory drilling, watershed/vegetation regeneration and 

habitat improvement, roadway material source pits, recreation management, personal use 

activities, and new road construction. Use of roads and motorized trails, cross-country travel and 

dispersed camping could cause noise disturbance within all structural stages of the PNVT and 

could result in cumulative effects to habitat quality to MIS species. The cumulative effects of 

Tonto National Forest activities are expected to maintain designated roads at an approximate 

overall density of 0.7.09 miles of road per square mile of the cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of 

watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible 

effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT. 

Alternative B 

There would have no direct effects to cottonwood willow riparian forest structural stage diversity, 

tree height, well developed understory, and habitat quality to cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT MIS. While this alternative may result in some improvement to habitat quality, it would be 

unlikely that these changes would impact reproductive success to the degree that forestwide 

population change would occur. Overall, this alternative is not expected to change forestwide 

habitat or population trends for the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT MIS. The effects of 

this alternative may combine with other activities to result in a beneficial cumulative effect to

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 427
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT habitat quality over a much of the PNVT through 

elimination of motorized cross country travel, MBGR and reduced dispersed camping and 

fuelwood gathering. The cumulative effects of Alternative B in relation to Tonto National Forest 

activities are expected to maintain designated roads at an approximate overall density of 3.26 

miles of road per square mile of cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT. Road densities in 

excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher 

probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010).Alternative B would have a beneficial effect to cottonwood willow riparian forest 

compared to Alternative A, however it is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible 

effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative C 

This alternative is expected to result in an overall effect of decreasing impacts to the cottonwood 

willow riparian forest PNVT and decreasing disturbance to the species that use it for habitat 

compared to Alternative A but increase potential habitat quality effects when compared to 

Alternative B. This alternative may result in effects to the quality of this habitat by potentially 

affecting the abundance of key habitat elements such a well-developed understory and general the 

cottonwood willow riparian forest conditions. This alternative‘s reduction of roads to 4.25 miles 

of road per square miles of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT would decrease potential 

effects to the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT from Alternative A and increase effects to 

the PNVT from Alternative B. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would 

be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could 

be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative C would not change the amount or 

distribution of indicator habitat over the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT. Habitat quality 

could improve, given the reduction in the amount of open roads and motorized trails, and 

maintaining cross-country travel, dispersed camping, and fuel wood gathering comparable to 

Alternative A but increased over Alternative B. Factors that moderate any improvements in 

habitat quality include increasing MBGR to 4 percent of the cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT. When combined with other Tonto National Forest activities the cumulative effects of 

Alternative C may combine with other activities to result in a beneficial cumulative effect to 

cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT dependent MIS species over a much broader area. 

Alternative C would increase MBGR from Alternative A and decrease MBGR from Alternative B, 

and would be similar to Alternative A in authorized dispersed camping, and cross-country travel 

and would reduce fuelwood gathering and increase cross-country travel, MBGR and dispersed 

camping from Alternative B. The cumulative effects of Alternative C are not anticipated to have a 

measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality or the species that use cottonwood willow 

riparian forest PNVT for habitat.

 Alternative D 

Alternative D would not change the amount or vegetation structural stage, tree heights and a welldeveloped understory in the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT. Cross-country travel would 

be authorized in Alternative D. Alternative D would authorize MBGR and dispersed camping on 

greater habitat acres than any alternative and would maintain fuelwood gathering similar to 

Alternative A and on more habitat than Alternative B and Alternative C. Motorized vehicle use of 

roads and trails would be increased to 6.30 miles of road per mile of desert communities PNVT 

similar to Alternative A, an 11 percent decrease from Alternative A, an38 percent increase from 

Alternative B and a 39 percent increase from Alternative C. Fuelwood gathering would be similar 

428 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

to Alternative A and MBGR would be increased above all alternatives providing little 

improvement in habitat quality from current baseline conditions. Factors that moderate any 

improvement in habitat quality include maintaining an overall road density of 6.30 miles of open 

roads per square mile of PNVT, fuelwood gathering and MBGR corridors over a large amount of 

the PNVT. While this alternative may result in negative impacts to habitat quality, it would be 

unlikely that these changes would impact reproductive success to the degree that cottonwood 

willow riparian forest MIS species population change would occur. Overall, this alternative is not 

expected to change forestwide habitat or population trends but would provide fewer benefits and 

have greater impacts from disturbance compared to Alternative A, Alternative B and Alternative 

C. The cumulative effects of Alternative D are not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible 

effect on habitat quality or the species that use the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT for 

habitat.

Indicators of Mixed Broadleaf Deciduous Riparian Forest 

The mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest vegetation type is an indicator for the hairy 

woodpecker, Arizona gray squirrel, warbling vireo, western wood pewee, and common black 

hawk.

Table 64 identifies the amount of habitat of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest that is 

impacted by each of the five elements under each alternative114. 

Table 64: Total acres of Mixed Broadleaf Deciduous Riparian Forest Habitat Impacted 

under Each Alternative

Elements Forestwide

Alternative 

A

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D

Roads and trails open 

to public use (miles) 337.82 

262.74 

(78%) 

166.51 

(49%) 

213.95 

(63%) 

256.91 

(76%) 

Road density (miles 

per square mile) 9.84 6.35 8.06 9.61 

Areas open to 

motorized crosscountry travel (acres)

17,731.10 33,825.25 

(191%) 

0 

(0%) 

0 

(0%) 

0 

(0%) 

Big game retrieval 

using motorized 

vehicles (acres)

17,731.10 33,825.25 

(191%) 

0 

(0%) 

31,018.73 

(175%) 

43,281.9 

(244%) 

Access of dispersed 

camping using 

motorized vehicles 

(acres)

17,731.10 33,825.25 

(191%) 

3.74 

(<1%) 

4,345.57 

(25%) 

14,381.01 

(81%) 

Additional 

Information 

Pertaining to motor 

vehicle use (personal 

use fuelwood 

gathering) (acres)

17,731.10 25,846.11 

(146%) 

5,777.2 

(33%) 

7,117.99 

(40%) 

25,846.11 

(146%) 

114 For percentages in the table that are greater than 100 percent, see the information in Data Limitations and 

Inaccuracies in this section for more information.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 429
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Hairy Woodpecker

The hairy woodpecker is an indicator species for snags and cavities within the mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Effects to the hairy woodpecker for this vegetation type are the same as those found under 

indicators of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer with aspen vegetation type found earlier in this 

section.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Effects to the hairy woodpecker for this vegetation type are the same as those found under 

indicators of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer with aspen vegetation type found earlier in this 

section.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Effects to the hairy woodpecker for this vegetation type are the same as those found under 

indicators of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer with aspen vegetation type found earlier in this 

section.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

Effects to the hairy woodpecker for this vegetation type are the same as those found under 

indicators of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer with aspen vegetation type found earlier in this 

section.

Arizona Gray Squirrel

The Arizona gray squirrel is an indicator species for general riparian habitat within the mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within Arizona gray squirrel 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes a variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity and diverse grass-forb 

understory with litter providing ground cover that is an important element to general mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT indicator habitat for the Arizona gray squirrel. 

Alternative A would designate 338 miles of roads and trails open to motorized public use, 78 

percent of current public use roads and trails in the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian PNVT 

and would designate a road density of 9.84 miles of roads per mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian PNVT. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an 

indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in 

poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue to authorize motorized 

cross-country travel, MBGR and dispersed camping on 191 percent of the mixed broadleaf 

430 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

deciduous riparian forest PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 146 percent of PNVT acres. Effects to 

mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT would be due to destruction and disturbance of 

shrub understory and ground cover vegetation from dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering. 

The primary effects to Arizona gray squirrel habitat quality could include disturbance from noise 

from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, 

fuel wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to Arizona gray squirrel habitat quality from motorized 

vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use 

adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would designate 263 miles of 

roads and trails open to public use which could have direct and indirect effects to Arizona gray 

squirrel habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality 

of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within Arizona gray squirrel 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity shrub and ground cover 

components that are an important element to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian 

forest PNVT indicator habitat for the Arizona gray squirrel. Alternative B would designate 167 

miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 36 percent reduction from 

Alternative A and would designate a road density of 6.35 miles of roads per mile of cottonwood 

mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 35 percent from 

Alternative A. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator 

of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor 

condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B would not authorize motorized cross-country 

travel, or MBGR. Alternative B would continue to authorize dispersed camping on less than 1 

percent of PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering on 33 percent of the mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forest PNVT. Effects to mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT would be due to 

destruction and disturbance of shrub understory and ground cover vegetation from dispersed 

camping and fuelwood gathering. The primary effects to Arizona gray squirrel habitat quality 

could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized crosscountry travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to Arizona gray 

squirrel habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. 

Alternative B would designate 167 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would 

increase Arizona gray squirrel habitat quality over Alternative A. Alternative B have could have 

direct and indirect effects to Arizona gray squirrel habitat but is not anticipated to have a 

measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within Arizona gray squirrel 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a tall overstory 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 431
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

component that are an important elements to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian 

forest PNVT indicator habitat for the Arizona gray squirrel. Alternative C would designate 214 

miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 19 percent reduction from 

Alternative A and a 28 percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B. 

Alternative C would designate a road density of 8.06 miles of roads per mile of mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forest habitats PNVT a reduction in road density of 18 percent from 

Alternative A and would increase road density by 27 percent from Alternative B. Road densities 

in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher 

probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative C would not authorize motorized cross-country travel. Alternative C would 

authorize MBGR on 175 percent of PNVT acres, dispersed camping on 25 percent of the PNVT 

and fuelwood gathering on 40 percent of the PNVT. Effects to mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forest PNVT would be due to destruction and disturbance of shrub understory and ground 

cover vegetation from dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering. The primary effects to Arizona 

gray squirrel habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads 

and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. 

Effects to Arizona gray squirrel habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with 

increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative C would designate 214 miles of roads and trails open to public 

use and would increase Arizona gray squirrel habitat quality over Alternative A primarily from 

not authorizing motorized cross-country travel and would decrease Arizona gray squirrel habitat 

quality from Alternative B. Alternative C could have direct and indirect effects to Arizona gray 

squirrel habitat quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

quality of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within Arizona gray squirrel 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes a variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity, shrub and ground cover 

components that are an important element to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian 

forest PNVT indicator habitat for the Arizona gray squirrel. Alternative D would designate 257 

miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 2 percent from Alternative A, a 54 

percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B and an increase of 19 

percent increase from Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 9.61 miles 

of roads per mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density 

of 2 percent from Alternative A and would increase road density by 51 percent from Alternative B 

and a 19 percent increase in road density from Alternative C. Road densities in excess of 2.4 

miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that 

hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative D would not authorize motorized cross-country travel. Alternative D would authorize 

MBGR on 244 percent of PNVT acres greater than any alternative, and dispersed camping 49 

percent of PNVT acres, greater than any alternative. Alternative A would authorize dispersed 

camping on 81 percent of PNVT acres a 57 percent reduction from Alternative A but would 

increase dispersed camping over Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D would authorize 

fuelwood gathering on 146 percent of PNVT acres similar to Alternative A. Effects to mixed 

432 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT would be due to destruction and disturbance of shrub 

understory and ground cover vegetation from dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering. The 

primary effects to Arizona gray squirrel habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from 

motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuel 

wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to Arizona gray squirrel habitat quality from motorized 

vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use 

adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative D would designate 257 miles of

roads and trails open to public use and would be similar to effects as Alternative A and would 

decrease Arizona gray squirrel habitat quality from Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D 

could have direct and indirect effects to Arizona gray squirrel habitat quality but is not anticipated 

to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the cottonwood willow riparian 

forest PNVT.

Warbling Vireo

The warbling vireo is an indicator species for tall overstory within the mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within warbling vireo habitat. 

Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes a variety of riparian tree 

species with varying structural stages and height diversity with tall overstory component that is an 

important element to general mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT indicator habitat 

for the warbling vireo. Alternative A would designate 338 miles of roads and trails open to 

motorized public use, 78 percent of current public use roads and trails in the mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian PNVT and would designate a road density of 9.84 miles of roads per mile of 

mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian PNVT. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is 

altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative A would continue 

to authorize motorized cross-country travel, MBGR and dispersed camping on 191 percent of the 

mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT and fuelwood harvest on 146 percent of PNVT 

acres. Alternative A is not anticipated to effect tall overstory habitat component of the mixed 

broadleaf riparian forest PNVT. The primary effects to warbling vireo habitat quality could 

include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized crosscountry travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to warbling vireo 

habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated 

roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A 

would designate 263 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could have indirect effect 

to warbling vireo habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on 

habitat quality of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within warbling vireo habitat. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 433
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree 

species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a tall overstory component that 

are an important elements to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT 

indicator habitat for the warbling vireo. Alternative B would designate 167 miles of roads as open 

to motorized public use, a reduction of 36 percent reduction from Alternative A and would 

designate a road density of 6.35 miles of roads per mile of cottonwood mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 35 percent from Alternative A. 

Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed 

with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B would not authorize motorized cross-country travel, or 

MBGR. Alternative B would continue to authorize dispersed camping on less than 1 percent of 

PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering on 33 percent of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian 

forest PNVT. Alternative B is not anticipated to affect the tall overstory habitat component of the 

mixed broadleaf riparian forest PNVT. The primary effects to warbling vireo habitat quality could 

include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized crosscountry travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to warbling vireo 

habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated 

roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative B 

would designate 167 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would increase warbling 

vireo habitat quality over Alternative A. Alternative B have could have effects to warbling vireo 

habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the 

mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within warbling vireo habitat. 

Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes variety of riparian tree 

species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a tall overstory component that 

are important elements to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT indicator 

habitat for the warbling vireo. Alternative C would designate 214 miles of roads as open to 

motorized public use, a reduction of 19 percent reduction from Alternative A and a 28 percent 

increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B. Alternative C would designate 

a road density of 8.06 miles of roads per mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest 

habitats PNVT a reduction in road density of 18 percent from Alternative A and would increase 

road density by 27 percent from Alternative B. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square 

mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is 

altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative C would not 

authorize motorized cross-country travel. Alternative C would authorize MBGR on 175 percent 

of PNVT acres, dispersed camping on 25 percent of the PNVT and fuelwood gathering on 40 

percent of the PNVT. Alternative C is not anticipated to affect the tall overstory habitat 

component of the mixed broadleaf riparian forest PNVT. The primary effects to warbling vireo 

habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, 

motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to 

warbling vireo habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. 

Alternative C would designate 214 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would 

434 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

increase warbling vireo habitat quality over Alternative A primarily from not authorizing 

motorized cross-country travel and would decrease warbling vireo habitat quality from 

Alternative B. Alternative C could have effects to warbling vireo habitat quality but is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within warbling vireo habitat. 

Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes a variety of riparian tree 

species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a tall overstory component that 

are an important element to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT 

indicator habitat for the warbling vireo. Alternative D would designate 257 miles of roads as open 

to motorized public use, a reduction of 2 percent from Alternative A, a 54 percent increase in 

roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B and an increase of 19 percent increase from 

Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 9.61 miles of roads per mile of 

mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 2 percent from 

Alternative A and would increase road density by 51 percent from Alternative B and a 19 percent 

increase in road density from Alternative C. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile 

habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is 

altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D would not 

authorize motorized cross-country travel. Alternative D would authorize MBGR on 244 percent 

of PNVT acres greater than any alternative, and dispersed camping 49 percent of PNVT acres, 

greater than any alternative. Alternative D would authorize dispersed camping on 81 percent of 

PNVT acres, a 57 percent reduction from Alternative A but would increase dispersed camping 

over Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D would authorize fuelwood gathering on 146 

percent of PNVT acres similar to Alternative A. Alternative D is not anticipated to affect the tall 

overstory habitat component of the mixed broadleaf riparian forest PNVT. The primary effects to 

warbling vireo habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of 

roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and 

MBGR. Effects to warbling vireo habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with 

increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative D would designate 257 miles of roads and trails open to public 

use and would be similar to effects as Alternative A and would decrease warbling vireo habitat 

quality from Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D could have effects to warbling vireo 

habitat quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality 

of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Western Wood Pewee

The western wood pewee is an indicator species for medium overstory within the mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 435
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within western wood pewee 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes a variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a mixed overstory 

component that is an important element to general mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest 

PNVT indicator habitat for the western wood pewee Alternative A would designate 338 miles of 

roads and trails open to motorized public use, 78 percent of current public use roads and trails in 

the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian PNVT and would designate a road density of 9.84 miles 

of roads per mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian PNVT. Road densities in excess of 2.4 

miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that 

hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative A would continue to authorize motorized cross-country travel, MBGR and dispersed 

camping on 191 percent of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT and fuelwood 

harvest on 146 percent of PNVT acres. Alternative A is not anticipated to affect the medium 

overstory habitat component of the mixed broadleaf riparian forest PNVT. The primary effects to 

western wood pewee habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use 

of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and 

MBGR. Effects to western wood pewee habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would 

increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed 

roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would designate 263 miles of roads and trails open 

to public use which could have indirect effect to western wood pewee habitat but is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within western wood pewee 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a medium overstory 

component that are an important elements to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian 

forest PNVT indicator habitat for the western wood pewee. Alternative B would designate 167 

miles of roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 36 percent reduction from 

Alternative A and would designate a road density of 6.35 miles of roads per mile of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 35 percent from 

Alternative A. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator 

of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor 

condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative B would not authorize motorized cross-country 

travel, or MBGR. Alternative B would continue to authorize dispersed camping on less than 1 

percent of PNVT acres and fuelwood gathering on 33 percent of the mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forest PNVT. Alternative B is not anticipated to affect the medium overstory habitat 

component of the mixed broadleaf riparian forest PNVT. The primary effects to western wood 

pewee habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and 

trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. 

Effects to western wood pewee habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with 

increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 167 miles of roads and trails open to public 

use and would increase western wood pewee habitat quality over Alternative A. Alternative B 

436 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

have could have effects to western wood pewee habitat but is not anticipated to have a 

measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian 

forest PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within western wood pewee 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a medium overstory 

component that are important elements to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest 

PNVT indicator habitat for the western wood pewee. Alternative C would designate 214 miles of 

roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 19 percent reduction from Alternative A and 

a 28 percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B. Alternative C 

would designate a road density of 8.06 miles of roads per mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forest habitats PNVT a reduction in road density of 18 percent from Alternative A and 

would increase road density by 27 percent from Alternative B. Road densities in excess of 2.4 

miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that 

hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative C would not authorize motorized cross-country travel. Alternative C would authorize 

MBGR on 175 percent of PNVT acres, dispersed camping on 25 percent of the PNVT and 

fuelwood gathering on 40 percent of the PNVT. Alternative C is not anticipated to affect the 

medium overstory habitat component of the mixed broadleaf riparian forest PNVT. The primary 

effects to western wood pewee habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor 

vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood 

gathering and MBGR. Effects to western wood pewee habitat quality from motorized vehicle use 

would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to 

designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative C would designate 214 miles of roads and 

trails open to public use and would increase western wood pewee habitat quality over Alternative 

A primarily from not authorizing motorized cross-country travel and would decrease western 

wood pewee habitat quality from Alternative B. Alternative C could have effects to western wood 

pewee habitat quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

quality of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within western wood pewee 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes a variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a medium overstory 

component that are an important element to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest 

PNVT indicator habitat for the western wood pewee. Alternative D would designate 257 miles of 

roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 2 percent from Alternative A, a 54 percent 

increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B and an increase of 19 percent 

increase from Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 9.61 miles of roads 

per mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 2 

percent from Alternative A and would increase road density by 51 percent from Alternative B and 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 437
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

a 19 percent increase in road density from Alternative C. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per 

square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic 

regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D would 

not authorize motorized cross-country travel. Alternative D would authorize MBGR on 244 

percent of PNVT acres greater than any alternative, and dispersed camping 49 percent of PNVT 

acres, greater than any alternative. Alternative D would authorize dispersed camping on 81 

percent of PNVT acres a 57 percent reduction from Alternative A but would increase dispersed 

camping over Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D would authorize fuelwood gathering 

on 146 percent of PNVT acres similar to Alternative A. Alternative D is not anticipated to affect 

the tall overstory habitat component of the mixed broadleaf riparian forest PNVT. The primary 

effects to western wood pewee habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor 

vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood 

gathering and MBGR. Effects to western wood pewee habitat quality from motorized vehicle use 

would increase with increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to 

designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative D would designate 257 miles of roads and 

trails open to public use and would be similar to effects as Alternative A and would decrease 

western wood pewee habitat quality from Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D could 

have effects to western wood pewee habitat quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable 

and detectible effect on habitat quality of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Common Black Hawk

The common black hawk is an indicator species for riparian streamside within the mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative A—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within common black hawk 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes a variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a mixed overstory 

streamside habitat component that are important element to general mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forest PNVT indicator habitat for the common black hawk Alternative A would designate 

338 miles of roads and trails open to motorized public use, 78 percent of current public use roads 

and trails in the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian PNVT and would designate a road density of 

9.84 miles of roads per mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian PNVT. Road densities in 

excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher 

probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative A would continue to authorize motorized cross-country travel, MBGR and 

dispersed camping on 191 percent of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT and 

fuelwood harvest on 146 percent of PNVT acres. Alternative A would have direct effects to 

stream side habitat component from dispersed camping, motorized cross country travel and 

fuelwood gathering. The primary effects to common black hawk habitat quality could include 

disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, 

dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to common black hawk habitat 

quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways 

and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative A would 

designate 263 miles of roads and trails open to public use which could have direct indirect effect 

438 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

to common black hawk habitat but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on 

habitat quality of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative B—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within common black hawk 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a stream side habitat 

component that are important elements to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest 

PNVT indicator habitat for the common black hawk. Alternative B would designate 167 miles of 

roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 36 percent reduction from Alternative A and 

would designate a road density of 6.35 miles of roads per mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 35 percent from Alternative A. Road densities 

in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher 

probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). Alternative B would not authorize motorized cross-country travel, or MBGR. Alternative 

B would continue to authorize dispersed camping on less than 1 percent of PNVT acres and 

fuelwood gathering on 33 percent of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT. 

Alternative B would have effects to the stream side habitat component from dispersed camping, 

motorized cross country travel and fuelwood gathering. The primary effects to common black 

hawk habitat quality could include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and 

trails, motorized cross-country travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. 

Effects to common black hawk habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with 

increased miles of designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for 

motorized public use. Alternative B would designate 167 miles of roads and trails open to public 

use and would increase common black hawk habitat quality over Alternative A. Alternative B 

have could have direct and indirect effects to common black hawk habitat but is not anticipated to 

have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative C—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within common black hawk 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a stream side 

component that are important elements to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest 

PNVT indicator habitat for the common black hawk. Alternative C would designate 214 miles of 

roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 19 percent reduction from Alternative A and 

a 28 percent increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B. Alternative C 

would designate a road density of 8.06 miles of roads per mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous 

riparian forest habitats PNVT a reduction in road density of 18 percent from Alternative A and 

would increase road density by 27 percent from Alternative B. Road densities in excess of 2.4 

miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that 

hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative C would not authorize motorized cross-country travel. Alternative C would have 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 439
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

effects to the stream side habitat component from dispersed camping, motorized cross country 

travel and fuelwood gathering. The primary effects to common black hawk habitat quality could 

include disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized crosscountry travel, dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to common black 

hawk habitat quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of 

designated roadways and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. 

Alternative C would designate 214 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would 

increase common black hawk habitat quality over Alternative A primarily from not authorizing 

motorized cross-country travel and would decrease common black hawk habitat quality from 

Alternative B. Alternative C could have direct and indirect effects to common black hawk habitat 

quality but is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the 

mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

Alternative D—Direct and Indirect Effects 

The effects of motorized public use of roadways and continued maintenance consists of the 

conversion of native habitat to non-vegetated road ways and is a linear direct loss of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT total miles of roadways within common black hawk 

habitat. Diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitats includes a variety of 

riparian tree species with varying structural stages and height diversity with a streamside habitat 

component that are important elements to diversity of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest 

PNVT indicator habitat for the common black hawk. Alternative D would designate 257 miles of 

roads as open to motorized public use, a reduction of 2 percent from Alternative A, a 54 percent 

increase in roads and trails open to public use from Alternative B and an increase of 19 percent 

increase from Alternative C. Alternative D would designate a road density of 9.61 miles of roads 

per mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT a reduction in road density of 2 

percent from Alternative A and would increase road density by 51 percent from Alternative B and 

a 19 percent increase in road density from Alternative C. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per 

square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that hydrologic 

regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). Alternative D would 

not authorize motorized cross-country travel. Alternative D would authorize MBGR on 244 

percent of PNVT acres greater than any alternative, and dispersed camping 49 percent of PNVT 

acres, greater than any alternative. Alternative D would authorize dispersed camping on 81 

percent of PNVT acres a 57 percent reduction from Alternative A but would increase dispersed 

camping over Alternative B and Alternative C. Alternative D would authorize fuelwood gathering 

on 146 percent of PNVT acres similar to Alternative A. Alternative D would have effects to the 

stream side habitat component from dispersed camping, motorized cross country travel and 

fuelwood gathering. The primary effects to common black hawk habitat quality could include 

disturbance from noise from motor vehicle use of roads and trails, motorized cross-country travel, 

dispersed camping, fuel wood gathering and MBGR. Effects to common black hawk habitat 

quality from motorized vehicle use would increase with increased miles of designated roadways 

and authorized use adjacent to designed roads for motorized public use. Alternative D would 

designate 257 miles of roads and trails open to public use and would be similar to effects as 

Alternative A and would decrease common black hawk habitat quality from Alternative B and 

Alternative C. Alternative D could have effects to common black habitat quality but is not 

anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forest PNVT.

440 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Cumulative Effects to Mixed Broadleaf Deciduous Riparian Forest

Alternative A 

Alternative A would potentially result in a long-term cumulative decrease in the mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forest PNVT structural stages, tree heights and a well-developed understory. 

This alternative would cumulatively contribute to a decrease in key habitat components such as a 

well-developed overstory composed of tall and medium height tress, snags, well developed 

understory, and general mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest habitat conditions that are 

expected to be at risk from increased future demand for use of forest resources. Alternative A 

would continue wood and forest product harvesting, dispersed camping, motorized cross-country 

travel and unlimited motorized big game retrieval within the cottonwood willow riparian forest 

PNVT. Motorized use of roads and trails may result in cumulative effects to the PNVT when 

other Tonto National Forest activities such as land exchanges, reauthorization of livestock grazing 

allotments, mining and exploratory drilling, watershed/vegetation regeneration and habitat 

improvement, roadway material source pits, recreation management, personal use activities, and 

new road construction. Use of roads and motorized trails, cross-country travel and dispersed 

camping could cause noise disturbance within all structural stages of the PNVT and could result 

in cumulative effects to habitat quality to MIS species. The cumulative effects of Tonto National 

Forest activities are expected to maintain designated roads at an approximate overall density of 

9.84 miles of road per square mile of the cottonwood willow riparian forest PNVT. Road 

densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with 

higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and 

Geier, 2010). Alternative A is not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

quality of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT. 

Alternative B 

There would be no direct effects to mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest structural stage 

diversity, tree height, well developed understory, and habitat quality to mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forest PNVT MIS. While this alternative may result in some improvement to 

habitat quality, it would be unlikely that these changes would impact reproductive success to the 

degree that forestwide population change would occur. Overall, this alternative is not expected to 

change forestwide habitat or population trends for the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest 

PNVT MIS. The effects of this alternative may combine with other activities to result in a 

beneficial cumulative effect mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT habitat quality over 

a much of the PNVT through elimination of motorized cross country travel, MBGR and reduced 

dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering. The cumulative effects of Alternative B in relation to 

Tonto National Forest activities are expected to maintain designated roads at an approximate 

overall density of 6.35 miles of road per square mile of mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest 

PNVT. Road densities in excess of 2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of 

watershed with higher probability that hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition 

(Potyondy and Geier, 2010).Alternative B would have a beneficial effect to mixed broadleaf 

deciduous riparian forest compared to Alternative A, however it is not anticipated to have a 

measurable and detectible effect on habitat quality of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian 

forest PNVT.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 441
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative C 

This alternative is expected to result in an overall beneficial effect by decreasing impacts to the 

mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT and decreasing disturbance to the species that 

use it for habitat compared to Alternative A but increase potential habitat quality effects when 

compared to Alternative B. This alternative may result in effects to the quality of this habitat by 

potentially affecting the abundance of key habitat elements such a well-developed understory and 

general the cottonwood willow riparian forest conditions. This alternative’s reduction of roads to 

8.06 miles of road per square miles of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT would 

decrease potential effects to the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PVNT from 

Alternative A and increase effects to the PNVT from Alternative B. Road densities in excess of 

2.4 miles per square mile habitat would be an indicator of watershed with higher probability that 

hydrologic regime is altered and could be in poor condition (Potyondy and Geier, 2010). 

