4.4-1 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

4.4 UPLAND VEGETATION AND TIMBER 

4.4.1 Vegetation 

The proposed Project lies within four ecoregions: 1) the Coastal Range that consists mainly of 

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) plantations; 2) the Klamath Mountains which support a 

mosaic of northern California and Pacific Northwest conifers and hardwoods characteristic of 

areas with lengthy summer droughts; 3) the Cascades, which have a moist, temperate climate and 

contain an extensive and highly productive coniferous forest; and 4) the Eastern Cascades Slopes 

and Foothills that supports shrub/grassland areas, and open forests of ponderosa pine (Pinus 

ponderosa) and some shore pine (Pinus contorta) that are adapted to the prevailing dry, 

continental climate and frequent fires (Bryce et al. 2003). Each ecoregion within Oregon has 

been divided into sub-ecoregions. 

Within the Coast Range ecoregion there are three sub-ecoregions, the Coastal Lowlands, Coastal 

Uplands, and Mid-Coastal Sedimentary sub-ecoregions (Bryce et al. 2003). The Coastal 

Lowlands sub-ecoregion consists of beaches, dunes, and marine terraces (<400 feet) with wet 

forests, lakes, estuarine marshes, and tannic streams. Within this sub-ecoregion, many wetlands 

have been drained and converted to pastures. Residential, commercial, and recreational 

developments are currently expanding within this sub-ecoregion. The Coastal Uplands subecoregion consists of headlands and low mountains. The Mid-Coastal Sedimentary subecoregion consists of Douglas-fir forests, which lie outside the coastal fog zone and are 

intensively managed for logging. Because this area is typically underlain by sandstone and 

siltstone, slope stability and streams are susceptible when disturbed. 

Within the Klamath Mountains ecoregion there are three sub-ecoregions, the Umpqua Interior 

Foothills, Inland Siskiyous, and Oak Savanna Foothills sub-ecoregions (Bryce et al. 2003). The 

Umpqua Interior Foothills sub-ecoregion consists of a complex of foothills and narrow valleys 

containing fluvial terraces, floodplains, and a xeric moisture regime. Dominant species present 

include Oregon white oak woodland, Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, madrone (Arbutus menziesii), 

and an understory chaparral community, intermixed with pastureland, vineyards, orchards, and 

row crops. Within the Inland Siskiyous sub-ecoregion, forest cover is diverse, with a multilayered mix of conifers, broadleaf evergreens, and deciduous trees. This area experiences a 

higher fire frequency with less annual precipitation and longer summer droughts than the Coastal 

areas. It is more mountainous and at higher elevations than neighboring ecoregions. The Oak 

Savanna Foothills has two distinct components: 1) the driest area east of Medford that is 

dominated by oak woodlands, grassland-savanna, ponderosa pine, and Douglas-fir; and 2) the 

wetter foothills in the Illinois Valley that support Douglas-fir, Pacific madrone, and incense 

cedar (Libocedrus decurrens). 

Only one sub-ecoregion (Southern Cascades) is crossed by the proposed Project within the 

Cascades ecoregion (Bryce et al. 2003). Tree species present within the Southern Cascades subecoregion are western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), western red cedar (Thuja plicata), and 

Sierra Nevada species, such as incense cedar, white fir (Abies concolor), and Shasta red fir 

(Abies magnifica var. shastensis) that can tolerate prolonged summer drought. The Southern 

Cascades are low in elevation and lack steep slopes, therefore river and stream discharge is low. 
4.4-2 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

Within the Eastern Cascades Slopes and Foothills ecoregion there are three sub-ecoregions, the 

Southern Cascade Slope, Klamath/Goose Lake Basins, and Klamath Juniper Woodland 

sub-ecoregions (Bryce et al. 2003). The Southern Cascade Slope sub-ecoregion is considered a 

transition zone between the Cascades and the drier Eastern Cascades, this sub-ecoregion has a 

mix of forest types, including ponderosa pine Woodlands, white fir, incense cedar, Shasta red fir, 

and Douglas-fir (at higher elevations). Historically, the Klamath/Goose Lake Basins consists of 

a variety of wildrye, bluegrass, and wheatgrass species; however, most of the wet meadows and 

wetlands have been drained and converted for agriculture. This sub-ecoregion consists of river 

floodplains, terraces, and lake basins. The Klamath Juniper Woodland is composed of hills, 

benches, and escarpments that are covered with a mosaic of rangeland and woodland, providing 

important habitat for wildlife. Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) grows on shallow, rocky 

soils with an understory of low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), big sagebrush (Artemisia 

tridentate), bitterbrush (Purshia tridentate), and bunchgrasses. Other shrubland/grasslands 

include species uncommon in eastern Oregon, such as woolly wyethia (Wyethia mollis), Klamath 

plum (Prunus subcordata), and birchleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus var. 

glaber). 

Table 4.4.1-1 lists the total proposed Project related impacts to various vegetation types. These 

impacts are discussed in more detail, and are broken down by Project component, within the 

“impact and mitigation” sections below. 

TABLE 4.4.1-1. 

General Vegetation Types Affected by the Proposed Project (acres)

Vegetation Type 

Forest/Woodland 

Grasslands & 

Shrublands Riparian Agriculture Developed Barren/Disturbed 

Construction 

LNG 68.7 77.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 38.9 

Pipeline 3,034.8 487.8 131.0 622.5 267.9 236.1 

Operation 

LNG 68.7 77.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 36.0 

Pipeline 546.3 90.7 26.2 123.5 8.5 43.5 

Refer to tables 4.4.1.2-2, 4.4.1.3-3, and 4.4.1.3-4 for more detail. 

4.4.1.1 Waterway for LNG Marine Traffic 

Existing Vegetation Resources 

With the exception of wetlands (discussed in section 4.3.3) and the vegetation occurring at the 

LNG import terminal (discussed below), vegetation occurring along the LNG carrier transit route 

within the Zones of Concern have not been surveyed extensively; however, vegetative 

communities within this area would likely be typical of the Coos Bay region. Figure 4.4-1 

depicts the vegetation found within the Zones of Concern. Vegetated areas within the Zones of 

Concern consist of forest, woodland, shrubland, and herbaceous plant associations with a 

component of wetland areas (salt and freshwater marshes, see section 4.3.3). The most 

prominent vegetation within this area 
4.4-3 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

Figure 4.4-1. Vegetation Along the Waterway 
4.4-4 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

includes a mix of herbaceous sand dunes, shore pine forest association, Sitka spruce forest 

association, Port-Oxford Cedar forest association, salt marsh, and freshwater marshes. The 

eastern side of the bay is urbanized, and native vegetation has been modified by residential and 

commercial developments. 

Forested Associations 

Forest associations are defined as areas where tree species comprise at least 60 percent of the 

vegetation cover. Several forest associations have been classified within the area. Collectively, 

the forest associations are referred to as dune forests. The dune forests are further classified into 

associations based on the presence of dominant species. These various classifications of dune 

forest associations are discussed below in detail. Species composition is fairly consistent 

throughout the forest associations and varies only in species abundance, except for stands that 

are solely dominated by shore pine and lack a co-dominant. Species diversity is reduced in those 

stands and mature trees consist entirely of shore pine. 

Shore pine/Scotch Broom/European Beachgrass Forest Association 

The shore pine/scotch broom/European beachgrass forest association is relatively widespread 

throughout the study area. This vegetation type is dominated by shore pine with scattered 

Douglas-fir. The shrub layer within younger forest stands is dominated by scotch broom 

(Cytisus scoparius) and coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis) with a subcomponent of hairy 

manzanita (Arctostaphylos columbiana). The herbaceous layer varies from depauperate, where 

there is a substantial cover of scotch broom, to moderately vegetated in areas that lack dense 

shrub cover. Dominant herbaceous species include European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria), 

silver hairgrass (Aira caryophyllea), little hairgrass (Aira praecox), hairy cat’s ear (Hypochaeris 

radicata), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), and sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella). Moss cover 

within the understory of the shore pine/Scotch broom/European beachgrass forest varies from 

low to moderate, depending on the overstory cover. Christy et al. (1998) reports this association 

as occurring on dry sand, on all aspects and slopes, between deflation plains, and along forest 

edges. This association is early to mid-seral and is typically the first forest association to 

develop in and replace European beachgrass dominated areas (Christy et al. 1998). With the 

exception of shore pine and some herbaceous species, this association is dominated by weedy, 

non-native species. 

Shore pine-Sitka Spruce/Evergreen Huckleberry Association 

The shore pine-Sitka spruce/evergreen huckleberry association is widespread throughout the area 

and occurs on a variety of slopes and aspects. The overstory within this association is dominated 

by shore pine and Sitka spruce, with scattered Douglas-fir. Madrone is not abundant in this 

association, but is found scattered along dune ridges. Western hemlock is only present in 

troughs that are sheltered from salt spray. Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), salal 

(Gaultheria shallon), and wax myrtle (Myrica californica) are dominant shrubs, with a lesser 

component of Pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum). Herbaceous species are 

lacking for the most part, but often include candy-stick (Allotropa virgata), rattlesnake plantain 

(Goodyera oblongifolia), and bracken fern along edges or gaps in the overstory. Moss cover is 

moderately abundant within this association. This association is common on dry stabilized 

dunes, tree islands, and deflation plains (Christy et al. 1998). The shore pine-Sitka 

spruce/evergreen huckleberry association is mid-seral and successionally replaces the shore 

pine/Scotch broom/European beachgrass forest (Christy et al. 1998). 
4.4-5 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

Shore Pine-Douglas-fir/Wax Myrtle-Evergreen Huckleberry Forest Association 

The shore pine-Douglas-fir/wax myrtle-evergreen huckleberry forest association occurs 

throughout the area on a variety of slopes and aspects, but particularly on stabilized dunes. The 

shore pine-Douglas-fir association is differentiated from the shore pine-Sitka spruce association 

by the presence of western hemlock, which is more widespread in the shore pine-Douglasfir/wax myrtle-evergreen huckleberry association. Pacific rhododendron is also more 

widespread in the shore pine-Douglas-fir association compared to the shore pine-Sitka 

spruce/evergreen huckleberry. The dense to nearly impenetrable shrub layer appears equally 

dominated by evergreen huckleberry, salal, Pacific rhododendron, and wax myrtle when 

compared to the shore pine-Sitka spruce/evergreen huckleberry. 

Port-Orford-Cedar/Evergreen Huckleberry Forest Association 

The Port-Orford cedar/evergreen huckleberry forest association is unique and occurs in all 

aspects and slopes on narrow, dry stabilized dune ridges, troughs, and seasonally dry deflations 

basins at the southern end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This forest 

association is unique because it is being decimated throughout its limited range by the PortOrford cedar root rot disease which is caused by the fungal root rot Phytopthora lateralis 

(Christy et al. 1998). Port-Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), Sitka spruce, and 

Douglas-fir dominate the overstory with scattered western hemlock. 

Shore pine/Slough Sedge Seasonally Flooded Forest Association 

The shore pine/slough sedge seasonally flooded forest association occurs on deflation plains. 

The overstory within this forest association consists entirely of shore pine. Herbaceous coverage 

varies from moderately open to dense and consists almost entirely of slough sedge, with 

scattered hairy cat’s ear and non-native grass species. 

Woodland Associations

Woodland associations are defined as open stands with tree cover varying from 25 percent to 60 

percent. They occur on all aspects of dry, well-drained, partially stabilized dune ridges, slopes, 

and flats between the sand and the forest edge (Christy et al. 1998). 

Shore Pine/Bearberry Woodland Association 

The shore pine/bearberry woodland association’s overstory consists entirely of shore pine. The 

shrub layer is dominated by the low growing shrub bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) with 

hairy manzanita in scattered patches. The understory is comprised almost entirely of moss and 

lichen species expect for scattered little hairgrass, hairy cat’s ear, and shrub starts. This 

association is unique due to its limited distribution, which is restricted to a thin band adjacent to 

the coastline, and the fact that it is easily damaged by human disturbances. 

Shore Pine/Hairy Manzanita Woodland Association 

The shore pine/hairy manzanita woodland association’s overstory is moderately open and is 

dominated by shore pine with scattered Douglas-fir trees. The shrub layer varies from 

moderately dense to dense in areas where the canopy is patchy. Hairy manzanita is the dominant 

shrub species with scattered evergreen huckleberry and bearberry along edges. The herbaceous 

layer varies from depauperate to moderately covered, with nonvascular plants and non-native 

herbs. The shore pine/hairy manzanita association successionally replaces the shore 

pine/bearberry association. 
4.4-6 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

Shrubland Associations

Shrubland associations consist of at least 25 percent shrub cover. Density and distribution of 

shrubland is correlated to hydrology and topography. Minor variation affects the distribution of 

herbaceous and shrub species. The lowest-lying areas are frequently inundated and may be 

dominated with emergent hydrophytes. The overstory within the shrubland varies from patchy to 

dense and is dominated by Hooker’s and Sitka willow (Salix hookeriana and S. sitchensis) and 

Douglas spiraea (Spiraea douglasii). There are few trees, consisting mostly of scattered shore 

pine and Sitka spruce. Slough sedge (Carex obnupta) is the most abundant herbaceous species; 

other species include rushes (Juncus spp.), bent-grasses (Agrostis spp.), reed canary grass 

(Phalaris arundinacea), northern willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum), tall mannagrass (Glyceria 

elata), and lowland cudweed (Gnaphalium palustre). 

Herbaceous Associations

Herbaceous associations and sand dunes are defined as communities with less than 25 percent 

shrub cover. Sand dune areas are scattered throughout the area and are composed almost entirely 

of herbaceous species because shrubs and trees cannot tolerate the degree of sand movement that 

occurs within this association. They include plants that are adapted for sand burial and 

desiccating winds. 

European Beachgrass Herbaceous Association 

European beachgrass is always the dominant species with scattered silver hairgrass, little 

hairgrass, and yellow sand verbena (Abronia latifolia). Lesser amounts of other species occur, 

particularly in areas that are not densely covered with European beachgrass and may be 

intergrading with the red fescue association or are relics of the native American dunegrass 

association. Other species include silver burweed (Ambrosia chamissonis), sand pea (Lathyrus 

japonicus), seashore lupine (Lupinus littoralis), beach silvertop (Glehnia littoralis), and beach 

evening primrose (Camissonia cheiranthifolia). Shrubs, such as, scotch broom and tree lupine 

(Lupinus arboreus) can be found in areas were sand movement is less active, particularly areas 

that are sheltered from winter winds and appear to be succeeding to other vegetation 

associations. 

Red fescue Herbaceous Association 

The red fescue herbaceous association is generally located within sandy areas that are not 

dominated by European beachgrass and have limited sand movement. Red fescue (Festuca 

rubra) is the dominant grass; associate species are similar to the species found in the European 

beachgrass association, but also include bracken fern. European beachgrass is scattered in this 

association, but is not a dominant species because sand is partially stable. 

American Dunegrass Herbaceous Association 

The American dunegrass herbaceous association is widespread on upper beaches and foredunes 

prior to the introduction and establishment of European beachgrass. This association is 

comprised entirely of herbaceous plants and may contain a high percentage of bare ground. 

Along with American dunegrass (Leymus mollis) other species include seashore bluegrass (Poa 

macrantha), beach morning glory (Calystegia soldanella), beach silvertop, silver burweed, sea 

rocket (Cakile spp.), yellow sand verbena, beach evening primrose, seashore lupine, and sand 

pea. 
4.4-7 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

Wetlands and Semi-permanently Flooded Areas 

Semi-permanently flooded areas include floating water-pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides), 

yellow pond lily (Nuphar lutea ssp. polysepala), floating-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton

natans), parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), water shield (Brasenia schreberi), and 

common bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza) and are described in more detail in section 4.3.3. 

Vegetative Communities of Special Concern or Value

Both the Port-Orford cedar/evergreen huckleberry forest association and the Shore 

pine/bearberry woodland association are sensitive vegetation communities. As discussed above, 

the Port-Orford cedar/evergreen huckleberry forest association is sensitive because it is being 

decimated throughout its limited range by the Port-Orford cedar root rot disease. The Shore 

pine/bearberry woodland association is sensitive due to its limited distribution, which is 

restricted to a thin band adjacent to the coastline, and the fact that it is easily damaged by human 

disturbances. 

Vegetative Species of Special Concern or Value

Western lily (Lilium occidentale) (federal and state endangered species) occurs within four miles 

of the coast, generally on marine terraces below 300 feet above MSL (CNDDB 2005). Habitats 

in which this species are associated include coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie, and openings in 

coastal coniferous forest (Sitka spruce dominated) including freshwater marshes and swamps 

(CNDDB 2005). Western lily has been documented within the area overlapped by the Zones of 

Concern (ORNHIC 2005) and suitable habitat is located within the terrestrial area along the 

shores of the waterway. Species of Special Concern are discussed in detail within section 4.6. 

Impacts and Mitigation 

Vegetative communities located near the navigation channel have some potential to be affected 

by increased wave action from LNG carriers. Ship wakes breaking along the shoreline could 

cause increased erosion, resulting in damage or loss to shoreline vegetation. To estimate the 

effects of prop wash and waves from LNG carriers in Coos Bay, Jordan Cove developed a model 

to simulate the effects of waves from a vessel traveling a maximum of 6 knots (6.9 miles/hour). 

The model considered waves generated at seven locations between the mouth and docking 

location of an LNG carrier (Moffatt and Nichol 2008). They found that the maximum wave 

height generated would be about 1.1 foot. This wave size, while still uncommon, currently 

occurs within Coos Bay, based on wind-generated waves. Waves of this size occur within the 

bay during about 2 percent of the year. Overall, among the seven points modeled, the waves 

generated would equal from 0.0 to 3.1 percent of the annual wave energy at these seven 

locations. The model assumed about 200 vessel transits per year (combined inbound and 

outbound; about 160 combined vessel transits are proposed) of a 934-foot-long vessel traveling 

at about 6 knots, which is the upper range of speed that may occur during transport within the 

Coos Bay navigation channel. Some additional shore sediment movement may occur from these 

waves, but overall effects would be small because they would infrequently occur, they would 

contribute a very small portion of total annual wave energy, and they would be within the normal 

magnitude of waves that naturally occur within the bay. The outer mile of the entrance where 

the vessels would be traveling 8 to 10 knots may have higher vessel-generated waves due to the 

greater speeds; but this area is already less protected from naturally occurring ocean-generated 

waves and likely has higher background naturally generated waves than the regions farther into 
4.4-8 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

the bay. Also, the wave analysis did not include effects of ocean-generated waves, which would 

be more substantial near the bay entrance (Moffatt and Nichol 2008), so relative change from 

background near the entrance, even with the higher speeds, may not be substantial. (See sections 

4.2 and 4.5 for more discussion of soil erosion and wave modeling.) 