Alternative C would not change the amount or distribution of indicator habitat over the mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT. Habitat quality could improve, given the reduction in 

the amount of open roads and motorized trails, and maintaining cross-country travel, dispersed 

camping, and fuel wood gathering comparable to Alternative A but increased over Alternative B. 

Factors that moderate any improvements in habitat quality include increasing MBGR to 4 percent 

of the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT. When combined with other Tonto 

National Forest activities the cumulative effects of Alternative C may combine with other 

activities to result in a beneficial cumulative effect to mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest 

PNVT dependent MIS species over a much broader area. Alternative C would increase MBGR 

from Alternative A and decrease MBGR from Alternative B, and would be similar to Alternative 

A in authorized dispersed camping, and cross-country travel and would reduce fuelwood 

gathering and increase cross-country travel, MBGR and dispersed camping from Alternative B. 

The cumulative effects of Alternative C are not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible 

effect on habitat quality or the species that use mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT 

for habitat.

 Alternative D 

Alternative D would not change the amount or vegetation structural stage, tree heights and a welldeveloped understory in the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT. Cross-country 

travel would be authorized in Alternative D. Alternative D would authorize MBGR and dispersed 

camping on greater habitat acres than any alternative and would maintain fuelwood gathering 

similar to Alternative A and on more habitat than Alternative B and Alternative C. Motorized 

vehicle use of roads and trails would be increased to 9.61 miles of road per mile of mixed 

broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT similar to Alternative A, an 11 percent decrease from 

Alternative A, a 38 percent increase from Alternative B and a 39 percent increase from 

Alternative C. Fuelwood gathering would be similar to Alternative A and MBGR would be 

increased above all alternatives providing little improvement in habitat quality from current 

baseline conditions. Factors that moderate any improvement in habitat quality include 

maintaining an overall road density of 9.61 miles of open roads per square mile of PNVT, 

fuelwood gathering and MBGR corridors over a large amount of the PNVT. While this alternative 

may result in negative impacts to habitat quality, it would be unlikely that these changes would 

impact reproductive success to the degree that mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest MIS 

species population change would occur. Overall, this alternative is not expected to change 

forestwide habitat or population trends but would provide fewer benefits and have greater impacts 

from disturbance compared to Alternative A, Alternative B, and Alternative C. The cumulative 

442 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

effects of Alternative D are not anticipated to have a measurable and detectible effect on habitat 

quality or the species that use the mixed broadleaf deciduous riparian forest PNVT for habitat.

Indicators of Water – Macro-invertebrates 

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects to Water-Macro-invertebrates

Macro-invertebrates are an indicator species of “water” habitat with the Tonto National Forest. 

The forest has classified 28,989 acres of “water” as a vegetation type and PNVT to be analyzed as 

to potentials effects to macro-invertebrates habitat and trends and a determination of effects to 

population and habitat trend from the selection of any action alternative. Currently no motorized 

roads and trails open to public use are identified as occurring in the “water” PNVT. Similarly no 

roads and trails open to public use have been identified as occurring in the “water” PNVT in any 

alternative. However as motorized roads and trails open to public use is increased, negative 

effects to watersheds and ultimately aquatic resources may be increased (Potyondy and Geier, 

2010). No effects to the “water” PNVT or macro-invertebrates are anticipated from any 

alternative since no motorized roads or trails are anticipated to occur in the “water” PNVT. 

Effects may be anticipated and would increase with increasing road density across all PNVTs. As 

road density increases by alternative, negative effects to “water” PNVT and macro-invertebrates 

would increase. Alternative B would have fewer roads and motorized trails designated for public 

use and would have the least negative effects to the “water” PNVT and macro-invertebrate 

populations. Alternative C would have less negative effects than Alternative A and Alternative D 

but would increase effects to “water” PNVT and macro-invertebrate populations. Alternative D 

would be similar to Alternative A in effects to the “water” PNVT and macro-invertebrate 

populations but would increase negative effects over Alternative B and Alternative C. Cumulative 

effects to the “water” PNVT from other Tonto National Forest activities such as land exchanges, 

reauthorization of livestock grazing allotments, mining and exploratory drilling, 

watershed/vegetation regeneration and habitat improvement, roadway material source pits, 

recreation management, personal use activities, and new road construction could result in 

cumulative negative effects to “water” PNVT habitat quality to macro-invertebrates. 

Migratory Birds

Executive Order 13186 (January 10, 2001) requires federal agencies to consider management 

impacts to migratory birds to further the purposes of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and 

Golden Eagle Protection Act, and other laws. Federal agencies need to identify whether 

unintentional take will occur, and if so, whether such take would have a measurable negative 

effect on migratory bird populations. Take is defined to mean “... to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, 

kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or 

collect” (50 CFR 10.12). Removal or destruction of vegetation is not considered a taking. 

Executive Order 13186 imposes procedural requirements on project level analyses for migratory 

birds. The Tonto National Forest is required to:

• Evaluate the effects of agency actions and plans on migratory birds, with emphasis on

species of concern; and

• Identify where unintentional take, reasonably attributable to agency action, is having, or

is likely to have, a measurable negative effect on migratory bird populations.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 443
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

The Tonto National Forest will fulfill these requirements by 1) analyzing and disclosing the

project’s effects on Tonto National Forest migratory bird species of concern, 2) identifying any 

Important Bird Areas (IBA) or overwintering areas that exist within or in proximity to the project 

area and analyzing and disclosing effects as appropriate, 3) identifying opportunities to restore or 

enhance migratory bird habitat or mitigate negative project effects and include these activities in 

the project plan, 4) retaining adequate levels of snags and dead & downed wood.

Affected Environment

Table 65 shows the migratory bird species of concern that may occur in the project area because 

their habitats also are within the activity area.

Table 65: Tonto National Forest Migratory Bird Species of Concern

Species

Nest 

Substrateb Nest typeb

Usual nest height 

rangeb (feet)

Nesting 

Periodc

Mixed Conifer with Aspen: Douglas fir, white fir, ponderosa pine,

often some aspen and Gambel’s oak

Flycatcher, 

Cordillerana

deciduous tree, 

cliff, ground cavity 0 to 30 May to Aug

Flycatcher, olivesideda conifer cup 5 to 75 May to Aug

Goshawk, northerna conifer, deciduous 

tree platform 20 to 60 May to Aug

Kinglet, goldencrowned

conifer pendant 4 to 60 May to Aug

Owl, flammulateda snag cavity no information May to Jul

Owl, Mexican spotteda conifer, cliff

cavity, 

platform, 

scrape

80 May to Sep

Pigeon, band-taileda conifer, deciduous 

tree platform 6 to 30 May to Sep

Sapsucker, red-napeda deciduous tree cavity 10 to 20 May to Jul

Warbler, red-faceda ground cup 0 May to Jul

Mixed Broadleaf Deciduous Riparian Forest: cottonwoods, maple, box elder, alder, willow,

some Gambel’s oak, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, while fir, and aspen

Beardless-tyrannulet, 

northerna deciduous tree sphere 4 to 50 Apr to Aug

Black-hawk, commona deciduous tree platform 20 to 30 Mar to Aug

Flycatcher, 

Cordillerana

deciduous tree, 

cliff, ground cavity 0 to 30 May to Aug

Sapsucker, red-napeda deciduous tree cavity 10 to 20 May to Jul

Warbler, 

MacGillivray’s shrub, ground cup 2 to 3 May to Jul

Warbler, red-faceda ground cup 0 May to Jul

Warbler, yellowa shrub, tree cup 1 to 14 Apr to Aug

Ponderosa Pine Mild: primarily pure pine forests

Flycatcher, olivesideda conifer cup 5 to 75 May to Aug

Goshawk, northerna conifer, deciduous 

tree platform 20 to 60 May to Aug

444 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Species

Nest 

Substrateb Nest typeb

Usual nest height 

rangeb (feet)

Nesting 

Periodc

Owl, flammulateda snag cavity no information May to Jul

Owl, Mexican spotteda conifer, cliff

cavity, 

platform, 

scrape

80 May to Sep

Pigeon, band-taileda conifer, deciduous 

tree platform 6 to 30 May to Sep

Warbler, Grace'sa conifer cup 20 to 60 May to Aug

Warbler, olivea conifer cup 30 to 65 Apr to Jul

Woodpecker, Lewis'sa deciduous tree, snag cavity 5 to 100 May to Aug

Pinyon-juniper grasslands

Eagle, bald tree platform 30 to 60 Dec to Jul

Goshawk, northerna conifer, deciduous 

tree platform 20 to 60 May to Aug

Owl, Mexican spotteda conifer, cliff

cavity, 

platform, 

scrape

80 May to Sep

Flycatcher, 

southwestern willow

shrub, deciduous 

tree cup 2 to 10 Jun to Aug

Cuckoo, western 

yellow-billed

deciduous tree, 

shrub platform 4 to 8 Jun to Sep

Pinyon-juniper Chaparral: Juniper woodlands

Eagle, goldena cliff, tree platform 10 to 100+ Mar to Jul

Falcon, peregrinea cliff, tree scrape 50 to 200+ Mar to Jul

Flycatcher, gray shrub cup 2 to 9 May to Aug

Jay, pinyon conifer cup 3 to 26 Apr to Aug

Titmouse, juniper deciduous tree, snag cavity 3 to 10 Apr to Jul

Vireo, gray shrub cup 2 to 6 Apr to Aug

Warbler, blackthroated graya

conifer, deciduous 

tree cup 5 to 50 Apr to Aug

Madrean Encinal Woodland: Madrean evergreen oaks, juniper, pinyon pine

Eagle, goldena cliff, tree platform 10 to 100+ Mar to Jul

Warbler, blackthroated graya

conifer, deciduous 

tree cup 5 to 50 Apr to Aug

Interior Chaparral: Shrub live oak, manzanita, mountain-mahogany, cliffrose

Sparrow, blackchinned

shrub cup 1.5 to 3 Apr to Aug

Semiarid grassland: Often with scattered sotol, agaves, burroweed, 

snakeweed, yucca, mesquite

Ealge, goldena cliff, tree platform 10 to 100+ Mar to Jul

Hawk, Swainson’s cliff platform 20 to 30 Apr to Aug

Desert communities: palo verde, ironwood, mesquite, catclaw, acacia, saguaro, cholla,

barrel cactus, prickly pear, creosote bush, jojoba, crucifixion thorn

Eagle, goldena cliff, tree platform 10 to 100+ Mar to Jul

Falcon, peregrinea cliff, tree scrape 50 to 200+ Mar to Jul

Falcon, prairie cliff scrape, crevice 30 to 40 Mar to Jun

Flicker, gilded snag cavity 6 to 15 Mar to Jul

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 445
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Species

Nest 

Substrateb Nest typeb

Usual nest height 

rangeb (feet)

Nesting 

Periodc

Hummingbird, 

Costa’sa shrub cup 3 to 5 Feb to Jul

Martin, purple snag cavity 5+ May to Aug

Owl, elf cactus cavity 15 to 35 Apr to Jul

Phainopeplaa deciduous tree, 

shrub cup 4 to 50 Feb to Aug

Thrasher, Bendire's shrub cup 2 to 4 Mar to Aug

Towhee, canyon bush, tree cup 4 to 12 Mar to Oct

Woodpecker, Gila cactus, deciduous 

tree cavity 15 to 30 Mar to Aug

Vireo, Bell'sa shrub cup 1 to 5 Mar to Sep

Warbler, Lucy’s snag cavity 3 to 11 Apr to Jul

Cottonwood Willow Riparian: Primarily cottonwood, willow, mesquite, tamarisk (salt cedar),

some ash, walnut, and hackberry

Beardless-tyrannulet, 

northerna deciduous tree sphere 4 to 50 Apr to Aug

Black-hawk, commona deciduous tree platform 20 to 30 Mar to Aug

Cuckoo, western 

yellow-billed

deciduous tree, 

shrub platform 4 to 8 Jun to Sep

Eagle, bald tree platform 30 to 60 Dec to Jul

Flycatcher, 

southwestern willow

shrub, deciduous 

tree cup 2 to 10 Jun to Aug

Vireo, Bell'sa shrub cup 1 to 5 Mar to Sep

Warbler, yellowa shrub, tree cup 1 to 14

Apr to Aug

Water: bulrush, sedges, pondweeds, cattail, duckweed, saltgrass

Rail, Yuma clapper ground platform 0 Mar to Aug

a Species occur in other habitat categories also

b Source: Ehrlich et al., 1988

c Source: Corman and Wise-Gervais 1995

In addition, there are three important bird areas (IBA) located within Tonto National Forest: Cave 

Creek IBA, Salt and Verde Riparian Ecosystem IBA, and Boyce Thompson Arboretum and 

Arnett-Queen Creeks IBA. There is also a designated overwintering area at Roosevelt Lake.

Environmental Effects

Methodology 

To determine the species of concern within Tonto National Forest, migratory bird species were 

compiled from two sources: Arizona Partners in Flight (Latta et al., 1999) and U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Services (2008b). Those bird species were selected from three Biological Conservation 

Regions: 33 (Sonoran and Mojave Desert), 34 (Sierra Madre Occidental), and 16 (Southern 

Rockies and Colorado Plateau). Species of concern were finally determined from those species 

that occurred on the forest based on the Tonto National Forest bird checklist (U.S. Forest Service, 

2009c).

446 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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To evaluate the effects of the agency action on particular migratory bird species, the species 

habitat was used as a basis for the analysis. Migratory bird species of concern were analyzed if 

their habitat is within the action area. Corman and Wise-Gervais’s (2005) habitat classifications 

were used and a determination was made for a species associated habitat by its most common 

occurrence in 1-4 habitat types. Because certain species were found in more than one type of 

habitat, many bird species were classified in multiple habitat types.

Alternative A – No Action 

Unintentional take (bird, eggs, nest) is highly unlikely to occur at a level that would have a 

measurable effect on migratory bird populations or habitat quality. Alternative A is considered as 

the baseline for comparison to all action alternatives. Across all PNVTs Alternative A would have 

an average road density of 1.16 miles of road open to public motorized vehicle travel per square 

mile of MBTA habitat. The relatively low density of open public roads to MIS habitats suggest 

that although some level of impact occurs to migratory birds and habitats wherever motorized 

vehicle travel is allowed, Alternative A would have no measurable negative effect on migratory 

bird species of concern populations or habitat quality above current baseline conditions. 

No effects would occur to IBAs because Alternative A is considered as the current baseline 

condition that all action alternatives are compared. Under Alternative A roads and trails open to 

public use would remain unchanged from current baseline conditions. Road densities with the 

IBAs vary from 0.47 miles of road per square mile of IBA habitat in the Boyce-Thompson 

Arboretum/Arnett IBA, to 2.62 miles in the Cave Creek Ecosystem IBA and 4.29 in the Salt and 

Verde River Riparian System IBA. Motorized big game retrieval, dispersed camping and 

motorized cross country travel is not permitted in any IBA. Fuelwood gathering would be 

permitted in the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum/Arnett Creek IBA. Alternative A would have no 

measurable negative effect on IBAs above current baseline conditions. 

No effects would occur to snags and dead and downed wood because Alternative A is considered 

as the baseline for comparison to all action alternatives. Under Alternative A personal wood 

gathering and roads and trails open to public use would remain unchanged from current baseline 

conditions. Alternative A would have no measurable negative effect on snags and dead and down 

wood above current baseline conditions.

Alternative B 

Unintentional take (bird, eggs, nest) is highly unlikely to occur at a level that would have a 

measurable effect on migratory bird populations or habitat quality. Although some level of impact 

occurs to migratory birds wherever motorized vehicle travel is allowed, across all PNVTs 

Alternative B reduces areas of potential affects by reducing road density in all PNVTs to 0.63 

miles of open public road to per square mile of MBTA habitats. Similar to Alternative A, 

Alternative B would not allow for motorized big game retrieval, or motorized cross-county travel. 

Alternative B would reduce acres of areas available to dispersed camping and fuelwood gathering 

from current baseline conditions. Consequently, this alternative would have a beneficial effect on 

migratory bird species of concern populations and habitat quality compared to the current 

baseline conditions. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 447
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative B would have a beneficial effect to IBAs because it reduces miles of roads and trails 

open to public use in all IBAs. Alternative B would reduce road densities within the IBAs to 0.39 

miles of road per square mile of IBA habitat in the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum/Arnett IBA, to 

0.38 miles in the Cave Creek Ecosystem IBA and 1.75 miles in the Salt and Verde River Riparian 

System IBA. Alternative B would not permit motorized big game retrieval, and motorized cross 

country travel in any IBA. Alternative B would permit dispersed camping within a 0.18 

designated camping site within the Salt and Verde River Riparian System IBA. Alternative B 

would have a beneficial effect on migratory bird species of concern populations and habitat 

quality compared to the current baseline conditions. 

Alternative B would have a positive effect to snags and dead & downed wood because in all 

PNVTs it would reduce personal use fuelwood gathering an average of 88 percent across all 

PNVTs. Alternative B would reduce the likelihood of potential impacts to cavity and snag nesting 

birds, as permitted access to these areas would be reduced. Alternative B would have a beneficial 

effect on snags and down logs forestwide in all PNVTs compared to the current baseline 

conditions.

Alternative C 

Unintentional take (bird, eggs, nest) is highly unlikely to occur that would have a measurable 

effects on migratory bird populations or habitat quality. Although some level of impact occurs to 

migratory birds wherever motorized vehicle travel is allowed, across all PNVTs Alternative C 

reduces areas of potential affects by reducing road density in all PNVTs to 0.86 miles of open 

public road per square mile of MBTA habitats reducing dispersed camping by 87 percent and fuel 

wood gathering by 90 percent. However, Alternative C would increase motorized big game 

retrieval by 83 percent. Consequently, this alternative would have a beneficial effect on migratory 

bird species of concern populations and habitat quality compared to the current baseline 

conditions. 

Some effects would occur to IBAs if Alternative C is implemented. Alternative C does reduce 

miles of roads and trails open to public use in all IBAs. Alternative C would reduce road densities 

within the IBAs to 0.39 miles of road per square mile of IBA habitat in the Boyce-Thompson 

Arboretum/Arnett IBA, to 0.38 miles in the Cave Creek Ecosystem IBA and 1.96 miles in the Salt 

and Verde River Riparian System IBA. Alternative C would not permit motorized cross country

travel in any IBA consistent with current baseline conditions. Alternative C would permit 

dispersed camping, motorized big game retrieval, in the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum/Arnett 

Creek IBA, and limit fuelwood gathering to 140 acres of the 2,583 acre Boyce-Thompson 

Arboretum/Arnett Creek IBA available for fuel wood gathering under Alternative A. Alternative 

C would result in an 89 percent reduction in these elements from current baseline conditions in 

the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum/Arnett Creek IBA. Alternative C would permit motorized big 

game retrieval and dispersed camping in the Cave Creek and Salt and Verde River System IBAs. 

Areas open to motorized big game retrieval and dispersed camping is currently not permitted. 

Alternative C would permit motorized big game retrieval and dispersed camping on 328 acres (24 

percent) of Cave Creek IBA acres and 281 acres (21 percent) of the Salt and Verde River Riparian 

System IBA acres. Alternative C would not permit fuelwood gathering in the Cave Creek and Salt 

and Verde River Riparian System IBAs. Areas open to dispersed camping, motorized big game 

retrieval, and fuelwood gathering is less than 10 percent of the Boyce-Thompson 

Arboretum/Arnett Creek IBA, 24 percent of the Cave Creek Ecosystem IBA and 21 percent of the 

448 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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Salt and Verde River Riparian System IBA. Some unintentional take could occur in each IBA, 

and may have a measurable negative effect on migratory bird populations and habitat quality 

within the Cave Creek Ecosystem and Salt and Verde River Riparian System IBAs. 

Alternative C would have a positive effect to snags and dead & downed wood because it would 

not permit personal use fuelwood gathering in the Cave Creek Ecosystem and Salt and Verde 

River Riparian System IBAs and would decrease areas permitted for fuelwood gathering by 95 

percent from current baseline conditions in the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum/Arnett Creek IBA. 

Alternative C would reduce the likelihood of potential impacts to cavity and snag nesting birds, as 

permitted motorized vehicle access to these areas would be reduced. Alternative C would have a 

beneficial effect on snags and down logs forestwide in all PNVTs compared to the current 

baseline conditions.

Alternative D 

Unintentional take (bird, eggs, nest) may occur at a level that would have a measurable effect on 

migratory bird populations or habitat. Some level of impact occurs to migratory birds wherever 

motorized vehicle travel is allowed. Across all PNVTs Alternative D would not increase potential 

affects from roads and trails designated for motorized vehicle use due to in all PNVTs permitting 

1.11 miles of open public road per square mile of MBTA habitats, similar to current forestwide 

baseline conditions. Within all PNVTs Alternative D would permit 2,068,208 acres (194 percent 

increase) to motorized big game retrieval, a near threefold increase over current baseline 

conditions and would reduce habitat quality for migratory birds. Alternative D would decease 

dispersed camping by 52 percent from current baseline conditions and would be the same as 

alternative A in permitted personal fuelwood gathering areas. Consequently, this alternative 

would have a negative effect on migratory bird species of concern populations and habitat quality 

compared to the current baseline conditions. 

Some effects would occur to migratory birds and habitat quality in IBAs if Alternative D is 

implemented. The density of roads and trails permitted for public use are similar to Alternative A 

in the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum/Arnett IBA and Cave Creek Ecosystem IBAs, and reduced 

from 103 miles of open roads under current baseline conditions to 71.68 (reduction of 30 percent) 

in the Salt and Verde River Riparian IBA. Alternative D would not permit motorized cross 

country travel in any IBA consistent with current baseline conditions. 

Alternative D would permit 16,114 acres of motorized big game retrieval and dispersed camping 

in all IBAs, which is not permitted under current baseline conditions. Alternative D would be 

similar to Alternative A permitting 1,345,998 acres available for personal fuel wood gathering 

only in the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum/Arnett IBA. Alternative D would not permit personal 

fuel wood gathering in the Cave Creek Ecosystem or the Salt and Verde River Riparian System 

IBAs. Alternative D would increase areas available for motorized big game retrieval and 

dispersed camping. Some unintentional take could occur in each IBA, and may have a measurable 

negative effect on migratory bird populations within all IBAs. 

Alternative D would not affect snags and dead and down wood because it would be the same as 

Alternative A for permitted personal fuelwood gathering at the current baseline area and acres. 

Alternative D would not have a measurable effect to snags and down logs forestwide in all 

PNVTs compared to the current baseline conditions.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 449
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Noxious/Invasive Weeds

Roads and motorized trails are known to be effective vectors for transporting invasive plant 

seeds. Recreational vehicles, such as two- or four-wheel drive vehicles, ATVs, or motorcycles can 

bring weed seeds and plant parts onto the Forest from other sources. They can also spread 

existing infestations into new sites. For example, ATVs are commonly driven in the right-of-way 

along State Route 188. Much of this right-of-way has had a Malta starthistle infestation for over 

twenty years. When ATVs move from the right-of-way onto the Forest road network or are driven 

cross-country, they can spread Malta starthistle throughout the Tonto Basin area. 

Affected Environment

There are 52 invasive weeds that are known to occur on the Tonto National Forest115. Another 16 

are nearby and could be growing on the Tonto National Forest currently or in the future. 

Although there are fewer acres of weeds on the Tonto National Forest as compared to many other 

western forests, weed populations are growing rapidly here. History has repeatedly demonstrated 

that most invasive weed populations do not remain small for long. Growth rates can be 

exponential with an apparent lag time between initial infestation and subsequent extensive 

infestations that are beyond control (Radosevich, 2013). 

As of May 2013, approximately 26,831 acres of weed infestations were documented and mapped 

on the Tonto National Forest. Most of this acreage is one large site of weeping lovegrass that was 

seeded on the entire Dude Fire area in 1990 (21,436 acres). This seeding project was done in an 

emergency situation after fire had denuded the area of vegetative cover, and impending monsoons 

could have caused massive soil loss. At that time there was not a source of native seed in 

sufficient quantity to cover the burned area, and the decision was made to use nonnative species 

for seeding. The remainder is 47 different species of weeds in 1,324 different infestations. The 

great majority of these infestations are less than 5 acres in size.

Most of the weeds inventoried on the Forest are near highways or main roads, for three reasons:

1) much of the survey effort has been conducted for road projects. There are more remote

infestations, but they are harder to find and may not be near projects that require survey; 2) weeds 

tend to initially establish in disturbed areas such as road shoulders and bar ditches; and 3)

Vehicles are a major source of transport of weed propagules (plant parts that are able to 

vegetatively reproduce and seeds). 

Environmental Effects

Methodology 

The Forest’s database for invasive plant inventory (Natural Resource Information System or 

NRIS) was used to overlay the Forest’s weed layer onto various route and trail configurations 

identified in the proposed action and alternatives. The NRIS database is continually updated with 

new information derived from highway and system road surveys, surveys for other projects such 

as mineral exploration, range monitoring, and incidental identification and mapping by 

115 For a full list of these species, see the Noxious/Invasive Weeds Report in the project record.

450 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

knowledgeable Forest employees and others who are adept at plant identification. For purposes of 

this analysis, the inventory as of May 2013 was used.

Effects Common to all Alternatives 

Weeds are a threat to biodiversity and productivity of lands administered by the Tonto National 

Forest. In heavily infested areas, weeds directly compete with native plants and can cause their 

displacement. Some weeds are toxic to wildlife and livestock. Weeds affect ecosystems at 

landscape levels by altering the structure, organization, or function of ecological systems 

(U.S. Forest Service, Tonto National Forest 2012a, Olson 1999). Potential impacts include 

alteration of disturbance regimes (such as wildfire), changes in wildlife food base and cover, soil 

erosion, changes in soil moisture patterns, and altered recreational or aesthetic values. Indirect 

effects caused by replacement of native plants include impacts to microbial flora and fauna and 

insect pollinators, all of which contribute to normal ecosystem function (Olson, 1999).

Road corridors can be prolific sources of weed seeds that may be carried to other locations, or 

that may colonize adjacent vulnerable habitats (Tyser and Worley, 1992). Motor vehicle use is 

known to enhance weed introduction and establishment in a number of ways, including 

transportation of weed propagules (seeds, root and shoot fragments), and alteration of soil 

conditions and other habitat factors (Trombulak and Frissell, 2000). Motor vehicles can carry 

weed seed and plant parts from place to place on their tires, and/or on the vehicle body. A study in 

Kakadu National Park in Australia found that weed seed was transported into the park on tourist 

vehicles and was more likely to be transported by four-wheel drive vehicles that had been driven 

cross-country (Lonsdale and Lane, 1994). A study from Montana State University showed that a 

four-wheel-drive truck picked up, on average, 176 seeds per 50-mile trip on dry unpaved road in 

June. ATVs were found to pick up 15 times more seeds off-trail than on a trail. ATVs were 

capable of picking up as many as 200,000 seeds over 48 miles of travel (about 4,200 seeds per 

mile), out of which roughly 750 were from noxious weeds (Rew and Pollnac, 2010). It is not 

unusual to find new weed infestations on the Forest. They are often along travel corridors 

(motorized and nonmotorized). Even if a new infestation were found along a road or trail, the 

conclusion as to what particular vector caused its introduction is not always clear. This 

determination is not necessary if an infestation of a species that is a prolific seeder is found on a 

route. In that situation it may be deemed prudent to close or limit travel on that route until that 

particular weed is brought under control, in order to prevent spread caused by vehicles. Plant 

parts moved about during road maintenance can spread weed infestations nearly as effectively as 

seed, as many invasive plants are able to propagate themselves with root or stem fragments

(Ferguson et al., 2003). 