During transit to the LNG terminal, the potential exists for an accidental or intentional breach of 

an LNG carrier resulting in a release of LNG, which would form a vapor cloud as it disperses. If 

the LNG vapor cloud were to ignite adjacent to the shoreline, then vegetation along the Coos 

Bay navigation channel could be damaged. Impacts would be greatest within Zone of Concern 1 

and lessen through Zone 3. Given the relatively high precipitation in the region, large forest fires 

in the area are infrequent, but they can be severe when they do occur. The intensity and extent of 

a potential forest fire caused by an LNG pool fire would be highly dependent on a number of 

variables including available fuel (e.g., woody material), moisture and temperature, fuel 

composition, wind, and topography. As discussed in section 4.12, the risk of an accidental or 

intentional release of LNG during transit of the LNG carriers is extremely low and can be 

managed by implementing the recommendations in the Coast Guard's WSR (Appendix B). 

Therefore, there should not be significant impacts on shoreline vegetation within the Zones of 

Concern resulting from LNG marine traffic in the waterway to the proposed Jordan Cove LNG 

terminal. 

4.4.1.2 Jordan Cove LNG Import Terminal 

Existing Vegetation Resources 

The vegetation associations within the LNG terminal area are shown in figure 4.4-2. Vegetation 

within the proposed LNG terminal parcel includes forest, woodland, shrubland, and herbaceous 

plant associations as described in Christy et al. 1998, and disturbed areas resulting from the 

placement of fill from historical dredging operations. It is typical of the North Spit of Coos Bay. 

The forest and woodland areas cover approximately 60 percent of the proposed site 

(approximately 80 acres). There are approximately 1.4 acres of shrubland association vegetation 

and 35.3 acres of herbaceous association vegetation within the LNG terminal tract. Site specific 

information relevant to vegetation associations at the LNG terminal are discussed below. 

Forested Associations 

Forests on the LNG terminal site are dominated by coniferous species with scattered hardwoods, 

generally along ridges and toe slopes. Forests vary in age and seral stages. The youngest forests 

are generally located along the perimeter of the developed portions of the site and adjacent to the 

Trans-Pacific Highway to the north. These young forests are associated with anthropogenic 

disturbance. More successionally mature forests are located in the interior portions of the site on 

stabilized dune ridges, troughs, and dry deflation basins. Several forest associations have been 

identified in the study area. These various classifications of forest associations are discussed 

above in the Waterway for LNG Marine Traffic section. Collectively, the forest associations are 

referred to as dune forests and have been grouped into three areas with the LNG site, referred to 

as Dune Forest A, B, and C, as depicted in figure 4.4-2. 
4.4-9 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

Figure 4.4-2 Construction Impact to Vegetation Habitat 
4.4-10 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

Shore Pine/Scotch Broom/European Beachgrass Forest Association 

This association is widespread in the eastern portion of the study area, particularly along the 

southern edge of Dune Forest A. This association is also prevalent throughout the trails located 

in Dune Forest B and along the southern and eastern edges of the Dune Forest, as well as other 

areas scattered throughout the site that have some active sand movement and anthropogenic 

disturbance. Due to the dynamic nature of this coastal habitat and long history anthropogenic 

influence, not all pockets of shore pine/Scotch broom/European beachgrass associations are 

delineated. 

Shore Pine-Sitka Spruce/Evergreen Huckleberry Association 

The shore pine-Sitka spruce/evergreen huckleberry association is most widespread on the 

windward side of Dune Forest A, and scattered throughout Dune Forest B. 

Shore Pine-Douglas-fir/Wax Myrtle-Evergreen Huckleberry Forest Association 

The shore pine-Douglas-fir/wax myrtle-evergreen huckleberry forest association occurs 

throughout the LNG terminal area on a variety of slopes and aspects, but particularly on 

stabilized dunes. This association is particularly widespread throughout Dune Forest B, the 

northern portion of which mainly consists of shrub dominated areas. The shore pine-Douglasfir/wax myrtle-evergreen huckleberry association is also located in Dune Forest A, but it 

intergrades with the shore pine-Sitka spruce association. 

Port-Orford cedar/Evergreen Huckleberry Forest Association 

A small component of this forest association is located in an area adjacent to the proposed LNG 

terminal site, upslope from the southwestern shore of Jordan Lake. This area would not be 

affected by the proposed Project. 

Shore Pine/Slough Sedge Seasonally Flooded Forest Association 

The shore pine/slough sedge seasonally flooded forest association occurs on deflation plains. 

This association is not widespread throughout the LNG terminal site, but is scattered in lowland 

areas of the North Central Wetland. 

Dune Forest A 

Dune Forest A is located in the eastern portion of the LNG terminal site (figure 4.4-2). The 

windward side of Dune Forest A is dominated by shore pine-Sitka spruce/evergreen huckleberry 

association. The leeward side of Dune Forest A is more characteristic of the shore pine-Douglasfir/wax myrtle-evergreen huckleberry association due to the presence of western hemlock. The 

western edge of Dune Forest A contains a small area of red fescue herbaceous association. 

Dune Forest B 

Dune Forest B is located in the southern portion of the LNG terminal site, with large portions 

located within the proposed location for the slip. Multiple trails are located throughout the Dune 

Forest B, and are dominated by shore pine/Scotch broom/European beachgrass forest. The shore 

pine-Sitka spruce/evergreen huckleberry association is scattered throughout this forest. The most 

dominant association within Dune Forest B is the shore pine-Douglas-fir/wax myrtle-evergreen 

huckleberry association. The west side of Dune Forest B has a slightly different species 

composition due to a lack of western hemlock and presence of salt-spray tolerant shrub silk 

tassel (Garrya elliptica). 
4.4-11 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

Dune Forest C 

Dune Forest C is located in the northwestern portion of the LNG terminal site. The southern 

edge of Dune Forest C is more characteristic of an early succession shore pine-Douglas-fir/wax 

myrtle-evergreen huckleberry forest that still has relic features of the shore pine/bearberry 

association that was once more widespread. Canopy cover along the southern portion of Dune 

Forest C is less than 50 percent and is dominated by Douglas-fir and shore pine with a shrub 

layer of hairy manzanita, evergreen huckleberry, and bearberry. The interior of Dune Forest C is 

more representative of the shore pine-Douglas-fir/wax myrtle evergreen huckleberry association, 

except there is a high occurrence of Port-Orford cedar and western hemlock seedlings and 

saplings; this may be attributed to succession. Trails are scattered throughout Dune Forest C and 

are vegetated with salal, evergreen huckleberry, hairy manzanita, bracken fern, Pacific bramble 

(Rubus ursinus), hairy cat’s ear, and a variety of non-native grasses. The shrub layer within the 

shore pine-Douglas-fir/wax myrtle-evergreen huckleberry association is also slightly denser than 

the shore pine-Sitka spruce association. Increased shrub cover is evident by the lack of 

herbaceous species and reduced moss cover, except for areas bordering old trails and forest 

edges or gaps in the canopy. 

Woodland Associations

Two woodland associations occur within the proposed LNG terminal site, but are not well 

represented. 

Shore Pine/Bearberry Woodland Association 

The shore pine/bearberry association has small portions scattered throughout the LNG terminal 

site, with the most substantial occurrence on the stabilized dune ridge, upslope from the northern 

Roseburg building (figure 4.4-2). 

Shore Pine/Hairy Manzanita Woodland Association 

A small area of this association is located along the eastern boundary of the dune forest and 

south of the scrub shrub wetland on the north end of the site (figure 4.4-2). 

Shrubland Associations

Shrubland associations are found predominantly within wetland areas near the eastern portion of 

the LNG terminal site (figure 4.4-2). 

Herbaceous Associations

The herbaceous communities are the most variable of the plant communities found on the LNG 

terminal site. 

European Beachgrass Herbaceous Association 

The European beachgrass herbaceous association is scattered throughout the proposed LNG 

terminal area; although in most locations, it intergrades with other associations including the 

shore pine/Scotch broom forest association and the red fescue herbaceous association. 

Red Fescue Herbaceous Association 

This association is scattered throughout the study area, but primarily occurs on the western edge 

of Dune Forest A, and between Henderson Marsh and Dune Forest B, where partially stabilized 
4.4-12 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

bare sand is present (figure 4.4-2). This association is generally lacking east of Dune Forest A, 

where sand movement is widespread. 

American Dunegrass Herbaceous Association 

American dunegrass is located in the northern portion of the disturbed habitat between 

Henderson Marsh and Dune Forest B (figure 4.4-2). 

Disturbed Associations

Multiple disturbed areas are located within the LNG terminal site. Species composition within 

these disturbed areas consists of both native and non-native weedy herbaceous species with 

scattered shrubs. Forbs are more prevalent in areas that are heavily disturbed and compacted; 

grasses are widespread in areas that are moderately disturbed and are located along forest edges. 

Dominant species within the disturbed association include sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum 

odoratum), Queen Ann’s lace (Daucus carota), hedgehog dogtail grass (Cynosurus echinatus), 

bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), little hairgrass, silver hairgrass, hairy cat’s ear, velvet 

grass (Holcus lanatus), English plantain (Plantago lanceolata), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), 

pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea), black mustard (Brassica nigra), small-head clover 

(Trifolium microcephalum), hop clover (T. dubium), white clover (T. repens), yellow 

parentucellia (Parentucellia viscosa), and wild radish (Raphanus sativus). In areas where this 

association has 50 percent cover or more of grasses, dominant species include tall fescue, wild 

oats (Avena spp.), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), bent grasses (Agrostis stolonifera and A. 

exarata), and brome grasses (Bromus spp.) with scattered Pacific reed grass (Calamagrostis 

nutkaensis) and a variety of herbs listed above. 

Weyerhaeuser Linerboard Disposal Area

The Weyerhaeuser Linerboard sites would be used by Jordan Cove and the Port to deposit 

materials excavated and dredged from the creation of the proposed LNG terminal slip and access 

channel. Weyerhaeuser formerly had a mill in this area, but the buildings have been removed, 

although some foundations remain. This area is classified as a “disturbed area” (as discussed 

above). 

Port Commercial Sand Stockpile Area 

The Port Commercial Sand Stockpile area (Port site) would be used to store dredged material 

generated during construction of the slip. Habitat at this location has been disturbed both 

recently and historically. Recent disturbance includes site preparation associated with 

construction of the Southport facility and recreational use of the North Spit, particularly by 

OHVs. Portions of the site have substantial amounts of clamshell and wood chip deposits, which 

suggest that portions of the site have been historically filled. The site contains three vegetation 

types: coniferous dune forest associations, herbaceous dominated associations, and combinations 

of emergent and scrub-shrub wetlands associations (see section 4.3.3). The upland coniferous 

dune forest is found in patches throughout the site, and integrates with the herbaceous dominated 

areas in some locations. The most intact stands of coniferous dune forest are located near the 

western property boundary, east of the Trans-Pacific Parkway and upslope from wetlands. The 

upland herbaceous vegetation occurs within a mosaic of actively moving dunes that lack dense 

vegetation to semi-stable dunes with scattered to dense vegetation. An area of wetland 
4.4-13 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

vegetation is located in the northwestern portion of the Port site. Vegetation located at the Port 

Commercial Sand Stockpile area is shown in figure 4.3-2. 

Vegetative Communities of Special Concern or Value

Both the Port-Orford cedar/evergreen huckleberry forest association (which is distributed 

upslope from the southwestern shore of Jordan Lake) and the Shore pine/bearberry woodland 

association (which is distributed sparsely throughout the site), are sensitive vegetation 

communities. As discussed above, the Port-Orford cedar/evergreen huckleberry forest 

association is sensitive because it is being decimated throughout its limited range by the PortOrford cedar root rot disease; however, the Port-Orford cedar association is located outside of 

the area of impact, so no direct impacts would occur to this forest association due to the 

construction and operation of Jordan Cove’s proposed LNG terminal. The Shore pine/bearberry 

woodland association is sensitive due to its limited distribution, which is restricted to a thin band 

adjacent to the coastline, and the fact that it is easily damaged by human disturbances. 

Vegetative Species of Special Concern or Value

Suitable habitat within the LNG terminal site is present for five state or federally listed plant 

species, including pink sand verbena (Abronia umbellate ssp. breviflora), Point Reyes bird-beak 

(Cordyanthus maritimus spp. palustris), western lily, Wolf’s evening primrose (Oenothera 

wolfii), and silvery phacelia (Phacelia argentea); however only Point Reyes bird-beak was found 

during botanical surveys. It was located outside of potential impact areas. Species of Special 

Concern are discussed in detail within section 4.6. 

Noxious Weeds 

Noxious weeds and other invasive plant species are non-native, undesirable native, or introduced 

species that are able to exclude and out-compete desirable native species, and thereby decrease 

overall species diversity. Noxious weeds often invade and persist in areas after the vegetation 

and ground has been disturbed, and can hinder restoration. The ODA Noxious Weed Control 

Program and the Oregon State Weed Board (OSWB) maintain the State Noxious Weed List for 

the State of Oregon. There are three classes of listed noxious weeds under the ODA Noxious 

Weed Control Classification System: Class A, Class B, and Class T, which are described within 

table 4.4.1.2-1. 

Species listed in the 2008 Noxious Weed Policy and Classification System and in the Oregon 

Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan that could potentially occur within the proposed 

LNG terminal area are summarized in table 4.4.1.2.-1. 

Four invasive plant species listed by the ODA were encountered during the field surveys of the 

proposed LNG terminal site. These were gorse (Ulex europaeus) scotch broom, smooth 

cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), and parrot-feather milfoil. Although surveys targeting aquatic 

species were not conducted, when an invasive aquatic species was discovered (such as parrotfeather milfoil) they were recorded. Gorse, scotch broom, and smooth cordgrass are listed on the 

State Noxious Weed List as Class T weeds, while parrot-feather milfoil is listed as a Class B 

weed and acknowledged in the Oregon Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan as being an 

aquatic nuisance species (Hanson and Sytsma 2001). Once parrot feather becomes established in 
4.4-14 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

TABLE 4.4.1.2-1 

Invasive Weed Species Reported for Coos County which Could Potentially Occur within the LNG Terminal Site

Common Name Scientific Name ODA Class 

Occurrence On 

Proposed Site 

2008 Noxious Weed Policy and Classification System

European beachgrass b/ Ammophila arenaria --- Yes 

Spotted knapweed Centaurea maculosa B No 

Meadow knapweed Centaurea pratensis B (T) No 

Yellow starthistle Centaurea solstitialis B No 

Scotch broom Cytisus scoparius B(T) Yes 

Giant knotweed Polygonum sachalinense B (T) No 

Himalayan knotweed Polygonum polystachyum B (T) No 

Japanese knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum B (T) No 

Tansy ragwort Senecio jacobaea B (T) No 

Gorse Ulex europaeus B (T) Yes 

Smooth cordgrass b/ Spartina alterniflora A (T) Yes 

Purple loosestrife b/ Lythrum salicaria B (T) No 

Oregon Aquatic Nuisance Species* 

Egeria Egeria densa B No 

Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata A No 

Yellow iris Iris pseudacorus B No 

Parrot-feather milfoil Myriophyllum aquaticum B Yes 

Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum B No 

Water chestnut Trapa natans A No 

a/ European beachgrass is not listed as a noxious weed by the ODA; however, it is listed in the Coos County noxious weed 

list. 

b/ Smooth cordgrass and purple loosestrife are classified under both the 2008 Noxious Weed Policy and Classification System 

and the Oregon Aquatic Nuisance Species list. 

-Class A weeds occur in small enough infestations to make eradication or containment possible or is not known to occur in 

Oregon, but is present in neighboring states making occurrence in Oregon seem imminent. 

-Class B weeds are regionally abundant, but may have limited distribution in some counties. 

-Class T weeds are selected from the A or B lists and are designated as a target species.

a natural waterbody, it can quickly grow into dense mats that shade out native plants and algae, 

while reducing fish habitat and recreational use. Parrot feather is a dominant species within 

yellow pond lily wetlands within the proposed Project area. Monocultures of smooth 

cordgrass alter estuary hydrology and ecosystem functions through increased sedimentation and 

accretion, raising the elevation of infested areas several feet. Smooth cordgrass inhabits the 

intertidal zones in estuaries and occurs within the salt marsh in the eastern portion of the study 

area. Scotch broom readily invades areas of recent disturbance, such as pastures, agricultural 

lands, harvested timberlands, roadsides, trails, state parks and vacant lots, and can increase the 

risk of fire within affected areas due to an increase in flammable fuel loads. Scotch broom is 

intermixed within the forest and shrub associations, primarily near disturbed areas. Gorse is 

similar to scotch broom in its life history and its tenacity as an invasive species. It is similar in 

appearance to scotch broom, except that gorse is somewhat larger and contains spines, unlike 

scotch broom. Gorse is found near the border of the LNG site and Henderson Marsh. 