Vehicles and construction and maintenance operations transport invasive plant seeds into 

uninfested areas, and provide prime sites for seed germination and seedling establishment. Road 

maintenance activities may enhance germination of weed seeds by increasing exposure of weed 

seeds to sunlight (Jensen, 1995). Presence of invasive exotic plant species has been highly 

correlated with sunlit soil and frequent, severe disturbances, such as those resulting from road 

traffic and road maintenance activities (Pauchard and Alaback, 2006). 

Disturbed areas create edges within plant communities. Edges are recognized as potential starting 

points for invasion of weeds into less disturbed areas (Gucinski et al., 2001).

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 451
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

The number of nonnative species has been shown to significantly increase with increasing route 

density (Dark, 2004). Native plant cover and species diversity increase with increasing distance 

from routes, while presence of exotic species typically declines with increased distance from 

routes (Gelbard and Harrison 2003; Tyser and Worley 1992; Pauchard and Alaback 2006). 

Effects from invasive species would continue to occur under all alternatives, including the 

proposed action. In general, alternatives with fewer routes open for motor vehicle use, especially 

those that exclude routes that are currently weed-infested, provide a reduced risk for transport of 

seeds by motorized vehicles, a reduction in habitats susceptible to weed invasion, and a reduced 

opportunity for spread of weeds to uninfested areas of the Forest.

Alternative A – Summary of Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, a total of at least 24,802 acres of noxious weeds would be open to 

vehicular access. Most of this acreage is on the Payson Ranger District, in the area of the Dude 

Fire of 1990. An unknown number of weed-infested acres are near unauthorized roads and trails 

that are currently used. 

While the Tonto National Forest Plan does not specifically address invasive plant management, 

implementation of Alternative A affects invasive plant populations such that the Forest does not 

meet Forest Plan goals of management of resources to prevent or reduce serious long-lasting 

hazards, maintenance, and enhancement of visual resource values, wildlife species diversity, 

wildlife habitat improvement, and rangeland restoration. 

Alternative B – Summary of Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, a total of 4,336 acres of noxious weeds would be open to vehicular access.

Alternative C – Summary of Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, a total of 20,739 acres of noxious weeds would be open to vehicular 

access. Most of this acreage is on the Payson Ranger District, in the area of the Dude Fire of 

1990.

Alternative D – Summary of Direct and Indirect Effects 

Under this alternative, a total of 25,803 acres of noxious weeds would be open to vehicular 

access. Most of this acreage is on the Payson Ranger District, in the area of the Dude Fire of 

1990. 

Cumulative Effects for All Alternatives 

The boundary for this cumulative effects analysis is the Tonto National Forest and includes 

private lands. This discussion includes management actions related to noxious or invasive weeds 

since 2003. Prior to 2003, occurrences and distribution of noxious or invasive weeds on the 

Forest were largely unknown. Beginning in 2003, the Tonto National Forest began surveying and 

documenting noxious or invasive weed occurrences. Weed maps are documented in the Forest’s 

Natural Resource Information System database and on a noxious weed layer in the Forest’s GIS 

system. 

452 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

In 2003, the Southwestern Region of the Forest Service completed the Environmental Assessment 

for Management of Noxious Weeds and Hazardous Vegetation on Public Roads on National 

Forest System Lands in Arizona. The decision which followed in 2004 allows treatment of 

noxious or invasive weeds along state and federal highway rights-of-way through all National 

Forests in Arizona, including the Tonto National Forest. Arizona Department of Transportation 

(ADOT) and their contractors and subcontractors have conducted several herbicide control 

projects along State Routes 77, 87, 88, 188, 260, and U.S. Highway 60 on the Tonto National 

Forest in the last five years. 

For the last several years, the Tonto National Forest and ADOT have included weed control and 

prevention measures in highway construction projects. ADOT contractors now write a Noxious 

Species Control Plan, and use both herbicide and manual methods to control weeds along rightsof-way inside project limits. There are typically at least two major highway construction projects 

occurring on the Tonto National Forest at any time. For the next 5 years, construction projects are 

scheduled for State Routes 87, 88, 177, 260, and U.S. Highway 60. 

The Tonto National Forest completed an Environmental Assessment for Integrated Treatment of 

Noxious or Invasive Plants, and a decision was signed in August 2012. This decision allows the 

Tonto National Forest to use the full range of tools to manage invasive weed infestations, 

including manual, mechanical, prescribed fire, biological control, and herbicides. 

Of numerous activities occurring on the Forest, both casual and permitted, most have some 

potential to introduce and spread invasive plants. Such activities include livestock grazing, special 

use permits involving use of livestock, hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, mining, 

horseback riding, and all types of recreational driving. Road management agencies such as county 

public works departments and departments of transportation, and Arizona Department of 

Transportation would continue to maintain and upgrade roads and highways through the Tonto 

NF. Highway construction projects would doubtless continue; the Forest works with all of these 

agencies to prevent introduction and spread of noxious weeds during these activities. The Forest 

itself conducts activities that have potential to spread weeds: road maintenance, firefighting, and 

use of prescribed fire, post-fire rehabilitation including revegetation of burned and bladed sites, 

and creation of new recreation sites. Where permits are involved, the Forest includes permit 

clauses appropriate to the activity to prevent spread of weeds. The Forest includes Best 

Management Practices in its own activities for the same purpose. The wildland urban interface 

would continue to be a source of invasive weed infestation for the Tonto. The Forest program of 

public education and awareness of invasive weeds somewhat mitigates this, but this source of 

weed spread is largely outside of our control. 

At current funding levels, it is expected that the Forest would be able to eradicate weeds 

classified as Category A (those with limited distribution in Arizona, or as yet unrecorded in the 

state, which pose a serious threat, such as camelthorn, musk thistle, or Canada thistle). Weed 

species classified as Category B would most probably be contained or eliminated in some areas, 

but would continue to spread in many areas. Class B weeds are of limited distribution in Arizona, 

common in some places in the state. Management goal is to contain their spread, decrease 

population size, then eliminate. Class C weeds have spread beyond our capability to eradicate 

them. The management goal is to contain spread to present size and then decrease the population, 

if possible. Class C weeds would continue to spread.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 453
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Hydrological Resources

Protection of water quantity and quality is an element of the Forest Service mission (Forest 

Service Strategic Plan for 2007 to 2012, 2007). Management activities on National Forest lands 

should be planned and implemented to protect hydrologic functions of forest watersheds, 

including volume, timing, and quality of stream flow. Use of roads, trails, and other areas on 

national forests by motor vehicles has potential to affect these hydrologic functions by 

intercepting runoff, compacting soils, damaging vegetation and stream channels, and detaching 

sediment. Management decisions to eliminate cross-county motorized travel, add new routes and 

areas to national forest system (NFS) roads and trails, and make changes to existing NFS roads 

and trails should consider effects on watershed functions.

Affected Environment

Watershed

The Tonto National Forest lies wholly or partly within seven 4th HUC Watersheds. Within these 

watersheds there are thirty-six 5th HUC watersheds and 197 6th HUC watersheds that lie wholly or 

partly within the boundaries of the Tonto National Forest. Greater than 50 percent of the 

watershed area of 150 6th HUC watersheds lies within the Forest boundaries. 

Water Quality

Improvements to the nation’s waters over the past three decades are largely due to the control of 

traditional point sources of water pollution; however, a large number of water bodies remain 

impaired and the goal of eliminating pollutant discharge and attaining fishable and swimmable 

waters is still unrealized. Nonpoint sources of pollution such as agriculture, construction, forestry, 

and mining are responsible for much of the nation’s remaining water quality impairment (U.S. 

Bureau of Land Management, 2011). Three of these activities: agriculture (livestock grazing), 

forestry, and mining currently occur on NFS lands administered by the Tonto National Forest. In 

addition to these activities other sources of nonpoint source pollution on the Tonto National 

Forest include roads, prescribed fire and wildfire, and recreational uses116. 

Water quality in the state is assessed by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality 

(ADEQ). Water quality has been assessed in major perennial stream reaches and lakes on the 

Forest. Categories used by ADEQ for describing the status of water quality in the states’ rivers, 

streams and lakes are identified in Table 66. 

Table 66: Water Quality Categories

Category Definition

1 Attaining all designated uses

2 Attaining some designated uses, and no use is threatened or impaired

3 Insufficient or no data and information to determine if any designated use is attained

116 This paragraph comes from an EPA report to Congress that states: In 2000, 40 percent of the rivers and streams, 45

percent of the lakes, and 50 percent of the estuaries were impaired. See National Water Quality Inventory Report to 

Congress (305(b) report), 2000, available at http://www.epa.gov/305b/2000report/. The paragraph is an introductory 

discussion of the progress of the Clean Water Act on a nationwide basis with a brief discussion of the types of 

disturbance occurring on the Tonto NF that can contribute to nonpoint sources of pollution.

454 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Category Definition

4 

Impaired or threatened for one or more designated uses but a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) 

analysis is not necessary because:

4A A TMDL has already been completed

4B 

Other pollution control requirements are reasonably expected to result in attainment of the water 

quality standard

4C The impairment is caused by pollution but not a pollutant, or

4N The impairment is solely by natural conditions (an Arizona list only)

5 

Impaired or threatened for one or more designated uses by a pollutant, and a TMDL needs to be 

developed or revised

Streams and water bodies within the Tonto National Forest that are listed on the State of 

Arizona’s impaired waters (303d) list for 2010 are displayed in Figure 48. Roosevelt Lake is 

identified as an impaired water body due to mercury found in fish tissue. Fish consumption 

advisory has been issued for Roosevelt Lake. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 455
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Figure 48: Map of Impaired Streams and Water Bodies within Tonto National Forest

456 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

The impaired water bodies map displays formally designated impaired water bodies within the 

Tonto National Forest. Macroinvertebrate data collected by ADEQ identifies a number of 

additional streams that have aquatic habitat issues that are not formally designated as impaired. 

ADEQ also proposes to issue new fish consumption advisories for streams on the Tonto National 

Forest that are also not formally designated as impaired in the current (2010) listing of 303d water 

bodies.

The primary pollutant generated by roads is sediment/turbidity. The Salt River from the 

confluence with Pinal Creek to Roosevelt Lake is the only water body within the Tonto National 

Forest that is identified as impaired for suspended sediment. It is also identified as impaired for 

nitrogen, phosphorous and E.Coli. bacteria. ADEQ proposes to initiate a Total Maximum Daily 

Load (TMDL) analysis for this water body in 2015. A completed TMDL means that ADEQ has 

devised a plan to bring the impaired water body into compliance with the states’ water quality 

standards and that it is taking steps to implement the plan. Other impaired water bodies within the 

Forest are primarily impaired by pollutants such as copper, selenium, low dissolved oxygen, 

phosphorous, nitrogen, E. Coli, mercury in fish tissue, arsenic, and boron. Primary sources of 

these pollutants include; natural sources, septic systems and poor human waste disposal practices, 

historic mining, and unknown sources. Roads are not a primary source of these pollutants. 

Riparian Areas and Streams 

Riparian areas occupy approximately one percent of the Area managed by the Southwestern 

Region of the Forest Service (roughly 22.5 million acres in 11 National Forests and Grasslands in 

Arizona, New Mexico, and western Oklahoma and Texas) (Lafayette et al. 1996). They have 

importance disproportionate to their limited extent, especially in the arid Southwest. This 

importance is a function of their diverse and productive vegetative composition and structure, 

their linkage between upland and aquatic ecosystems, and their linkage between upper and lower 

watershed areas. Some of their most important functions include: 1) providing fish and wildlife 

habitat, 2) improving water quality by filtering and retaining sediment and nutrients transported 

by runoff from terrestrial uplands, 3) stabilizing stream banks and floodplain surfaces, 4) 

increasing the volume and duration of base flows by replenishing local alluvial aquifers, and 5) 

reducing flood flow velocities and filtering sediments and nutrients transported by flood flows 

during over bank flow events. Brinson et al. (1981) estimates that the percentage of riparian areas 

that have been altered in the United States range from 70 to 90 percent. 

Riparian areas on the Tonto National Forest were mapped during a project completed for the 

Southwestern Region of the Forest Service in 2011(U.S. Forest Service, 2013) known as the 

Regional Riparian Mapping Project (RMAP). This project mapped riparian areas at a 1:12,000 

scale and used valley bottom models, photo interpretation, Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory, 

and other ancillary references to develop the mapping. The project resulted in 24 different 

riparian mapping units, thirteen of which are found on the Tonto National Forest. This project 

provides the most current and accurate inventory of riparian areas on the forest. Approximately 

75,000 acres of riparian vegetation were mapped, representing approximately 2.5 percent of the 

land base of the Forest. Table 67 displays riparian vegetation types and acreage found within the 

Tonto National Forest.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 457
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 67: Riparian Vegetation on Tonto National Forest

RMAP Unit Code and Vegetation Type Acres

110 - Arizona Alder - Willow 222 

130 - Desert Willow 8,937 

150 - Fremont Cottonwood - Conifer 12,699 

170 - Fremont Cottonwood / Oak 483 

180 - Fremont Cottonwood / Shrub 28,963 

190 - Herbaceous Riparian 310 

230 - Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Shrub 1,823 

270 - Sycamore - Fremont Cottonwood 15,704 

300 - Arizona Walnut 11

340 - Sparsely Vegetated 40 

350 - Ponderosa Pine / Willow 6,022 

400 - Historic Riparian - Agriculture 6 

410 - Historic Riparian - Residential/Urban 6,560 

Total* 75,213 

*

Excludes historic riparian which is on private land or submerged

The Tonto National Forest stream arc Geographic Information System layer identifies

approximately 13,250 miles of streams within the boundaries of the Tonto National Forest.

Approximately 640 miles (5 percent) are perennial and an estimated 1,530 miles (12 percent) are

intermittent (based on miles of streams supporting riparian vegetation after subtracting miles of

perennial streams).

The Tonto National Forest has conducted a number of channel stability assessments across the

forest to better understand the condition of its streams and to implement measures to improve the

condition of degraded stream reaches. Approximately one percent of the miles of perennial and

intermittent streams on the forest have been assessed. Based on assessments completed to date,

19 percent of assessed streams are stable, 49 percent are impaired, and 32 percent are unstable117.

Environmental Effects

Assumptions and Methodology

Water resources and their existing conditions are analyzed on a sixth Hydrologic Unit Code 

(HUC6) basis in terms of road density and proximity of roads to stream channels and other water 

bodies (watersheds are divided and subdivided into successively smaller units. HUC6 watersheds 

are the sixth subdivision of a major watershed such as the Lower Colorado River Basin and are 

117 For more information, a summary of stream channel assessments within HUC5 watersheds can be found in the 

Watershed Report, Appendix A, Table 3, in the project record. 

458 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

known as subwatersheds). HUC6 watersheds typically range in size from 10,000 to 40,000 acres. 

Other units of measure to analyze effects of roads on water resources are analyzed by ranger 

district. These include: numbers of stream crossings, proximity to impaired water bodies, and 

miles of roads within riparian areas. 

GIS information was used for the majority of the analysis. GIS data considered in the analysis 

includes:

• National Forest system and nonsystem roads

• Perennial, and intermittent and ephemeral stream systems

• Impaired water bodies

• Riparian areas

• Lakes

Water quality/sediment load: The potential for roads to affect water quality and aquatic habitats 

is assessed by identifying the number of miles of roads hydrologically connected to streams and 

water bodies. Hydrologic connectivity occurs where there is a continuous flow path from roads to 

streams and water bodies. Examples include ditches that convey road derived or intercepted 

runoff to stream channels, cross drain features such as waterbars or dips, that discharge sufficient 

water to create a gully, sediment plume, or both that extends to a stream channel, and fillslopes 

that encroach on stream channels. Proximity of roads to streams and water bodies and the number 

of road stream crossings can be used to indicate connectivity (Gucinski et al., 2000; U.S. Forest 

Service, 1999). Roads within 300 feet of a stream channel are considered to be hydrologically 

connected to the adjacent stream or water body. The 300 foot distance is based on guidance 

provided in the Forest Service Watershed Condition Classification Technical Guide (U.S. Forest 

Service, 2010) that is used to assess the condition of HUC6 watersheds on National Forests 

Density: Road density is known to play a dominant role in human-induced augmentation of 

sediment supply by erosion and mass wasting in the Pacific Northwest and it is reasonable to 

assume that similar relationships exist elsewhere (U.S. Forest Service, 2011a). Road density will 

be displayed by ranger district and assessed using the criteria in the Technical Guide (U.S. Forest 

Service, 2011b) by HUC6 watershed. The number of HUC6 watersheds falling within the 

condition class ratings identified in the Technical Guide will be identified for each alternative. 

General Road Effects 

Roads directly affect natural sediment and hydrologic regimes by altering stream flow, sediment 

loading, sediment transport and deposition, channel morphology, channel stability, substrate 

composition, stream temperatures, water quality, and riparian conditions in a watershed (Gucinski

et al., 2000). These effects would apply to all the alternatives.

The hydrologic effect of roads depends on several factors, including location of roads on 

sideslopes, characteristics of the soil profile, subsurface water flow and groundwater interception, 

design of drainage structures (ditches, culverts) that affect the routing of flow through 

watersheds, and the proportion of the watershed occupied by roads (Gucinski et al., 2000). 

Roads have three primary effects on hydrologic processes. They intercept rainfall directly on the 

road surface and road cut and fill slopes, and intercept subsurface water moving down the 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 459
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

hillslope; they concentrate flow either on the surface or in an adjacent ditch or channel; and they 

divert or reroute water from natural flow paths (Gucinski et al., 2000; U.S. Forest Service, 1999). 

By intercepting road runoff as well as natural surface runoff and subsurface flow, and 

concentrating and diverting it into ditches, gullies, and channels, road systems effectively 

increase the density of streams in the landscape, thereby altering timing of peak flows and 

hydrograph shape (Gucinski et al., 2000). Small increases in peak flows may also result from 

roads in watersheds. Based on studies of small watersheds, effect of roads on peak flows is 

detectable but relatively modest for most storms (Gucinski et al., 2000).

Roads contribute more sediment to streams than any other land management activity (Gucinski et 

al., 2000). Large increases in the amount of sediment delivered to the stream channel can greatly 

impair or even eliminate fish and aquatic invertebrate habitat and alter the structure and width of 

stream banks and adjacent riparian zone (Macdonald et al., 1991). The amount of sediment can 

affect channel shape, sinuosity, and relative balance between pools and riffles. Indirect effects of 

increased sediment loads may include increased stream temperatures and decreased intergravel 

dissolved oxygen (DO) (Macdonald et al., 1991). 

Fine sediments tend to fill interstices between coarser particles, which reduce habitat space for 

small fish, invertebrates, and other organisms. Intrusion of fine particles into bed material also 

reduces the permeability of bed material, which often results in a decline in concentration of 

intergravel DO. Some invertebrate species are very sensitive to even small declines in DO 

(Macdonald et al., 1991). 

Excess sediments can cause widening of the stream channel, filling in of the channel thalweg (the 

deepest portion of the channel), increasing bed elevation (channel aggradation), and declining 

cross sectional area. Net deposition of sediment usually results in more extreme stream 

temperatures, a decrease in the amount and quality of fish cover. Other changes may include 

changes in the quality of spawning habitat, a possible reduction in habitat space for algae and 

macroinvertebrates, increased bank erosion, and an increased likelihood of flooding (Macdonald 

et al., 1991). 

Roads can alter the physical dynamics of stream channels. Stream channels migrate across their 

historic floodplains, eroding the bed and banks in one location, while aggrading the bed and 

building new banks in other locations. They also transport the water, sediment, and debris of their 

attendant watershed. Large pieces of woody debris and fine organic matter transported by streams 

provide physical structure and diverse aquatic habitat. When roads encroach directly on stream 

channels, these processes can be modified. Wood and sediment can be trapped behind stream 

crossings, reducing downstream sediment transport and increasing risk of crossing failure. 

Unnatural channel widths, slope, and stream-bed form are found upstream and downstream of 

stream crossings. Road alignment and road fills can isolate floodplains, constrict the channel, 

constrain channel migration, and simplify riparian and aquatic habitat (U.S. Forest Service, 

1999). 

Water Quality 

The effects of roads and motorized trails on water quality can include sedimentation (deposited 

solids), turbidity (suspended solids), and pollutants within affected watersheds. Turbidity reduces 

in-stream photosynthesis and results in reduced food supply and aquatic habitat. Roads increase 

460 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

nutrient delivery to streams by removing vegetation, rerouting water flow paths, and increasing 

sediment delivery. Nutrients discharged into aquatic systems can cause algal blooms, which 

reduce water clarity and deplete oxygen (Arizona Department of Transportation, 1995). Pollutants 

associated with leaks and spills of petroleum products may be adsorbed to sediments, absorbed by 

plant material, or dissolved in runoff; once mobilized, these contaminants may enter aquatic 

systems (Ouren et al., 2007). Roads can lead to water temperature changes by removal of 

streamside vegetation where roads encroach on channels, and alter streamflow regimes through 

processes described earlier. Water quality can also be adversely affected when fugitive dust and 

contaminants enter aquatic systems. Airborne dust and contaminants adsorbed to dust particles 

raised by OHV traffic may eventually settle directly onto wetlands. 

Effects of Cross-country Travel 

The primary effects of OHV activity on soils and overall watershed function include altered soil 

structure (soil compaction in particular), destruction of soil crusts (biotic and abiotic) and erosion 

pavements (gravel surfaces) that would otherwise stabilize soils, and soil erosion. As soil 

compaction increases, the soil’s ability to support vegetation diminishes, because resulting 

increases in soil strength and changes in soil structure (loss of porosity) inhibit growth of root 

systems and reduce infiltration of water. As vegetative cover, water infiltration, and soil 

stabilizing crusts are diminished or disrupted, precipitation runoff rates increase, and soil erosion 

accelerates, leading to formation of rills, gullies, and other surface changes (Ouren et al., 2007). 

Effects of OHV activities on water quality can include sedimentation (deposited solids), turbidity 

(suspended solids), and pollutants within affected watersheds. Sedimentation increases because 

compacted soils, disrupted soil crusts, and reduced vegetation cover can lead to increased 

amounts and velocities of runoff; in turn, this accelerates the rates at which sediments and other 

debris are eroded from OHV use areas and flushed to down slope aquatic systems. Pollutants 

associated with deposition of OHV emissions and spills of petroleum products may be adsorbed 

to sediments, absorbed by plant material, or dissolved in runoff; once mobilized, these 

contaminants may enter aquatic systems (Ouren et al., 2007).

Where slope is a factor, extensive networks of OHV routes can proliferate across landscapes and 

serve as conduits that intercept and alter direction of natural surface flow pathways. These 

conduits may be eroded to form gullies that channel dislodged sediments and contaminants into 

stream systems. Where OHV activity occurs, networks of OHV routes proliferate. The generally 

impervious nature of soils compacted by OHV traffic enhances gully formation in these conduits, 

thus promoting additional flows of sediments and suspended solids into stream systems, 

effectively extending the drainage network of a given watershed, and potentially changing the 

timing of peak runoff flows (Ouren et al., 2007). 

Riparian Effects 

Roads and motorized trails in riparian areas have many of the same effects as those in upland 

sites; however they compound these effects by disrupting many of the natural beneficial functions 

provided by riparian areas. Healthy riparian areas stabilize stream channels, provide storage for 

sediment, serve as nutrient sinks for surrounding watersheds, improve the quality of water, 

control water temperature through shading, reduce flood peaks, and serve as recharge areas for 

alluvial and deeper aquifers (DeBano and Schmidt, 1989). Roads directly remove the riparian 

vegetation and replace it with an impermeable surface (Lafayette et al., 1996). Roads in riparian 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 461
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

areas compact soils, which reduces infiltration, are often in close proximity to stream channels 

thereby contributing disproportionate amounts of sediments and other pollutants to stream 

channels. Riparian areas are popular recreation sites because of the cool and shady environment 

they provide in an otherwise hot and arid area. Recreational use of riparian areas disturbs many of 

the same functions of these areas that are also disturbed by roads. Roads in riparian areas 

facilitate recreational access to these areas which compounds the effects of the roads themselves. 

Alternative A – Direct and Indirect Effects

Table 68 displays density of motorized routes by ranger district. On a forest wide basis route 

density would be classified as fair in the WCC Technical Guide (U.S. Forest Service, 2011b). 

Road density would be characterized as fair on all ranger districts. The Cave Creek Ranger 

District has the lowest road density but has many miles of uninventoried unauthorized routes that 

if inventoried would likely result in a higher road density rating.

Table 68: Road Density by Ranger District

Ranger District Road Miles Area (sq mi) Road Density (mi/sq mi)

Cave Creek 975.7 955.0 1.02

Globe 1,029.7 736.1 1.40

Mesa 775.0 694.5 1.12

Payson 1,022.1 723.1 1.41

Pleasant Valley 1,183.6 682.6 1.73

Tonto Basin 1,058.1 841.0 1.26

Total 6,044.2 4,632.3 1.30

All activities associated with motor vehicle use have the potential to effect hydrological 

resources. Table 69 provides a summary of water resource effects associated with this alternative.

Table 69: Forest Wide Changes from Existing Conditions—Alternative B

Water Resource

Feature

Effects from

Alternative B

Change in Effects

from Existing Conditions

Road Density (mi/sq. mi) 0.78 -0.52

Route Proximity to Water (%) 10.2 -7.4

Watershed Condition Attribute Ratings – Road Density

Good 113 46

Fair 62 -30

Poor 3 -16

Watershed Condition Attribute Ratings – Proximity to Water

Good 101 4,044

Fair 67 -15 to 14

Poor 10 -25 to 30

Miles of motorized routes within buffer distance (300 ft) of water resource feature

462 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Water Resource

Feature

Effects from

Alternative B

Change in Effects

from Existing Conditions

Perennial Streams 64.9 4044

Lakes 17.9 -15 to 14

Intermittent & Ephemeral Streams 1,286.1 -25 to 30

Impaired Water Bodies 51 -49.4 to 55.3

Riparian Areas 242.1 -11.4

Number of Stream Crossings

Perennial Streams 305 -274

Intermittent & Ephemeral Streams 3,973 -2863

Other Water Resource Impacts

Open to Motorized Cross Country 

Travel (acres)

0 -700,004

Number and Area (acres) of Permit 

Zones 

5 +4 (+116,797)

Area open to Motorized Big Game 

Retrieval (acres)

0 -700,004

Area open to Motorized Dispersed 

Camping (acres)

65 -699,939

Area open to Motorized Fuelwood 

Gathering (acres)

132,568 -1,213,432

Motorized routes within the 300-foot buffer distance have a greater potential to be hydrologically 

connected to streams than those beyond the 300-foot buffer distance. Motorized routes 

hydrologically connected to stream channels and water bodies can provide greater quantities of 

sediments and other pollutants directly to these features. Hydrologic connectivity is dependent on 

a number of factors including slope, soil erodibility, vegetative ground cover, and climatic 

conditions. A 300-foot buffer provides a reasonable distance for identifying the majority of 

motorized routes that would have direct pathways for delivering road derived pollutants to water 

bodies. 

A total of 672 miles of unauthorized motorized routes have been inventoried on the Forest. In 

some instances the impacts of unauthorized routes are greater than those of maintained routes due 

to lack of roadway design and failure to include Best Management Practices (BMPs). One of the 

benefits of implementing the Travel Management Rule should be to reduce the proliferation of 

unauthorized routes. 

Impacts to water resources are occurring in these areas from disturbance to vegetation, exposure 

and compaction of soils, rutting and gullying of routes, disruption of natural drainage patterns, 

and disturbance to riparian areas and stream channels. These effects result in increased runoff, 

erosion, and sedimentation, as well as direct disturbance to sensitive riparian and aquatic 

ecosystems. Increasing impacts are anticipated into the future due to growing population in the 

Phoenix Metropolitan Area and increasing OHV sales. Heavy cross-country travel in close 

proximity to stream channels and within stream channels would affect channels and water quality 

more than the same level of use at a greater distance from these areas. Similar affects would occur 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 463
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

where cross-country travel occurs in riparian areas. Areas with only incidental OHV use have 

minimal watershed effects. Impacts to natural drainage patterns, riparian areas, and stream 

channels and increases in erosion are occurring in these areas and are described under general 

roads effects.

Webb (1983) found that after a single pass, annual plants on an OHV route remained intact, but 

most were destroyed after ten passes. It is expected that perennial plants would be more robust, 

and therefore perennial plants are likely to also sustain one to two passes. Minimal impacts on 

vegetative ground cover and soil compaction are expected from motorized retrieval of big game. 

Based on the low number of trips required for big game retrieval, short distance needed for 

retrieval, and low number of OHV crossings of a site, motorized big game retrieval has minimal 

effects on water resource conditions. 

Dispersed motorized camping would have its greatest impacts at popular dispersed camping sites 

where short unauthorized routes provide access to the camping site. Impacts would be similar to 

those described for roads. Riparian areas are often popular dispersed campsites due to shade and 

access to water. Motorized dispersed camping in these sites impacts riparian areas both through 

the disturbance created by the route accessing the site and disturbance that occurs onsite from 

camping. Camping results in disturbance to vegetation, compaction of soils, and accelerated 

runoff and erosion. Proximity of riparian areas to stream channels means a greater likelihood that 

impacts within the riparian area would be expressed in the channel as well. Improper disposal of 

human waste can also affect water quality. Although motorized dispersed camping can have 

moderate impacts to watershed conditions at popular dispersed campsites; the limited extent of 

dispersed camping on a forestwide basis results in only minor impacts overall. 

Alternative B – Direct and Indirect Effects

Table 70 displays road density by ranger district. Changes from existing conditions are also 

displayed.

Table 70: Route Density by Ranger District—Alternative B 

Ranger District Route Miles

Change 

From Existing

Route Density

(mi/Sq mi)

Change

From Existing

Cave Creek 449.8 -526.0 0.47 -0.55

Globe 736.3 -293.3 1.00 -0.40

Mesa 386.6 -388.5 0.56 -0.56

Payson 701.9 -320.2 0.97 -0.44

Pleasant Valley 618.5 -565.1 0.91 -0.83

Tonto Basin 711.9 -346.2 0.85 -0.41

Total 3,605.0 -2439.2 0.78 -0.53

Table 71 provides a summary of water resource effects associated with this alternative.

464 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 71: Forest Wide Changes from Existing Conditions—Alternative B

Water Resource

Feature

Effects from

Alternative B

Change in Effects

from Existing Conditions

Road Density (mi/sq. mi) 0.78 -0.52

Route Proximity to Water (%) 10.2 -7.4

Watershed Condition Attribute Ratings – Road Density

Good 113 46

Fair 62 -30

Poor 3 -16

Watershed Condition Attribute Ratings – Proximity to Water

Good 101 4,044

Fair 67 -15 to 14

Poor 10 -25 to 30

Miles of motorized routes within buffer distance (300 ft) of water resource feature

Perennial Streams 64.9 4044

Lakes 17.9 -15 to 14

Intermittent & Ephemeral Streams 1,286.1 -25 to 30

Impaired Water Bodies 51 -49.4 to 55.3

Riparian Areas 242.1 -11.4

Number of Stream Crossings

Perennial Streams 305 -274

Intermittent & Ephemeral Streams 3,973 -2863

Other Water Resource Impacts

Open to Motorized Cross Country 

Travel (acres)

0 -700,004

Number and Area (acres) of Permit 

Zones 

5 +4 (+116,797)

Area open to Motorized Big Game 

Retrieval (acres)

0 -700,004

Area open to Motorized Dispersed 

Camping (acres)

65 -699,939

Area open to Motorized Fuelwood 

Gathering (acres)

132,568 -1,213,432

The effect of this alternative on a forest wide basis is a substantial decrease in miles of roads 

within riparian areas, in the number of crossings of perennial streams, and in the number of 

crossings of intermittent and ephemeral channels. On an overall basis these changes represent 

almost a forty-three percent decrease in road mileage within riparian areas, a forty-seven percent 

decrease in road crossings of perennial streams, and a forty-two percent decrease in number of 

crossings of intermittent and ephemeral channels. Road density in riparian areas declines from 3.6 

miles per square mile under existing conditions to 2.1 miles per square mile under Alternative B. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 465
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

In terms of the WCC attribute rating for road density the difference in density would improve the 

rating from poor to fair.

Road density decreases to less than one mile per square mile on all districts except Globe. On a 

forest wide basis road density also decreases to less than one mile per square mile. A density of 

less than one mile would result in a road density attribute rating of good when the WCC 

Technical guide criteria are applied. Route density in the Globe District remains in the fair 

category although density nearly achieves a good rating.

Proximity of routes to water is reduced by nearly forty-two percent from existing conditions in 

this alternative. On a forest wide basis the proximity to water attribute rating would remain in the 

fair category. To achieve a good rating for this attribute the percent of streams in close proximity 

to motorized routes would have to drop below 10 percent. Attribute ratings of good would be 

achieved in the Cave Creek, Mesa, and Tonto Basin Districts. These ratings would not apply until 

decommissioning of routes identified for this activity has been completed. In some instances site 

specific environmental analysis will be required before decommissioning can occur.

Motorized cross-country travel would not be permitted in this alternative, including for retrieval 

of big game. Eliminating motorized cross-country travel in areas where heavy OHV use occurs 

on the 700,000 acres currently open to cross country travel on the Payson and Pleasant Valley

ranger districts would allow disturbed areas to recover over time. Eliminating motorized cross 

country travel would result in reduced impacts to watershed conditions from those under existing 

conditions. Additionally, motorized dispersed camping would be limited to designated dispersed 

sites that are accessible by a designated road or motorized trail. The small overall area (65 acres) 

affected by this activity results in negligible impact on watersheds and the net effect would be a 

negligible reduction in impacts compared to the No Action Alternative. Finally, fuelwood 

gathering for personal use would be permitted within 300 feet of a designated road or motorized 

trail within a woodcutting permit area. The net effect would likely be little difference in 

watershed impacts between the alternatives.

Alternative C – Direct and Indirect Effects

Table 72 displays road density by ranger district. Changes from existing conditions are also 

displayed.

Table 72: Route Density by Ranger District—Alternative C

Ranger District RouteMiles

Change 

From Existing

Route Density

(mi/sq mi)

Change

From Existing

Cave Creek 669.0 -306.8 0.70 -0.32

Globe 817.3 -212.4 1.11 -0.29

Mesa 561.0 -214.0 0.81 -0.31

Payson 863.2 -158.8 1.19 -0.22

Pleasant Valley 874.5 -309.1 1.28 -0.45

Tonto Basin 895.2 -162.9 1.06 -0.19

Total 4,680.2 -1,364.0 1.01 -0.29

466 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 73 provides a summary of water resource effects associated with this alternative.

Table 73: Forestwide Changes from Existing Conditions—Alternative C

Water Resource

Feature

Effects from

Alternative C

Change in Effects

From Existing Conditions

Road Density (mi/sq. mi) 1.01 -0.29

Route Proximity to Water (%) 13.4 -4.2

Watershed Condition Attribute Ratings – Road Density

Good 86 19

Fair 88 -4 

Poor 4 -15 

Watershed Condition Attribute Ratings – Proximity to Water

Good 75 18 

Fair 82 1

Poor 21 -19

Miles of motorized routes within buffer distance (300 ft) of water resource feature

Perennial Streams 88.8 -31.4 

Lakes 21.9 -7.4 

Intermittent & Ephemeral Streams 1684 -522 

Impaired Water Bodies 61.4 -13.8

Riparian Areas 313.9 -109.2 

Number of Stream Crossings

Perennial Streams 411 -168 

Intermittent & Ephemeral Streams 5,203 -1,633 

Other Water Resource Impacts

Number and area (acres) Open to 

Motorized Cross Country Travel 4 + 4 tot lots (6,790) +4+4 tot lots (- 693,225) 

Number and Area (acres) of Permit 

Zones 4 (116,797) +3 (+82,077) 

Area open to Motorized Big Game 

Retrieval (acres) 1,293,200 +593,196 

Area open to Motorized Dispersed 

Camping (acres) 91,400 -608604 

Area open to Motorized Fuelwood 

Gathering (acres) 162,000 -1,184,000 

This alternative reduces miles of roads within riparian areas, and number of stream crossings by 

roads. On an overall basis these changes represent a twenty-six percent decrease in road mileage 

within riparian areas, a twenty-nine percent decrease in road crossings of perennial streams, and a 

twenty-four percent decrease in the number of crossings of intermittent and ephemeral channels. 

The decrease in miles of roads in riparian areas reduces road density in these areas to 2.7 miles 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 467
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

per square mile. If the criteria for the road density attribute from the WCC Technical Guide are 

applied to road density in riparian areas this density would remain in the poor category. 

The Bartlett and Roosevelt Lake OHV areas would permit motorized cross country travel 

between the variable water surface and the high water mark of these lakes. These areas are 

primarily unvegetated or vegetated with annual species that pioneer these areas when water levels 

drop. Although motor vehicle use could cause rutting of the surface, concentrating some runoff 

and increasing erosion minimally, the overall effect is likely negligible. Golf Course, another 

proposed OHV Area, is a relatively small flat upland area of 17 acres just south of Superior. 

Watershed impacts at this site would be small and would consist primarily of increased runoff and 

erosion from compaction and rutting of soils and reduced vegetative ground cover. 

The Sycamore OHV Area includes an ephemeral wash that is tributary to Lower Sycamore Creek. 

Forest Road 403 lies within the wash bottom until it joins Sycamore Creek. Approximately 4.5 

miles of the channel of Sycamore Creek, extending upstream from the boundary with Fort 

McDowell Indian Reservation, are included in the area. This OHV area includes uplands adjacent 

to the ephemeral wash that is tributary to Sycamore Creek and uplands adjacent to Sycamore 

Creek. The ephemeral wash is characterized by a multiple channel bed (braided channel) 

consisting of unconsolidated sand and gravel, and xeroriparian vegetation consisting primarily of 

mesquite that occupies terrace and floodplain features. Travel in wash bottoms has a small 

potential to introduce contaminants to ground and surface waters from spills and leaks of fuels 

and oils. Travel in wash bottoms can also damage riparian vegetation, particularly younger age 

classes. Sycamore Creek is characterized as an intermittent system that flows following 

significant winter precipitation. Much of the stream flow that reaches the alluvial basin, which 

begins near the upper end of the OHV area, infiltrates into the bed of the creek (Thomsen and 

Schumann, 1968). The channel through the alluvial basin is dry most of the year. OHV impacts in 

the area include a small potential to introduce contaminants to ground and surface waters from 

spill of fuels and oils. OHV impacts can also disturb armor layers of channel bottom material that 

form during periods of high flow making the channel more susceptible to erosion. OHV travel in 

uplands can remove vegetative ground cover, and cause compaction and rutting of soils. 

Increased runoff from bared and compacted soils can increase erosion and sediment delivery to 

stream channels and wash bottoms.

Eliminating motorized cross-country travel in areas where heavy OHV use occurs on the 700,000 

acres currently open to cross country travel on the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts 

would allow disturbed areas to recover over time. This alternative permits motorized retrieval of 

elk and bear for up to one mile from both sides of designated roads and motorized trails. There 

would be a negligible change in impacts compared to the No Action Alternative. This alternative 

would also permit motorized access for 100 feet from either side of designated roads and 

motorized trails. Approximately 91,400 acres would be available for motorized dispersed 

camping. Although motorized dispersed camping can have moderate impacts to watershed 

conditions at popular dispersed campsites; the limited extent of dispersed camping on a forest 

wide basis results in only minor impacts overall. Additionally, this alternative would permit 

motorized fuelwood gathering within 300 feet of either side of a designated road or motorized 

trail within woodcutting permit areas. The net effect would likely be little difference in watershed 

impacts between the alternatives. 

468 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative D – Direct and Indirect Effects

Table 74 displays road density by ranger district. Changes from existing conditions are also 

displayed.

Table 74: Route Density by Ranger District—Alternative D

Ranger District Route Miles

Change 

From Existing

Route Density

(mi/sq mi)

Change 

From Existing

Cave Creek 856.4 -119.3 0.90 -0.12 

Globe 1,024.9 -4.7 1.39 -0.01 

Mesa 698.8 -76.3 1.01 -0.11

Payson 1,002.8 -19.3 1.39 -0.03 

Pleasant Valley 1,140.5 -43.1 1.67 -0.06 

Tonto Basin 1,035.2 -22.9 1.23 -0.03 

Total 5,758.7 -285.5 1.24 -0.06

Table 75 displays a summary of water resources effects associated with this alternative.

Table 75: Forestwide Changes from Existing Conditions—Alternative D

Water Resource

Feature

Effects from

Alternative D

Change in Effects

from Existing Conditions

Road Density (mi/sq. mi) 1.24 -0.06 

Route Proximity to Water (%) 16.7 -0.9 

Watershed Condition Attribute Ratings – Road Density

Good 70 3 

Fair 91 -1 

Poor 17 -2 

Watershed Condition Attribute Ratings – Proximity to Water

Good 70 2 

Fair 91 -1 

Poor 17 -1 

Miles of motorized routes within buffer distance (300 ft) of water resource feature

Perennial Streams 109.7 -10.5 

Lakes 29 -0.3 

Intermittent & Ephemeral Streams 2,100.8 -105.7 

Impaired Water Bodies 73.6 -1.6 

Riparian Areas 395.1 -28 

Number of Stream Crossings

Perennial Streams 529 -50 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 469
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Water Resource

Feature

Effects from

Alternative D

Change in Effects

from Existing Conditions

Intermittent & Ephemeral Streams 6,457 -379 

Other Water Resource Impacts

Number and Area (acres) Open to 

Motorized Cross Country Travel 4 areas +4 tot lots(6,790) +4+ 4 tot lots (-693,225) 

Number and Area (acres) of Permit 

Zones 1 (34,720) 0 

Area open to Motorized Big Game 

Retrieval (acres) 2,248,300 +1,548,296 

Area open to Motorized Dispersed 

Camping (acres) 336,000 -364,004 

Area open to Motorized Fuelwood 

Gathering (acres) 1,346,000 0 

Little change in road density occurs in this alternative from existing conditions. Forest wide, road 

density decreases from 1.25 to 1.24 miles per square mile. Applying the road density attribute 

rating criteria from the WCC Technical Guide (U.S. Forest Service, 2011b) results in a rating of 

“fair,” which would be unchanged from existing conditions. Small decreases in route density 

would occur in all districts. The road density attribute rating would improve to “good” in the 

Cave Creek district (density is less than 1 mile per square mile) but would remain unchanged 

from existing conditions in the other districts. 

Proximity of routes to water would be reduced by five percent from existing conditions in this 

alternative. On a forest wide basis the proximity to water attribute rating from the WCC Technical 

Guide (U.S. Forest Service, 2011) would remain in the fair category and be unchanged from 

existing conditions. Attribute ratings of fair would remain unchanged for all districts. 

Additionally, this alternative results in small decreases in motorized routes from existing 

conditions within buffer distances of perennial streams (9 percent), intermittent and ephemeral 

As with all the action alternative, cross-country travel would be eliminated under this alternative. 

The same designated OHV areas in Alternative C are proposed for this alternative; the impacts 

would be the same as Alternative C. Motorized retrieval of elk, mule deer, white tail deer, and 

bear would be limited to areas within one mile of either side of designated motorized routes under 

this alternative. Negligible impacts to watershed conditions would be expected due to the small 

number of motorized retrievals and the large area available for these retrievals. This alternative 

would also allow motorized dispersed camping up to 300 feet on both sides of designated roads 

and motorized trails. Approximately 336,000 acres would be available for this activity. This area 

is slightly less than half the area open to dispersed camping under existing conditions but greater 

than the areas open under Alternatives B and C. Although motorized dispersed camping can have 

moderate effects to watershed conditions at popular dispersed campsites; the limited extent of 

dispersed camping on a forest wide basis results in only minor effects overall.Finally, impacts 

associated with fuelwood gathering for this alternative would be the same as Alternative A.

Cumulative Effects for All Alternatives

Vegetation and fuels management are planned to have a net, long-term improvement to soil and 

water conditions although there may be short-term negative impacts during implementation. 

470 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Mitigation measures and Best Management Practices are designed to mitigate any short-term 

impacts that may occur from project implementation. Livestock grazing activities (past and 

ongoing) have impacted riparian and water resource conditions but reauthorizations of grazing 

permits are designed to minimize impacts to these resources. 

Route realignment, reconstruction, or decommissioning may occur with future projects and 

access through or required by other land jurisdictions may impact the Forest. The extent of these 

changes cannot be predicted or quantified. Future changes to routes would be planned and 

mitigated to reduce impacts.

Urban development and interface growth would continue on private lands. These would not 

directly affect National Forest land, but runoff from urban development can cause an increase in 

erosion and affect water quality on downstream NFS lands.

Future mineral exploration and development, land exchanges, and utility construction are either 

planned or likely to occur. Disturbance can be relatively minor in some cases such as small utility 

constructions, but in mineral exploration and development disturbance can be extensive.

Visitor access to The Rolls, St. Clair, and Sycamore sites may be restricted in the future. 

Restrictions may prevent continued proliferation of unauthorized routes and prevent additional 

impacts to soil and watershed conditions.

In response to air quality concerns, city/town, county, and state restrictions are in place for use of 

recreational vehicles on unpaved roads and vacant lots in regions of Maricopa and Pinal counties 

that are failing to attain Federal Air Quality Health Standards set by the Environmental Protection 

Agency. Measures implemented on NFS lands to reduce air quality impacts such as road paving, 

hardening of OHV parking areas, enforcing speed limits on unsurfaced roads, and placing limits 

on user numbers may also reduce watershed impacts. 

A number of major road construction projects are planned by other government entities well into 

the future. Road construction can have short term impacts on water quality, but impacts are 

minimized through implementation of BMPs. Over the long term, additional paved surfaces can 

increase runoff, erosion, and introduction of contaminants into waterways. Construction of the 

Tonto Creek Bridge may result in reduced watershed impacts, if one or more of the current low 

water crossings are closed and the site is allowed to revegetate.

Soil Resources

Soil resources and their existing conditions will be analyzed Forest-wide by ranger district. Soil 

erosivity as measured by the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) “K” factor, soil strength, and 

road density will be units of measure to analyze effects associated with roads. Soil erosion from 

roads and motorized trails will be estimated as average annual tons of sediment delivered to 

stream channels on a forest wide basis using the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) 

computer model (U.S. Forest Service, 2000). Soil Condition is not considered in the impact 

analysis because the subject matter expert who was most familiar with the derivation of the soil 

condition classes is no longer with the Tonto National Forest. Additional work to model soil 

erosion has been conducted to improve the analysis of the effects on soils from motorized routes. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 471 
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Affected Environment

The ecological niche of the Tonto National Forest ranges from Sonoran Desert (hot, dry) at the 

lowest elevations to mixed conifer forests (cool, moist) at the highest elevations. Sonoran Desert 

communities, pinyon-juniper woodlands, chaparral, semidesert grasslands, and ponderosa pine 

forests occupy the largest extent in the Forest while mixed conifer forests, wetland/cienega, and 

riparian forests are the least extensive on the Forest (U.S. Forest Service, 2007). These life zones 

form numerous ecological types. 

Due to the wide range of elevations, slope, and geological types, existing soils and vegetation are 

quite variable. The majority of the soils classified fall into Aridisols, Alfisols, and Inceptisols 

followed by a fairly large amount of Mollisols where past and present herbaceous vegetative 

cover developed organic surfaces. Poorly developed Entisols occur along drainages. These 

riparian areas have some of the highest levels of impacts associated with OHV travel.

Most of the soils on the Forest formed in sedimentary rocks including sandstone, limestone, and 

conglomerate and are generally medium and fine textured throughout their profiles. Soil depths 

for these soils are generally shallow and moderately deep in most upland positions, but are deeper 

in low-lying areas. In areas of the Forest not covered by sedimentary rocks a large number of 

soils are derived from granite. These soils tend to be medium to coarse textured and highly 

erosive. Recently developed soils (Entisols) are found in fluvial stream systems and are generally 

coarse textured and rocky throughout their profile. 

Precise acres of soils directly impacted from motorized vehicle use are not known and occur 

throughout the Forest but have been observed to be especially widespread in Sonoran Desert and 

riparian areas. 

The forces generated by wheeled or tracked vehicles repeatedly traveling over the soil can chew 

up, destroy, and remove the protective layer of vegetation, duff, and biological crusts, exposing 

and detaching bare soil susceptible to accelerated erosion. 

Erosion Risk

Surface-erosion problems are generally worse in highly erodible terrain (soils with High Erosion 

Risks); particularly landscapes underlain by granite or highly fractured rocks. Roads located on 

these soils are also primary sediment sources. Soils with moderate erosion are also at risk for 

accelerated erosion and sediment delivery but to a lesser magnitude than soils with severe erosion 

hazard (Table 76118). Approximately 70 percent of the Forest is underlain by soils with moderate 

to high erosion risk. 

Table 76: Erosion Risks on Tonto National Forest (Existing Roads) 

Ranger District Not Rated High Mod Low Total Miles

Cave Creek 84 mi

(9%)

71 mi 

(8%) 

560 mi 

(60%) 

226 mi 

(24%) 

939 

118 Miles of roads not rated for erosion risk are roads on private lands(that were not rated in the TES or TEUI), roads 

where TEUI interpretation of the Soil Mapping Unit is in progress, and roads on rock outcrop, badlands/rock outcrop, 

lakes, rivers, etc., riverwash, or mines. 

472 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Ranger District Not Rated High Mod Low Total Miles

Globe 81 mi 

(8%)

153 mi 

(15%) 

501 mi 

(49%) 

289 mi 

(28%) 1,025 

Mesa 72 mi 

(10%)

104 mi 

(14%) 

438 mi 

(60%) 

114 mi 

(16%) 

728 

Payson 62 mi 

(7%)

566 mi 

(60%) 

185 mi 

(20%) 

133 mi 

(14%) 

947 

Pleasant Valley 73 mi 

(7%)

331 mi 

(30%) 

468 mi 

(42%) 

235 mi 

(21%) 1,107 

Tonto Basin 63 mi 

(6%)

254 mi 

(25%)

467 mi 

(45%)

248 mi 

(24%) 1,032 

Total 434 mi 

(8%)

1,480 mi 

(26%) 

2,619 mi

(45%) 

1,245 mi

 (22%) 5,777 

When OHVs travel on steep slopes, they often do so by traveling straight up or down a slope or 

nearly so to optimize the stability of the vehicle and reduce its chances for rollover. When tires 

spin and displace soil, tracks are created that may rapidly expand due to the mechanical loosening 

of the soil and its displacement. These sites are more prone to erosion and sediment delivery from 

rainfall runoff than adjacent undisturbed sites. Figure 49 displays areas with moderate to high 

erosion risk on the Forest. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 473
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Figure 49: Map of Areas with Moderate to Soil Erosion Risk

474 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Soil Strength

Table 77119 illustrates soil strength on the Forest. Soil strength is an estimation of the bearing 

strength of soils. Soils with low bearing strength are especially subject to compaction and rutting, 

especially when soils are wet. Soils with moderate strength are subject to compaction but to a 

lesser degree than those with low strength.

Table 77: Soil Strength on Tonto National Forest (Existing Roads) 

Ranger District Not Rated Low Mod High Total Miles

Cave Creek 84 mi

(9%)

95 mi

(10%) 

152 mi

(16%) 

608 mi

(65%) 

939 

Globe 81 mi

(8%)

253 mi

(25%) 

83 mi

(8%) 

607 mi

(59%) 1,025 

Mesa 72 mi

(10%)

225 mi

(31%) 

16 mi

(2%) 

415 mi

(57%) 

728 

Payson 62 mi

(7%)

373 mi

(39%) 

52 mi

(5%) 

460 mi

(49%) 

947 

Pleasant Valley 73 mi

(7%)

689 mi

(62%)

259 mi

(23%)

86 mi

(8%) 1,107 

Tonto Basin 63 mi

(6%)

308 mi

(30%) 

135 mi

(13%) 

526 mi

(51%) 1,032 

Total 434 mi

(8%)

1,943 mi

(34%)

697 mi

(12%)

2,703 mi

(47%) 5,777 

Approximately forty-six percent of the Forest is covered by soils that have low to moderate 

bearing strength when wet. Ruts are easily created on these soils and on roads that traverse these 

soils. Ruts created on the driving surface can concentrate water flow that can create gullies on 

both the road and adjoining land. 

Road Density 

Sediment production is positively correlated with road length (Ried and Dunne, 1984). Therefore 

road density can be used as a measure to assess the impacts of roads on erosion. The Tonto 

National Forest currently has a road density of 1.16 miles per square mile (1.31 miles per square 

mile when inventoried unauthorized motorized routes are included) of all roads on all lands 

within the Forest proclamation boundary (includes roads on private lands, state and county 

highways, and local roads). 

The Forest Service Watershed Condition classification Technical Guide (U.S. Forest Service, 

2011b) recommends a density of 1 mile per square mile but stresses that “... increasing road 

density has been correlated with increasing sediment yield in many studies nationwide. However, 

the true set of environmental conditions that produce sedimentation are complex, unmeasured, or 

unknown. Numerous other factors including soils, geology, slope, and road condition also 

influence sediment yield. The result is that road density is not a perfect predictor of the impacts to 

119 Miles of roads not rated for erosion risk are roads on private lands (that were not rated in the TES or TEUI), roads 

where TEUI interpretation of the Soil Mapping Unit is in progress, and roads on rock outcrop, badlands/rock outcrop, 

lakes, rivers, etc., riverwash, or mines. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 475
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

sediment yield. While there are no absolute thresholds for acceptable road densities, generally 

fewer miles of roads/mi2 will have a lighter impact.”

Sediment Yield

Sediment Yield was modeled at a broad scale on a forest wide basis. Estimates of the range in 

sediment delivered to stream channels across buffer distances between roads and stream channels 

and at road crossings are displayed in Table 78.

Table 78: Sediment Delivery to Streams from Road Buffers and Stream Crossings

Road Type

Range in Average 

Annual Sediment 

Transported Across 

Road Buffers (tons/yr)

Range in Average Annual 

Sediment Transported to 

Streams at Stream 

Crossings (tons/yr)

ML2 and unknown ML 23,080 - 24,300 8,260 - 9,450

ML3 5710 - 6,400 970 - 1,290

Unauthorized 990 - 1110 260 - 430

Total 28,790 - 31,810 9,480 - 11,180

Total sediment delivered to stream channels ranges from 38,270-42,990 tons per year in this 

alternative. 

Unauthorized Routes

An unknown number of Unauthorized Routes occur throughout the Forest. The known length is 

672 miles with the majority of these routes occurring either in the Sycamore Creek area of the 

Mesa Ranger District or the Desert Vista part of the Cave Creek Ranger District. Since 

Unauthorized Routes are not engineered and many tend to occur on steep slopes and drainages, 

these routes tend to cause more soil erosion than engineered roads. Assuming an average width of 

12 feet, the 672 miles of inventoried unauthorized routes would result in removal of 977 acres of 

land from the productive land base. This represents 0.03 percent of lands within the Tonto 

National Forest. 

Environmental Effects

Assumptions and Methodology

Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey (TES) and Terrestrial Ecological Unit 

Inventory (TEUI) 

The TES and TEUI are used to map, classify, and evaluate soils on the Forest. They contain 

predictions and limitations for soils and vegetation for selected land uses. These inventories are 

mapped at a scale of 1:24,000 and designed for use in a variety of applications including 

landscape, watershed, and Forest level planning. It is important to acknowledge that many 

differences in soils can occur, even within short distances. Where site-specific information is 

required at a finer scale, on-site investigations should be made to validate or refine soil 

information. Approximately 1.1 million acres of the Forest have a completed and published 

Terrestrial Ecosystems Survey (U.S. Forest Service, 1985a). Mapping for the draft Terrestrial 

Ecological Unit Inventory has been completed for most of the remainder of the forest. 

476 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Approximately 95 percent of the Forest has been mapped with either the TES or TEUI. The 

remaining acres to be mapped are primarily unroaded areas that would not be affected by the 

alternatives analyzed in the travel management assessment process. These acres mapped for the 

TEUI have been entered into a GIS database but a final correlation and final report have not been 

completed. The mapping of these acres is still considered tentative and subject to change.