Vegetative Pathogens

Port-Orford cedar root rot disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora lateralis. The disease 

was first discovered in Port-Orford cedar’s natural range in 1952 and since has spread throughout 
4.4-15 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

the host’s range. The fungus invades the roots of Port-Orford cedar and eventually colonizes the 

entire root system until the tree eventually dies from girdling. Port-Orford cedar root rot disease 

affects both seedlings and mature trees. Evidence of infected trees includes lighter colored 

foliage that eventually turns red to brown and dies and discolored inner bark. The spores live in 

the soil and are spread through contact with contaminated soil or via free water. The disease is 

primarily spread through soil disturbance and moving water. Furthermore, spread of the disease 

over long distances occurs from contaminated equipment and livestock. No Port-Orford cedar 

trees were found within the proposed LNG terminal facilities during botanical surveys conducted 

by Jordan Cove. Therefore, construction and operation of the LNG terminal are not likely to 

result in the spread of Port-Orford cedar root rot. If Port-Orford cedar root rot is encountered 

during construction of the LNG terminal, the precise locations would be mapped and all 

contractors and site construction workers would be informed of its location. All earth-moving 

equipment would be decontaminated before entering and after leaving a site infected with PortOrford cedar root rot disease in order to prevent cross contamination. 

Impacts and Mitigation 

Table 4.4.1.2-2 lists the impacts to vegetation which would result from construction and 

operation of the proposed LNG terminal, while table 4.4.1.2-3 breaks down the impacts to 

vegetation by the various components of the LNG terminal. Construction activities would 

impact approximately 117.2 acres of vegetation at the LNG terminal, of which 114.2 acres would 

be permanently impacted. Of these 114.2 acres of permanent impacts, approximately 61.5 acres 

would occur to Dune Forests (9.7 acres of open canopy and 51.8 acres of closed canopy forest), 

16.7 acres of herbaceous vegetation, and 36.0 acres of disturbed habitat. These values do not 

include impacts to vegetation located at the Port site, which is discussed in more detail below; 

however, when impact to vegetation at the Port site are included, permanent impacts resulting 

from the LNG terminal project as a whole on Dune Forests increase to 68.7 acres of permanent 

impacts, while impacts on herbaceous vegetation increase to 77.4 acres of permanent impacts. 

The majority of the permanent impacts to forested vegetation occurs to the shore pine/Sitka 

spruce and/or shore pine/Douglas-fir associations, where approximately 50.8 acres of permanent 

impacts are expected to occur. 

The area identified as Dune Forest B would be the most heavily impacted area within the LNG 

terminal site (figure 4.4-2). Project components that would be located within this area would be 

the slip, LNG unloading berth (depicted as point E4 on figure 4.4-2 and table 4.4.1.2-3), and the 

Marine Access/Pipelay area (depicted as point 3 on figure 4.4-2 and table 4.4.1.2-3). A total of 

33.7 acres of permanent impacts would occur to Dune Forest B, with 29.1 acres of this 

permanent impact occurring to shore pine/Sitka Spruce and shore pine/Douglas-fir associations 

(table 4.4.1.2-3). 
4.4-16 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

TABLE 4.4.1.2-2 

Impact on Vegetation Type from the Jordon Cove LNG Import Terminal

Total Acreage 

Within the LNG 

Project Area 

Construction 

Impact (acres) 

Operation Impact 

(acres) 

Coniferous Dune Forest - Open to Moderate Open Canopy 

Coniferous Dune Forest located at Port Commercial Sand 

Stockpile 

3.0 3.0 3.0 

Coniferous Dune Forest with scattered herbaceous vegetation 

located at Port Commercial Sand Stockpile 

4.3 4.3 4.3 

Shore Pine/Scotch Broom 7.4 4.9 4.9 

Shore Pine/Hairy Manzanita (Woodland) 0.6 0.5 0.5 

Shore Pine/Slough Sedge 2.1 0.8 0.8 

Shore Pine/Hairy Manzanita and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 

(Woodland) 

2.5 2.5 2.5 

European Beach Grass 0.9 0.9 0.9 

Subtotal: 20.8 16.9 16.9 

Coniferous Dune Forest - Closed Canopy 

Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 15.9 1.3 1.3 

Shore Pine/Sitka Spruce 1.5 0 0 

Port Orford Cedar 2.7 0 0 

Mix of Shore Pine/Douglas-fir and Shore Pine/Bearberry 4.1 1.1 1.1 

Mix of Shore Pine/Sitka Spruce and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 71.3 49.5 49.5 

Subtotal: 95.5 51.6 51.9 

Herbaceous Associations - Upland 

European Beachgrass located at Port Commercial Sand 

Stockpile 

60.7 60.7 60.7 

Scattered Red Fescue 12.1 11.5 11.3 

Scattered American Dune Grass 6.3 5.4 5.4 

Subtotal: 79.1 77.6 77.4 

Herbaceous Associations - Wetland 

Approximate Wetland Boundary in North Central Wetland 16.2 0.0 0.0 

Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetland Area 0.5 0.0 0.0 

Subtotal: 16.7 0.0 0.0 

Shrubland Association 

Palustrine Scrub-Shrub w/Semi Permanently Flooded Areas 

located at Port Commercial Sand Stockpile 

0.1 0.1 0.1 

Palustrine Scrub-Shrub w/Semi Permanently Flooded Areas 1.4 0.0 0.0 

Subtotal: 1.5 0.1 0.1 

Disturbed 74.5 38.9 36.0 

Grand Total: 288.3 185.3 182.3 

Columns and rows do not necessarily sum correctly due to rounding. 
4.4-17 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

TABLE 4.4.1.2-3 

Summary of Construction and Operation-Related Disturbance to Vegetation from the Jordan Cove LNG Import Terminal

Total Acreage 

Within the LNG 

Project Area 

Construction 

Impact (acre) 

Operation 

Impact (acre) 

LNG TERMINAL FACILITIES 

Batch Plant/Tank Roof Assembly Area (1) a/

Scattered American Dune Grass 3.4 3.4 3.4 

Scattered Red Fescue 0.03 0.03 0.03 

Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetland Area 0.2 0 0 

Disturbed Area 10.3 0.6 0.6 

Subtotal: 13.9 4.0 4.0 

Access/Admin (2) 

Shore Pine/Scotch Broom 1.8 1.8 1.8 

Shore Pine/Hairy Manzanita (Woodland) 0.5 0.5 0.5 

Shore Pine/Slough Sedge 0.5 0.5 0.5 

Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 0.3 0 0 

Shore Pine/Sitka spruce 1.5 0 0 

Port Orford Cedar 2.7 0 0 

Scattered Red Fescue 2.2 2.0 2.0 

Approximate Wetland Boundary in North Central Wetland 0.0007 0 0 

Disturbed Area 8.6 1.4 1.4 

Subtotal: 18.1 6.2 6.2 

Marine Access/Pipelay Area (3) 

Mix of Shore Pine/Sitka Spruce and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 10.2 10.2 10.2 

Scattered Red Fescue 2.4 2.4 2.2 

Disturbed Area 3.2 2.2 0 

Subtotal: 15.7 14.7 12.4 

Process Area (4) 

Shore Pine/Scotch Broom 0.1 0.1 0.1 

Shore Pine/Slough Sedge 0.3 0.3 0.3 

Shore Pine/Hairy Manzanita and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir (Woodland) 1.4 1.4 1.4 

Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 1.3 1.3 1.3 

Mix of Shore Pine/Douglas-fir and Shore Pine/Bearberry 1.1 1.1 1.1 

Mix of Shore Pine/Sitka Spruce and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 15.9 15.9 15.9 

Approximate Wetland Boundary in North Central Wetland 0.04 0.04 0.04 

Disturbed Area 0.2 0.2 0.2 

Subtotal: 20.3 20.3 20.3 

LNG Tank Area (5) 

Mix of Shore Pine/Sitka Spruce and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 2.6 2.6 2.6 

Scattered Red Fescue 7.1 7.1 7.1 

Scattered American Dune Grass 2.0 2.0 2.0 

Disturbed Area 7.7 7.7 7.7 

Subtotal: 19.3 19.3 19.3 

Firewater Pond (6) 

Shore Pine/Scotch Broom 0.6 0.6 0.6 

Shore Pine/Hairy Manzanita and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir (Woodland) 1.1 1.1 1.1 

Mix of Shore Pine/Sitka Spruce and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 1.9 1.9 1.9 

Disturbed Area 0.1 0.1 0.1 

Subtotal: 3.7 3.7 3.7 

Wetland Area (E1) 

Shore Pine/Hairy Manzanita (Woodland) 0.1 0 0 

Shore Pine/Slough Sedge 1.3 0 0 
4.4-18 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

TABLE 4.4.1.2-3 

Summary of Construction and Operation-Related Disturbance to Vegetation from the Jordan Cove LNG Import Terminal

Total Acreage 

Within the LNG 

Project Area 

Construction 

Impact (acre) 

Operation 

Impact (acre) 

Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 1.3 0 0 

Mix of Shore Pine/Douglas-fir and Shore Pine/Bearberry 0.2 0 0 

Mix of Shore Pine/Sitka Spruce and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 9.3 0 0 

Approximate Wetland Boundary in North Central Wetland 16.2 0 0 

Subtotal: 28.4 0 0 

Sand Dune Area (E2) 

Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 10.1 0 0 

Mix of Shore Pine/Douglas-fir and Shore Pine/Bearberry 2.8 0 0 

Mix of Shore Pine/Sitka Spruce and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 5.8 0 0 

Scattered American Dune Grass 1.0 0 0 

Disturbed Area 0.6 0 0 

Subtotal: 20.2 0 0 

LNG Unloading Berth Dune (E4) 

Shore Pine/Scotch Broom 2.9 0.4 0.4 

Mix of Shore Pine/Sitka Spruce and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 7.7 0.9 0.9 

Disturbed Area 2.6 0.7 0 

Subtotal: 13.2 2.0 1.3 

Sand Dune Area (E5) 

Palustrine Scrub-Shrub w/Semi Permanently Flooded Areas 1.4 0 0 

Disturbed Area 4.6 0 0 

Subtotal: 6.0 0 0 

EASEMENT AREAS 

Wetland Area (E3) 

Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 3.0 0 0 

Scattered Red Fescue 0.4 0 0 

Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetland Area 0.3 0 0 

Disturbed Area 10.7 0 0 

Subtotal: 14.4 0 0 

PORT FACILITIES 

Slip 

Shore Pine/Scotch Broom 2.0 2.0 2.0 

Mix of Shore Pine/Sitka Spruce and Shore Pine/Douglas-fir 18.0 18.0 18.0 

European Beach Grass 0.9 0.9 0.9 

Disturbed Area 26.0 26.0 26.0 

Subtotal: 47.0 47.0 47.0 

PORT COMMERCIAL SAND STOCKPILE AREA 

Coniferous Dune Forest 3.0 3.0 3.0 

Coniferous Dune Forest with Scattered Herbaceous Areas 4.3 4.3 4.3 

European Beachgrass 60.7 60.7 60.7 

Palustrine Scrub-Shrub w/Semi Permanently Flooded Areas 0.1 0.1 0.1 

Subtotal: 68.1 68.1 68.1 

Total Vegetated Areas 213.8 146.4 146.3 

Total Disturbed Areas 74.5 38.9 36.0 

Grand Total: 288.3 185.3 182.3 

a/ After construction, the Batch Plant/Tank Roof Assembly Area would be converted to a dune from material dredged from slip and 

replanted with native vegetation to discourage the use of the area by snowy plovers. See section 4.6. 

Numbers in parentheses correspond to Project components depicted by the corresponding number within figure 4.4-2. 

Columns and rows do not necessarily sum correctly due to rounding. 
4.4-19 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

The removal of a portion of the dune forest during construction would indirectly impact the 

vegetation at the newly exposed edge of the coniferous forest by changing the micro-climate 

factors (wind, light, salt spray, organisms that prefer edges). The existing vegetation would be 

exposed to the environmental elements experienced by a forest edge, which could lead to a 

change in species composition. 

Jordan Cove is in consultation with ODFW, the FWS, and the USFS to determine appropriate 

mitigation measures that could be implemented to offset the impacts to upland vegetation at the 

LNG terminal. The measures currently considered consist of off-site restoration/enhancement of 

habitats on adjacent NFS lands at ratios acceptable to both the ODFW and USFS in terms of 

quantity and quality. The measures proposed to mitigate for impacts to wetland vegetation are 

discussed in section 4.3. 

To reduce effects on vegetation within the construction area and improve the potential for 

revegetation, Jordan Cove would implement measures from its Plan and Procedures during 

construction and restoration. Areas that are disturbed by construction activities but are not 

affected by a facility component would be revegetated with native species of a local seed source, 

to achieve stabilization and prevent erosion of the disturbed areas. In these temporary 

construction areas, monitoring would continue until an herbaceous cover is established so that 

visual survey confirms that the density and cover of non-nuisance vegetation are similar in 

density and cover to adjacent undisturbed lands. 

Restoration of areas disturbed by construction of LNG terminal facility components would be 

stabilized to prevent erosion by the planting of non-invasive species. Areas that are disturbed 

only by temporary construction activities (i.e., would not be permanently affected by a facility 

component) would be restored using non-invasive native plant species, to the extent practical to 

achieve stabilization and prevent erosion of the areas disturbed. The east and west 

Weyerhaeuser Linerboard dredge spoil sites would be stabilized and vegetated with native 

species to prevent snowy plover nesting. Environmental monitoring to be conducted in all of the 

areas disturbed would focus upon stabilization and prevention of erosion and would be an 

ongoing activity on the LNG terminal site. In areas temporarily disturbed by construction, 

environmental monitoring would continue until a sufficient herbaceous cover has become 

established per the requirements of Jordan Cove’s Plan. 

Port Commercial Sand Stockpile Area (Port Site)

Use of the Port site to store sand generated during construction of the slip would impact 

approximately 3.0 acres of Coniferous Dune Forest, 4.3 acres of Coniferous Dune Forest with 

associated scattered herbaceous areas, 60.69 acres of semi-stabilized dunes with European 

beachgrass, and 0.1 acre of palustrine scrub-shrub wetlands. As sand would be stored at this 

location for up to 7 years, these would be long-term adverse impacts. After the sand has been 

cleared from this location (after approximately 7 years) Jordan Cove is prepared to undertake 

revegetation efforts at this location; however, the implementation of these revegetation efforts 

would be dependent on the land use proposed by the Port for the area after the 7-year period. 

Vegetative Communities of Special Concern or Value

As described above, the shore pine/bearberry woodland association is a sensitive vegetation 

community. Approximately 1.1 acres of permanent impacts would occur to a mix of shore 
4.4-20 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

pine/Douglas-fir and shore pine/bearberry forest associations due to construction of the process 

area at the LNG terminal, which is depicted in area 4 on figure 4.4-2 (table 4.4.1.2-3). 

Vegetative Species of Special Concern or Value

Several occurrences of Point Reyes bird’s-beak are located in the vicinity of the study area 

(ORNHIC 2005). The closest known occurrence to the Proposed LNG terminal is located on the 

western edge of the geographic Jordan Cove. An occurrence of approximately 200 Point Reyes 

bird’s-beak plants was found at that location. The occurrence extends approximately 150 feet in 

length, varies from 30 to 50 feet in width, and is located within a portion of saltmarsh with 

frequent tidal influence. Based on the distance away from facilities proposed by Jordan Cove, 

construction and operation for the LNG terminal is not expected to result in a direct or indirect 

impact to this occurrence of Point Reyes bird’s-beak. The effects to Species of Special Concern 

are discussed in more detail within section 4.6. 

Noxious Weeds

Construction of the proposed LNG terminal has the potential to increase the risk of aquatic and 

terrestrial invasive plant species at the terminal site due to the amount of ground disturbance, 

heavy equipment use, and potential off-site vectors (i.e., equipment used in other locations). To 

avoid introducing or spreading invasive species, Jordan Cove would follow the recommendations 

outlined in Oregon Aquatic Species Management Plan, the Oregon Noxious Weed Strategic 

Plan, and BLM’s multi-state environmental impact statement, Northwest Area Noxious Weed 

Control Program (1985) and its supplements, and the BLM’s Final Vegetation Treatments on 

Bureau of Land Management Lands in 17 Western States Programmatic Environmental Report

(2007). These documents focus on detection, containment, and/or reduction of invasive plant 

infestations with an integrated pest management approach (e.g., chemical, mechanical, manual 

and/or biological) as well as implementation of measures to avoid the introduction and spread of 

noxious weeds. 

In its comments on an administrative draft of the EIS, the EPA expressed concern about the 

potential for aquatic invasive plant species to be transported into Coos Bay via the external hulls 

of transport ships. Section 4.3.2 of this EIS addresses this concern. 

Surveys would be conducted within construction areas to determine the presence of invasive 

species. In the event that invasive species are identified, all equipment and objects that could 

serve as a vector would be cleaned to prevent the export and spread of weed species and seeds. 

Appropriate native seed mixes would also be used to limit germination of weeds during the 

stabilization and restoration of the site following construction. Once the Jordon Cove site is 

stabilized, the area would be checked for weeds and control measures would be implemented as 

needed. 

4.4.1.3 Pacific Connector Pipeline 

Existing Vegetation Resources 

The proposed Pacific Connector pipeline would cross ecologically diverse vegetation from Coos 

Bay to the Klamath Basin. It passes through the wet, marine-influenced evergreen forests in the 

coastal region, coniferous forests of the Klamath Mountains and Cascades, and sagebrush steppe 
4.4-21 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

typical of the Basin and Range sub-ecoregions. Below are descriptions of vegetation types 

crossed by the proposed pipeline: 

Forest and Woodland Vegetation Types

Douglas-fir-Western Hemlock-Western Redcedar Forest 

Douglas-fir dominates multi-storied canopy, with western hemlock, western redcedar and grand 

fir (Abies grandis) as co-dominants. In addition, Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) may be present 

in the subcanopy (Kagan et al. 1999). Port-Orford cedar can also be a dominant tree species 

within Douglas-fir-Western hemlock-Western redcedar forest types within the proposed pipeline 

project area (Johnson and O’Neil 2001). Within riparian areas, and non-conifer dominated 

stands, bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and red alder (Alnus rubra) are common. Large 

stature shrubs are frequently present, such as vine maple (Acer circinatum), Pacific 

rhododendron, and evergreen and red huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum and V. parvifolium). 

Ferns dominate the rich and diverse herbaceous layer. This forest type is found low to mid 

elevations (Kagan et al. 1999) and is located in Coos and Douglas Counties within the proposed 

pipeline project area. 