Erosion Risk 

Erosion risk interpretations are derived from published TES “K” factors and from calculated “K” 

factors in the draft TEUI (The soil erodibility factor (K-factor) is a quantitative description of the 

inherent erodibility of a particular soil; it is a measure of the susceptibility of soil particles to 

detachment and transport by rainfall and runoff (U.S. Soil Conservation Service, 1993). The “K” 

factor used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) model was used to determine the erosion 

risk. K factors with a value of 0.10 or less were given a “low” rating, K factors greater than 0.10 

but less than 0.20 were rated “moderate,” while K factors of 0.20 or greater were given a “high” 

rating. 

Soil Strength 

Soil Strength interpretations are derived from published TES and draft TEUI interpretations. Soil 

strength was derived from the soil family. Soil strength estimates are based on natural, 

undisturbed soil profiles. Ratings are for wet soil. Low strength ratings consist of families with 

fine or clayey-skeletal montmorillonitic or smectitic particle sizes/mineralogy classes. Moderate 

strength ratings consist of families with fine or clayey-skeletal mixed particle sizes/mineralogy 

classes. And high strength rating consists of all other soils.

Effects Common to All Alternatives

Under all alternatives use of roads would continue. Roads contribute more sediment to streams 

than any other land management activity (Gibbons and Salo 1973; Meehan 1991). Roads and, to a 

lesser extent, motorized trails have three primary effects that can affect erosion: They intercept 

rainfall directly on the road surface and road cutbanks and intercept subsurface water moving 

down the hillslope; they concentrate flow, either on the surface or in an adjacent ditch or channel; 

and they divert or reroute water from flowpaths that it would otherwise take if the road were not 

present. Concentrated flow can result in an increase in rill and gully erosion. Most of the 

hydrologic and geomorphic consequences of roads result from one or more of these processes. 

For example, by intercepting surface and subsurface flow, and concentrating and diverting it into 

ditches, gullies, and channels, road systems effectively increase the density of streams in the 

landscape, thereby changing the amount of time required for water to enter a stream channel, 

altering the timing of peak flows and hydrograph shape (King and Tennyson, 1984; Wemple et 

al., 1996). Roads directly affect natural sediment and hydrologic regimes by altering streamflow, 

sediment loading, sediment transport and deposition, channel morphology, channel stability, 

substrate composition, stream temperatures, water quality, and riparian conditions in a watershed 

(Gucinski et al., 2000).

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 477
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Alternative A – Direct and Indirect Effects

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Currently there are no motorized trails. In this alternative, there would 2,307 miles of road 

maintained for high-clearance vehicles, 645 miles of road maintained for passenger vehicles, 

2006 miles of roads open and currently used by the public (maintenance level unknown).

The No Action Alternative presents the environmental effects associated with continued 

motorized use of unauthorized routes. There are currently 672 inventoried miles. Many additional 

miles of uninventoried unauthorized routes also exist on the Forest. It is likely that public use of 

unauthorized routes would continue and that the number and miles of these routes may increase 

in number. Unauthorized routes present a special problem for soil conditions for several reasons. 

The roads are not properly engineered, do not have proper drainage and erosion control built into 

them, often occur on steep, erosive soil, and many are located in sensitive areas such as riparian 

areas. A large number of routes in the Desert Vista and Lower Sycamore Creek areas have known 

erosion scars. The existence and proliferation of unauthorized routes will have negative effects on 

soil condition.

Motorized Cross -country Travel 

Under the No Action Alternative, unrestricted, cross-country travel could continue to adversely 

affect soil condition and soil productivity on the 704,000 acres of the Payson and Pleasant Valley

ranger districts where cross-country travel is not prohibited by existing closure. 

Repeated tracking by OHV use directly affects the soil by removing the protective vegetation 

layer to bare soil and loosening soil aggregates through tire churning, rutting and soil 

displacement thus exposing the soil to accelerated erosion resulting in loss of soil productivity. 

The impacts are most pronounced during periods when the soil is wet. OHV use indirectly causes 

accelerated erosion and sediment transport to connected streams following storm events. 

Repeated OHV travel on soils with moderate or high erosion risk is most likely to cause 

accelerated erosion, runoff, and sediment delivery into connected stream courses, posing a risk to 

long-term soil productivity. On soils with slight erosion risk, the direct effect of OHV activity is 

lower but could cause a loss of soil productivity when vegetative ground cover is removed, soil is 

compacted, or rutting occurs.

About 52 percent of the portions of the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts that are open 

to cross-country travel contain soils with moderate and high erosion risks and almost 70 percent 

of the open areas contain soils with low and moderate strength. These soils are vulnerable to 

motorized vehicle travel. Motorized vehicle use could result in accelerated soil erosion on areas 

where repeated OHV use occurs and soils have moderate and high erosion risk. 

Soil conditions on the areas open to cross-country travel contain about 25 percent to 30 percent of 

soils considered to be unsatisfactory or impaired from past disturbances. Continued repeated 

cross-country motorized travel on these soils would cause accelerated erosion and contribute to 

reduced long-term soil productivity and vegetative cover.

There are several areas where unauthorized concentrated OHV use is occurring. Approximately 

2,500 acres have been disturbed, primarily in the Desert Vista area of the Cave Creek Ranger 

District and the Lower Sycamore area of the Mesa Ranger District. Resource damage has 

478 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

occurred in these areas including loss of vegetation, rutting of slopes, and gully erosion. If 

enforcement is not adequate then these areas would likely expand, causing further soil damage. 

Permit Zones 

The existing Bulldog Canyon Permit Zone would continue to require a gate combination code and 

a free permit from the Forest. It is likely that there is little difference between soil conditions 

within and outside of this permit zones with the exception that users of the permit zones tend to 

be more aware of restrictions and are more likely to stay on designated routes which is an overall 

benefit to soil conditions.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval 

Under the No Action Alternative, continued, unrestricted game retrieval would occur only in the 

areas of the Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts, unless otherwise posted. Approximately 

704,000 acres could be affected. It is likely that some motorized big game retrieval occurs in 

ranger districts outside of posted open areas. Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts lie

within Game Management Units (GMUs) 22 and 23. These game management units also include 

portions of the Cave Creek, Mesa, and Tonto Basin ranger districts. Motorized big game retrieval 

estimates for these game management units would overestimate the total number of motorized big 

game retrievals. The majority of the Cave Creek District in Game Management Unit 22 lies 

within the Mazatzal Wilderness and wilderness areas have been excluded from the estimates for 

motorized big game retrieval. Five year average estimates of motorized big game retrieval in 

GMUs 22 and 23 are 391 retrievals per year. Most motorized game retrieval also involves a single 

trip with a vehicle (typically an ATV). Webb (1983) found that after a single pass, annual plants 

on an OHV route remained intact, but most were destroyed after ten passes. We expect perennial 

plants to be more robust, and therefore perennial plants are likely to also sustain one to two 

passes. Minimal impacts on vegetative ground cover and soil compaction are expected from 

motorized retrieval of big game. Based on the low number of trips required for big game retrieval, 

short distance needed for retrieval, and low number of OHV crossings of a site, motorized big 

game retrieval has minimal effects on soil conditions. Big game retrieval on upland soils under 

conditions of dry soils would not be expected to appreciably affect vegetation, soil condition, and 

productivity. Localized impacts would be most pronounced where motorized traffic occurred on 

wet soils which could cause soil compaction and loss of vegetation.

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping 

For this alternative, continued, unrestricted motorized, dispersed camping would occur on the 

Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger districts where driving off road is permitted by the Forest Plan

and in the very limited areas of the southern four districts where off road driving is posted open. 

In these areas, motorized travel would continue to cause localized impacts to soils, but would be 

restricted to areas very minor in extent. 

Although very limited in extent, motorized dispersed camping could have adverse effects to soil 

resources where roads provide access to sensitive soils and riparian areas. On wet soils where 

repeated cross-country travel continues or even where single passes occur, soil damage has been 

observed and would continue under this alternative. Dispersed camping has the direct effect of 

disturbing the vegetative ground cover, exposing bare soil, causing soil compaction and rutting on 

wet soils and causing accelerated sheet and rill erosion. Although motorized dispersed camping 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 479
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

can have moderate impacts to soil conditions at popular dispersed campsites, the limited extent of 

dispersed camping on a forestwide basis results in only minor impacts overall.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering 

Personal use fuelwood gathering and gathering of other forest products would continue on 

approximately 1.35 million acres under this alternative. Approximately 6,000 user days spent 

gathering fuelwood over this area in 2012 disperse a small number of users over a large area. 

Permit conditions that require fuelwood gatherers to use the same ingress and egress and to 

scatter slash over their tracks to reduce soil impacts. Permit conditions that do not authorize 

fuelwood gathering from January through March when soils are wet also prevent impacts to soils. 

Overall this activity has minimal effects on soil conditions.

All Action Alternatives – Direct and Indirect Effects

Roads and Trails Designated for Motor Vehicle Use 

Under the action alternatives motorcycle trails and ATV trails would be added to the system either 

by conversion of an unauthorized route or by changing the status of a system road. Alternative B 

proposes 2,021 miles of motorized trails, Alternative C proposes 2,628 miles, and Alternative D 

proposes 1,816 miles. Motorized trails (both ATV and motorcycle) are likely to have slightly less 

of an impact on soil conditions than roads because of a smaller footprint. However, the 

differences are not measurable at the scale of this analysis; therefore, for the purpose of this 

assessment, roads, and motorized trails would be assumed to have similar impacts.

The Forest has inventoried about 672 miles of unauthorized routes. Under all Alternatives some 

of these routes would be converted to system roads or motorized trails. Remaining inventoried 

unauthorized routes would be decommissioned. Routes not added to the system would not be 

physically changed on the ground until future site-specific environmental analysis is completed. 

The effects of adding unauthorized roads to the system cannot be fully evaluated without also 

looking at the total resulting road density. Unauthorized routes would not be added to the system 

as roads without following proper mitigation measures and following Best Management Practices 

(BMPs).

Soil Parameters

Of the action alternatives (alternatives B, C, and D), alternative B has the fewest miles and 

number of roads occurring on sensitive soils (moderate and high erosion risk and low soil 

strength). Alternative D has the most miles occurring on sensitive soils. Alternative A has more 

miles of system roads containing sensitive soils than alternative D when inventoried unauthorized 

routes are included. Alternative A also has many miles of additional but uninventoried 

unauthorized routes that impact sensitive soils. Overall alternative B has the lowest impact on 

sensitive soils. It is likely that alternative A has the greatest impact. Alternative D is similar to 

alternative A except that improved enforcement should reduce use on uninventoried unauthorized 

routes. Alternative C is intermediate between alternatives B and D.

Sediment Delivered to Stream Channels

Alternative A produces the greatest amount of sediment. Alternatives B and C produce 

approximately 50 percent less sediment than Alternative A; while Alternative D produces 

480 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

approximately 24 percent less. Although the number of road miles and stream crossings remains 

relatively constant under all Alternatives, sediment delivery differs because decommissioned and 

administrative only roads receive no or very limited administrative traffic resulting in less soil 

disturbance and less sediment delivery into connected streams. Under no-traffic conditions, 

roadbed and road ditches tend to revegetate resulting in greater protective surface cover that 

reduces water flow, erosion and sediment delivery into connected streams. Over time, recovery 

of vegetation, soils, and channel crossings on roads designated as decommissioned would reduce 

sediment delivery below the estimates above. Greatest reductions would occur in Alternative B 

which would decommission the greatest number of roads (2,367 miles), followed by Alternative 

C (1,290 miles). The smallest reduction in sediment delivery in the long term would be from 

Alternative D which would decommission 201 miles of roads.

Areas Designated for Motor Vehicle Use

Under alternatives C and D, motorized cross-country travel would be reduced to four designated 

motorized cross-country areas and four small tot lots allowing unrestricted cross-country travel on 

6,783 acres, or less than 0.25 percent of the Forest. Two designated areas are below the high 

water marks of Bartlett and Roosevelt Lakes. The other two areas have been heavily impacted in 

the past from uncontrolled OHV use. The tot lots total less than 12 acres and are also in areas that 

have received heavy OHV use. The direct effect would be continued erosion and loss of 

vegetation in these areas. The proposed OHV areas at Bartlett and Roosevelt Lakes are within the 

“bathtub ring” of these reservoirs. Vegetation at these sites is limited to annual species that 

pioneer this habitat when water levels are below the conservation pool. Approximately one fourth 

of the proposed Sycamore OHV area has steep slopes on erosive soil. The other areas are 

considerably flatter with a lower risk of erosion. An indirect effect may be less off-road OHV use 

in other parts of the Forest as OHV users may spend more time in designated areas. The net result 

of these two alternatives would likely be heavy impacts to the OHV areas covering less than 0.25 

percent of the Forest and lower impacts to the rest of the Forest.

Under alternative B, motorized cross-country travel would be completely eliminated and would 

not contribute to degradation of erodible, unsatisfactory, or impaired soils. Soil productivity and 

functions would improve on impacted soils in both the short-term and the long-term. Under 

alternative B the designated motorized cross-country areas, heavily impacted in the past, would 

be allowed to recover. The net result of this alternative would be to greatly reduce impacts to the 

four designated areas.

Overall, Alternatives C and D would likely minimize impacts to soils from motorized crosscountry traffic forest-wide while allowing heavy impacts to the Designated Areas. Alternative B 

would reduce impacts both to the Designated Areas, and on a forest wide basis. 

Permit Zones

Under alternative B four Permit Zones in addition to the existing Bulldog Canyon Permit Zone

would be established. Total area included within Permit Zones would be 150,924 acres. 

Alternative C would establish three Permit Zones in addition to the existing Bulldog Canyon 

Permit Zone. Total area included within Permit Zones would be 116,797 acres. Under 

alternative D only the existing Bulldog Canyon Permit Zone would continue to be managed as a 

Permit Zone. Total area in this Permit Zone is 34,720 acres. These zones restrict motorized public 

access to 317 miles of roads and motorized trails in alternative B, 326 miles of roads and 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 481
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

motorized trails in alternative C, and 47 miles of roads and motorized trails in alternative D. 

Motorized users would need to acquire a permit from the Forest to access these zones. The 

impacts to soils within these areas would be similar to the impacts to soils outside of these Permit 

Zones where cross-country travel would be restricted.

Motor Vehicle Use for Big Game Retrieval

Motorized, big game retrieval would not be permitted off designated roads and motorized trails in 

Alternative B; could occur within one mile of either side of designated roads and motorized trails 

under Alternatives C and D. Under Alternative C motorized cross country retrieval of elk and bear 

would be allowed within one mile of either side of designated roads and motorized trails and 

would permit retrieval on approximately 1,293,000 acres. Under Alternative D motorized cross 

country retrieval of mule and white tail deer as well as bear and elk would be authorized within 

one mile of either side of designated roads and motorized trails as well and would permit 

motorized retrieval on approximately 2,067,000 acres. The effects of game retrieval would be 

similar under Alternatives C and D except that a larger area would be affected in Alternative D 

than Alternative C. Both alternatives have a larger area open to retrieval than Alternative A 

(704,000 acres). Based on the low number of trips required for big game retrieval, short distance 

needed for retrieval, and low number of OHV crossings of a site, motorized big game retrieval 

would have minimal effects on soil conditions. Big game retrieval on upland soils under dry 

conditions would not be expected to appreciably affect vegetation, soil condition, and 

productivity. Localized impacts would be most pronounced where motorized traffic occurred on 

wet soils which could cause soil compaction and loss of vegetation. The overall impacts would be 

small and localized in all alternatives except for Alternative B where measurable effects would 

not occur. 

Motor Vehicle Use for Dispersed Camping

Under these alternatives, dispersed camping would be permitted only at designated dispersed sites 

under alternative B, within 100 feet of designated roads and motorized trails under alternative C, 

and within 300 feet of designated roads and motorized trails under alternative D. Alternative B 

would impact approximately 75 acres, alternative C would impact approximately 91,400 acres 

and alternative C would impact approximately 336,000 acres. All of the action alternatives would 

limit motorized dispersed camping to fewer acres than the 704,000 acres open to this activity 

under alternative A. Impacts to soils would be localized and very minor in extent but could occur 

if access to dispersed camping sites and parking occurs repeatedly in the same area or if soils are 

wet. The net effect of the action alternatives would be a negligible reduction in impacts when 

compared to the No Action Alternative.

Motor Vehicle Use for Fuelwood Gathering

Under these alternatives motorized vehicle access for gathering personal use firewood and other 

forest products is limited to within 300 feet of designated roads and motorized trails in 

alternatives B and C. Alternative D is similar to alternative A and does not limit motorized vehicle 

access for persons holding a personal use firewood cutting permit as long as they are within a 

woodcutting permit area. Approximately 1,346,000 acres would be available for this activity in 

alternative D. Areas open to fuelwood cutting would be greater in alternative C (161,785 acres) 

than in alternative B (132,568 acres) because of the greater length of roads and motorized trails 

open under alternative C. Conditions attached to the fuelwood gathering permit such as using the 

482 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

same route for entering and leaving a fuelwood gathering site, covering the route with slash or 

other debris, and not going off road when soils are wet and rutting may occur, limit the impact of 

this activity on soil conditions. In addition fuelwood gathering is not authorized from January 

through March when soils are most likely to be wet. Impacts to soils would be localized and very 

minor in extent but could occur if access to fuelwood gathering sites occurs repeatedly in the 

same area or if soils are wet. Approximately 1,500 permits resulting in about 6,000 user days for 

gathering fuelwood disperse a small number of permit holders over a large area. Impacts on soils 

from this activity are likely to be negligible. Alternatives B and C result in impacts to smaller 

areas than alternatives A and D but would also tend to concentrate use in these smaller areas.

Cumulative Effects for All Alternatives

The cumulative effects analysis area relevant to soil resources includes the entire Tonto National 

Forest including private and other public lands that lie within the Forest boundary. Cumulative 

effects are projected for a 10-year timeframe. Past activities are considered part of the existing 

condition.

Broad scale activities such as vegetation management, fuels management, and livestock grazing 

activities have occurred in the past, are occurring, and are reasonably foreseeable actions on the 

Forest. Vegetation and fuels management are planned to have a net, long-term improvement to 

soil conditions although there may be short-term negative impacts during implementation. 

Mitigation measures and Best Management Practices are designed to mitigate any short-term 

impacts that may occur from project implementation. Livestock grazing activities (past and 

ongoing) have impacted soil conditions but reauthorizations of grazing permits are designed to 

minimize these impacts. 

Route realignment, reconstruction, or decommissioning may occur with future projects and 

access through or required by other land jurisdictions may impact the Forest. The extent of these 

changes cannot be predicted nor quantified. Future changes to routes would be planned and 

mitigated to reduce impacts.

Urban development and interface growth would continue on private lands. These would not 

directly affect Forest land but runoff from urban development can cause an increase in erosion on 

down-gradient Forest lands.

Future mineral exploration, land exchanges, and utility construction are either planned or likely to 

occur. Disturbance can be relatively minor in some cases such as small utility constructions but in 

mineral exploration disturbance can be extensive. 

Major road projects under construction or planned include State Routes, Forest Roads, and 

Federal Highways. These projects may add additional miles of roads to the Forest and remove 

soil from production. Although new roads are designed to minimize and mitigate impacts, newly 

constructed roads have been known to produce significant erosion and to impact soil condition off 

site. It is not possible to quantify the effects of new road projects but impacts could be substantial. 

Various recreation projects are in the planning stage or are likely to occur. Implementing these 

projects may cause localized, short-term soil disturbance but are likely to reduced long-term 

impacts to soils from uncontrolled recreation.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 483
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Air Quality

This section documents potential air quality impacts associated with the range of alternatives 

presented in chapter two of the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). It identifies areas 

within the Tonto National Forest that are not meeting current National Ambient Air Quality 

Standards (NAAQS) and evaluates emissions from Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) to determine if 

the proposed action would increase emissions and decrease air quality in the Forest, 

nonattainment and maintenance areas or class I wilderness areas. 

Affected Environment

This section identifies the study areas used in the analysis and presents the baseline emissions 

levels associated with OHV use for each study area. In particular, it presents the baseline 

emissions estimates for OHV use within: (1) the Tonto National Forest; (2) each nonattainment 

and maintenance area; and (3) Class 1 wilderness areas.

In total, there are ten study areas: 

• Tonto National Forest: This study area is delineated by the Tonto national Forest

administrative boundary.

• Nonattainment and maintenance planning areas: There are five planning areas within the

Tonto National Forest, including: three PM10 nonattainment areas, one PM10 maintenance

area and one ozone nonattainment area.

• Class I wilderness areas: There are four Class I areas within the Tonto National Forest.

Nonattainment and Maintenance Areas within the Tonto National 

Forest

There are five air quality control regions within the Forest, including three PM10 nonattainment 

areas, one PM10 maintenance area and one ozone nonattainment area: Phoenix planning area for 

24-hour PM10 Serious nonattainment; Hayden planning area for 24-hour PM10 moderate 

nonattainment; Miami planning area PM10 moderate nonattainment; Payson planning area for 24-

hour PM10 Attainment, limited maintenance; and Phoenix planning area for 8-hour ozone 

Moderate nonattainment.

PM10 planning areas: are designated by EPA for areas that violate the PM10 NAAQS. Sources of 

PM10 include: fugitive dust from unpaved roads, vehicle exhaust, construction activities, mining 

and agricultural activities, industrial sources, fuel combustion from fireplaces and woodstoves as 

well as prescribed and wildfires.

Ozone areas: are designated by EPA for areas that violate the ozone NAAQS. Ozone formation is 

driven in part by its precursor emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic 

compounds (VOC). Main sources of NOx and VOC emissions include: electrical generation, 

industrial and mobile sources. However, peak afternoon O3 is also a function of NOx and VOC 

mixing ratios. For example, areas that are NOx-sensitive (typically rural areas) are associated with 

high reactivity-weighted VOC/NOx ratios. Adding more VOC to NOx-sensitive areas may have 

little or no effect on ozone production. On the other hand, adding NOx to the mixture can increase 

ozone production.

484 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Class I Wilderness Areas

There are four Class I areas within the Forest120, including the: Pine Mountain Wilderness;

Mazatzal Wilderness; Sierra Ancha Wilderness; and Superstition Wilderness. 

Particulates that remain suspended in the atmosphere are efficient at light scattering and 

contribute to regional haze and reduced visibility (U.S. EPA, 2010). Air quality indicators for 

Class 1 areas include121: Particulate concentration – which affects human health and visibility; 

and Ozone concentration – which affects human health and vegetation;

During July of 1999, the EPA adopted the Regional Haze Rule that set a 60-year timeline for 

states to improve visibility within mandatory Federal Class I areas. This timeline used visibility 

monitoring data collected from 2000 to 2004 to set the baseline years, with a goal of Natural 

Condition by 2064. All Class I areas located within the analysis area are currently within 

parameters to meet their 2064 Natural Conditions target.

ADEQ is developing a SIP to remedy existing and prevent future visibility impairment at 

mandatory Class I Federal areas (CIAs). The SIP is required under the contextual requirements 

defined under 40 CFR Part 51 Section 300 through 309 of the Regional Haze Rule and will 

provide reasonable progress and long-term strategies for Arizona's twelve Class I areas.

Emissions from Off-Highway Vehicles

Emissions inventories for nonattainment and maintenance areas are required to be updated every 

three years122. The most recent emissions inventories for the Phoenix 24-hour PM10 and 8-hour

ozone nonattainment areas provide County-wide emissions estimates for OHV sources. However, 

the published inventories do not provide the level of detail necessary to determine Forest specific 

emission estimates for OHV use. 

For the Forest areas, baseline and future OHV emissions inventories were developed using 

engineering methods described in AP-42123 and EPA’s NONROAD2008 model documentation. 

The emissions listed in Table 79 were calculated using AP-42 and conservative estimates for silt 

and moisture content.

120 See figure 1 in chapter 1 of the DEIS for an illustration showing Class I area locations. 121 More information can be found on the FLAG 2010 website 122 “Consolidated Emissions Reporting”. 67 Federal Register 111 (June 10, 2002), pp. 39602-39616 123 EPA AP-42 Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors. 13.2.2 Unpaved Roads equation (1b)

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 485
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Table 79: Miles of Unpaved Roads and Projected 2013 Baseline Uncontrolled Emissions124

for Alternative A

Study 

Areas

Total 

miles*

% of 

total 

miles

Average 

Daily 

OHV

Baseline 

PM10

(ton/year)

Baseline 

NOx 

(ton/year)

Baseline 

VOC

(ton/year)

Tonto 

National 

Forest 5,631 100 89 1,801 0 0 

Phoenix 24-

hour PM10 

nonattainment 605 10.75 10 194 0 0 

Miami 24-

hour PM10 

maintenance 257 4.57 4 82 0 0 

Hayden 24-

hour PM10 

nonattainment 196 3.48 3 63 0 0 

Payson 24-

hour PM10 

nonattainment 321 5.71 5 103 0 0 

Phoenix 8-

hour ozone 

nonattainment 1,381 24.53 22 0 35 1,527

Mazatzal 

Wilderness 203 3.60 3 65 5 224

Superstition 

Wilderness 137 2.43 2 44 3 151

Sierra Ancha 

Wilderness 108 1.91 2 34 3 119

Pine 

Mountain 

Wilderness 47 0.83 1 15 1 51

*Mileage includes 672.33 miles of unauthorized routes.

The emissions associated with off-road motorcycles (dirt bikes) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) 

vehicles on unpaved roadways include: 

• Fugitive particulate emissions: from vehicle travel over unpaved surfaces. Fugitive road

dust is a result of motor vehicle use when road surfaces are dry; the force of wheels

moving across the native surfaces causes pulverization of surface material. Dust is lofted

by the rolling wheels as well as by the turbulence caused by the vehicle.

• Vehicle exhaust emissions: from off-highway vehicles include nitrogen oxides (NOx),

hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM2.5/10). Epa’s NONROAD 2008 emissions

model provides estimates for HC emissions, which can be used as a surrogate for VOC

emissions by way of a conversion factor125.

124 Emissions estimates use conservative assumptions for soil moisture and silt. Further, the emissions reported 

represent uncontrolled emissions and may differ from emissions estimated reported in the SIP emissions inventories.

125 Conversion Factors for Hydrocarbon Emission Components online at EPA 2010

486 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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Environmental Effects

This section evaluates the potential impacts to air resources for each alternative. Total net 

emissions from off-highway vehicle use are estimated to determine if OHV emissions will 

decrease the air quality within the Forest. In general, for emissions that are shown to increase, air 

quality is expected to decrease. The opposite is similar. For emissions that are shown to decrease, 

air quality is expected to increase or no adverse impact to air quality is expected.

Assumptions and Methodology

The analysis was completed using the process outlined in EPA’s General Conformity Guidance 

and on the basis that the General Conformity Analysis provides direction for determining 

emissions impacts under NEPA. 

The method for estimating emissions from off-road recreational vehicles includes the following 

steps: 

1. Identify any nonattainment or maintenance areas within the Forest.

2. Develop baseline and future emissions inventories for each nonattainment and

maintenance area identified in step 1 and calculate the total direct and indirect emissions

for each alternative.

3. If the total direct and indirect emissions from step 2 are below the emissions levels

specified under 40 CFR 93.153(b)(1) and (2), then the proposed action is not expected to

cause significant air quality impacts. Table 80 illustrates threshold emission levels.

Table 80: General Conformity Emissions Thresholds by SIP Planning Area

Region/Pollutant Designation

Threshold*

(tons per year)

Phoenix Planning Area/ 

PM10

Serious Nonattainment 70 

Hayden Planning Area/ 

PM10

Moderate Nonattainment 100 

Miami Planning Area/ 

PM10

Limited Maintenance Plan and request for 

redesignation to attainment (ADEQ 2008).

100 

Payson Planning Area/ 

PM10

Limited maintenance area 100 

Maricopa County/ Ozone Nonattainment 100^

*

Threshold value source: 40 CFR 81, Threshold – 40 CFR § 93.153(b)(1) and (2). ^ (NOx or VOC)

Nonattainment and Maintenance Areas Included in Analysis 

In the first step, GIS analysis was used to determine that five air quality planning areas are 

located within the Forest’s administrative boundary126. Further, GIS analysis was used to 

126 A detailed explaination of the calcualtions used in the analysis can be found in the Air Quality Specialist Report in 

the project record.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 487
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

determine the distribution of roadways used by OHVs within the Forest and each air quality 

planning area.