Mixed Conifer/Mixed Deciduous Forest 

This forest type contains early successional (old clear-cut) generally composed of co-dominant 

conifer (Douglas-fir) and deciduous (red alder and/or bigleaf maple) trees in a single-layered 

canopy forest (Kagan et al. 1999). Port-Orford cedar may also be dominant tree species within 

this forest type (Johnson and O’Neil 2001). This forest type is found in low- to mid-elevations 

(Kagan et al. 1999), and is located in all counties crossed by the proposed pipeline project area. 

True Fir-Hemlock Montane Forest 

This forest type contains multi-story closed canopy forests. It also has canopy co-dominance of 

Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis) and/or noble fir (Abies procera) along with both western and 

mountain hemlock. Other tree species present may include Douglas-fir, western white pine 

(Pinus monticola), subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), Alaska yellow cedar (Chamaecyparis 

nootkatensis), and grand fir. The shrub layer is dense and diverse with a number of deciduous 

and evergreen shrubs. This forest type is found in middle to higher elevations (Kagan et al. 

1999) and is located in Jackson County within the pipeline project area. 

Douglas-fir-White Fir/Tanoak-Madrone Mixed Forest 

Multi-layered forest of mixed conifer and mixed deciduous forest makes up this forest type. It 

always contains Douglas-fir, with other co-dominants (i.e., white fir, incense cedar, sugar pine 

[Pinus lambertiana] and western white pine). Subcanopy layers contain shade-tolerant trees, 

including tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus), madrone, chinquapin (Chrysolepis hjelmquist), 

Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), and California laurel (Umbellularia californica). Shrub and 

herb layers are generally well represented. This forest type if found at low to mid elevations 

(Kagan et al. 1999) and is located in Douglas and Jackson Counties within the proposed pipeline 

project area. 

Douglas-fir Dominant-Mixed Conifer Forest 

Single-layer forest canopy is typical within this forest type, although stand structure can be 

diverse in undisturbed late seral stands. There is a wide range of canopy closure based on 

management practice, disturbance history, and microsite. Douglas-fir is dominant, with a variety 
4.4-22 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

of coniferous trees including, white fir, incense cedar, western white pine, ponderosa pine, and 

sugar pine. Understory vegetation is usually diverse and rich in species. This forest type is 

found at mid elevations (Kagan et al. 1999) and is located in Coos, Douglas and Jackson 

Counties. 

Ponderosa Pine/White Oak Forest and Woodland 

Ponderosa pine is exclusively the overstory tree at low elevations within this forest type. White 

fir, grand fir, western larch (Larix occidentalis), incense cedar, Douglas-fir, subalpine fir, and 

Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) dominate at higher elevations. Understory and 

regeneration layers reflect similar composition as overstory. Lower elevations have fewer 

shrubs, increasing in diversity and abundance with elevation and improved soil moisture 

conditions. This forest type is found at low- to mid-elevations (Kagan et al. 1999) and is located 

in Jackson County. 

Oregon White Oak Forest 

This forest type contains deciduous woodland/forest dominated by Oregon white oak (Quercus 

garryana). Other canopy trees can be Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine in upland settings, and 

Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), cottonwood (Populus spp.), and bigleaf maple on valley floors. 

The subcanopy often consists of California black oak (Quercus velutina). Understory typically 

contains tall deciduous shrubs and smaller stature deciduous trees. This forest type is a highly 

desirable wildlife habitat that has been decreasing as a result of fire suppression. It is found at 

low elevations (Kagan et al. 1999) and is located in Douglas and Jackson Counties. 

Ponderosa Pine Forest and Woodland 

Ponderosa pine is exclusively the overstory tree at low elevations within this forest type. White 

fir, grand fir, western larch, incense cedar, Douglas-fir, subalpine fir, and Engelmann spruce are 

dominant at higher elevations. Understory and regeneration layers reflect similar composition as 

overstory. Lower elevations have fewer shrubs, increasing in diversity and abundance with 

elevation and improved soil moisture conditions. This forest type is found at low- to 

mid-elevations (Kagan et al. 1999) and is located in Klamath County. 

Western Juniper Woodland 

This forest type contains woodlands dominated by western juniper with open canopy (less than 

30 percent crown closure) and single story, short stature (6 to 20 feet tall) trees. Understory 

vegetation is dominated by sagebrush species, such as big sagebrush, rigid sagebrush (Artemisia 

rigida), and low sagebrush, as well as mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, and rabbitbrush 

(Chrysothamnus spp.). Grasses characterize the herbaceous layer. This forest type is found at a 

wide range of elevations (Kagan et al. 1999) and is located in Klamath County. 

Ponderosa Pine/Western Juniper and Woodland 

This forest type is typically found in the foothill margins bordering upland conifer types and 

sagebrush dominant lowlands. This forest type has a two-story canopy with widely spaced 

overstory ponderosa pine and a subcanopy of western juniper. Canopy cover is generally 

between 10 and 50 percent. The undertory is dominated by a shrub layer, including big 

sagebrush, low sagebrush, rabbitbrush, mountain mahogany, and bitterbrush, and is interspersed 

with annual bunch grasses (Kagan et al. 1999). This forest type is located within Klamath 

County. 
4.4-23 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

Grass-shrub-sapling or Regenerating Young Forest 

This forest type is characteristic of successional conditions following timber harvest, which can 

include ground scarification and slash/large woody debris, a variety of shrubs and forbs typical 

of the area, and then conifer saplings which form a continuous canopy above the shrub layer 

(Kagan et al. 1999). This forest type is located within all counties crossed by the pipeline. 

Grassland and Shrubland Vegetation Types

Sagebrush Steppe 

This vegetation type is a mosaic of grasses (mostly introduced) and shrubs that include big 

sagebrush subspecies, such as Wyoming, basin, and mountain. Other shrubs include low, silver, 

and three-tip sage brush, and rabbitbrush. A variety of bunchgrasses are scattered with the 

shrubs, although overgrazing has limited their presence (Kagan et al. 1999). This vegetation 

type is within Klamath County. 

Shrublands 

This vegetation type consists of a mosaic of grasses and shrubs. It may include sagebrush, but is 

not dominated by this species. It typically occur within revegetated utility corridors and 

transitional areas, such as reclaimed industrial sites. This vegetation type is located within all 

counties crossed by the pipeline. 

Grasslands (west of Cascades) 

This habitat contains less than 30 percent tree or shrub cover and is generally used for livestock 

grazing. Bunchgrasses dominate native-dominated sites, with mosses, lichens, and native forbs 

occurring throughout. It is found at lower elevations (Johnson and O’Neil 2001) and is located 

within Coos, Douglas, and Jackson Counties. 

Grasslands (east of Cascades)/Forest-Grassland Mosaic 

This vegetation type is a mosaic of bunchgrass grasses and conifer forest in the east Cascades. 

Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, white fir, and incense cedar are common conifers, with Idaho 

fescue generally the dominant grass. Other grasses that can form co-dominances are bluebunch 

wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), junegrass (Koeleria spp.), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa 

secunda), and western needlegrass (Achnatherum occidentale). In stands heavily grazed, 

cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides) can 

be dominant. This vegetation type is found at low- to mid-elevations (Kagan et al. 1999) and is 

located within Klamath County. 

Riparian and Wetland Vegetation Types

Palustrine Forest 

This vegetation type typically has a multi-storied canopy (trees >18 feet tall). Deciduous trees 

generally dominate in eastern Oregon, including black cottonwood, white alder (Alnus 

rhombifolia), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), and peachleaf willow (Salix amygdaloides). 

In western Oregon, conifer trees tend to dominate the canopy: western redcedar, western 

hemlock, Douglas-fir, and grand fir. This vegetation type is located in narrow strips—riparian 

zones—along flowing waterbodies (Kagan et al. 1999) and is found within all counties crossed 

by the pipeline. 
4.4-24 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

Palustrine Shrubland 

This vegetation type is dominated by dense, tall shrubs, typically willow species. Other shrubs 

found could include chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), bog birch (Betula pumila), bog blueberry 

(Vaccinium uliginosum), snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), wax currant (Ribes cereum), and 

Douglas spiraea. This vegetation type is most prominent along low gradient streams in broad 

valleys and pluvial basins of eastern Oregon (Kagan et al. 1999) and can be found in Coos, 

Jackson and Klamath Counties. 

Estuarine Emergent 

This vegetation type consists of herbaceous wetlands that border coastal river mouths, bays, and 

estuaries. Vegetation composition consists of three plant communities: salt marsh, intermarsh, 

and transition zone (Kagan et al. 1999). Within the pipeline project area, this category is located 

in Coos County. 

Palustrine Emergent 

This vegetation type is made up of freshwater herbaceous wetlands that contain medium tall (2 to 

4 feet) to tall (> 4 feet) grass or grass-like plants. Common herbaceous plants include cattails 

(Typha spp.), bulrush species, and burreed (Sparganium spp.). Grasses associated with this 

category are blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus), tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), bluejoint 

weedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis), reed canarygrass, American sloughgrass (Beckmannia 

syzigachne), and northern mannagrass (Glyceria borealis) (Kagan et al. 1999). This vegetation 

type can be found within all counties crossed by the pipeline. 

Agricultural Areas

These areas consists of lands that have been modified for growing crops and/or animal 

husbandry (Kagan et al. 1999) and are located within all counties crossed by the pipeline. 

Vegetative Species or Communities of Special Concern or Value

There are 383 special status plant species that may be present in the proposed Project area. 

Descriptions of expected habitat, documented or suspected occurrences, and a description of 

potential Project impacts to these special status species within the Project area are presented in 

Appendix H (table H-8) and are discussed further in section 4.6. 

The Project would pass through approximately 48 miles of late-successional and old-growth 

forests (table 4.4.1.3-2). For the purpose of this discussion, late successional forests are defined 

as stands with a majority of trees over 80 years of age, while old-growth forests are defined as 

stands over 175 years in age. 

Noxious Weeds

Noxious weeds and other invasive plant species are non-native, undesirable native, or introduced 

species that are able to exclude and out-compete desirable native species, and thereby decrease 

overall species diversity. Noxious weeds often invade and persist in areas after the vegetation 

and ground has been disturbed and their presence can hinder restoration. The ODA Noxious 

Weed Control Program and the OSWB maintain the State Noxious Weed List for the State of 

Oregon. Noxious weeds listed as Class T (target species) that are present in the vicinity or have 

the potential for being in the area of the proposed pipeline are listed in table 4.4.1.3-1. 
4.4-25 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

TABLE 4.4.1.3-1 

Oregon Target Weeds (Class T) within or Near the Proposed Project Area a/ 

Occurrence/Subject to Control Noxious Weed Common and 

Scientific Name County USFS Region 6 b/ BLM Districts b/ 

Oregon Weed 

Class a/ 

Canada thistle 

(Cirsium arvense) 

Coos, Douglas, Jackson, 

Klamath 

_ KF B 

Dalmatian Toadflax 

(Linaria dalmatica (L. genista)) 

Jackson, Klamath Yes KF B 

Diffuse knapweed 

(Centaurea diffusa) 

Douglas, Jackson, 

Klamath 

- KF B 

Giant knotweed 

(Polygonum sachalinense) 

Coos, Douglas, Jackson - MD B 

Gorse 

(Ulex europaeus) 

Coos, Douglas, Jackson - CB B 

Himalayan knotweed 

(Polygonum polystachyum) 

Coos, Douglas - - B 

Japanese knotweed 

(Polygonum cuspidatum) 

Coos, Douglas, Jackson Yes MD B 

Leafy spurge 

(Euphorbia esula) 

Jackson, Klamath - MD, KF B 

Meadow hawkweed 

(Hieracium pratense) 

Douglas, Jackson, 

Klamath 

Yes MD A 

Musk thistle 

(Carduus nutans) 

Klamath _ KF B 

Portuguese broom 

(Cytisus striatus) 

Douglas - - B 

Purple loosestrife 

(Lythrum salicaria) 

Coos, Douglas, Jackson, 

Klamath 

- CB, MD B 

Rush skeletonweed 

(Chondrilla juncea) 

Douglas, Jackson - MD, KF B 

Scotch broom 

(Cytisus scoparius) 

Coos, Douglas, Jackson Yes - B 

Smooth cordgrass 

(Spartina alterniflora) 

Coos - - A 

Spotted knapweed 

(Centaurea maculosa) 

Coos, Douglas, Jackson, 

Klamath 

Yes, UMP MD, KF B 

Squarrose knapweed 

(Centaurea virgata) 

No Known Presence - MD, KF B 

Tansy ragwort 

(Senecio jacobaea) 

Coos, Douglas, Jackson Yes CB, MD, KF B 

Woolly distaff thistle 

(Carthamus lanatus) 

Douglas - MD A 

Yellow starthistle 

(Centaurea solstitialis) 

Coos, Douglas, Jackson, 

Klamath 

Yes, UMP CB, MD, KF B 

Sources: ODA 2008. USFS 2005 

a/ Oregon Noxious Weed List: Class “A” weeds occur in small enough infestations to make eradication or containment possible 

or is not known to occur in Oregon, but is present in neighboring states making occurrence in Oregon seem imminent. Class “B” 

weeds are regionally abundant, but may have limited distribution in some counties. Class “T” weeds are selected from the “A” or 

“B” lists and are designated as a target species. 

b/ BLM and USFS Codes: UMP—Umpqua N.F.; CB—Coos Bay District; MD—Medford District; KF—Klamath Falls District. No 

data available for Roseburg District. “Yes” indicates that it is documented or suspected to occur in USFS Region 6 but not 

necessarily within forest crossed by the Project. 

Vegetation Pathogens

Aerial surveys of all forested land in Oregon are conducted annually by the USFS and ODF to 

determine insect and disease activity status. The surveys indicated the following insect and/or 

disease activity within 0.5 mile of the proposed pipeline: Douglas-fir beetle, fir engraver, 

flatheaded borer, mountain pine beetle (ponderosa and sugar pine), western pine beetle, 

lodgepole pine needle cast, and Port-Orford cedar root disease. Within the proposed pipeline 
4.4-26 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

project area, the western pine beetle and fir engraver are most prevalent. Other diseases that may 

occur or have potential to occur within the pipeline project area are annosus root rot, laminated 

root rot, dwarf mistletoe, sudden oak death, and the black stain root disease. Below are general 

descriptions of each disease/insect and known information about their potential presence along 

the proposed pipeline. 

Douglas-fir Beetle (ODF 2007)

The Douglas-fir beetle is a medium-sized, brown to black colored beetle that exclusively infects 

Douglas-fir (standing or down trees with dbh greater than 8 inches). Douglas-fir beetle can be 

found almost anywhere its host occurs; however, it rarely kills its host tree in the lower elevation 

of interior southwest Oregon, where the flat-headed borer is usually the cause of Douglas-fir 

mortality. Two attacks generally occur throughout the year, with an initial attack from April 

through June, producing piles of reddish or yellowish dust, and then a secondary attack from July 

through August. The proposed pipeline is adjacent to or intersects documented Douglas-fir 

beetle infestations on private lands, BLM lands, and lands managed by the USFS. 

Fir engraver Beetle (ODF 2005a; USFS 2006a) 

Fir engraver beetle occurs in mature and pole-sized true fir (grand, white, red, noble), Douglasfir, Engleman spruce, and occasionally hemlocks. An attack from fir engraver beetles generally 

occurs from June through September and can result in dead branches, top kill, or tree mortality. 

Although outbreaks are often associated with drought events, fir engravers are opportunistic and 

will invade trees that are stressed during wetter years (i.e., affected by root disease or wounded). 

The proposed pipeline is adjacent to or intersects documented fir engraver infestations on private 

lands, BLM lands and lands managed by the USFS; also, proposed roads in the Rogue RiverSiskiyou Forest are adjacent to outbreaks. 

Flatheaded Borer (ODF 2002; USFS 2006a; Nelson et al. 2004) 

Trees that typically serve as the host for this beetle include Douglas-fir, true firs, western larch, 

spruce, and western hemlock. The flatheaded borer typically attacks weakened, dead, and 

recently felled trees in the upper crown resulting in topkill; however, it can infest an entire tree. 

Outbreaks are usually associated with dead or severely damaged trees, especially after 

disturbance events such as drought, storm damage, or fire. Within southwest Oregon, this beetle 

is aggressive, often attacking trees on the edge of stands or adjacent to newly created corridors. 

In 2003, a greater than 50 percent increase of flatheaded borer infestation was observed in 

southwestern Oregon. 

Mountain Pine Beetle (ODF 2005b; USFS 2006a; Nelson et al. 2006) 

This destructive beetle can cause landscape-level tree mortality. Attacks occur most often in 

dense stands of lodgepole, sugar, and western white pine and to a lesser degree in ponderosa 

pine. Thinning stands of pine is recommended to reduce the severity of mountain pine beetle 

outbreaks. Within Oregon, mountain pine beetle infestations have increased significantly in the 

last 5 years. The current outbreak is expected to continue at least another decade. The proposed 

pipeline is adjacent to or intersects documented mountain pine beetle infestations; therefore, 
4.4-27 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

clearing the right-of-way within dense stands of pine may help reduce mountain pine beetle 

outbreaks. 

Western Pine Beetle (USFS 2006a) 

The host for this beetle is ponderosa pine in southwest Oregon. Successful attacks will kill the 

host tree. Characterized by dying old growth trees scattered within a stand or groups of trees in 

overstocked stands of second growth. Trees weakened by drought or fire damage are especially 

susceptible. Thinning overstocked ponderosa pine stands and removing infested trees would 

help reduce the hazard of western pine beetle attacks. The proposed pipeline is adjacent to or 

intersects documented western pine beetle infestations. 

Lodgepole Pine Needle Cast (Hunt 1995; USFS 2006a) 

This disease results in a severe and sudden loss of needles in coniferous trees. Although it can 

be caused by insects, drought, excessive shading, or poor soil, needle loss in lodgepole is usually 

a result of the fungal disease, Lophodermella ssp. Spores released from previously infected 

year-old needles in early summer affect the current year’s new needle growth. Trees infected for 

several years become more susceptible to other diseases. Other than avoiding plantings with 

offsite stock, no management is usually warranted. 

Port-Orford Cedar Root Disease (Roth et al. 1987; USFS and BLM 2004; Nelson et al. 

2006) 

This disease is caused by the fungus, Phytophthora lateralis that infects approximately 9 to 15 

percent of federally administered Port-Orford cedar acreage. The pathogen enters through roots 

and is usually fatal to old growth or sapling trees it infects. The fungus is spread from soil 

movement associated with construction and road maintenance, off-road traffic, movement of 

surface water from infected to uninfected areas, off-road traffic (both walking and motorized), 

and transfer by hooves of cattle and game animals (Roth et al. 1987; USFS and BLM 2004; 

Nelson et al. 2006). Port-Orford cedar is geographically limited to southwest Oregon and 

northwest California and is an ecologically and economically important tree. The root disease is 

known to occur in Coos and possibly Douglas Counties. The root disease is documented within 

0.1 mile of the proposed pipeline area and is known to occur in Coos Bay, Roseburg, and 

Medford BLM Districts. The USFS (Region 6) and BLM prepared management objectives for 

affected federal lands in 2004 to help control the spread of the fungus. The objectives focus on 

maintaining disease-free watersheds, preventing spread through sanitation, seasonal restrictions 

for activities, and reestablishing Port-Orford cedar using resistant and non-resistant seedlings. 

Annosus Root and Butt Rot (Schmitt et al. 2000; Hadfield et al. 2006; USFS 2006a) 

This disease is caused by the pathogen Fomes annosus, which can infect all conifers. The most 

susceptible tree species in the Pacific Northwest are western hemlock, mountain hemlock, grand 

fir, white fir, and Pacific silver fir. Infected trees suffer root and butt decay and root mortality, 

which result in reduced vigor, windthrow, predisposition to bark beetles, and eventual mortality. 

It can spread by windblown spores that germinate on freshly exposed wood (i.e., stumps or 

wounded trees) or underground transfer from diseased roots to uninfected roots. On the west 

side of the Cascades, stump infection can occur any time of the year, whereas on the east side of 
4.4-28 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

the Cascades, stump infection occurs in the spring and autumn. Infected sites are unknown 

within the proposed pipeline project area; however, annosus root rot is known to be increasing in 

Oregon. F. annosus may occur within the pipeline project area because western and mountain 

pine beetles and fir engraver infestations exist and they are known to attack trees infected with F. 

annosus. 

Laminated Root Rot (USFS 2006b; Nelson et al. 1981) 

This disease is caused by a native fungus, Phellinus weirii and infects all conifers, but the most 

susceptible trees are Douglas-fir, mountain hemlock, and grand fir, which are often killed. The 

infected trees usually show evidence of slow crown decline, including thinning and foliage 

chlorosis, and in the final stages the tree produces numerous small cones or distressed cones 

before death. Often the trees are wind-thrown and exhibit root balls where most of the roots 

have rotted off just below the root crown. The decay of the wood looks reddish-brown to brown 

in the butts and main roots and in later stages will begin to separate along annual rings (i.e., 

laminate). The fungus spreads through underground root contact and readily penetrates bark of 

roots of recently cut (within 12 months) of living susceptible trees. Infected sites are unknown; 

however, host species are present in the proposed pipeline project area. 

Dwarf Mistletoe (Hennon et al. 2001; Hadfield et al. 2000) 

Dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium M. Bieb.) is a damaging parasitic plant that affects conifers 

including Douglas-fir, grand fir, and mountain hemlock. The first symptom of dwarf mistletoe 

infection is slight swelling at the infection site which becomes visible 1 to 2 years after infection 

occurs. The variously shaped masses of abnormal branch and twig growth associated with the 

disease are indications of old infections and are called “witches’ brooms”, and can vary in size 

from small, palm-like structures in young infections to large masses of branches weighing 

several hundred pounds. Dwarf mistletoe can occur in the main stem of trees creating large burllike structures on the trunk. The dwarf mistletoe alters tree form, reduces vigor and growth rates, 

reduces seed production, increases susceptibility to other damaging agents, and results in topkilling and tree death; however, the deformation of trees can provide nesting sites and cover for 

wildlife. This parasite is spread from tree-to-tree by seed. Infected sites are unknown; however, 

dwarf mistletoe most likely exists within the proposed pipeline project area. 

Sudden Oak Death (USFS 2006a; Nelson et al. 2006) 

This disease is caused by a recently introduced water mold, Phytophthora ramorum. It has killed 

large numbers of myrtle and tanoak trees and can also infect many other tree and shrub species. 

It affects the aboveground plant parts forming sporangia on infected leaves and twigs. In forests, 

the sporangia spread from tree-to-tree by wind and rain and usually infect the upper crown first. 

Infected leaves drop on the ground allowing the sporangia to be transported through a variety of 

other methods, including boots, vehicles, animals, and streams. Within Oregon, P. ramorum has 

caused bore cankers and death to tanoaks, shoot dieback in Pacific rhododendron and evergreen 

huckleberry, and leaf blight in cascara and Oregon myrtlewood. Since 2001, state and federal 

agencies have been trying to eradicate sudden oak death in Oregon by cutting and burning 

infected host plants and uninfected adjacent plants. It has already killed extensive areas of 

myrtle and tanoak trees in California and hundreds of acres in Curry County, Oregon, which lies 

adjacent to two counties (Coos and Douglas) that would be crossed by the proposed pipeline. 
4.4-29 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

Infected areas in Curry County are approximately 80 miles from the proposed pipeline’s 

location. ODF and the USFS conduct P. ramorum detection surveys in at-risk forests and 

systematic surveys in tanoak forested areas throughout southwest Oregon. To date, no accounts 

of sudden oak death have been documented within the proposed pipeline project area. 

Black Stain Root Disease (Hessburg et al. 1995) 

This disease is caused by the fungus Leptographium wageneri, and affects several western 

conifer species. Species affected include Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, Jeffery pine (Pinus 

jeffreyi), pinyon pine (pinus edulis), and singleleaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla). This fungus 

blocks the movement of water to foliage by attacking the tree’s water conducting tissues. Tree 

growth is stunted and needles are permanently shed; in addition, infected trees become more 

susceptible to attacks from bark beetles. This fungus is likely transmitted by soil disturbance and 

insects. Although this disease is not widespread, the USFS has indicated that this disease could 

affect Douglas-fir trees of 30 years or less in age, as well as ponderosa and Jeffery pines of any 

age, and is found within areas of Project disturbance (personal communication Paula Trudeau; 

USFS Silviculturist) 

Wild-Harvesting of Non-Timber Forest Products

Wild-harvesting is the act of harvesting food, decorative, or medicinal products that grow 

naturally on lands not normally associated with agriculture. The non-timber forest products 

harvested on public lands and roadsides near the proposed pipeline are of three categories: floral 

greens, edibles, and medicinals. Some of the more common of these are salal, beargrass, 

seasonal evergreen boughs, Christmas trees, mushrooms, berries, nettles, prince’s pine 

(Chimaphila umbellate), Oregon-grape (Mahonia nervosa), and St. Johnswort (Hypericum 

perforatum) (OPB 2006). This harvesting of non-timber forest products is widespread on public 

lands in the Pacific Northwest and can occur year-round on lands crossed by the proposed 

pipeline (OPB 2006). 

All NFS lands and BLM-administered lands crossed by the pipeline require permits to wildharvest for both recreational and commercial uses. The permit process provides forest managers 

with the means to track demand for products, the amount of products removed from the forests, 

and to protect sensitive resources (USFS 2006c). The USFS divides these permits into two 

major categories, convertible and non-convertible; the convertible permits are for products, other 

than timber sales, where the volumes collected can be converted into board feet such as permits 

to collect fire wood, and non-convertible permits are for other products such as mushrooms or 

berries were the volumes collected depends on the specific permit applied for. During the 2007 

calendar year, 3,300 convertible permits, resulting in an estimated harvest of 7,481 MBF. 

(Approximately 15.8 MBF are needed to build a 2,000-square foot house; therefore; this 

represents enough wood to build approximately 475 houses of this size.) Another 5,012 nonconvertible permits were filed with the USFS for harvesting on the Umpqua, Rogue RiverSiskiyou and Fremont-Winema National Forests (personal communication, Frank Duran). 

However, the USFS estimates that only 25 to 33 percent of harvests are done through this 

permitting process in some locations (OPB 2006). 
4.4-30 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

Impacts and Mitigation 

General Impacts

During construction, the proposed pipeline facilities would impact 4,903.8 acres, as shown in 

tables 4.4.1.3-2 and 4.4.1.3-3, respectively. The primary effects of construction and operation of 

the proposed pipeline would be the cutting, clearing, and/or removal of existing vegetation 

within the work areas. All areas except the UCSAs and portions of the hydrostatic test discharge 

sites would be cleared of vegetation. 

Short-Term Impacts

Impacts are considered short-term if, after three growing seasons, the revegetated disturbed areas 

resemble adjacent undisturbed lands. Areas that have the potential for revegetation after three 

growing seasons include agricultural lands, grassland-shrubland, and riparian shrub areas. For 

example, riparian shrubs removed during construction would be replaced by cuttings and sprigs 

of locally available shrub species during revegetation. Approximately 2,592.5 total acres of 

short-term impacts would occur (table 4.4.1.3-3) 

The proposed pipeline is expected to have short-term impacts to approximately 622.5 acres of 

agricultural lands (12.7 percent of the proposed pipeline project), 487.8 acres of grasslandsshrubland (9.9 percent), and 126.1 acres of non-forested riparian areas (Palustrine Shrubland, 

Palustrine Emergent and Estuarine Emergent) (2.5 percent). Additional areas with limited 

vegetation that would be expected to have short-term impacts include 7.7 acres of ditches and 

canals and 1.4 acres of coastal dunes. Developed lands (urban and industrial – 267.9 acres), 

roads (234.7 acres), rivers, and streams (40.2 acres) are all non-vegetated areas. The impact 

upon intertidal, marsh and bay bottom vegetation of Coos Bay (75.9 acres), which the pipeline 

would cross between MPs 1.7 and 4.1, is discussed in section 4.3.3. 

Short-term impacts would also occur within the UCSAs for approximately 778.5 acres (this 

value double counts some of the impacts listed above as it includes UCSAs within both forested 

and non-forested areas). UCSAs are work areas that would not be cleared of vegetation during 

construction. The UCSAs would be used to store forest slash, stumps and dead and downed log 

materials that would be scattered across the right-way after construction. These areas may also 

be used to store spoil and park construction equipment and other vehicles. UCSAs would also be 

located in mature forests and areas of steep slopes and narrow ridgelines. In forests, these areas 

are characterized by trees that are sufficiently spaced to allow for storage of cleared right-of-way 

vegetation. EIs would rope off stands of mature trees and operators would be educated to place 

and retrieve materials to minimize impacts such as soil compaction and bark damage. 
4.4 – U

4.4-31

TABLE 4.4.1.3-2 

Vegetation Cover Types Crossed by the Proposed Pacific Connector Pipeline

General Vegetation Type Mapped Vegetation Category Type 

Late Successional or OldGrowth Forests Miles a/

Percent of Total Late 

Successional or Old-Growth 

Forests 

Mid-Seral Forests Miles b/

Percent of Total Mid-Seral 

Forests 

Clearcut or Regenerating 

Forest Miles c/

Percent of Total Clearcut or 

Regenerating Forest 

Douglas-fir-W. Hemlock-W. Red Cedar Forest 2.6 5.8 3.9 11.6 14.1 27.7 Mixed Conifer/Mixed Deciduous Forest 1.5 3.4 7.5 22.2 14.1 27.8 True Fir-Hemlock Montane Forest 3.2 7.2 0.9 2.7 4.9 9.6 Douglas-fir-White Fir/Tanoak-Madrone Mixed Forest 1.8 4.0 3.3 9.9 1.0 1.9 Douglas-fir Dominant-Mixed Conifer Forest 29.9 67.3 11.4 34.0 15.9 31.4 Ponderosa Pine/White Oak Forest and Woodland 2.5 5.7 2.4 7.0 0.8 1.6 

Forest-Woodland (West of Cascades) 

Oregon White Oak Forest 2.9 6.6 4.2 12.6 0.00 0.0 

Subtotal 44.4 100.0 33.6 100.0 50.8 100.0 Percent of Total by Forest Age (West of Cascades) 34.5 26.1 39.4 

Ponderosa Pine Forest and Woodland 3.6 98.9 3.2 31.3 4.0 57.1 Western Juniper Woodland <0.1 1.1 6.1 59.3 1.8 25.1 

Forest-Woodland (East of Cascades) 

Ponderosa Pine/Western Juniper Woodland 0.0 0.0 1.0 9.4 1.2 17.7 

Subtotal 3.7 100.0 10.3 100.0 7.0 100.0 Percent of Total by Forest Age (East of Cascades) 17.5 49.1 33.4 Total for All Forest (by Age) 48.1 32.1 43.9 29.3 57.8 38.6 

Sagebrush Steppe – – – – – – Shrublands – – – – – – Grasslands (West of the Cascades) – – – – – – 

Grasslands-Shrubland 

Grasslands (East of the Cascades)/ForestGrassland Mosaic – – – – – – 

Subtotal 

Palustrine Forest – – – – – – Palustrine Shrub – – – – – – Estuarine Emergent – – – – – – 

Riparian d/ 

Palustrine Emergent – – – – – – 
4.4 – U

4.4-32

TABLE 4.4.1.3-2 

Vegetation Cover Types Crossed by the Proposed Pacific Connector Pipeline

General Vegetation Type Mapped Vegetation Category Type 

Late Successional or OldGrowth Forests Miles a/

Percent of Total Late 

Successional or Old-Growth 

Forests 

Mid-Seral Forests Miles b/

Percent of Total Mid-Seral 

Forests 

Clearcut or Regenerating 

Forest Miles c/

Percent of Total Clearcut or 

Regenerating Forest 

Subtotal 

Agriculture – – – – – – 

Subtotal – – Developed Urban – – – – – – 

Industrial – – – – – – 

Subtotal Barren Coastal Dunes – – – – – – 

Roads – – – – – – 

Subtotal 

Rivers and Streams – – – – – – Ditches and Canals – – – – – – Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom – – – – – – 

Open Water 

Bays and Estuaries – – – – – – 

Subtotal Project Total Notes: ** Total does not include 0.73 mile associated with HDD crossings. a/ The “Late Successional and Old-Growth” category describes those forest areas with a majority of trees over 80 years of age. Forests with stands grconsidered to have old-growth characteristics. b/ The “Mid-Seral” category describes those forest areas with a majority of trees over 40 years of age but less than 80 years of age. c/ The “Grass-shrub-sapling or Regenerating Young Forest” category describes those forest areas that are either clear-cut (tree age 0 to 5 years) or reyears). Forest areas in this category are divided into forest vegetation types based on their potential to become those types of forests. d/ Riparian numbers within this table relate to riparian vegetation, and may differ from numbers reported for Riparian Management Areas and Riparian reported elsewhere in this EIS. -Columns and rows do not necessarily sum correctly due to rounding. -Acres of impacts to non-vegetated areas are included within this table for consistency in values reported within this EIS. 
4.4 – U

4.4-33

TABLE 4.4.1.3-3 

Summary of Construction-Related Disturbance to Vegetation by the Proposed Pacific Connector Pipeline (acres)

 Pipeline Facilities 

General 

Vegetation 

Type 

Mapped Vegetation 

Category Type 

Forest 

Stand by 

Age 

Construction Right-ofWay 

Hydrostatic Discharge 

Sites d/

Temporary Extra Work 

Areas 

Uncleared Storage 

Areas 

Rock Source/Disposal 

Access Roads 

(TARs/PARs/ 

Improvements) e/

Subtotal Late 

Successional OldGrowth 

Subtotal Mid-Seral 

L-O a/ 30.9 3.6 7.5 42.0 M-S b/ 45.2 6.2 3.8 1.0 56.2 

Douglas-fir-W. Hemlock-W. Red Cedar Forest 

C-R c/ 166.0 90.1 40.7 6.9 0.2 L-O a/ 19.2 5.5 4.5 29.1 M-S b/ 86.5 27.1 28.0 0.1 2.2 143.9 

Mixed Conifer/Mixed Deciduous Forest 

C-R c/ 165.6 47.7 12.8 0.4 L-O a/ 37.0 1.6 18.3 56.9 M-S b/ 8.9 0.2 4.1 13.1 

True Fir-Hemlock Montane Forest 

C-R c/ 53.2 19.8 24.7 L-O a/ 19.9 5.2 18.3 43.4 M-S b/ 37.1 13.8 9.5 0.4 60.8 

Douglas-fir-White Fir/Tanoak-Madrone Mixed Forest C-R c/ 14.5 14.8 8.1 

L-O a/ 350.1 74.6 298.3 4.6 727.6 M-S b/ 131.5 38.9 82.2 0.1 0.3 253.0 

Douglas-fir Dominant-Mixed Conifer Forest 

C-R c/ 187.0 0.3 107.6 127.6 4.4 L-O a/ 28.6 11.4 7.2 47.2 M-S b/ 27.2 0.1 5.6 2.2 35.1 

Ponderosa Pine/White Oak Forest and Woodland 

C-R c/ 8.5 2.8 0.4 L-O a/ 34.9 12.3 11.7 58.8 M-S b/ 50.4 19.3 5.5 75.2 

ForestWoodland (West of Cascades) 

Oregon White Oak Forest 

C-R c/

Subtotal 1502.0 0.4 508.0 715.2 17.8 2.7 1005.1 637.2 

L-O a/ 40.7 3.4 5.4 49.4 M-S b/ 37.1 <0.1 4.0 0.9 41.9 

ForestWoodland (East of 

Ponderosa Pine Forest and Woodland 

C-R c/ 46. 5.1 6.9 0.9 0.2 
4.4 – U

4.4-34

TABLE 4.4.1.3-3 

Summary of Construction-Related Disturbance to Vegetation by the Proposed Pacific Connector Pipeline (acres)