In the second step the 2008 baseline and 2013 future OHV emissions were estimated for each 

planning area and each alternative. For each nonattainment or maintenance area, we require OHV 

emissions estimates for the no action alternative and OHV estimates for each alternative (A, B, 

and C). The emissions estimates are projected from the 2008 baseline inventory year to the 2013 

future baseline inventory year. The no action emissions estimates are representative of OHV 

activities during the 2013 future baseline year before the proposed action will occur, while the 

OHV emissions for each alternative are representative of the 2013 future year inventories, after 

the proposed action will occur. 

In the third and final step, the total net emissions for each alternative and each nonattainment or 

maintenance area are then compared to emissions threshold levels to determine if the proposed 

action would cause or contribute to a NAAQS violation. The criterion for determining 

significance of the proposed action on air quality is as follows:

• If the proposed action emission is below the emissions threshold, then significant air

quality impacts are not expected.

• If the proposed action emission is above the emissions threshold, then significant air

quality impacts are expected.

The results indicate a reduction in emissions for each of the alternatives under consideration. 

Further, the General Conformity Applicability Analysis indicates a reduction in criteria pollutant 

emissions within each nonattainment and maintenance areas. Therefore significant adverse air 

quality impacts are not expected. 

Cumulative Effects of All Proposed Alternatives

Present and reasonably foreseeable actions within the project area include: recreational OHV use; 

smoke from wildland and prescribed fires; wood burning; dust and pollution from urban 

development; dust from agricultural fields, disturbed areas and vacant lots lifted by elevated 

winds and seasonal thunderstorm outflows; and emissions from motorized vehicle use.

Fugitive dust emissions from unpaved roads; windblown dust; industrial development are the 

primary contributors to poor air quality within the PM10 nonattainment areas. Outside of the PM10

nonattainment areas and in the higher elevations of the Forest, particulate emissions from smoke 

due to wood burning and prescribed and wildland fires are the primary culprits. Ozone precursor 

emissions from mobile sources, including OHVs, tend to be more problematic for the 8-hour 

Phoenix ozone nonattainment area.

Increases in population and recreation will impact air quality by increasing particulate and ozone 

precursor emissions within the Forest. It is expected that present activities and their air emissions 

will persist in the reasonably foreseeable future. However, air emissions from regulated activities 

are managed under State and County air quality rules, regulations and attainment plans, which 

require emissions reductions within nonattainment areas in order to meet federal air quality 

standards. Therefore, cumulative air emissions from regulated activities within the nonattainment 

areas are expected to decrease over time.

488 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Under the No Action Alternative (Alternative A), cumulative emissions in the nonattainment 

areas are expected to decrease in accordance with regulatory programs under the Clean Air Act. 

However, projected growth in population for the Phoenix Metro Area and increasing demand for 

recreational resources may tend to increase OHV use in more remote Forest areas, which may 

increase air pollutant emissions and degrade air quality within other areas of the Forest.

Particulate emissions within all PM10 nonattainment areas, Class I areas and forest wide, would 

be substantially less under all alternatives compared to Alternative A. Cumulative ozone 

precursor emissions are also substantially less under all alternatives compared to Alternative A for 

the 8-hour ozone nonattainment area, Class I areas and forest wide. Therefore, cumulative air 

quality impacts are also likely to be less.

General Conformity Determination

The results indicate a reduction in emissions for each of the alternatives under consideration. 

Further, the general conformity applicability analysis indicates a reduction in criteria pollutant 

emissions within each nonattainment and maintenance area. Therefore a general conformity 

determination is not required for the actions associated with the project.

Climate Change

Affected Environment

The Southwestern Regional Office planning program has summarized some ecological and 

socioeconomic effects of climate change (U.S. Forest Service, 2010). This document suggests the 

state of knowledge needed to address climate change at the forest scale is still evolving. Most 

global climate models are not yet suitable to apply to land management at the forest scale. This 

limits regional analysis of potential effects especially for a specific project. Climate modelers 

generally agree that the Southwestern United States is experiencing a drying tend that will 

continue into the latter part of 21st century. Climate model scenarios suggest the warming trend 

observed in the last 100 years may continue into the next century with the greatest warming 

occurring during the winter. Some climate models predict 2-3 degree temperature changes in the 

next 20 years. Some potential ecological implications of climate change trends include (U.S. 

Forest Service, 2010):

• More extreme disturbance events, including wildfires and intense rain and flashfoods and

wind events (Swetnam et al., 1999).

• Greater vulnerability to invasive species, including insects, plants, fungi, and vertebrates

(Joyce et al., 2007).

• Long-term shifts in vegetation patterns (Westerling et al., 2006; Millar et al., 2007).

• Cold-tolerant vegetation moving upslope, or disappearing in some areas. Migration of

some tree species to the more northern portions of their existing range (Clark, 1998).

• Potential decreases in overall forest productivity due to reduced precipitation (U.S. Forest

Service, 2005).

• Shifts in the timing of snowmelt (already observed) in the American West, which, along

with increases in summer temperatures, have serious implications for the survival of fish

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 489
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

species, and may challenge efforts to reintroduce species into their historic range (Joyce 

et al., 2007; Millar et al., 2007). 

• Effects on biodiversity, pressure on wildlife populations, distribution, viability, and

migration patterns, because of increasing temperatures, water shortages, and changing

ecological conditions.

Environmental Effects

Effect of the Proposal on Climate Change

Agency direction defines the emission of greenhouse gases and effects to carbon cycling as the 

direct climate change effects of a project. The interaction of emissions with atmospheric 

concentrations of greenhouse gasses such that they impact the climate is defined as the potential 

indirect climate change effect (U.S. Forest Service, 2009a). 

Under this definition, there is no direct effect associated with any of the proposed actions 

considered in any of the alternatives. These alternatives do not authorize the emission of 

greenhouse gasses; the action alternatives do not limit the emission of greenhouse gasses; the 

action alternatives are unlikely to change carbon cycling or the emission of greenhouse gasses as

compared to the no action alternative.

Regarding indirect effects, Agency direction states, "Because greenhouse gases mix readily into 

the global pool of greenhouse gases, it is not currently possible to ascertain the indirect effects of 

emissions from single or multiple sources (projects). Also, because the large majority of Forest 

Service projects are extremely small in the global atmospheric CO2 context, it is not presently 

possible to conduct quantitative analysis of actual climate change effects based on individual 

projects" (USDA Forest Service 2009a). 

Based on this guidance, Alternatives B, C, and D do not have measurable indirect effects as 

compared with the No Action Alternative (Alternative A).

Effect of Climate Change on the Proposal

Alternative A 

This alternative has more miles of motorized routes than any of the alternatives. It also permits 

the greatest area of off road vehicle use for firewood gathering, motorized big game retrieval, 

dispersed camping and general off road vehicle use of any of the alternatives. Increased intensity 

of storm events expected from climate change would increase erosion and sedimentation from 

exposed road surfaces. The large number of stream crossings in this alternative reduces the 

resilience of channels and riparian areas to resist the erosive effects of floods. The larger mileage 

of roads in this alternative also provide a greater number of pathways for nonnative species to be 

introduced to native ecosystems which are more susceptible to non- native species due to stress 

from warmer temperatures and reduced water availability.

Alternative B 

This alternative would designate for decommissioning the greatest mileage of motorized routes of 

all alternatives. This alternative also results in the minimum area of off road disturbance of any of 

the alternatives for motorized dispersed camping, firewood gathering, and motorized big game 

490 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

retrieval. Reduced mileage of motorized routes area open to cross country travel reduces erosion 

potential from high intensity storms. The reduced number of stream crossings improves stability 

of channels and aquatic habitat and provides greater resilience to channel and riparian areas from 

flooding. Reduced mileage of roads reduces pathways for introducing non-native species to 

climate change stressed ecosystems. Cumulatively these effects result in greater landscape level 

resilience to climate change. Eventual revegetation of decommissioned routes may provide 

negligible sequestration of carbon. Reduced mileage of roads may also reduce greenhouse gas 

emissions if fewer vehicle miles are driven on motorized routes on the Forest.

Alternative C 

Impacts would be similar to Alternative B but at a smaller scale due to designating fewer miles of 

roads for decommissioning and greater areas open to off road travel for motorized dispersed 

camping, firewood gathering, and motorized big game retrieval.

Alternative D 

Impacts would be greater than Alternatives B and C but less than Alternative A due to designating 

even fewer miles of roads for decommissioning than in Alternatives B and C, and permitting off 

road motorized travel in larger areas for motorized big game retrieval, firewood gathering, 

dispersed camping, and general off road motorized travel in designated OHV areas. Impacts 

would be less than Alternative A. 

Short-term Uses and Long-term Productivity

NEPA requires consideration of “the relationship between short-term uses of man’s environment 

and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity” (40 CFR 1502.16). As declared 

by Congress, this includes using all practicable means and measures, including financial and 

technical assistance, in a manner calculated to foster and promote the general welfare, to create 

and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill 

the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans 

(NEPA Section 101).

The change in driving on National Forest System roads and trails created by any of the action 

alternatives does not jeopardize the long-term productivity of the Tonto National Forest. As 

described throughout chapter 3, implementing any of the action alternatives would generally 

improve resources when compared to the current condition. 

However, in the case of motor vehicle use for personal use fuelwood gathering, there are 

anticipated effects in the short-term use and long-term productivity. The Tonto National Forest 

generates 400,000 to 500,000 cubic feet of available dead and down fuelwood annually. Available 

fuelwood is the result of both natural occurring events and management activities. Many local 

small business and residents rely on this fuelwood to heat their homes and business, offsetting the 

cost associated with other heat sources. For many residents, this may be their only heat source 

and wood gathering becomes a family event and recreational activity. The Forest benefits by the 

removal of scattered fuel accumulations that under natural fire regimes would be removed 

through frequent fire. Personal use fuelwood gathering allows the general public to be directly 

involved with the management of their National Forest while removing products that contribute 

directly to their social and economic wellbeing.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 491
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Natural events or disturbances that result in the creation of fuelwood include but are not limited to 

wildfire, insect outbreaks, droughts, and heavy snowfalls. These occur to varying degrees across 

the forest in an extremely random pattern. Areas affected can range from small scattered patches 

to large landscape scales. Resulting fuel loads are also extremely variable, ranging from high 

concentrations of mortality and breakage to very light and scattered accumulations. Access to 

these areas is currently provided by both system and non-system roads and often extends for great 

distances away from roads and trails. 

Management activities that generate available fuelwood include prescribed fire, range 

improvement cuttings, timber stand improvement cuttings and restoration activities. After these 

treatments are completed, slash and associated breakage becomes available for fuelwood 

gathering. Treatment areas range in size from 50 to 1000 acres or more in size. Treatments are 

usually followed several years later by prescribed fire to reduce the increased fuel load to more 

manageable levels. Personal use fuelwood gathering allows the public to assist land managers by 

removing valuable products from these areas before burning. This reduces the intensity of the 

resulting fire making it easier to manage. Access to these areas is also provided by both system 

and non-system roads and often extends for great distances away from roads and trails.

Fuelwood gathering during the spring and summer is often concentrated near system roads where 

concentrations of fuelwood can be seen from the vehicle. Available fuelwood in these areas can 

quickly become depleted requiring fuelwood gatherers to scout the surrounding terrain to find 

wood. As areas where disturbances have occurred are located, fuelwood gatherers begin to move 

off roads and trails to take advantage of these concentrations. Under alternatives A and D this 

practice would continue, allowing personal use fuelwood gatherers to spread out across the 

permitted areas to obtain their wood. Alternatives B and C would restrict fuelwood gathers to 

within 300 feet on both sides of designated roads and trails where availability of fuelwood may 

become scarce over time. This can lead to concentrated use in some areas, effectively removing 

all available fuelwood. In areas further away from the roads and trails, concentrations of dead and 

down fuel would start to accumulate over time, increasing the risk of uncharacteristically intense 

fire behavior. As the season progresses and the weather turns cool, individuals may have trouble 

locating areas to legally gather fuelwood and fill their permits. 

Historically, along the sides of roads gets cleared of dead and down fuelwood each year by late 

August, five months into the nine month season. The majority of permits are sold in the latter 

portion of the season generally from late August through November, as temperatures drop and 

people being to focus on heating their homes. There have even been cases where some people 

wait until the last minute and purchase permits in December. 

One possible option for enabling the 600 foot corridor to meet the needs that are accomplished 

yearly by the current fuelwood gathering program would be to move wood outside of the corridor 

into that corridor. To do this efficiently would require equipment to make repeated trips back and 

forth across the treatment area and would have a much larger impact on soils and residual 

vegetation then random trips into the area by individual wood cutters. These wood cutters tend to 

pick their individual trails directly to their spots and tend to only make one trip to each area they 

cut. 

It would take several years for fuels to begin to build up across the landscape, say five to seven 

years (normal burn cycle) under “normal” conditions. When treatments occur or there is die off 

due to drought or insects the time for fuel accumulation can shorten considerably. Insects can 

492 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

create fuel hazards in a single year as evident by the bark beetle out break near Pine in the early 

2000s.

While it is acknowledged that very few wood cutters will physically haul wood over 100 feet to 

their truck and even fewer use wheelbarrows to gather wood, they do frequently use old skid 

trails or gaps in the forest to work their vehicles into the forest a considerable distance where they 

can load wood directly into their trucks or trailers without having to carry the wood by hand. 

ATVs with trailers have greatly increased the distances they are able to reach. The larger the tree, 

the further the wood cutter is often willing to drive off the road. Some wood cutters travel 500 to 

1000 feet off the road to gather a large juniper that has burned down. While most of the wood 

cutters that receive one of the 1,500 permits issued yearly would stay within 300 feet of 

designated routes, the more experienced cutters rarely cut near the road, and regularly venture 

beyond 300 feet. A conservative estimate of these wood cutters would be 30 percent of regular 

permit holders or approximately 300 individuals.

Unavoidable Adverse Effects

Implementation of any of the alternatives would result in some unavoidable adverse 

environmental effects. Although formation of the alternatives included avoidance of some effects, 

other adverse effects could occur that cannot be completely mitigated. The environmental effects 

for each resource area in this chapter discuss these effects in greater detail. 

Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of 

Resources

An irreversible commitment of a resource is one that cannot be regained, such as the extinction of 

a species. An irretrievable commitment is one where the value of the resource is lost for a period 

of time, such as the loss of soil productivity from the existence of a road. 

The no action could result in the irreversible loss of cultural resource sites, as cross-country travel

is currently permitted on the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts. By definition, cultural 

resource sites and traditional cultural properties are not renewable and damage to them cannot be 

reversed. By following the programmatic agreement discussed in the Heritage Resources section 

of this chapter, the action alternatives would have no irreversible commitments of resources. 

All the alternatives would result in the irretrievable commitment of some of the forest’s soil 

productivity. This commitment, however, would be negligible when considered at the scale of the 

forest. All action alternatives designate unauthorized routes, which commits the soil to use as a 

route rather than for growing plants. Additionally, the action alternatives would continue to allow 

camping, which also tends to commit soil to that use. Alternatives C and D, which are expected to 

result in more bare ground from motorized dispersed camping, could irretrievably reduce visual 

quality in some places. The environmental effects for each resource area in this chapter discuss 

these effects in greater detail.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 493

Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination

Preparers and Contributors

The following is a list of contributors to this draft environmental impact statement. Numerous 

other people have also contributed in many ways to this document. Their help is greatly 

appreciated.

Bray G. Addison Jr., Patrol Captain, Central Arizona Zone, Law Enforcement Officer

Education: BS and MS degrees in Wildlife Management

Experience: Bray Addison, served 4 years on active duty in the U.S. Army as a Field 

Artillery officer. After getting his Arizona POST certification as a police officer, he 

served 8 years as a Wildlife Manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. He has 

been a U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer on the Tonto National Forest for 11 

years, with the last 4 years as the Patrol Captain. 

Kenna Belsky, Forest GIS Specialist, Tonto National Forest

Education: M.A.S.in Geographic Information Systems and B.S.P. in Urban Planning from 

Arizona State University 

Experience: Kenna has worked for the Forest Service for the past three years. Her career 

started in the recreation department doing special use permits on the Mesa Ranger 

District. She has been a Forest GIS Specialist for over two years working on various 

forestwide projects and helping to grow the GIS program on the Forest. 

Patti R. Fenner, Noxious Weed Program Manager, Tonto National Forest

Education: BS Botany from Arizona State University; MS in Natural Resource 

Management from Arizona State University

Experience: Patti was a Range Conservationist with the Forest Service for 23 years, 

managing livestock allotments and range vegetation. She has been in her current position 

we the forest Noxious Weed Program manager for 10 years.

Tim Holt, Wildlife Manager Supervisor, Arizona Game and Fish Department

Education: B.S. Biology (Fish and Wildlife Management), Northern Arizona University

Experience: Tim Holt has worked for the Arizona Game and Fish Department for 13 

years in the southwestern, northern, and central portions of Arizona. He has served as a 

Wildlife Manager, Wildlife Specialist, and currently as a Wildlife Manager Supervisor in 

Region 6 of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Patti Johnston, Recreation Specialists Detail to Tonto National Forest

Education: B.S. Agricultural Business Management, California Polytechnic State 

University; Range Management classes, New Mexico State University. 

Experience: Patti has worked with Forest Service for 31 years in Regions 1, 3 and 6.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 495
Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination

Kimber Jones, Forest Landscape Architect, Tonto National Forest

Education: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Iowa State University

Experience: Kimber, a registered Landscape Architect, has worked for the Tonto National 

Forest for 24 years designing recreation sites, overseeing the design and construction of 

highways crossing through the forest, and is responsible for scenery management.

Grant Loomis127, Forest Hydrologist, Tonto National Forest

Education: B.A. Economics, UC Davis; MS (all but thesis) Hydrology and Water 

Resources, University of Arizona. 

Experience: Grant has been the hydrologist for the Tonto National Forest for the past 

26 years. Prior to that, he was the hydrologist on the Bureau of Land Management’s 

Glenwood Springs Resource Area in Colorado for 6 years. He was also an 

economist/hydrologist on the Bureau of Land Management’s Winnemucca District in 

Nevada for 2 years.

Leonard Montenegro (Contractor), Air Quality Scientist, numAIRic Inc. 

Education: B.S. Chemistry, Arizona State University.

Experience: Leonard has worked for fifteen years in the areas of air quality assessment 

and modeling. He has five years as a professional consultant providing clients with air 

quality research and analysis necessary to comply with governmental regulations. He was 

head of evaluation for Arizona's Air Quality Division and has carried out a variety of air 

quality assessments in Arizona.

Justin Mouton, Forestry Technician, Tonto National Forest

Education: B.S. Urban Forestry, Southern University, and A&M College

Experience: Justin has worked for the Forest Service for nearly 3 years, working on the 

Deschutes National Forest and the Tonto National Forest. A product of the STEP/SCEP 

program, he worked on various internships as a seasonal firefighter and technician before 

accepting a position after graduating from college.

Ryan Nicholas, Natural Resource Specialist (Pathways Intern), Tonto National Forest

Education: M.S. Urban Forestry, Southern University and A&M College; B.S. Plant and 

Soil Science, Southern University and A&M College

Experience: Ryan has worked for the Forest Service for seven years, working on the 

Willamette National Forest and the Tonto National Forest. In the past he has worked as a 

soil science SCEP on both the Willamette National Forest and the Tonto National Forest. 

Currently he is a Natural Resource Specialist for the Tonto National Forest. He is also in 

his last year of college pursuing a PhD in Urban Forestry. 

127 Grant Loomis also revised the Soils Report and authored the Climate Change section in Chapter 3.

496 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination

Kay Nicholson (Contractor), Senior Biologist, Logan Simpson Design Inc.

Education: M.S. Environmental Resources, Arizona State University; B.S. Animal 

Science, Oregon State University.

Experience: Kay has worked as a wildlife biologist for fourteen years. She has twelve 

years experience as a consultant preparing Endangered Species Act and National 

Environmental Policy Act compliance documents for project proponents on projects 

throughout the western United States. She was the Intermountain Biology Team Leader 

for Entrix Environmental Consultants, and was a Senior Biologist at Aztec Engineering. 

Currently, she is a Senior Biologist for Logan Simpson Design Inc.

Richard Remington (Contractor), Senior Biologist, Logan Simpson Design Inc.

Education: Certified Public Manager, Arizona State University; B.S. Wildlife Biology,

Arizona State University

Experience: Formerly the Arizona Game and Fish Department regional supervisor for 

northeastern Arizona, Richard is a wildlife biologist with more than 35 years of 

experience. Since joining Logan Simpson Design Inc. in 2004 as a senior biologist, 

Richard has managed many biological resources analyses and assessment projects. 

Lonny Rollins, Roads Manager, Tonto National Forest

Education: BS Civil Engineering, University of Arizona

Experience: Lonny has worked for the Tonto for over four years as a civil engineer. He 

has worked on many different development projects throughout the Forest. He is 

currently the Roads Manager for the Tonto National Forest.

Anne Thomas, Social Scientist and Team Leader, Tonto National Forest

Education: M.S. Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management, Utah State 

University; B.S. Environmental Science, Concordia University at Austin.

Experience: Anne has worked for the Forest Service for six years, working on the 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest, the Intermountain Regional Office, the HumboldtToiyabe National Forest, the Sequoia National Forest, and the Tonto National Forest. She 

has been an interdisciplinary team leader for the Giant Sequoia National Monument Plan 

and a district NEPA coordinator. Currently she is the NEPA Coordinator for the Tonto 

National Forest.

Jon Scott Wood, Forest Archaeologist, Tonto National Forest

Education: BS and MS degrees in Archaeology from Arizona State University

Experience: 38 years working as an archaeologist on the Tonto National Forest.

Nathan Yorgason, acting Wildlife Program Lead, Tonto National Forest Service

Education: GIS Certification, Utah State University; B.S. Wildlife and Range 

Management, Brigham Young University.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 497
Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination

Experience: Nate has worked for the Forest Service for 15 years, working on the Dixie 

National Forest, Lewis and Clark National Forest and the Pike and San Isabel National 

Forest as a Wildlife Biologist. Nate has served on several Interdisciplinary teams for a 

variety of projects and has acted as Interdisciplinary Team Leader for large Vegetation 

Management projects. Currently Nate is the acting Wildlife Program Manager on the 

Tonto National Forest.

Distribution of the Draft Environmental Impact 

Statement

This draft environmental impact statement has been distributed to individuals who specifically 

requested a copy of the document. In addition, copies have been sent to the following Federal 

agencies, federally recognized tribes, State and local governments, and organizations representing 

a wide range of views regarding travel management:

ABA Arizona Bowhunters

Adair Desert Tours

Agua Fria Intergroup

Agua Fria National Monument

Airpark Auto

Arizona Repeater Association

Alan Benoit Photography

All Wet Scuba, LLC

Alltel

AMA

American Bass Association

American Fisheries Society

American Motorcycle Association

American Rivers

Americon Realty

AnasArizonai Foundation, Inc.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Animal Defense League of Arizona

Antenna Sites, Inc.

Antlers

Apache Bass Club

Apache County ATV Roughriders

Apache County Development and Communication 

Services

Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce

Apache Junction Rock and Gem Club, Inc.

Apple Hill Enterprises

Archaeological Consulting Services, LTD

Arizona Anglers Family Fishing

Arizona Archaeology Society - Phoenix Chapter

Arizona Association of Conservation Districts

Arizona Association of Counties

Arizona ATV Riders, Inc.

Arizona Auto Association

Arizona Awareness Desert Jeep Tours, Inc.

Arizona Bass Club

Arizona Beemers

Arizona Board of Regents - KAET ASU

Arizona Bound Jeep Tours

Arizona Bowhunters

Arizona Cattle Growers Association

Arizona Cattle Grower's Association

Arizona City Gem and Mineral Society

Arizona Commission of Agriculture and Horticulture

Arizona Department of Agriculture

Arizona Department of Agriculture, Animal Services

Arizona Department of Emergency & Military 

Affairs

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality –

Water Quality Division

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality -

Emergency Response

Arizona Department of Mines and Mineral Resources

Arizona Department of Public Safety

Arizona Department of Transportation

Arizona Department of Transportation, Maintenance 

Office

Arizona Department of Water Resources

Arizona Division of Emergency Management

Arizona Elk Society

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona Game and Fish Department - Law 

Enforcement Branch

Arizona Game and Fish Department - Radio Dispatch

Arizona Game and Fish Department - Regional VI 

Headquarters

Arizona Game and Fish Department - WMHB

Arizona Game and Fish Department- Adopt-A-Ranch 

Program Manager

Arizona Game and Fish Department - Region 6 HQ

Arizona Geological Survey

Arizona GrArizonaing Clearinghouse

Arizona Great Outdoors

Arizona Guide Association

Arizona House of Representatives

Arizona Iceman

Arizona Iron Supply, Inc.

Arizona Livestock Board

Arizona Native Plant Society

Arizona Navy

Arizona Office of Tourism

498 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination

Arizona OHV Association

Arizona OHVC

Arizona OHVC, Arizona Rock Rats

Arizona Outdoor Journal

Arizona Outdoors Club at ASU

Arizona Partnership for Forest Health

Arizona Public Service

Arizona Public Service - Childs Power Plant

Arizona Public Service - Forestry and Special 

Programs

Arizona Ranch Management

Arizona Repeater Association

Arizona Rivers Coalition

Arizona Senate

Arizona Small Mine Operators Association

Arizona Sportsmasters

Arizona State Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs

Arizona State Land Department

Arizona State Land Office

Arizona State Lands - State

Arizona State Mine Inspector

Arizona State Parks

Arizona State Parks - Division of Planning

Arizona State Parks Board

Arizona State Senate

Arizona State Treasurer

Arizona Trail Riders, Inc.

Arizona Trout Unlimited

Arizona Unique Buggy Adventures, Inc.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University - College of Law

Arizona State University - Global Institute of 

Sustainability

Arizona State University - Morrison School of 

Agribusiness

Arizona State University - Department of Zoology

Arizona State University - Disability Resource 

Center

Arizona State University - Global Institute of 

Sustainability

Arizona State University Hayden Library -

Government Documents

Arizona State University - Libraries

Arizona State University - Plant Biology

Arizona State University -Zoology Department

Arizona State University - School of Earth and Space 

Exploration

Arizona Virtual Jeep Club

Arizona Water Company

Arizona Wholesale Fuelwood

Arizona Wilderness Coalition

Arizona Wildlife Federation

Arizona Wool Producers

Armstrong Living Trust

Arrowhead Canyon Homeowners Association

ASA4WDC Conservation

ASARCO, Inc.

ASARCO, LLC

Audubon Expedition Institute

Audubon Society

Audubon Society-Tucson

Bank One

Bar Eleven Land and Cattle Company

Bar X Ranch Conservatory, Inc.

Barro's Pizza

Bartlett Lake Marina

Barton, Venable, Gullette and Randall

Bat Conservation

Bat Conservation International

Beaver Valley Improvement Association

Biff Miller and Regina Durbin

Big River Films

Bill Johnson's Big Apple Restaurant

Black Brush Ltd. Partnership

Black Canyon City Chamber of Commerce

Black Mountain Coffee Shop

Black Mountain Lions Club

Black Mountain Mining Corp

BLM - Arizona Strip Field Office

BLM, Arizona State Office

Blue Ribbon Coalition

Bob Lee and Sons Tree Services

Bordges Timber, Inc.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Braggin Rock Club

Bray Creek Ranch

Brown and Bain

Bubbles Up Drive and Travel

Bullock Logging

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Bureau of Indian Affairs - Navajo

Bureau of Indian Affairs - San Carlos

Bureau of Land Management

Bureau of Reclamation

C.A.S.T. (Central Arizona Spouse Teams)

Cable One

Cactus Shadows High School

Camelback Adventures

Camp Creek Association

Camp Creek Homeowners Association

Camp Creek Residence Association

Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce

Canyon Bass Association

Canyon Bass Club

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Cave Creek Building Supply

Cave Creek Outfitters

Cave Creek Saddle Club

Cave Creek Unified School District

Cave Creek/Carefree Chamber of Commerce

Center for Biological Diversity

Central Arizona Association of Governments

Central Arizona Project

Central Arizona Trail Hounds

Chamber of Commerce

Chandler Bass Assn

Chaparral Guides and Outfitters

Chino Winds NRCD

Christopher Creek Homeowners Assn

CHRJ Partners

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 499
Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination

Chuckwalla Wilderness Adventures

Cierra Medical Walk-In

Citizens for a Better Young

City of Apache Junction

City of Flagstaff

City of Globe

City of Hildale

City of Kanab

City of Mesa

City of Mesa, District 5

City of Page

City of Payson

City of Prescott

City of Scottsdale

City of Sedona

City of St. George

City of Williams

Civil Air Patrol

Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce

Coconino County - District 1

Coconino County - District 2

Coconino County - District 3

Coconino County - District 4

Coconino County - District 5

Coconino County - Planning and Zoning

Coconino County Cooperative Extension Office

Coconino County Public Works Department

Coconino Natural Resource Conservation District

Cold Springs Ranch

Community Television Project, Inc.

Continental Mining Inc.

Cooper's Hay Hook Ranch

Copper Hills ATV Riders Association

Copperstate Bass Club

Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce

Creation Research Society

Croman Corporation

CTW Cattle Company

Dames and Moore

Defenders of Wildlife

Del Norte Bass Club

Del Shay Ranch, Inc.

Department of Water Resources

Desert Bighorn Sheep Society

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Dog Hummer Adventures

Desert Mountain Properties

Desert Southwest Region

Desert Storm Hummer Tours, Inc.

Desert Foothills Medical Center

Destination West, Inc.

D'Eugenio Investment Enterprises, Inc.

Diamond A Ranch Corporation

Diamond Point Homeowners Association

Dirty SW Offroad Badboys Society

Dons of Arizona

Dorothy Cline Wells Trust

Dos S Ranch

Durham Communications

East Maricopa NRCD

East Valley Tribune

East Verde Mine Patents

East Verde Park HOA

East-West Productions

EECO and ECO

El Mar Diving (Tierra Mar)

Eloy Enterprise

Environmental Information Center

Environmental Planning Group

Environmental Services Department - Division of 

Water and Waste Management

Environmental Strategies, Inc.

EPA - Region 9

Equipment Maintenance Service

ERA - Young Realty

Extreme Arizona

Farm Services Agency

Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Fenn Land and Cattle Company, LLC

First Western Resources Inc.

Fisher Wireless Services, Inc.

Five County Association of Governments

Flagstaff Activist Network

Flagstaff Area National Monuments

Flagstaff Gem and Mineral Society

Flowing Springs

Foothills Equipment Rental RSC

Foothills Photo

Forest Guardians

Forest Permittee

Fort Apache Timber Company

Foundation for Biodiversity

Fredonia Fire Department

Freedom Wireless Gila, Inc.

Freelance Productions

Freeman McQue Public Relations

Friends of Agua Fria National Monument

Friends of Arizona Rivers

Friends of Pinto Creek

Friends of Sycamore

Friends of the Goldfields

FSEEE

Ft. McDowell Tribal Council

Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation

General Metals Manufacturing and Supply

Gila County

Gila County Board of Supervisors, District 1 

Supervisor

Gila County Board of Supervisors, District 3 

Supervisor

Gila County Cattle Growers

Gila County Community Development

Gila County Cooperative Extension

Gila County Emergency Management

Gila County Extension Service

Gila County Planning & Zoning Commission

Gila County Public Works

Gila County Sheriff's Office

Gila County Trails

500 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination

Gila National Forest

Gila River Cellular General Partnership

Gila River Cellular General Partnership

Gila River Indian Community

Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Glendale Chamber of Commerce

Globe-Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce and 

Economic Development Corporation

Goldfield Ghost Riders

Governor’s Forest Health Councils

Governor's Office

Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce

Grand Canyon Council

Grand Canyon Council, Inc. Camp Geranimo 

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon Wildlands

Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument

Grand County Justice Court

Greater Arizona Bicycle Association

Green Valley Lapidary Club

Greenback Valley Ranch

GTWA

H&E Ranch

Happy Jack Information Center

Hardscrabble GrArizonaing Allotment

HEAT Dirt Riders

Hebbard and Webb Inc.

Heritage Camp Timber

High Desert Investment Company

Holliday Timber Products

House of Representatives

Houston Creek Ranch, LLC

Houston Mesa General Store

Huachuca Mineral and Gem Club

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale

Hyland Bay Company

Intermountain Resources

Integrity Land and Cattle, LLC

International Association F&W Agencies

International Llama Association

Irving Power Plant

Isabelle Hunt Memorial Public Library

J Bar B Cattle Company

Jack Arizona Bass

Jerome Chamber of Commerce

JF Ranch

Johnson Cattle Company

Johnson Ranch Partnership

Johnston Farms, Ltd. Partnership

Joseph Auza Sheep Company

K&K Lumber Co, LLC

Kampgrounds of America

Kane County Planning/Zoning

Keep Sedona Beautiful, Inc.

Kelly Clark Automotive

Kendell Family Revocable Trust

KMOG-Radio

Lake Havasu Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.

Lakeview Lapidary Club

LArizonay H Cross Ranch

Lawman Bass Club

Legislative Council

Liars Korner

Living Proof, Inc.

Logan Simpson Design, Inc.

Magma Copper Company

Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.

Maricopa Audubon Society

Maricopa County

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors

Maricopa County Cooperation Extension Service

Maricopa County Department of Transportation

Maricopa County Supervisor's Office Lake Patrol 

Division

Maricopa Lapidary Society, Inc.

Martin Ranch, Inc.

Mayer Area Chamber of Commerce

Mayo Clinic

McDowell Sonoran Land Trust

Mesa 4-Wheels

Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Mesa East Rock Club

Mesa Four Wheelers

Mesa Tribune Newspaper

Mesa Varmint Callers

Mid Week Bass Anglers

Mineral Resources

Mingus Gem and Mineral Club

M-L Arizonay-S Cattle Co.

Mogollon Sportsman's Assoc.

Mohave County - District 1

Mohave County - District 2

Mohave County - District 3

Mohave County Planning/Zoning

Mojave Electric Coop

Montgomery and Interpreter, PLC

Motorola Rockhound Club

Mountain Bike Association of Arizona

Mueller Revocable Trustees

Muleshoe X Cattle Company

National Park Service

National Wildlife Federation

Native Ecosystems

Nature Conservancy - Northern Arizona Program

Navajo Nation

Navajo Army Depot

Navajo National Monument

Nelson Timber

Nevada Department of Wildlife

New Mexico State University - Agriculture and 

Economic Department

New River/Desert Hills Community Association

New World Communications of Phoenix, Inc.

Northcott, Inc.

Northern Arizona Audubon Society

Northern Arizona Council of Governments

Northern Arizona University - Department of 

Geology

Northern Arizona University - Forest ERA

Office of Senator Jon Kyl

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 501
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Offroad Passport

Old Pueblo Bass Anglers

Old Pueblo Lapidary Club, Inc.

OMYA

Orotex, Inc.

Outback Safari Company Inc.

Outdoors Now

OW Ranch

Oxbow Estates RV

P Diamond, LLC

P.V. Trail Riders

Pacific Legal Foundation

Page Land and Cattle Company

Pago Bass Club

Palo Verde Sierra Club

Patty Ryan Living Trust 

Paul Bunyan’s Firewood, Inc.

Pauline Peters Living Trust

Pay Dirt MagArizonaine

Payson Chamber of Commerce

Payson Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department

Payson Police Department

Payson Public Library

Payson Rimstone Rock Club

Payson Roundup

Payson Verde River Ranch, LLC

People for the West

Perimeter Bicycling Association of America

Permagrin Canoe and Kayaking School

Petrified Forest National Park

Phelps Dodge Corp

Phelps Dodge Miami Inc.

Phillips Outdoor Program Center

Phoenix Bassmasters

Phoenix Junior Bassmasters

Phoenix Ski Club

Phoenix Zoo

Pinal County Board of Supervisors

Pinal Mountain Cabin Owners

Pine/Strawberry Fire Department

Pine/Strawberry Water Improvement District

Pleasant Valley Community Council

PNRS

Police Department - Homeland Security/CT102 

Ponderosa Fire Deptartment

Precision Marine

Precision Pine and Timber, Inc.

Prescott Bass Club

Prescott Chamber of Commerce

Prescott College

Prescott National Forest Friends

Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation

Probation Department, County of Gila

Public Lands Information Center

Pueblo of Zuni Heritage and Historic Preservation 

Office

Qwest Communications

R.A.M. Inc.

Rafter Cross Cattle Company

Rambo Realty and Investment

Rancher ASP Board OHV Advisor

Recon Environmental Inc.

Red Creek Ranch, LLC

Red Mountain Mining, Inc.

Reevis Mountain School

Renegy LLC

Resolution Copper Company

Riding Arizona

Rim Tours Inc.

Rimwood, Inc.

Rio Verde Horsemen’s Association

Roadrunner 4 Wheel Drive Club

Roadrunners Prospecting Club

Rock Art Signs

Rock House Grocery

Rockstars Motorcycle Offroad

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Roosevelt Marina, LLC

Roosevelt Residents Organization

Rooster Tails West Bass Club

Rooster Tales West Bass Club

RPAP

Saguaro 4x4s

Saguaro Amateur Remote Base Association, Inc.

Saguaro Bassmasters

Saguaro Dive and Travel

Saguaro Lake Marina

Saguaro Lake Ranch, Inc. (Cimarron A & R. C. 

Sublease River Running)

Saguaro National Monument

Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community

Salt River Project

Salt River Project - Environmental Services 

Department 

Salt River Project - Water Rights Division

San Carlos Apache Timber Products Company

San Carlos Apache Tribe

San Carlos Apache Tribe -Forest Resources Program

Sanborn Land and Cattle Company

Santa Rita Ranches, Inc.

Save the Peaks Coalition

SBA ONRSA

Scottsdale Artist School, Inc.

Scottsdale Department of Planning and Economic 

Development 

Scottsdale Osborn Trauma Center

Scottsdale Shea Hospital

Scuba Science, Inc.

SEC, Inc.

Sedona Chamber of Commerce

See Canyon Homes

Sheep Springs Sheep Company 

Sierra Club

Sierra Club - Grand Canyon Chapter

Sierra Club - Southwest Office

Silvery Colorado River Rock Club

Slat River Canoe and Kayak

Sleep Inn

Soil and Moister Conservation Program

Southern Gila County Economic Development Corp.

502 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination

Southwest Forest Products

Southwest Forest Science Complex

Southwest Natural History Association

Southwest Network

Southwestern Biological Institute

Spectrum Aerospace

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

State Historic Preservation Officer

Station Manager, TV4

Stewart – Martin

Stone Container Corp.

Sun City Rockhound Club

Sunny Mesa Realty

Sunsites Gem and Mineral Club

Superhook Towing

Superior Development Company

Superstition O.K. Corral Stables, Inc.

Superstition Area Land Trust

Superstition Mountain Adventures, Inc. dba Apache 

Trail Tours

SW Adventure, Inc.

SW Transmission

Telespectra

Telluride White Water

The Arizona Trail Association

The Griffin Cattle Ranch

The Hopi Tribe

The Hopi Tribe - Hopi Cultural Preservation

The Hopi Tribe Preservation Office

The Nature Conservancy, Regional Conservation 

Manager

The Sparks Law Firm P.C.

The Wilderness Society -Arizona Chapter

The Wilderness Society

The Zia Connection

Thunder Mountain Adventures

Timbersource.com

Tonto Apache Tribal Police Department

Tonto Apache Tribe

Tonto Basin Kiwanis Club

Tonto Creek Estates

Tonto Hills Homeowners Association

Tonto National Monument

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto NRCD

Tonto Recreation Alliance

Tonto Rim Sports Club

Town of Big Water

Town of Carefree

Town of Cave Creek

Town of Chino Valley

Town of Clarkdale

Town of Colorado City

Town of Fredonia

Town of Miami

Town of Payson

Town of Prescott Valley

Town of Superior

Trails 'n Tails LLC

Tri Star Logging

Trial Horse Adventures

Triangle P Ranch

Tri-Valley Bass Club

Tucson District Office

Tucson Gem and Mineral Society

Tusayan Fire Department

Tuzigoot National Monument

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. EPA Region 9

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological 

Science Center

U.S. Senate

Union Pacific Railroad

United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters

University of Arizona

University of Arizona - Ecology and Evolutionary 

Biology

University of Arizona - Gila County Cooperation 

Extension

University of Arizona, Department of Geosciences

University of Arizona at NAU

University of Arizona -Cooperation Extension

University of Arizona School of Renewable Natural 

Resources

Univision

UpsJeep

USDA NRCS

USDA, Fish and Wildlife Service

USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Plant health director

USDI, Bureau of Reclamation

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Verde Glen Property Association

Verde Natural Resource Conservation District

Verde NRCD

Verde Ranger District

Verde Valley Forum for Public Affairs

Virtual Jeep Club

W.J. Cattle Co.

Walgreens

Wally Smith Logging, Inc.

Walt's Kawasaki-Yamaha

WAPA

WAPA - Desert SW Region

Waste Management

Way Out West Off Road Expeditions

West Side Bassmasters

Western Area Power

Western Land Exchange Project

Western States Public Lands Coalition

Western Technologies, Inc.

Western Watersheds Project

White Mountain Apache Tribe

White Mountain Apache Tribe Legal Department

White Mountain Apache Tribe, Tribal Attorney

White Mountain Conservation League

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 503
Chapter 4. Consultation and Coordination

Wickenburg Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.

Wild Earth Guardians

Wild West Jeep Tours

WildEarth Guardians

Wilderness Aware

Wilderness Watch

Wildland Fire Advisory Council

Williams Fire Department

Willow Hill Ranch

Windwalker Expeditions, Inc.

Winkelman NRCD

Winters Company

Withycombe Family, LLC

Yavapai County - District 1

Yavapai County - District 2

Yavapai County - District 3

Yavapai County Board of Supervisors

Yavapai - Apache Nation

Yavapai - Prescott Tribe

Yuma Gem and Mineral Club

Zuni Pueblo

504 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Glossary of Terms

36 CFR 212: 2005 Travel Management Rule which replaced CFR 295.

36 CFR 261: Establishes prohibitions necessary to manage and control use on National Forest 

development trails.

36 CFR 293: Prohibits motorized use in wilderness and primitive areas.

36 CFR 800: Implementing regulations for Section 106 of the NHPA

Adaptive management: A system of management practices based on clearly identified intended 

outcomes and monitoring to determine if management actions are meeting those outcomes; 

and, if not, to facilitate management changes that will best ensure that those outcomes are met 

or re-evaluated. Adaptive management stems from the recognition that knowledge about 

natural resource systems is sometimes uncertain (36 CFR 220.3).

Administrative unit: A National Forest, a National Grassland, a purchase unit, a land utilization 

project, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Land Between the Lakes, Lake Tahoe 

Basin Management Unit, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, or other comparable unit of the 

National Forest System.

Administrative use only (Admin Use): motorized access is restricted, often with a locked gate, 

to Forest Service personnel or those that hold an authorized use permit to access the road or 

trail. These routes would not show up on the motor vehicle use map. Motorized user not 

authorized to be on these routes would be cited for being in violation.

Alluvial: Pertaining to processes or materials associated with transportation or deposition by 

running water.

Annual maintenance: Work performed to maintain serviceability or repair failures during the 

year in which they occur. Includes preventive and/or cyclic maintenance performed in the 

year in which it is scheduled to occur. Unscheduled or catastrophic failures of components or 

assets may need to be repaired as a part of annual maintenance.

Aquatic: Growing or living in or frequenting water; taking place in or on water.

Aquatic ecosystem: A stream channel, lake or estuary bed, the water itself, and the biotic (living) 

communities that occur therein.

Archaeological survey: A systematic, intensive inspection of the landscape in order to identify, 

inventory, and evaluate archaeological sites, which are defined as locations of purposeful 

prehistoric or historic human activity.

Area: A discrete, specifically delineated space that is smaller, and in most cases much smaller, 

than a Ranger District.

Arterial road: Classified road that provides service to large land areas; arterial roads are usually 

developed and operated for long-term land and resource management purposes and constant 

service.

Aspect: The direction a slope faces. For example, a hillside facing east has an eastern aspect.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 505
Glossary of Terms

Buffer: A zone of a specified distance around a linear or area feature.

Code of Federal Regulations: A codification of the general and permanent rules published in the 

Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

Collaboration: Managers, scientists, and citizens working together to plan, implement, and 

monitor national forest management. The intention is to engage people who have 

information, knowledge, expertise, and an interest in the health of national forest ecosystems 

and nearby communities.

Collector roads: Classified roads serving smaller land areas than arterial roads; collector roads 

collect traffic from local roads and usually connect to forest arterial roads or state and county 

highways. They are operated for either constant or intermittent service depending on land use 

and resource management objectives.

Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ: The Council on Environmental Quality established 

by Title II of NEPA (40 CFR 1508.6).

Critical habitat: Areas designated for the survival and recovery of federally listed threatened or 

endangered species.

Cumulative effects (or impacts): The effect on the environment, which results from the 

incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (federal or nonfederal) or person 

undertakes such other actions. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor ,but 

collectively significant, actions taking place over a period of time (40 CFR 1508.7).

Decommissioned (roads or trails): Demolition, dismantling, removal, obliteration, and /or 

disposal of a deteriorated or otherwise unneeded asset or component, including necessary 

cleanup work. This action eliminates the deferred maintenance needs for the fixed asset.

Portions of an asset or component may remain, if they do not cause problems or require 

maintenance.

Deferred maintenance: Maintenance activities that can be delayed without critical loss of 

facility serviceability until the work can be economically or efficiently performed.

Degradation: Reduction in quality. The process whereby the water quality and chemical, 

physical, or biological integrity of a water body is decreased. Habitat quality can be changed 

by certain management activities. If the quality is reduced, then habitat degradation has 

occurred.

Designated road, trail, or area: A National Forest System road, a National Forest System trail, 

or an area on National Forest System lands that is designated for motor vehicle use pursuant 

to § 212.51 on a motor vehicle use map.

Draft environmental impact statement (DEIS): A detailed written statement as required by 

section 102(2) (C) of the NEPA (40 CFR 1508.11) that is released to governmental agencies 

and the general public for review and comment.

Designated road, trail, route, or area: A National Forest System road, trail or area that is 

designated for motor vehicle on a motor vehicle use map (36 CFR 212).

506 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Glossary of Terms

Desired conditions: Land or resource conditions that are expected to result based on goals and 

objectives.

Ecology/ecological: The interrelationships of living things to one another and to their 

environment, or the study of these interrelationships.

Ecosystem: An arrangement of living and nonliving things and the forces that move them. Living 

things include plants and animals. Nonliving parts of ecosystems may be rocks and minerals. 

Weather and wildfire are two of the forces that act within ecosystems.

Endangered species: Those plant or animal species that are in danger of extinction throughout 

all or a significant portion of their range. Endangered species are identified by the Secretary 

of the Interior in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973. 

Endemic: When referring to a species, means living in defined geographic area: such as a species 

of organism that is confined to a particular geographic region like an island or river 

Environmental impact statement (EIS): A detailed written statement as required by section 

102(2) (C) of NEPA (CFR 1508.11). 

Ephemeral stream: Streams that flow only as the direct result of rainfall or snowmelt. They have 

no permanent flow.

Executive orders: United States Presidents issue executive orders to help officers and agencies 

of the executive branch manage the operations within the federal government itself. 

Executive orders have the full force of law[1] when they take authority from a power granted 

directly to the Executive by the Constitution, or are made in pursuance of certain Acts of 

Congress which explicitly delegate to the President some degree of discretionary power 

(delegated legislation). Like statutes or regulations promulgated by government agencies, 

executive orders are subject to judicial review, and may be struck down if deemed by the 

courts to be unsupported by statute or the Constitution

Executive Orders (EO) 11644 and 11989: These orders provide direction for Federal agencies to 

establish policies and provide for procedures to control and direct the use of OHVs on public 

lands so as to: 1) protect the resources of those lands; 2) promote the safety of all users of 

those lands; and 3) minimize conflicts among the various users on those lands. Section 3(1) 

establishes that “Areas and trails shall be located to minimize damage to soil, watershed, 

vegetation, or other resources of the public lands.” Section 9(a) allows the agency head to 

close trails to use if the use is causing effects to the soil, vegetation, and other resources until 

the adverse effects have been eliminated and measures are implemented to prevent future 

recurrence.

Executive Order 11990 of May 24, 1977: This order requires each agency to take action to 

minimize destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands and to preserve and enhance the 

natural and beneficial values of wetlands. 

Executive Order 13007: Each executive branch agency with statutory or administrative 

responsibility for the management of Federal lands shall, to the extent practicable, permitted 

by law, and not clearly inconsistent with essential agency functions, (1) accommodate access 

to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites by Indian religious practitioners and (2) avoid 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 507
Glossary of Terms

adversely affecting the physical integrity of such sacred sites. Where appropriate, agencies 

shall maintain the confidentiality of sacred sites.

Executive Order 13112, issued by the President in 1999: a species is considered invasive if it: 1) 

is nonnative to the ecosystem under consideration and 2) its introduction causes or is likely to 

cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. The Tonto National Forest 

has not been intensively surveyed for noxious weeds. Populations of some noxious weeds 

have been known for nearly 30 years and have spread considerably since they were first 

identified. Others are still being found in small infestations.

Executive Order 13443: The purpose of this order is to direct Federal agencies that have 

programs and activities that have a measurable effect on public land management, outdoor 

recreation, and wildlife management, including the Department of the Interior and the 

Department of Agriculture, to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting 

opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat.

Fauna: Animal life

Flora: Plant life

Forest road or trail: A road or trail wholly or partly within or adjacent to and serving the 

National Forest System that the Forest Service determines is necessary for the protection, 

administration, and utilization of the National Forest System and the use and development of 

its resources (36 CFR 212).

Forest transportation atlas: A display of the system of roads, trails, and airfields of an 

administrative unit.

Forest transportation facility: A forest road or trail or an airfield that is displayed in a forest 

transportation atlas, including bridges, culverts, parking lots, marine access facilities, safety 

devices, and other improvements appurtenant to the forest transportation system.

Forest transportation system: The system of National Forest System roads, National Forest 

System trails, and airfields on National Forest System lands (36 CFR 212).

Four County Area: Refers to the four counties that overlap with the Tonto National Forest: Gila, 

Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai.

Fuels: Plants and woody vegetation, living and dead, which are capable of burning.

Fuelwood: Wood cut into short lengths for burning in a fireplace, woodstove or fire pit.

Geographic information system (GIS): A computer system capable of storing, manipulating, 

analyzing, and displaying geographic information.

Habitat: The area where a plant or animal lives and grows under natural conditions.

Herbaceous: A plant having little or no woody tissue.

Heritage: Refers to historic preservation, prehistoric, and historic cultural resources and cultural 

traditions.

508 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Glossary of Terms

Highway: Highway is a way or a place of whatever nature publicly maintained and open to the 

use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. The term “highway” does not include fire 

trails, logging roads, service roads regardless of surface composition, or other roughly graded 

trails and roads upon which vehicular travel by the public is permitted. 

Image: A graphic representation of a person or thing, typically produced by an electronic device. 

Common examples include remotely sensed data and photographs.

Interdisciplinary team (IDT): A group of professional resource specialists who analyze the 

effects of alternatives on natural and other resources. Through interaction, participants bring 

different points of view and a broader range of expertise.

Intermittent stream: A stream that flows only at certain times of the year, when it receives water 

from streams or from some surface, such as melting snow.

Inventoried roadless area (IRA): areas identified in a set of inventoried roadless area maps, 

contain in Forest Service Roadless Area Conservation, Final Environmental Impact 

Statement, Volume 2, dated November 2000, which are held at the National Headquarters 

office of the Forest Service, or any subsequent update or revision of those maps.

Irretrievable: A term that applies to the loss of production, harvest, or use of natural resources. 

For example, some or all of the timber production from an area is lost irretrievably, while an 

area is serving as a winter sports site. The production lost is irretrievable, but the action is not 

irreversible. If the use changes, it is possible to resume timber production.

Irreversible: A term that describes the loss of future options. The term applies primarily to the 

effects of use of nonrenewable resources, such as minerals or cultural resources, or to those 

factors, such as soil productivity, which are renewable only over long periods of time.

Landscape: A large land area composed of interacting ecosystems which are repeated due to 

factors such as geology, soils, climate, and human impacts.

Maintenance: The upkeep of the entire forest transportation facility including surface and 

shoulders, parking and side areas, structures, and such traffic-control devices, as are 

necessary for its safe and efficient utilization (36 CFR 212). 

Maintenance levels: The Forest Service currently classifies maintenance of National Forest 

System roads by five maintenance levels. According to the Tonto National Forest Plan, they 

are defined as follows: 

• Level 1: Roads are not open to traffic; they are maintained to protect the road investment

and its surrounding resources. These roads may be opened for a specific activity and

returned to Level 1 upon completion of the project.

• Level 2: Roads are maintained open for limited passage of traffic. Roads in this

maintenance level are primitive type facilities intended for high clearance vehicles.

Passenger car traffic is not a consideration.

• Level 3: Roads are maintained open and safe for travel by a prudent driver in a passenger

car. However, user comfort and convenience is not considered a priority.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 509
Glossary of Terms

• Level 4: Roads are maintained to provide a moderate degree of user comfort and

convenience at moderate travel speeds.

• Level 5: Roads are maintained to provide a high degree of user comfort and convenience.

These roads are normally two lanes with aggregate or paved surface.

Management action: Any activity undertaken as part of the administration of the National 

Forest.

Meadow: Areas of moist low lying and usually level grasslands. Generally, the water table is just 

below the surface of the soil and the most abundant vegetation is usually favored by wet, but 

not constantly, flooded soil.

Mesic: Moderately moist climates or environments. In vegetation it generally refers to vegetation 

found in moist environments. In soils it refers specifically to soils with mean annual 

temperatures of 8 to 15 degrees centigrade.

Mitigation: Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action

through:

• Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its

implementation.

• Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment.

• Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance

operations during the life of the action.

• Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or

environments.

Motor vehicle: Any vehicle which is self-propelled, other than: (1) a vehicle operated on rails; 

and (2) any wheelchair or mobility device, including one that is battery-operated, that is 

designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion, and that is suitable for 

use in an indoor pedestrian area (36 CFR 212). 

Motor vehicle use map (MVUM): The management of all the various renewable surface 

resources of the national forests, so that they are utilized in the combination that will best 

meet the needs of the American people; making the most judicious use of the land for some or 

all of these resources or related services over areas large enough to provide sufficient latitude 

for periodic adjustments in use to conform to changing needs and conditions; that some land 

will be used for less than all of the resources; and harmonious and coordinated management 

of the various resources, each with the other, without impairment of the productivity of the 

land, with consideration being given to the relative values of the various resources, and not 

necessarily the combination of uses that will give the greatest dollar return or the greatest unit 

output (Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act; Public Law 86–517). 

Motorized big game retrieval corridor: defined by the Travel Management Rule as “the 

designation of the limited use of motor vehicles within a specified distance of designated 

routes, and if appropriate, within specified time periods solely for purposes of “...retrieval of 

a downed big game animal by an individual who has legally taken that animal” (36 CFR 

212.51 (b)).

510 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Glossary of Terms

Motorized dispersed camping corridor: defined by the Travel Management Rule as “the 

designation of the limited use of motorized vehicles within a specified distance of certain 

designated routes, and if appropriate within specified time periods, solely for the purpose of 

dispersed camping.” (36 CFR212.51 (b)).

Motorized trail: Can range from single tack, that would accommodate a dirt bike, to the width of 

a standard dirt road, that could be driven by any vehicle with high enough clearance or 

appropriate suspension.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Codifies the national policy of encouraging 

harmony between humans and the environment by promoting efforts to prevent or eliminate 

damage to the environment, thereby enriching our understanding of ecological systems and 

natural resources. It declares the federal government to be responsible for: (a) coordinating 

programs and plans regarding environmental protection; (b) using an interdisciplinary 

approach to decision-making; (c) developing methods to ensure that non-quantifiable amenity 

values are included economic analyses; and (d) including in every recommendation, report on 

proposals for legislation, or other major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of 

the environment a detailed environmental impact statement (EIS).