 Pipeline Facilities 

General 

Vegetation 

Type 

Mapped Vegetation 

Category Type 

Forest 

Stand by 

Age 

Construction Right-ofWay 

Hydrostatic Discharge 

Sites d/

Temporary Extra Work 

Areas 

Uncleared Storage 

Areas 

Rock Source/Disposal 

Access Roads 

(TARs/PARs/ 

Improvements) e/

Subtotal Late 

Successional OldGrowth 

Subtotal Mid-Seral 

L-O a/ 0.4 0.1 0.5 M-S b/ 67.4 14.9 0.3 82.6 

Western Juniper Woodland 

C-R c/ 20.5 2.2 0.1 L-O a/M-S b/ 11.8 0.2 5.1 17.1 

Cascades) 

Ponderosa Pine/Western Juniper Woodland 

C-R c/ 14.2 1.2 

Subtotal 238.0 0.2 35.9 13.1 1.2 0.3 49.9 141.3 Total for All Forest (by Age) 1740.0 0.6 544.0 728.4 19.0 2.9 1055.0 778.7 Percent of All Forest 57.3 <0.1 17.9 24.0 0.6 0.1 34.8 25.7 

Sagebrush Steppe 105.1 28.4 1.9 Shrublands 46.7 15.7 21.3 0.6 Grasslands (West of the Cascades) 

117.4 108.1 7.1 0.1 0.8 

GrasslandsShrubland 

Grasslands (East of the Cascades)/ForestGrassland Mosaic 

20.9 10.2 3.5 

Subtotal 290.1 162.4 30.3 3.6 1.4 

Palustrine Forest 4.0 0.9 Palustrine Shrubland Estuarine Emergent 

Riparian f/ 

Palustrine Emergent 77.3 0.1 46.6 1.5 0.6 

Subtotal 81.3 0.1 47.5 1.5 0.6 

Agriculture 386.0 0.6 230.9 3.0 0.4 1.7 

Subtotal 386.0 0.6 230.9 3.0 0.4 1.7 Developed Urban 12.3 36.2 

Industrial 14.2 175.9 <0.1 29.1 0.2 
4.4 – U

4.4-35

TABLE 4.4.1.3-3 

Summary of Construction-Related Disturbance to Vegetation by the Proposed Pacific Connector Pipeline (acres)

 Pipeline Facilities 

General 

Vegetation 

Type 

Mapped Vegetation 

Category Type 

Forest 

Stand by 

Age 

Construction Right-ofWay 

Hydrostatic Discharge 

Sites d/

Temporary Extra Work 

Areas 

Uncleared Storage 

Areas 

Rock Source/Disposal 

Access Roads 

(TARs/PARs/ 

Improvements) e/

Subtotal Late 

Successional OldGrowth 

Subtotal Mid-Seral 

Subtotal 26.5 212.1 <0.1 29.1 0.2 Barren Coastal Dunes 0.3 1.1 

Roads 114.2 84.6 15.2 2.9 17.8 

Subtotal 114.5 85.6 15.2 2.9 17.8 

Rivers and Streams 8.4 31.5 0.1 0.1 Ditches and Canals 4.8 2.8 <0.1 Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom Bays and Estuaries 73.3 2.6 

Subtotal 86.5 36.9 0.1 0.1 <0.1 Project Total 2724.8 1.3 1319.3 778.5 55.3 24.7 1055.0 778.7 Percent of Pipeline Facilities 55.6 <0.1 26.9 15.9 1.1 0.5 21.5 15.9 a/ The “Late Successional and Old-Growth” category (L-O) describes those forest areas with a majority of trees over 80 years of age. Forests with standconsidered to have old-growth characteristics. b/ The “Mid-Seral” category (M-S) describes those forest areas with a majority of trees over 40 years of age but less than 80 years of age. c/ The “Grass-shrub-sapling or Regenerating Young Forest” category (C-R) describes those forest areas that are either clearcut (tree age 0 to 5 years) o40 years). Forest areas in this category are divided into forest vegetation types based on their potential to become those types of forests. d/ Small brush or trees may be cleared by a rubber-tired rotary or flail motor (brush hog) or by hand with machetes/chainsaws. No soil disturbance would would be utilized to lay the discharge line and to remove the saturated hay bales or filter bags upon completion of hydrostatic discharge. e/ Portions of some of the PARs are located within the construction right-of-way and, therefore, there is some duplication in the acreage calculations. f/ Riparian numbers within this table relate to riparian vegetation, and may differ from numbers reported for Riparian Management Areas and Riparian Relsewhere in this EIS. -Columns and rows do not necessarily sum correctly due to rounding. -Acres of impacts to non-vegetated areas are included within this table for consistency in values reported within this EIS. 
4.4-36 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

Within UCSAs, some damage to understory vegetation and minor damage to trees would be 

expected. Trees that are damaged at the time of construction could die over time. Vegetation 

disturbance would generally depend on the site-specific vegetation characteristics - with younger 

revegetating forests being potentially more susceptible to damage such as limb breakage. Of the 

forest-woodland vegetation type, the UCSAs would impact approximately 371.2 acres of late 

successional and old-growth forests (forests areas where the majority of trees are over 80 years 

of age), 136.2 acres of mid-seral forests (forests where the majority of trees are over 40 years in 

age but under 80 years), and 221.2 acres of clearcut/grass-shrub-sapling or regenerating forests 

(clearcut consists of trees age 0 to 5 years in age while regeneration forest contain trees 5 to 40 

years in age) (see table 4.4.1.3-3). 

After construction, Pacific Connector would assess potential tree damage within the UCSAs and 

would appropriately compensate the landowner for damage. Appropriate restoration measures in 

areas were disturbance/damage has occurred would be applied as described in Pacific 

Connector’s ECRP (i.e, scarification prior to seeding grasses and fords; subsoiling prior to the 

replanting of deep-rooted trees and shrubs especially in areas where water infiltration is of prime 

importance, such as within riparian areas; etc.). For example, compacted soils would be scarified 

or subsoiled, depending on the vegetation to be restored, after use and prior to the rainy season to 

promote revegetation and ensure that soil disturbance caused by pipeline construction would not 

permanently impact long-term site productivity. UCSAs and their purposes are discussed in 

more detail within section 2.3.3.1. 

For hydrostatic test discharge sites, Pacific Connector has stated that portions of these sites may 

be cleared of small brush or trees either by mechanical means or by hand in order to position hay 

bales or filter bags. The number of growing seasons these areas would take to revegetate would 

depend on the amount and type of vegetation cleared, which varies from Oregon White Oak 

Forest to agricultural. The seven proposed hydrostatic discharge sites outside of the construction 

right-of-way would impact approximately 1.3 acres during construction and would be 

revegetated as necessary following construction. 

Medium-Term Impacts

Because the proposed pipeline would impact grass-shrub-sapling areas, which are those areas of 

clear-cuts with saplings ranging in age from 0 to 5 years, revegetation efforts in these areas could 

take anywhere from 1 to 5 growing seasons to return to their pre-construction state. This amount 

of time is slightly longer than what is considered as a short-term impact, but considerably shorter 

than a long-term impact, which is an impact that can last for the life of a project and beyond. 

The proposed pipeline would impact approximately 266.71

 acres of grass-shrub-sapling areas, 

which is 5.4 percent of the acreage disturbed by the pipeline; this value does not include the 49.7 

acres of UCSAs within these forest/woodland types, as these UCSAs are included in the values 

reported for short-term impacts. 

 

1

 On September 4, 2007 Pacific Connector filed with the FERC Table 8.4-1 in Resource Report 8 breaking out clearcut forest 

versus regenerating forest areas. An additional 8.98 acres of clearcut located in transportation corridors that must be maintained 

at a seral age is included in the total. 
4.4-37 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 

Long-Term Impacts

Long-term impacts would last longer than three to five growing seasons within the disturbed area 

and in some cases they would not resemble adjacent undisturbed lands for the life of the Project. 

Areas with trees and shrubs removed from upland coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests 

would have long-term impacts. Particularly, trees with large basal diameters would not 

regenerate during the life of the project, so their removal would be a long-term loss. Likewise, 

removal of trees contributing to stream summer shading within riparian zones would be 

considered a long-term impact. The proposed pipeline project would cross a total of 149.8 miles 

of forest-woodlands. 

Long-term impacts would occur to approximately 41.7 percent of the area affected by the 

proposed Pacific Connector pipeline, or 2,044.7 acres. Of the non-riparian forest-woodland 

vegetation, the pipeline would have long-term impacts on approximately 683.8 acres of late 

successional old-growth forests, 642.5 acres of mid-seral forests, and 711.7 acres of regenerating 

young forests (impacts on areas designated as management areas for old-growth and late 

successional forests are discussed in section 4.4.1.4). Of all the non-riparian forest-woodland 

vegetation types, it is the Douglas-fir Dominant-Mixed Conifer Forest (28.7 percent of forest 

types affected) that would be the most impacted. In addition, the proposed pipeline would 

impact approximately 4.9 acres of riparian (palustrine) forests. 

Additional long-term impacts include the cutting of danger trees – trees outside approved 

construction areas that are at risk of falling on workers or vehicles and thus would need to be 

removed. The removal of these trees would result in an additional long-term impact to adjacent 

vegetation that cannot be quantified prior to construction. Danger trees are discussed further in 

section 4.4.2.2. 

During operation, the proposed pipeline would have a permanent easement (right-of-way 

corridor), permanent access roads, and aboveground facilities that would impact approximately 

851.7 acres of various vegetation types (table 4.4.1.3-4). The impact resulting from the 

permanent easement would be approximately 848.9 acres. Of the 848.9 acres of vegetation 

impacted by the permanent maintenance easement, 545.7 acres would fall within forested areas; 

175.5 acres of which would consist of late-successional and old growth forests. 

Out of the total construction impact of 4,903.8 acres (table 4.4.1.3-3), 778.5 acres would consist 

of UCSAs and would therefore not be cleared of trees; while 4,125.3 acres of cleared vegetation 

would be revegetated (or 84.1 percent of the proposed pipeline). Some of these areas would fall 

within the permanent easement and would, therefore, only be revegetated with herbaceous cover 

to reduce erosion, but would not be allowed to regenerate beyond a herbaceous cover. 

Approximately 3,276.4 acres of the 4,125.3 acres would be outside of the permanent 

maintenance corridor and UCSAs, and would be revegetated and allowed to regenerate to their 

original state. Although forested areas located outside of the permanent maintenance corridor, 

which were cleared during construction, would be revegetated and allowed to regenerate to their 

original state, it would take multiple decades for these areas to reestablish to pre-construction 

conditions; therefore, impacts in these areas are considered long-term. 
TABLE 4.4.1.3-4 

Summary of Operation-Related Disturbance to Vegetation by the Proposed Pacific Connector Pipeline (acre

Pipeline Facilities 

General Vegetation 

Type 

Mapped Vegetation 

Category Type 

Forest 

Stand by 

Age 

30-foot Maintenance 

Corridor

Permanent Access 

Roads 

Subtotal Late 

Successional OldGrowth 

Subtotal Mid-Seral 

Subtotal Clearcut or 

Regenerating 

Subtotal of ForestWoodland by 

Vegetation Type 

Permanent Easement

Jordan Cover MS & 

MLV #1 & CT e/

MLV #2 

MLV #3 

MLV #4 

MLV #5 

MLV #6 

Clarks Branch MS & 

MLV #7 &CT 

L-O b/ 9.5 9.5 15.9 M-S c/ 14.2 14.2 23.7 Douglas-fir-W. Hemlock- W. Red Cedar Forest C-R d/ 51.3 0.2 51.5 

75.1 

86.1 0.1 

L-O b/ 5.5 5.5 9.4 M-S c/ 27.3 0.3 27.6 45.7 

Mixed Conifer/Mixed Deciduous Forest 

C-R d/ 51.7 51.7 

84.8 

86.7 0.1 

L-O b/ 11.7 11.7 19.6 M-S c/ 3.3 3.3 5.4 True Fir-Hemlock Montane Forest C-R d/ 17.7 17.7 

32.7 

29.4 

L-O b/ 6.4 6.4 10.5 M-S c/ 12.2 12.2 20.2 0.7 

Douglas-fir-White Fir/Tanoak-Madrone Mixed Forest 

C-R d/ 3.8 3.8 

22.3 

6.7 

L-O b/ 109.0 109.0 182.1 M-S c/ 41.4 41.4 69.0 Douglas-fir Dominant- Mixed Conifer Forest C-R d/ 58.4 58.4 

208.8 

98.1 

L-O b/ 9.3 9.3 15.6 M-S c/ 8.4 8.4 13.9 

Ponderosa Pine/White Oak Forest and Woodland 

C-R d/ 2.9 2.9 

20.6 

4.7 

L-O b/ 10.8 10.8 18.0 M-S c/ 15.4 15.4 25.7 

Forest-Woodland (West of Cascades) 

Oregon White Oak Forest 

C-R d/

26.1 

Subtotal 470.0 0.4 162.2 122.4 185.9 470.4 786.3 0.7 0.1 0.1 

L-O b/ 13.2 13.2 21.9 M-S c/ 11.7 11.7 19.4 Ponderosa Pine Forest and Woodland C-R d/ 14.6 0.2 14.8 

39.7 

24.3 

L-O b/ 0.1 0.1 0.2 M-S c/ 21.6 21.6 35.5 Western Juniper Woodland C-R d/ 6.4 0.1 6.5 

28.2 

10.7 

L-O b/M-S c/ 3.5 3.5 5.9 

Forest-Woodland (East of Cascades) 

Ponderosa Pine/Western Juniper Woodland 

C-R d/ 4.5 4.5 

8.0 

7.5 

Subtotal 75.6 0.3 13.4 36.8 25.7 75.9 125.5 Total for All Forest 545.7 0.7 175.6 159.2 211.6 546.3 911.8 0.7 0.1 0.1 Percent of All Forest of Total Project 64.07 0.1 20.6 18.7 24.8 64.1 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 
TABLE 4.4.1.3-4 

Summary of Operation-Related Disturbance to Vegetation by the Proposed Pacific Connector Pipeline (acre

Pipeline Facilities 

General Vegetation 

Type 

Mapped Vegetation 

Category Type 

Forest 

Stand by 

Age 

30-foot Maintenance 

Corridor

Permanent Access 

Roads 

Subtotal Late 

Successional OldGrowth 

Subtotal Mid-Seral 

Subtotal Clearcut or 

Regenerating 

Subtotal of ForestWoodland by 

Vegetation Type 

Permanent Easement

Jordan Cover MS & 

MLV #1 & CT e/

MLV #2 

MLV #3 

MLV #4 

MLV #5 

MLV #6 

Clarks Branch MS & 

MLV #7 &CT 

Sagebrush Steppe 32.2 53.7 Shrublands 14.6 24.4 Grasslands (West of the Cascades) 36.9 0.1 61.7 

GrasslandsShrubland 

Grasslands (East of the Cascades)/Forest-Grassland Mosaic 

6.9 11.5 

Subtotal 90.6 0.1 151.2 

Palustrine Forest 1.31 2.2 Palustrine Shrubland Estuarine Emergent 

Riparian g/ 

Palustrine Emergent 24.9 41.4 0.1 

Subtotal 26.2 43.6 0.1  Agriculture Agriculture 122.9 0.6 204.5 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.9 Subtotal 122.9 0.6 204.5 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.9 

Urban 3.8 6.6 

Developed 

Industrial 4.6 7.5 1.1 

Subtotal 8.5 14.1 1.1 

Coastal Dunes 0.1 0.1 0.5 

Barren 

Roads 42.0 1.4 67.1 <0.1 

Subtotal 42.1 1.4 67.3 0.5 <0.1 

Rivers and Streams 2.8 4.5 Ditches and Canals 1.4 2.3 Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom 

Open Water 

Bays and Estuaries 8.8 14.7 

Subtotal 12.9 21.5 Project Total 848.9 2.8 175.6 159.2 211.6 546.3 1414.0 2.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.0 Percent of Operations Facilities 

99.7 0.3 20.6 18.7 24.8 64.1 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 0.1 

a/ Acres disturbed were evaluated using GIS; footprints for each component (aboveground facilities, permanent easement, and 30-foot maintenance corridor) were overlaid on the digitized vegetation coveb/ The “Late Successional and Old-Growth” category (L-O) describes those forest areas with a majority of trees over 80 years of age. Forests with stands greater than 175 years are considered to have oldc/ The “Mid-Seral” category (M-S) describes those forest areas with a majority of trees over 40 years of age but less than 80 years of age. d/ The “Grass-shrub-sapling or Regenerating Young Forest” category (C-R) describes those forest areas that are either clear-cut (tree age 0 to 5 years) or regenerating (tree age 5 to 40 years). Forest arethose types of forests. e/ CT = Communications tower f/ Subtotal by Habitat Type includes the 30-foot maintenance corridor, permanent access roads, and only aboveground facilities with a meter station or compressor station (mainline block valves located witGeneral: If percentages were less than 1/100ths, they were not included in the table. g/ Riparian numbers within this table relate to riparian vegetation, and may differ from numbers reported for Riparian Management Areas and Riparian Reserves, which are reported elsewhere in this EIS. -Columns and rows do not necessarily sum correctly due to rounding. -Acres of impacts to non-vegetated areas are included within this table for consistency in values reported within this EIS. 
4.4-40 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

During construction and restoration, Pacific Connector would implement measures to minimize 

long-term impact on vegetation and ensure successful revegetation of disturbed areas, including 

measures from its ECRP, agency recommended revegetation plans, and landowner requests. 

These measures would be applied to all lands – private, state and federal. Measures specific to 

federal lands are addressed below under Environmental Consequences on Federal Lands. 

Measures that would be implemented to minimize impacts to vegetation and ensure successful 

revegetation of disturbed areas include: 

• The construction right-of-way would be limited to 75 feet based at stream crossings and 

TEWAs would be located 50 feet back from streams, except where site-specific 

conditions would not allow (see table I-1 in Appendix I); 

• The construction right-of-way would be graded to restore preconstruction contours and 

leave the soil in proper condition for seeding or planting; 

• Damage to drain tiles or irrigation systems resulting from construction in active 

agricultural areas would be corrected and monitored until restoration is successful; 

• Landscaped areas would be restored in accordance with the landowner’s request, or the 

landowner would be compensated (e.g., where mature trees are removed and can’t be 

replaced in kind). On private lands, compensation would be negotiated on a case-by-case 

basis or decided in the courts during an eminent domain hearing; 

• Restoration plans would include measures for re-establishing herbaceous or woody 

vegetation, controlling the establishment or spread of invasive species, weed control, and 

monitoring; 

• Disturbed areas would be seeded in accordance with written recommendations for seed 

mixes, rates and dates obtained from the local conservation authority or as requested by 

the landowner. The NRCS, BLM, and USFS were consulted regarding seeding dates and 

mixtures. Seed stock mixtures would be native seeds that are genetically and 

geographically adapted to local site conditions; 

• Pacific Connector would use weed-free straw for any mulch used during seeding. In 

addition, certified weed-free straw would be used for mulch and sediment barriers, 

dewatering structures, or other uses along the right-of-way. The EI or Pacific 

Connector’s authorized representative would be responsible for ensuring that all straw 

hauled to the construction yards would be certified weed-free; 

• All disturbed areas would be monitored each growing season until revegetation is 

considered successful, as compared to nearby undisturbed site vegetation of the same 

plant association. Any new locations of noxious weed infestations would be recorded 

(discussed further in the “Noxious Weeds” section); 

• Slash from timber clearing would be scattered across the right-of-way in order to return 

organic material to the soil and serve as erosion control; 

• Revegetation in non-agricultural areas would be considered successful if upon visual 

survey the density and cover of non-nuisance vegetation are similar in density and cover 

to adjacent undisturbed lands (not including landscaped areas). In agricultural areas, 

revegetation would be considered successful if crop yields are similar to adjacent 

undisturbed portions of the same field; 

• All disturbed forests outside of the 30-foot maintenance corridor would be replanted. 

Approximately 1,800 acres would be replanted with native conifer species of the local 

seed source in forested areas outside of the 30-foot maintenance right-of-way, and 30 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-41

acres of hardwoods of the local seed source would be replanted within forested, shrub 

and riverine wetlands. Replanting of trees within forested areas would comply with both 

state and federal guidelines; 

• Vegetation within the upland portion of the 30-foot maintenance corridor, centered over 

the pipeline, would be maintained in an herbaceous/shrub state of less than 6 feet in 

height (figure 2.7-1). If reseeding of the maintenance corridor is necessary following 

construction, native herbaceous seeds from the local seed source would be used. For 

waterbody crossings, Pacific Connector would limit vegetation maintenance to maintain a 

25 foot buffer from the streambank 

− The 30-foot maintenance corridor would be periodically maintained using mowing, 

cutting and trimming either through mechanical methods or by hand. Maintenance 

activities are expected to occur approximately every 3 to 5 years depending on the 

vegetation’s growth rate. 

− Routine vegetation maintenance clearing would not occur more frequently than every 

3 years, except as necessary for the 10-foot-wide corridor centered over the pipeline 

that could be maintained annually if necessary. 

− Routine vegetation maintenance clearing would not occur during the principal portion 

of the growing season from April 15 to August 1. 

− Ground-based mechanized vegetation clearing/maintenance work would only be 

performed between August and October (outside of the principal rainy season). 

− Compaction of soils would be prevented through the implementation of the ECRP. 

• Prior to construction or disturbance, areas of known noxious weeds may be pretreated 

with herbicides. 

• During operation, no herbicides would be used in the 30-foot maintenance corridor unless 

invasive species infestations were to occur, in which case only landowner approved 

herbicides would be used for eradication. 

• Boulders and other large rocks generated by construction activities would be used to 

block access to the cleared right-of-way by recreational and off-road vehicles, which 

have the potential to spread noxious weeds, insects or vegetation diseases. 

Effects of Forest Fragmentation

In addition to the direct effects of removing vegetation, there would be indirect effects resulting 

from the fragmentation of connected vegetation types. Fragmentation refers to breaking up 

contiguous areas of vegetation or habitat into smaller patches, which results in the creation of 

forest edges along the right-of-way. The conditions within these fragments are further altered 

due to edge effects. Forest edges play a crucial role in ecosystem interactions and landscape 

function, including the distribution of plants and animals, fire spread, vegetation structure, and 

wildlife habitat. Creation of forest edge adjacent to dense canopy would impact microclimate 

factors such as wind, humidity, and light, and can lead to a change in species composition within 

the adjacent forest or increase invasion by invasive species. Compared to the forest interior, 

areas near edges receive more direct solar radiation during the day, lose more long-wave 

radiation at night, have lower humidity, and receive less short-wave radiation. Increased solar 

radiation and wind can desiccate vegetation by increasing evapotranspiration, can affect which 

species survive along the edge (typically favoring shade intolerant species), and can impact soil 

characteristics. Fragmentation and a loss of habitat connectivity can also impact wildlife (see 
4.4-42 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

section 4.5). Other physical factors affecting edge includes edge orientation (Chen et al. 1995). 

For example, the general orientation of the Pacific Connector pipeline is from northwest to 

southeast; therefore, edge effects would be most pronounced on the southwest-facing edges and 

weakest along the northeast-facing edges. 

The amount of solar radiation falling on a newly created edge would depend on the direction it 

faces, its latitude, time of year and time of day (solar azimuth and solar altitude), and height of 

trees that would cast shadows on the new edge. Because these values constantly change 

temporally and spatially, the edge effects would also constantly change along the pipeline, as tree 

shadows would extend different distances across the right-of-way depending on the time of year. 

This would result as some areas would be in shade at one point in the year (reducing edge 

effects) and in sunlight during another portion of the year (increasing edge effects). For 

example, assume the 95-foot wide pipeline corridor is oriented northwest to southeast at 135o 

from north. At a location in the vicinity of the pipeline (longitude=123.0o West, latitude=42.5o 

North) on June 21, the sun would be shining from the east (azimuth ≈91.5o) at 0815 (PST) with 

solar altitude of ≈ 37.6o. A tree 100 feet tall on the southwest-facing edge of the right-of-way 

would cast a shadow 130 feet which, given the angle and width of the right-of-way, would fall 

short of reaching the opposite side (northeast-facing edge) by about 5 feet. On May 21, 

however, the sun in the same position would have cast a shadow of about 170 feet at 0745 (PST) 

and on July 21 at 0800 (PST) the shadow would extend about 160 feet. In both instances, the 

edge opposite the eastern sun would be in shadow. Such changing amounts of solar radiation – 

due to tree shadows - would occur along the entire route although the shortest shadows (and most 

solar radiation) would always occur on the summer solstice when the solar altitude is at its 

maximum. 

The area crossed by the proposed pipeline has already experienced fragmentation in the form of 

existing roads, other rights-of-way, clear cuts, residential developments, and agricultural 

developments; however, the proposed pipeline would create approximately 120.2 miles of new 

edge, or 240.4 miles when both sides of the right-of-way are taken into account (table 4.4.1.3-5). 

This estimate does not include clearcut or regenerating forest. The majority of this edge (92.0 

miles or 184.0 miles for both sides of right-of-way) would be created through forest and 

woodland vegetation types. Additionally, edges would be created through contiguous sagebrush 

steppe (8.9 miles or 17.8 for both sides of right-of-way), grasslands (12.0 miles or 24.0 for both 

sides of right-of-way), and palustrine forested and/or shrub wetlands (0.6 mile or 1.2 mile for 

both sides of right-of-way); however, edge effects would not be as substantial or long-lived 

within non-forested habitat as they are in forested habitats due to the height and structural 

complexity of forested habitats. 

The right-of-way would create some patches less that 1 acre in size. Riparian vegetation would 

have the smallest average patch size resulting from pipeline-associated fragmentation (average 

patch size would be 0.2 acres in palustrine forest and 0.4 acres in non-forested wetland 

communities). A total of 2,674 new isolated patches of vegetation would be created within 

various vegetation types. Douglas-fir dominant-mixed conifer forest would be the most 

impacted vegetation type, with approximately 848 patches created. The average size of new 

patches within Douglas-fir dominant-mixed conifer forest would be 0.6 acre per patch, with a 

range of 8.6 acres to less than 0.01 acre. 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-43

TABLE 4.4.1.3-5 

Estimated Fragmentation within Forested, Woodland, Shrub, and Grassland Vegetation Due to the Proposed Pipeline 

Facilities Construction Right-of-Way

General Vegetation Type Mapped Vegetation Category Type a/

Total 

ROW 

Patches

b/ in 

Category 

Total 

Area 

(acres) 

Mean Area 

per ROW 

Patch (acres) 

Total 

Length 

(miles)

Douglas-fir-W. Hemlock-W. Red Cedar 

Forest 126 76.1 0.6 6.5 

Mixed Conifer/Mixed Deciduous Forest 322 105.0 0.3 8.9 

True Fir-Hemlock Montane Forest 78 45.9 0.6 4.1 

Douglas-fir-White Fir/Tanoak-Madrone 

Mixed Forest 119 57.0 0.5 5.1 

Douglas-fir Dominant-Mixed Conifer Forest 848 481.6 0.6 41.3 

Ponderosa Pine/White Oak Forest and 

Woodland 129 55.8 0.4 4.9 

Forest-Woodland (West of 

Cascades) 

Oregon White Oak Forest 152 85.3 0.6 7.2 

Subtotal 1,774 906.7 78.0 

Ponderosa Pine Forest and Woodland 60 77.7 1.3 6.9 

Western Juniper Woodland 44 67.7 1.5 6.1 Forest-Woodland (East of 

Cascades) Ponderosa Pine/Western Juniper Woodland 13 11.8 0.9 1.0 

Subtotal 117 157.2 14.0 

Forest/Woodland Total 1,891 1,063.9 92.0 

Sagebrush Steppe 141 105.1 0.8 8.9 

Grasslands (West of the Cascades) 386 118.1 0.3 10.1 Grasslands-Shrubland 

Grasslands (East of the Cascades)/ForestGrassland Mosaic 35 20.9 0.6 1.9 

Subtotal 562 244.1 20.9 

Palustrine Forest 26 4.0 0.2 0.4 Riparian-Wetland PalustrineEmergent (non-forested) 195 77.3 0.4 6.9 

Subtotal 221 81.3 7.3 

Grand Total: 2,674 1,389.3 120.2 

a/. TEWAs, UCSAs, and clear cut and regenerating forests are not included. 

b/ Patch: a contiguous clump of similar vegetation of varying acreage size. 

-Columns and rows do not necessarily sum correctly due to rounding. 

In addition to the construction right-of-way, TEWAs would also contribute to fragmentation by 

creating patches within contiguous habitats. Because most of the proposed TEWAs are adjacent 

to the construction right-of-way, clearing would mostly reduce the patch size created on the 

right-of-way rather than create additional cleared patches. 

Vegetative Species or Communities of Special Concern or Value

There are 383 special status plant species that may be present in the pipeline Project area. 

Descriptions of expected habitat, documented or suspected occurrences, and a description of 

potential impacts to these special status species are presented in Appendix H (table H-8). During 

2007-2008, Siskiyou BioSurvey, LLC (SBS) surveyed for special status vascular and nonvascular plant species in suitable habitat within 200 feet of the proposed right-of-way, TEWAs, 

UCSAs, and access roads. Survey results, including methodology, are provided in the 2007 

Draft and 2008 Biological Survey Report. During these surveys, 34 special status plant and 

bryophyte species were documented, including: 23 vascular plants, 7 lichens, 3 mosses, and 1 

liverwort. The status of and effects to special status species are discussed further in section 4.6. 
4.4-44 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

Comments received from agencies and the public expressed concern regarding the potential 

impacts of the Project on old-growth forests. Impacts to late-successional and old-growth forests 

are discussed above, under the heading “Long-Term Impacts”. Impacts to vegetation within 

lands designated as management areas for late-successional forests are discussed in section 

4.4.1.4. 

Noxious Weeds

Short- or long-term impact to any vegetation community could result from establishment and 

spread of noxious weeds following construction. Noxious weeds can adversely affect an area 

either when invasive plants become established or when an existing species’ population size 

increases. Invasive or noxious plants can negatively affect habitat by competing for resources 

such as water and light, changing the community composition, eliminating or reducing native 

plants, or by changing the vegetation structure. The changes in community composition or 

vegetation structure can reduce native plant populations and can also negatively affect habitat for 

wildlife. Soil disturbance and/or removal of existing vegetation for pipeline or road construction 

can provide openings for invasive or noxious plants to establish or spread. Movement of 

equipment can also provide opportunities for seed transport into new areas. Direct effects of 

invasions can include the establishment or spread of invasive or noxious plants through the use 

of new roads after construction, maintenance activities, or by providing a corridor for the 

establishment and spread of invasive or noxious plants to adjoining lands. In general, habitats 

with more bare ground, such as grasslands, riparian areas, and relatively dry or open forests are 

more susceptible to invasion than are dense, moist forests, high montane areas and serpentine 

areas that have relatively closed canopy cover or have extreme climate or soils that are tolerated 

by fewer invasive plant species. Due to the connectivity of lands by roads and their use, the 

potential effects of invasive or noxious plants are not limited to the area of disturbance. 

Multiple noxious weeds were documented along the pipeline route during botanical surveys 

conducted in 2007 (table 4.4.1.3-6). All weeds found are ODA class B species; however, five 

species observed were also Class “T” weeds, including yellow starthistle, rush skeletonweed, 

purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, and tansy ragwort. Of the Class “T” species, yellow 

starthistle and tansy ragwort were the most prevalent (table 4.4.1.3-6). Occurrences of these 

species increase the potential for new or expanded growth of noxious weeds as direct 

consequence of pipeline construction. 

TABLE 4.4.1.3-6 

Summary of Noxious Weeds found Along the Pacific Connector Pipeline Route during 2007

Common Name Scientific Name 

Oregon DOA 

Class 

Oregon DOA Target 

"T" Weed 

Number of Incidences on 

ROW 

Meadow knapweed Centaurea pratensis B No 7 

Yellow starthistle Centaurea solstitialis B Yes 17 

Canada thistle Cirsium arvense B No 11 

Rush skeletonweed Chondrilla juncea B Yes 10 

Scotch broom Cytisus scoparius B No 11 

English ivy Hedera helix B No 1 

Dalmation toadflax Linaria dalmatica (L. genista) B No 1 

Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria B Yes 1 

Japanese knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum B Yes 1 

Himalyan blackberry Rubus discolor B No 39 

Tansy ragwort Senecio jacobaea B Yes 14 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-45

Although surveys were conducted at an appropriate time of year to identify weed species, the 

discovery of these weed species does not indicate that other noxious weeds could not still be 

present within the pipeline Project area (for example, additional weeds species may be present in 

the seedbank). Surveys were conducted in order to create a list of known infestations that could 

be mapped and controlled. If additional infestations or other invasive/noxious weed species are 

found, then these would be controlled and monitored as well. Mitigation measures aimed at 

preventing the spread of invasive species and noxious weeds were designed to prevent the spread 

of all weeds species, not just those that were identified during surveys. 

The ODA, BLM and USFS were consulted for recommendations to prevent the introduction or 

spread of noxious weeds and soil pests. Before construction, Pacific Connector would develop a 

Noxious Weed Control Plan as part of the ECRP that would incorporate the recommendations of 

these agencies. The plan would provide procedures to minimize the potential introduction or 

spread of weeds along the construction right-of-way. The plan would include reconnaissance 

surveys to determine the presence of noxious weeds, cleaning of construction equipment and 

vehicles prior to moving them onto the construction right-of-way, and requirements for 

vegetation clearing and grading in areas of noxious weeds. All construction equipment would be 

inspected to ensure that it is clean and free of potential weed seed, prior to transporting 

equipment to the construction right-of-way. Construction equipment would be power washed, if 

necessary, as determined by the EI. In addition, initial inspections of all project inspector 

vehicles and construction contractor vehicles would be performed prior to being allowed on the 

construction right-of-way. The EI or Pacific Connector’s authorized representative would be 

responsible for performing inspections and registering or tagging the equipment prior to being 

transported or moved to the right-of-way. Any equipment used within areas with noxious weeds 

present, which are classified as priority A and T as well as selected B listed weeds, would be 

cleaned by hand, blown down with air, or pressure washed prior to leaving the site. Equipment 

cleaning on the right-of-way would occur in a cleaning station approved by the EI. Infested 

areas and cleaning stations would be mapped to ensure that these areas are monitored during 

construction and to ensure that these weeds are controlled and not spread. 

After construction, Pacific Connector would monitor the right-of-way for infestations of noxious 

weeds. Targeted weed monitoring would occur in the areas where noxious weeds were 

identified prior to construction and were previously mapped to ensure that potential infestations 

do not reestablish and/or spread. Monitoring would also occur in areas along the right-of-way 

where equipment cleaning stations and hydrostatic dewatering sites were located to ensure that 

infestation at these locations do not occur. Pacific Connector’s operational staff or their 

contractors would be responsible for these monitoring efforts. If infestations occur along the 

right-of-way, Pacific Connector would make an assessment of the source of the infestation, the 

potential for the infestation to spread, and develop a treatment plan to control the infestation. 

The treatment plan would be developed using integrated weed management principles, and if 

herbicides are used, all applicable approvals would be obtained prior to their use including 

landowner approvals. Only herbicides which are approved for use within treated lands (private, 

state, or federal) would be used. Treatments would not be conducted during precipitation events 

or when precipitation is expected within 24 hours. If weeds targeted for herbicide treatments are 

in the vicinity of sensitive sites, proper buffers would be used in order to prevent the spread of 

herbicides to these areas. Pacific Connector would consult with the Oregon Department of 

Agriculture Noxious Weed Control Program or local County Weed Programs for additional 
4.4-46 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

support regarding noxious weed control issues that may occur during the pipeline operations. 

Pacific Connector would conduct follow-up inspections of all disturbed areas until revegetation 

is successful. 