National Forest System (NFS): As defined in the Forest Rangeland Renewable Resources 

Planning Act, the National Forest System includes all national forest lands reserved or 

withdrawn from the public domain of the United States, all national forest lands acquired 

through purchase, exchange, donation, or other means; the national grasslands and land 

utilization projects administered under title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tennant Act (50 

Stat. 525, 7 U.S.C. 1010-1012); and other lands, waters, or interests therein which are 

administered by the Forest Service or are designated for administration through the Forest 

Service as a part of the system (36 CFR 212).

National Forest System road: Defined by the Travel Management Rule as a “forest road other 

than a road which has been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a State, 

county, or other local public road authority” (36 CFR 212.1). In addition, a road is defined as 

“a motor vehicle route over 50 inches wide, unless identified and managed as a trail” (36 

CFR 212.1).

National Forest System trail: A forest trail other than a trail which has been authorized by a 

legally documented right-of-way held by a state, county or other local public authority (36 

CFR 212).

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): List of historic resources (districts, sites, 

buildings, structures, objects, etc.) deemed worthy of preservation. This register is maintained 

by the Department of Interior. A number of criteria must be met for a resource to be deemed 

eligible to the NRHP.

Natural resource: A feature of the natural environment that is of value in serving human needs.

Noxious weeds: Aggressive, nonnative plant species that have been introduced. They can be 

difficult to manage, poisonous, toxic, parasitic, or carrier of insects or disease. Examples of 

noxious weeds are scotch broom, yellow star thistle, and cheatgrass.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 511
Glossary of Terms

Off-highway vehicle (OHV): Any motor vehicle designed for or capable of cross country travel 

on or immediately over land, water, sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural 

terrain (36 CFR 212).

OHV recreation: Recreation activities that are conducted, using off-highway vehicles. Activities 

include riding ATVs, hunting, riding motorcycles, driving for pleasure, and rock crawling (36 

CFR 212).

Open to public use: Except during scheduled periods, extreme weather conditions, or 

emergencies, open to the general public for use with a standard passenger auto, without 

restrictive gates or prohibitive signs or regulations, other than for general traffic control or 

restrictions based on size, weight, or class of registration (23 CFR 660.103).

Objective maintenance level: The objective maintenance level may be the same as, or higher or 

lower than, the operational maintenance level. The transition from operational maintenance 

level to objective maintenance level may depend on reconstruction or disinvestment (FSH 

7709.58.12.3.1).

Obliteration: A form of decommissioning that recontours and restores natural slopes.

Operational maintenance level: The operational maintenance level is the maintenance level 

currently assigned to a road considering today's needs, road condition, budget constraints, and 

environmental concerns; in other words, it defines the level to which the road is currently 

being maintained (FSH 7709.58.12.3.1).

Other Power-Driven Mobility Device: Any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other 

engines—whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities--

that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion, including 

golf carts, electronic personal assistance mobility devises (EPAMDs), such as the 

Segway®PT, or any mobility device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian 

routes, but that is not a wheelchair within the meaning of this section. This definition does 

not apply to Federal Wilderness Areas; wheelchairs in such areas are defined in section 

508(c)(2) of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. 12207(c)(2).

Over snow vehicle (OSV): A motor vehicle that is designed for use over snow and that runs on a 

track or tracks and/or a ski or skis, while in use over snow (36 CFR 212).

Patch: An area of vegetation, similar in structure and composition.

Perennial stream: A stream that typically has running water on a year-round basis.

Permit zone: Motorized vehicle users are required to obtain a permit to access the designated 

permit zone area which has locked gates and barriers restricting non-permitted motorized 

access. Cross-country travel is not allowed within the permit zone and vehicles are restricted 

to designated routes.

Pothunting: A form of vandalism against historic and prehistoric resources, where items are 

taken from a site.

Proposed action: A proposal made by the Forest Service to authorize, recommend, or implement 

an action to meet a specific purpose and need.

512 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Glossary of Terms

Protected activity centers (PACs): Designated areas that are afforded protection to specific 

species by restricting certain management activities. For example, Mexican spotted owl PACs 

protect owl habitat and breeding areas by restricting timber harvest.

Public involvement: The use of appropriate procedures to: inform the public, obtain early and 

continuing public participation, and consider the views of interested parties in planning and 

decision-making.

Public land: Land for which title and control rests with a government – Federal, state, regional, 

county, or municipal.

Public road: Roads under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public authority that are open 

to public travel (23 U.S.C 101(a)).

Reasonably foreseeable actions: Those Federal or non-Federal activities not yet undertaken, for 

which there are existing decisions, funding, or identified proposals. Identified proposals for 

Forest Service actions are described in 220.4(a) (1) (36 CFR 220.3).

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS): A land classification system which categorizes 

National Forest land into six classes, each class being defined by its setting and by the 

probable recreation experiences and activities it affords. The six classes in the spectrum are: 

primitive, semi-primitive non-motorized, semi-primitive motorized, roaded natural, rural, and 

urban as defined below from the Forest Plan:

Primitive (P): Area is characterized by essentially unmodified natural environment of fairly 

large size. Interaction between users is very low and evidence of other users is minimal. 

The area is managed to be essentially free from evidence of human-induce restrictions 

and control. Motorized use within the area is not permitted.

Semi-primitive non-motorized (SPNM): Area is characterized by a predominantly natural 

or natural-appearing environment of moderate-to large size. Interaction between users is 

low, but there is often evidence of other users. The area is managed in such a way that 

minimum on-site controls and restriction may be present, but are subtle. Motorized used 

is not permitted.

Semi-primitive motorized (SPM): Area is characterized by a predominantly natural or 

natural-appearing environment of moderate-to large size. Concentration of users is low, 

but there is often evidence of other users. The area is managed in such a way that 

minimum on-site controls and restriction may be present, but are subtle. Motorized used 

is permitted.

Roaded natural (RN): Area is characterized by predominantly natural- appearing 

environments with moderate evidences of sight and sounds of man. Such evidences 

usually harmonize with the natural environment. Interaction between users may be low to 

moderate, but with evidence of other users prevalent. Resource modification and 

utilization practices are evident, but harmonize with the natural environment. 

Conventional motorized use is provided for in construction standards and design of 

facilities.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 513
Glossary of Terms

Rural (R): Area is characterized by substantially modified natural environment. Resource 

modification and utilization practices are to enhance specific recreation activities and to 

maintain vegetative cover and soil. Sight and sounds of humans are readily evident, and 

the interaction between users is often moderate to high. A considerable number of 

facilities are designed for use by a large number of people. Facilities are often provided 

for special activities. Moderate densities are provided for away from developed sites. 

Facilities for intensified motorized use and parking are available.

Urban (U): Area is characterized by a substantially urbanized environment, although the 

background may have natural-appearing elements. Renewable resources modification and 

utilization practices are to enhance specific recreational activities. Vegetative cover is 

often exotic and manicured. Sights and sounds of humans, on-site, are predominant. 

Large numbers of users can be expected, both on-site and in nearby areas. Facilities for 

highly intensified motor use and parking are available, with forms of mass transit often 

available to carry people throughout the site.

Responsible official: The Agency employee who has the authority to make and implement a 

decision on a proposed action (36 CFR 220.3). 

Riparian area: The area along a watercourse or around a lake or pond.

Riparian ecosystem: The ecosystem around or next to water areas that support unique vegetation 

and animal communities as a result of the influence of water.

Road: A motor vehicle route over 50 inches wide, unless identified and managed as a trail (36 

CFR 212). 

Road construction or reconstruction: Supervising, inspecting, actual building, and incurrence 

of all costs incidental to the construction or reconstruction of a road.

Road management objective (RMO): Documentation of the intended purpose of an NFS road 

based on management area direction and access management objectives; enumerating design, 

operation, and maintenance criteria and documenting traffic management strategies for each 

vehicle class and season of use, if applicable, on an NFS road. It also documents forest orders 

and permits associated with the road.

Route: A road or trail.

Scope: The range of actions, alternatives, and impacts to be considered in an environmental 

impact statement (40 CFR 1508.25). 

Scoping: An early and open process for determining the scope of issues to be addressed and for 

identifying the significant issues related to a proposed action (40 CFR 1501.7). 

Sensitive species: Plant or animal species which are susceptible to habitat changes or impacts 

from activities. The official designation is made by the U.S. Forest Service at the regional 

level and is not part of the designation of threatened or endangered species made by the 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Single track trails: Trail tread width is generally from 18 inches to 60 inches. Designated use 

can be for hiker, pedestrian, pack and saddle, bicycle, or motorcycle.

514 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
Glossary of Terms

Snag: A standing dead tree. Snags are important as habitat for a variety of wildlife species and 

their prey.

Species: A class of individuals having common attributes and designated by a common name; a 

category of biological classification ranking immediately below the genus or subgenus; 

comprising related organisms or populations potentially capable of interbreeding.

Standards and guidelines (S&Gs): The primary instructions for land managers. Standards 

address mandatory actions, while guidelines are recommended actions necessary to a land 

management decision.

Suitability: The appropriateness of certain resource management to an area of land. Suitability 

can be determined by environmental and economic analysis of management practices.

Sustainability: The ability of an ecosystem to maintain ecological processes and functions, 

biological diversity, and productivity over time.

Sustainable: The yield of a natural resource that can be produced continually at a given intensity 

of management is said to be sustainable. Recreation activities are sustainable if the human 

activity does not reduce ecologic sustainability.

Taxa: The name applied to any one group or entity in the scientific classification system.

Temporary road of trail: A road or trail necessary for emergency operations or authorized by 

contract, permit, lease, or other written authorization that is not a forest road or trail and that 

is not included in a forest transportation atlas.

Threatened species: Those plant or animal species likely to become endangered throughout all 

or a specific portion of their range within the foreseeable future as designated by the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Traditional cultural property (TCP): Areas which have cultural significance or are sacred to a 

Native American Tribe or group. May include areas used for gathering traditional foodstuffs, 

archaeological sites, or sacred sites or areas.

Trail: A route 50 inches or less in width or a route over 50 inches wide that is identified and 

managed as a trail (36 CFR 212).

Travel management atlas: An atlas that consists of a forest transportation atlas and a motor 

vehicle use map or maps.

Unauthorized road, route, or trail: A road or trail that is not a forest road or trail or a temporary 

road or trail and that is not included in a forest transportation atlas.

Understory: The trees and woody shrubs growing beneath branches and foliage formed 

collectively by the upper portions of adjacent trees.

Utility terrain vehicle (UTV): A type of off-highway vehicle that travels on four or more lowpressure tires, has a steering wheel or tiller, provides side-by-side seating, and is of various 

widths (FSH 2309.18, FSM 2353.05).

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 515
Glossary of Terms

Visual quality: The forest visual resources; terrain, geological features, or vegetation.

Visual resource management: The art and science of planning and administering the use of 

National Forest land in such ways that visual effects maintain or upgrade man’s psychological 

welfare. The planning and design of visual aspects of multiple-use land management (Tonto 

National Forest Plan, p. 234-6).

Watershed: The entire region drained by a waterway, lake, or reservoir. More specifically, a 

watershed is an area of land above a given point on a stream that contributes water to the 

streamflows at that point.

Wetlands: Areas that are inundated by surface or ground water with a frequency sufficient to 

support (and that under normal circumstances do or would support) a prevalence of 

vegetation or aquatic life that requires saturated or seasonally saturated soil conditions for 

growth and reproduction.

Wild and Scenic Rivers: The National Wild and Scenic River System was created by Congress 

in 1968 (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with 

outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the 

enjoyment of present and future generations. Wild river areas are those rivers or sections of 

rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with 

watersheds or shoreline essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges 

of primitive America. Scenic river areas are those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of 

impoundments, with shorelines or watershed still largely primitive and shorelines largely 

undeveloped, but accessible in places by road.

Wilderness: Per the 1964 Wilderness Act, a wilderness is undeveloped Federal land retaining its 

primeval character and influence without permanent improvements or human habitation. No 

motorized activities are permitted within Wilderness. Public Law 98-406 added additional 

Wilderness Areas within the Tonto National Forest to the Wilderness Preservation System in 

Arizona.

Wildland: An area in which development is essentially nonexistent, except for roads, railroads, 

powerlines, and similar transportation facilities.

Xeric: A soil moisture regime common to Mediterranean climates that have moist cool winters 

and warm dry summers. A limited amount of water is present, but does not occur at optimum 

periods for plant growth.

516 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest
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Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 525
Index 

36 CFR 261, 1, 8, 237, 507

Arizona Game and Fish Department, i, 6, 13, 

16, 19, 21, 35, 41, 43, 50, 53, 73, 75, 78, 

82, 83, 185, 187, 188, 189, 215, 216, 218, 

221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 229, 

230, 231, 232, 233, 236, 241, 243, 497, 

519, 522, 524

Bartlett Lake, 37, 63, 113, 159, 160, 199, 

201, 211, 213, 221, 228, 238, 239, 242

Bulldog Canyon Permit Zone, 14, 48, 157, 

161, 227, 245, 480, 482

Cave Creek, iii, 1, 3, 16, 17, 23, 27, 29, 37, 

39, 61, 74, 83, 85, 86, 91, 100, 101, 107, 

114, 120, 121, 127, 146, 157, 159, 160, 

194, 205, 207, 223, 226, 229, 230, 231, 

235, 238, 240, 242, 243, 463, 465, 467, 

470, 471, 473, 476, 477, 479, 480

cross-country travel, iii, iv, 1, 7, 8, 10, 14, 

15, 16, 17, 21, 23, 27, 57, 64, 66, 67, 71, 

72, 75, 78, 80, 83, 84, 85, 86, 100, 101, 

107, 108, 113, 114, 120, 121, 122, 127, 

129, 135, 144, 146, 148, 149, 151, 152, 

154, 161, 162, 184, 185, 190, 193, 195, 

196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 

204, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 

213, 214, 223, 225, 226, 228, 230, 233, 

234, 238, 240, 242, 243, 244, 245, 464, 

467, 469, 479, 480, 482, 483, 494

EO 11644 and EO 11989. See

Executive Order (EO) 11644 and EO 1198, 2

Forest Plan, i, iii, 1, 6, 8, 9, 16, 23, 28, 35, 

47, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 64, 71, 74, 86, 

89, 95, 96, 105, 111, 118, 150, 152, 153, 

154, 156, 453, 480, 511, 515, 518, 525, 

526, 529, 530

Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth, 6

Globe, iii, 1, 3, 16, 23, 25, 37, 83, 85, 86, 91, 

100, 101, 107, 113, 114, 120, 121, 127, 

146, 157, 159, 160, 177, 185, 191, 194, 

205, 207, 223, 226, 230, 235, 242, 463, 

465, 467, 470, 474, 476

Mesa, iii, 1, 3, 16, 23, 25, 27, 29, 37, 39, 48, 

75, 83, 85, 86, 91, 99, 100, 101, 104, 107, 

110, 113, 114, 117, 120, 121, 127, 145, 

146, 148, 157, 159, 160, 161, 191, 194, 

205, 207, 223, 226, 227, 230, 235, 236, 

238, 240, 242, 463, 465, 467, 470, 474, 

476, 477, 479, 480, 497

National Environmental Policy Act, ii, 1, 15, 

57, 71, 206, 513

NEPA, ii, 1, 2, 3, 9, 11, 15, 60, 71, 72, 73, 74, 

209, 488, 492, 499, 508, 509, 513, 525

Payson, 1, 2, 3, 9, 16, 21, 23, 25, 61, 62, 63, 

64, 67, 83, 85, 86, 91, 100, 101, 107, 108, 

114, 120, 121, 122, 127, 129, 135, 140, 

144, 146, 157, 185, 186, 194, 196, 205, 

207, 208, 238, 240, 453, 463, 465, 467, 

469, 470, 474, 476, 479, 480, 487, 488, 

494

Pleasant Valley, 1, 2, 3, 9, 16, 21, 23, 25, 63, 

64, 67, 83, 85, 86, 100, 101, 107, 108, 

114, 120, 121, 122, 127, 129, 135, 140, 

144, 146, 157, 185, 186, 194, 196, 205, 

207, 208, 238, 240, 463, 465, 467, 469, 

470, 474, 476, 479, 480, 494

Roosevelt Lake, 37, 61, 63, 113, 154, 159, 

160, 199, 201, 211, 213, 221, 228, 238, 

239, 242, 456, 458, 469

Sycamore, 29, 37, 39, 63, 100, 107, 113, 

151, 159, 160, 199, 201, 211, 213, 227, 

240, 241, 242, 459, 469, 472, 477, 479, 

482, 524

Tonto Basin, iii, 1, 3, 16, 23, 25, 37, 83, 86, 

101, 107, 114, 120, 121, 127, 146, 157, 

159, 160, 185, 194, 207, 223, 226, 230, 

235, 242, 451, 463, 465, 467, 470, 474, 

476, 480

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 526
Appendix A: Proposed Changes to the Forest 

Plan

In order to comply with the Travel Management Rule, Tonto National Forest Plan would need to 

be amended to state “Motor vehicle use off the designated system of roads is prohibited, except as 

identified on the Motor Vehicle Use Map128.” Specific changes to the Plan are listed in Table 81. 

Table 81: Specific Changes to the Tonto National Forest Plan Related to ORV and Cross 

Country Use

Section Page Text to be Removed

Public Issues and Management 

Concerns 

13 The section under Fifth Period that refers to areas and miles of

road available for ORV use, as well as how the ORV policy will 

be implemented. 

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Forest Areas

38 Annually review and review off-road vehicle (ORV) maps. 

Inform the public to ensure maximum volunteer compliance of 

motor vehicle restrictions.

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Management 

Areas

48 Maintain all trails with numbers from 500 to 999 to maintenance 

level 1 (except those which are to be closed or are under permit) 

after all other trails have been maintained to their called-for 

maintenance level. 

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Analysis 

Areas in Management Area 1D

60 Area is closed to off-road vehicle use, unless posted as open.

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to Analysis Areas

3100, 3200, 3201, and 3600 in 

Management Area 1E

62 ORV use prohibited, unless posted as open.

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Analysis 

Areas in Management Area 1F

Replacement

Page 67

ORV use prohibited, unless posted as open.

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Management 

Areas in 2D

Replacement

Page 82

ORV use prohibited, unless posted as open.

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Analysis 

Areas in Management Area 2F

86 ORV use prohibited, unless posted as open.

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Analysis 

Areas in Management Area 3F

105 ORV use prohibited, unless posted as open.

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Analysis 

Areas in Management Area 4D

Replacement

Page 129

ORV use allowed (except as noted above), unless posted as

closed. 

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Analysis 

Areas in Management Area 4F

Replacement

Page 140

ORV use prohibited unless posted as open.

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Analysis 

Areas in Management Area 5D

Replacement

Page 153

ORV use allowed, unless posted as closed.

128 This change would be necessary regardless of which action alternative is selected.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 527
Appendix A: Proposed Changes to the Forest Plan

Section Page Text to be Removed

Management Prescriptions

Applicable to Analysis Areas

5506, 5512, 5530, 5536, 5542 

in Management Area 5D

Replacement

Page 159

Do not exceed more than seven (7) miles of arterial and collector

roads in each 5,000 acre management unit. Additional local or

feeder roads necessary for timber harvest will be closed, 

waterbarred, and blocked with logging slash, when no longer

required for post-sale activities

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Management 

Areas in 5G

Replacement

Page 165

ORV use prohibited, unless posted as closed.

Management Prescriptions

Applicable to Analysis Areas

3100, 3200, 3201, and 3600 in

Management Area 6F

Replacement

Page 180

ORV use prohibited, unless posted as open.

Management Prescriptions 

Applicable to All Analysis 

Areas in Management Area 6J

Replacement

Page 194

ORV use prohibited, unless posted as open.

Table 82 shows the specific changes to the Tonto National Forest Plan relating to the Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum (ROS)—P is short for primitive, SPNM for semi primitive nonmotorized, 

SPM for semi primitive motorized, RN for roaded natural, R for rural, and U short for Urban129.

Table 82: Specific Changes to the Tonto National Forest Plan Related to Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum

Mngt. 

Area

Forest 

Plan

ROS 

Page

Current 

ROS Text

Proposed Amendment Language

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D

1A; 1B; 1C; 

1D

N/A* ----- ----- ----- -----

1E 62 P: 2%

SP[NM]: 4%

SPM: 70%

RN: 24%

P: 0.92%

SPNM:55.63%

SPM: 12.26%

RN: 31.19%

SPNM: 

37.36%

SPM: 30.09%

RN: 32.56%

SPNM: 

27.19%

SPM: 40.64%

RN: 32.18%

1F 67 P: 4%

SP[NM]: 40%

SPM: 38%

RN: 18%

P: 3.54%

SPNM: 

55.73%

SPM: 31.62%

RN: 9.10%

P: 0.63%

SPNM: 

44.44%

SPM: 42.66%

RN: 12.27%

P: 0.06%

SPNM: 

37.32%

SPM: 49.25%

RN: 13.38%

1G 37† N/A SPNM: 

26.69%

RN: 73.31%

SPNM: 0.06%

SPM: 26.63%

RN: 73.31%

SPNM: 0.06%

SPM: 41.91%

RN: 58.03%

2A; 2B N/A ----- ----- ----- -----

2C 79 P: 2%

SP[NM]: 98%

SPNM: 100% SPNM: 

94.75%

SPM: 5.25%

SPNM: 

57.90%

SPM: 42.10%

129 For more information about the ROS classification system, see the Recreation Resources section of Chapter 3 of this 

document.

528 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest

 
Appendix A: Proposed Changes to the Forest Plan

Mngt. 

Area

Forest 

Plan

ROS 

Page

Current 

ROS Text

Proposed Amendment Language

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D 

2D 82 SP[NM]: 2%

SPM: 58%

RN: 40%

SPNM: 

56.22% 

SPM: 6.29%

RN: 37.48%

SPNM: 

32.73% 

SPM: 25.52%

RN: 71.75%

SPNM: 

21.39% 

SPM: 36.64%

RN: 41.97%

2E 84 SPM: 100% SPNM: 

83.71% 

SPM: 9.47%

RN: 6.82%

SPNM: 

83.71% 

SPM: 9.47%

RN: 6.82% 

SPNM: 

71.67% 

SPM: 21.53%

RN: 6.80%

2F 86 SP[NM]: 35%

SPM: 39%

RN: 24%

R:1% 

U:1%

P: 0.02%

SPNM: 

40.65% 

SPM: 34.93%

RN: 19.59%

R: 1.59%

U: 3.21%

SPNM: 

34.78% 

SPM: 41.15%

RN: 19.27%

R: 1.59%

U: 3.21%

SPNM: 

19.58% 

SPM: 57.73%

RN: 17.89%

R: 1.59%

U: 3.21% 

3A; 3B; 3C; 

3D

N/A ----- ----- ----- -----

3E 103 SP[NM]: 100% SPM: 91.26%

RN: 8.74%

SPM: 91.26%

RN: 8.74%

SPM: 91.26%

RN: 8.74%

3F 105 SP[NM]: 24%

SPM: 21%

RN: 55%

P: 0.03%

SPNM: 

32.64% 

SPM: 5.27%

RN: 60.92%

R: 1.13%

SPNM: 

30.84% 

SPM: 6.34%

RN: 61.69% 

R: 1.13%

SPNM: 

25.73% 

SPM: 7.85%

RN: 65.28%

R: 1.13%

3H 110 SP[NM]: 100% SPNM: 

39.20% 

RN: 60.80%

SPNM: 

39.20% 

RN: 60.80%

SPNM: 

33.94% 

RN: 66.06%

3I 113 P: 1%

SP[NM]: 42%

SPM: 36%

RN: 21%

P: 0.84%

SPNM: 

53.91% 

SPM: 25.51%

RN: 19.74%

P: 0.41%

SPNM: 

35.99% 

SPM: 41.70%

RN: 21.90%

P: 0.32%

SPNM: 

27.67% 

SPM: 46.50%

RN: 25.50%

3J; 4A; 4B; 

4C

N/A ----- ----- ----- -----

4D 129 SP[NM]: 1%

SPM: 55%

RN: 38%

R: 2%

U: 4%

P: 2.69%

SPNM: 

31.89% 

SPM: 37.12%

RN: 18.05%

R: 4.22%

U: 6.02%

P: 2.69%

SPNM: 

21.63% 

SPM: 32.43% 

RN: 33.19%

R: 4.22%

U: 5.83%

SPNM: 

18.45% 

SPM: 32.41%

RN: 39.09%

R: 4.22%

U: 5.83%

4E 137 SP[NM]: 100% SPNM: 100% SPNM: 100% SPNM: 100%

4F 140 SP[NM]: 24%

SPM: 46%

RN: 26%

R: 2%

U: 2%

P: 2.64%

SPNM: 

23.70% 

SPM: 50.09%

RN: 14.57%

R: 4.25%

U: 4.75%

P: 1.27%

SPNM: 

12.20% 

SPM: 60.82%

RN: 17.89%

R: 3.05%

U: 4.77%

P: 0.07%

SPNM: 5.91%

SPM: 64.21%

RN: 20.79%

R: 3.05%

U: 4.77%

5A; 5B; 5C N/A ----- ----- ----- -----

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest 529
Appendix A: Proposed Changes to the Forest Plan

Mngt. 

Area

Forest 

Plan

ROS 

Page

Current 

ROS Text

Proposed Amendment Language

Alternative 

B

Alternative 

C

Alternative 

D 

5D 153 SP[NM]: 23%

SPM: 40%

RN: 36%

U: 1%

P: 0.38%

SPNM: 

37.44% 

SPM: 39.56%

RN: 22.03%

R: 0.59%

SPNM: 7.62%

SPM: 62.40%

RN: 29.39%

R: 0.59%

SPNM: 1.74%

SPM: 71.45%

RN: 26.22%

R: 0.59%

5E 161 SP[NM]: 27%

SPM: 32%

RN: 41%

SPNM: 

32.41% 

SPM: 5.27%

RN: 62.31%

SPNM: 

19.89% 

SPM: 27.43%

RN: 52.68%

SPNM: 

10.17% 

SPM: 57.42%

RN: 32.41%

5F 163 SPM: 100% SPNM: 

81.79% 

RN: 18.21%

SPNM: 

81.79% 

RN: 18.21%

SPNM: 

72.72% 

SPM: 9.07%

RN: 18.21%

5G 165 SP[NM]: 41%

SPM: 46%

RN: 12%

U: 1%

P: 1.64%

SPNM: 

39.74% 

SPM: 43.14%

RN: 12.87%

R: 2.60%

P: 0.03%

SPNM: 

21.41% 

SPM: 62.59%

RN: 13.38%

R: 2.60%

P: 0.03%

SPNM: 

16.47% 

SPM: 75.72%

RN: 5.19%

R: 2.60%

6A; 6B N/A ----- ----- ----- -----

6C 175 SP[NM]: 63%

SPM: 37%

P: 1.01%

SPNM: 

64.03% 

SPM: 25.41%

RN: 9.55%

SPNM: 

59.76% 

SPM: 26.18%

RN: 14.07%

SPNM: 

49.67% 

SPM: 39.57%

RN: 10.77%

6D 177 SP[NM]: 80%

SPM: 20%

P: 71.31%

SPNM: 

28.69% 

P: 71.31%

SPNM: 

28.69% 

P: 71.31%

SPNM: 

28.69% 

6E 178 SP[NM]: 80%

SPM: 20%

SPNM: 

49.79% 

SPM: 26.59%

R: 23.62%

SPNM: 

76.38% 

R: 23.62%

SPNM: 

46.47% 

SPM: 25.18%

R: 28.34%

6F 180 SP[NM]: 1%

SPM: 14%

RN: 84%

R: 1%

P: 1.46%

SPNM: 8.82%

SPM: 0.38%

RN: 88.20%

R: 1.14%

P: 0.80%

SPNM: 9.48%

SPM: 0.38%

RN: 88.20%

R: 1.14%

P: 0.76%

SPNM: 8.60%

SPM: 0.45%

RN: 89.04%

R: 1.14%

6G; 6H; 6I N/A ----- ----- ----- -----

6J 194 SP[NM]: 37%

SPM: 33%

RN: 27%

R: 3%

SPNM: 

34.50% 

SPM: 44.14%

RN: 18.08%

R: 3.28%

SPNM: 

25.90% 

SPM: 46.40%

RN: 24.42%

R: 3.28%

SPNM: 

20.42% 

SPM: 51.39%

RN: 24.90%

R: 3.29%

6K N/A ----- ----- ----- -----

†

Acreage for this area included Management Areas 1E and 1F.

530 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Travel Management on the Tonto National Forest