While Pacific Connector has committed to monitoring for invasive and noxious weed species at 

specific locations (known infestations, equipment cleaning stations, hydrostatic dewatering 

sites); we received comments from the BLM requesting that weed monitoring occur along the 

entire route within BLM lands, not just at targeted locations. We believe that focusing on the 

location of known infestations or where there is the greatest potential for introduction of invasive 

and noxious weeds (e.g. cleaning stations) would be adequate to identify and control invasive 

and noxious weeds. However, as a condition of its Right-of-Way Grant the BLM may require 

additional weed monitoring and management, including monitoring along the entire right-of-way 

on BLM-administered lands. 

Vegetation Pathogens

Insects and diseases can adversely affect a forest if pipeline associated activities introduce new 

or spread existing infestations. Trees may be more susceptible to infestation that are damaged 

during clearing activities and/or have soil compacted over their roots, including those within 

UCSAs. Equipment can transport insects or disease in or out of an area. The pipeline’s 

right-of-way and the use of roads can spread or introduce insects or disease to new areas. 

Diseases could also be transferred from one area to another in hydrostatic test water. The spread 

of insects or disease within the proposed pipeline Project area would result in both short- and 

long-term effects, such as reduced species diversity due to invasion or infestation and a loss of 

habitat function for wildlife. 

Multiple infestations of insect parasites and tree pathogens already exist along the pipeline’s 

route (table 4.4.1.3-7). Those occurrences increase the potential for new or expanded 

infestations or infections as direct result of pipeline construction. Port-Orford-Cedar root disease 

has been documented on the proposed route. Though no current records exist, sites infected with 

annosus root and butt rot would be documented during timber cruising prior to vegetation 

clearing. Known infestations of insect tree parasites include several associated with fir engraver 

and western pine beetles and one each of flatheaded borer and mountain pine beetle (table

TABLE 4.4.1.3-7 

Summary of Known Infestations of Insect Parasites and Tree Diseases Along the Pacific Connector Pipeline Route

Tree Insect or Disease Land Ownership 

Number of Incidences on 

ROW 

Approximate Length (miles) of 

ROW Affected 

Port-Orford-Cedar Root Disease Private 1 0.2 

Private 1 0.1 

Private - FS 1 0.3 

FS 4 1.0 

Fir Engraver 

BLM 4 0.9 

Flatheaded Borer BLM 1 < 0.1 

Mountain Pine Beetle FS 1 < 0.1 

Private 3 0.3 

Private-BLM 1 < 0.1 

Western Pine Beetle 

BLM 2 0.3 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-47

4.4.1.3-7). True firs that are damaged during clearing activities and have compacted soil may be 

more susceptible to fir engravers. Likewise, thinning overstocked ponderosa pine stands and 

removing trees infested with western pine beetles would help reduce the hazard of additional 

attacks. Flatheaded borer outbreaks are usually associated with dead or severely damaged trees, 

especially after disturbance events such as drought, storm damage or fire. Dwarf mistletoe most 

likely exists on the Pacific Connector proposed pipeline route, although specific sites have not 

been identified. Potential impacts to stands within the proposed project area that may increase 

the spread of the parasite, especially in Douglas-fir stands, would likely evolve as forested 

openings are created that provide more direct sunlight to existing infestations that cause the 

disease to become more vigorous. 

Listed below are mitigations for specific insect or diseases that would be implemented within 

infected areas. 

• Douglas-fir beetle – Within areas where Douglas-fir beetle infestations have been 

documented, methylcychexenone capsules (a natural beetle repellant) would be applied to 

trees along the edge of the construction right-of-way. This treatment would occur before 

beetle flight in April to protect remaining stands of Douglas-fir and to prevent the spread 

of Douglas-fir beetle. No Douglas-fir down wood, 12 inches or larger in diameter, would 

be left in areas on NFS lands where there are known infestations of Douglas-fir beetle. 

• Fir engraver – When clearing the construction right-of-way within true fir stands, Pacific 

Connector would utilize logging practices that directionally fall timber into the right-ofway, as well as store logs away from trees adjacent to the right-of-way to minimize or 

prevent damage to standing trees. Additionally, fresh slash greater than 4 inches provides 

breeding material for the beetles and can contribute to outbreaks. Pacific Connector 

would use the BLM and USFS fuel loading specifications to minimize slash 

accumulations. 

• Flatheaded borer – Pacific Connector would minimize damage to adjacent trees when 

clearing and maintaining the right-of-way, including felling trees within the right-of-way 

away from adjacent, standing trees. 

• Western pine beetle – In overstocked, infested stands, Pacific Connector would remove 

infested trees before beetle emergence in early June to reduce potential for infestation, if 

feasible. Also, if a mature ponderosa pine tree is identified with western pine beetle 

infestation within, but on the immediate edge of the construction right-of-way and would 

not pose a safety or construction hazards, it would be retained for future snag recruitment 

to benefit wildlife. 

• Port-Orford cedar root disease – To minimize or prevent the spread of P. lateralis within 

the proposed Project area, Pacific Connector would implement the following in areas 

with Port-Orford cedar, whether stands are infested or not (adapted from BLM 1994a): 1) 

pressure wash equipment and vehicles prior to entering uninfected areas and prior to 

departure of infested areas with water, 2) limit ground-disturbing construction and 

maintenance activities to the dry season, if feasible, and 3) prevent use of right-of-way in 

Port-Orford cedar areas from off-road recreationists by blocking access. All equipment 

entering NFS lands would comply with all USFS P. lateralis mitigation requirements. 

Pacific Connector would revegetate Port-Orford cedar areas using disease-resistant 

strains of seedlings. 
4.4-48 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

• Laminated root rot – Infected stands would be documented and revegetated with resistant 

species (native cedars, pines, spruces, and hardwoods). 

• Dwarf mistletoe – In the event that dwarf mistletoe is found within the proposed Project 

area, Pacific Connector would consult with the agencies to determine the appropriate plan 

to minimize its spread. 

• Black stain root disease – As was discussed for dwarf mistletoe, in the event that black 

stain root disease is found within the proposed Project area, Pacific Connector would 

consult with the agencies to determine the appropriate plan to minimize its spread. 

• Annosus root and butt rot – During timber cruises that would occur prior to vegetation 

clearing, sites infected with annosus root and butt rot would be documented. 

Management to reduce tree loss from F. annosus varies depending on tree species 

affected. To reduce the spread of annosus root rot in the proposed Project area overall, 

dry borax would be applied to freshly cut stumps and wounds inflicted on trees adjacent 

to the construction right-of-way in areas identified with infestations of annosus root rot, 

especially when true firs and pine are the tree species present. In general, dry borax 

would be applied within 1 to 2 hours following cutting or working within these areas, and 

would not exceed more than 24 hours. Unless the specific strain of Annosus root disease 

is known (p-type strain or s-type strain), cut surfaces of all susceptible species would be 

treated in areas where the disease may be occurring to prevent spread. P-type strain 

occurs mainly on pines and incense cedar, but also on hardwoods and brush; the s-type 

strain infects spruces, firs, Douglas-fir, western redcedar, and hemlocks. 

Fire Regimes

During public scoping we received comments about the potential for herbaceous vegetation 

maintained along the pipeline right-of-way or slash (wood debris created during construction) 

scattered within the right-of-way to increase the local fire regime. In addition, there was concern 

that vehicles traveling along new access roads would ignite wildfires within these herbaceous 

communities and slash piles, which could then subsequently trigger forest fires within adjacent 

vegetation. This would result as the low intensity herbaceous ground fires utilize the more dense 

vegetation located near forest edges as a ladder, allowing access to the forest’s canopy, which 

would trigger a high intensity crown fire. If fire frequencies were to increase within either 

herbaceous or forested areas, communities could shift to a species composition more adapted to 

higher fire frequencies and the increased disturbance rates could increase the rate of 

establishment by invasive species. 

The exact risk of fires (either natural, or caused by human and/or pipeline construction or 

operation activities) occurring along the pipeline would be dependent on local conditions; as the 

pipeline crosses a broad range of vegetation types and ecoregion, the mean fire return intervals 

experienced along the pipeline’s route varies considerably, with mean fire return intervals from 

as frequent as 10 to 15 years in the dryer eastern regions to some moister regions with intervals 

greater than 500 (USGS 2008). 

Once construction is completed, vehicular traffic along the new access roads would be 

intermittent due to the reduced need for access following construction; therefore, the likelihood 

and frequency of vehicular ignited fires along these new access roads contributing to the local 

fire regime would be small. In addition, the western portion of the pipeline is in an area with a 

moist climate, where fire ignitions from vehicle are infrequent. Also, herbaceous vegetation is 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-49

common in the eastern portion of the pipeline’s right-of-way; therefore, additional herbaceous 

communities within these eastern areas would not likely alter the areas fire regime. 

Land management units (i.e., BLM District, National Forest, State Forest, private forest 

ownership) generally have specific fuel management standards for its lands, depending on 

location and management objectives. These may include the periodic use of prescribed fire to 

reduce fuel loads, and therefore fire hazard, to recommended levels. Pacific Connector would 

comply with land owner/land management agency standards for each ownership/management 

unit crossed by the pipeline and would coordinate fuel reduction activities with land 

owners/managers. In addition, Pacific Connector would coordinate with appropriate land 

owners, land management agencies, state agencies, and local fire districts to ensure that fire 

prevention and suppression activities consider pipeline safety. 

Wild-Harvest of Non-Timber Forest Products

Some legal (i.e. permitted) recreational and commercial harvesters could be temporarily 

displaced during pipeline construction. Additionally, some of the forest products which are 

typically harvested would be removed during land clearing phases of pipeline construction. 

However, much of the wild harvesting which occurs within this area is illegal (i.e. not permitted) 

and the proposed pipeline right-of-way and roads would create new access into forested areas, 

therefore wild harvesting could increase as a result of the proposed construction and operation. 

In order to limit this unauthorized use of the pipeline’s right-of-way by illegal harvesters, debris 

and boulders, generated during construction, would be used to block these potential points of 

access. 

4.4.1.4 Environmental Consequences on Federal Lands 

BLM – Forest Operations Inventory 

The BLM tracks vegetation, land management treatments, and disturbance within each district 

during operations inventories. This data and/or attributes are then transferred to a GIS coverage 

called the Forest Operations Inventory (FOI). The FOI describes and classifies forest cover 

(vegetation), site class, denudation cause, dominant species, understory species, treatments, age 

class, and stand condition (BLM 2006). The FOI classification for all BLM districts that would 

be crossed by the proposed Project are listed within Table 3C-1 in Appendix 3C of Resource 

Report 3, filled with Pacific Connector’s application to the FERC. 

USFS– Plant Association Groups 

The USFS classifies potential vegetation based on plant association groups (PAGs). PAGs are 

described primarily by the presence or absence, and abundance of plant species based on 

environmental variables, including soil, aspect, slope, slope position, and moisture. PAGs are 

also divided into plant series based on the climax dominant trees of a stand. PAGs have been 

defined for the three NFS lands that would be crossed by the proposed Project; not all three 

USFS managed lands, however, have had PAGs identified and are noted as “not currently in 

model” (USFS 1996). The following describes seven plant series that would be crossed by the 

proposed Pacific Connector pipeline, based on GIS coverage: 
4.4-50 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

Douglas-Fir Series 

Douglas-fir occurs in all PAG series within elevations ranging from sea level to 5,600 feet. 

Usually overstory presence of Douglas-fir indicates recent ground disturbance while presence 

and dominance in the understory can indicate hot, dry conditions, which is characteristic of the 

Douglas-fir Series. Many other tree species may be present that are also tolerant of drought-like 

conditions, such as ponderosa pine, incense cedar and canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). 

Within Umpqua National Forest, the following shrubs/plant associations may occur within the 

Douglas-fir Series: poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), canyon live oak, chinquapin, 

salal, and species associated with ultramafic parent materials. Potentially canyon live oak and 

Douglas-fir may occur on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. 

Mountain Hemlock Series 

In Southwest Oregon, mountain hemlock occurs at high elevations, ranging from approximately 

3,950 feet to 6,690 feet in the Cascades, with cold temperatures and moderate precipitation. 

Associated parent material is highly variable, although pumice, andesite, and basalt are the most 

common. Mountain hemlock and Shasta red fir are dominant tree species in the overstory, with 

western white pine and Douglas-fir occasionally occurring. Within the Rogue River-Siskiyou 

National Forest, the Mountain Hemlock Series may be associated with grouse huckleberry in 

deep soils at higher elevations, Pacific rhododendron at lower elevations and warmer conditions, 

and/or with the wildflower sidebells pyrola (Pyrola secunda). 

Shasta Red Fir Series 

The Shasta Red Fir Series is representative of a variety of California red fir found in southwest 

Oregon and northern California generally at higher elevations (4,000 to 6,900 feet) where the 

climate is cool and moist. Shasta red fir is typically the dominant tree in the overstory, although 

on warmer sites, white fir is present and on cooler sites, mountain hemlock is present. Within 

the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, the mountain sweet-root/Shasta Red Fir Series 

association may potentially be found which is typically located at sites with lower precipitation. 

In the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the Shasta Red Fir series is found within the Cascade 

Province of Southwest Oregon. 

White Fir Series 

This species is most abundant in Southwest Oregon and will occur on a variety of sites and 

therefore is not specific to slope, aspect, soil type, or elevation. White Fir Series generally 

occurs on cool sites, with an average rainfall varying between 45 inches in drier areas of the 

Cascades to 102 inches near the coast. As a result of frequent disturbances, other early seral 

species become the dominant overstory tree in the White Fir Series, such as Douglas-fir and 

Shasta red fir, which are potentially present within the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest. 

Also, dwarf Oregon grape is common and widespread within the Series and may occur within the 

Project area. Based on GIS coverage, white fir-shasta red fir is crossed on the Fremont-Winema 

National Forest. 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-51

Grand Fir Series 

No specific description has been created for this series. However, based on GIS coverage, grand 

fir trees may be dominant within stands located in the Umpqua National Forest, with a canyon 

live oak association. 

Jeffrey Pine Series 

This species is scattered throughout Jackson and Douglas Counties and usually occurs on dry, 

ultramafic parent material, mainly serpentine and peridotite with high exposed gravel, surface 

rock, and bedrock components. As a result of the serpentine/periodotite parent material this 

series is associated with, many unique and rare species can be found. This series is found within 

a wide elevational range, from 1,200 feet to 6,000 feet; however, most occurrences are 

concentrated near 2,000 feet. It can occur on all aspects and slope positions although it is most 

common on the southerly aspect and mid-slope position. Often Douglas-fir and incense cedar 

are associated with the Jeffrey Pine Series, which has an open canopy characteristic. Within the 

Umpqua National Forest, Jeffrey Pine (Pinus jeffreyi) has the potential to occur with high grass 

understory coverage. 

Western Hemlock Series 

This plant series is known to occur in drier conditions on Umpqua National Forest, and the 

associations crossed by the proposed pipeline are salal, Oregon grape, and rhododendron. The 

series is associated with low to moderate elevations. Because of the frequent disturbances in 

southwest Oregon, the overstory of this series is generally dominated by Douglas-fir with the 

understory predominately western hemlock; however, within the western hemlock/salal-dwarf 

Oregon grape association, both western hemlock and Douglas-fir are present in the overstory. 

Noxious Weeds 

The BLM objective for weeds is to contain and/or reduce noxious weed infestations with an 

integrated pest management approach (e.g., chemical, mechanical, manual, and/or biological) 

and avoid introducing or spreading noxious weed infestations in areas, as outlined in the BLM's 

multi-state environmental impact statement, Northwest Area Noxious Weed Control Program 

(BLM 1985) and its supplements, as well as the BLM’s Final Vegetation Treatments on Bureau 

of Land Management Lands in 17 Western States Programmatic Environmental Report (2007). 

The BLM is specifically concerned with the impacts of weeds on LSMAs and seeks to eliminate 

or control weeds that adversely affect those areas. Elsewhere, the BLM surveys for noxious 

weed infestations, reports them to the ODA, and coordinates with them to reduce infestations 

while using methods that do not conflict with the objectives of each BLM district’s December 

2008 RMP. 

Control of noxious weeds by USFS is coordinated with state, county, and private organizations 

through weed control districts or coordinated resource management agreements. On NFS lands, 

preventive management is critical to an effective control program. The agency utilizes 

management direction provided in the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program: 

Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Final Environmental Impact Statement (USFS 2005). 

Noxious weeds classified as target species, which occur on federal lands are listed within table 

4.4.1.3-6. 
4.4-52 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

Impacts and Mitigation 

Areas crossed on NFS lands include both Riparian Reserves and LSRs as defined by the NWFP. 

Riparian Reserves are areas along streams and other waterbodies where the conservation of 

aquatic- and riparian-dependent terrestrial resources receives emphasis. The main purpose of 

Riparian Reserves is to protect the health of the aquatic system and its dependent species. The 

riparian vegetation is important because it provides shade and a source of large woody debris, 

which can affect the stream temperature and contribute to the overall quality of habitat. Lands 

considered within Riparian Reserves are determined through watershed analysis. If watershed 

analysis has not been conducted for a particular waterbody, interim widths are assigned. Section 

4.3.3 discusses the widths for Riparian Reserves within NFS lands. LSRs were established in 

order to protect and enhance the conditions of old growth forest ecosystems; however, not all 

forests within LSRs consist of old growth. LSRs contain a diverse assemblage of tree species in 

moderate to high densities, and provide essential habitat for a variety of wildlife species such as 

the northern spotted owl (USFS and BLM 1994b). 

Areas crossed on BLM-administered lands include LSMAs and Riparian Management Areas 

(RMAs) as defined by the BLM’s December 2008 RMPs. The objectives of the LSMAs are to: 

1) maintain habitat for the northern spotted owl and the marbled murrelet; 2) promote 

development of habitat suitable for nesting, roosting, or foraging for the NSO in stands that do 

not currently meet suitable habitat criteria; 3) promote development of nesting habitat for the 

MAMU in stands that do not currently meet nesting habitat criteria; and 4) recover economic 

value from timber harvested after a stand-replacement disturbance, such as a fire, windstorm, 

disease, or insect infestation. The objectives of the RMAs are to: 1) provide for conservation of 

special status fish and other special status aquatic species; 2) provide for riparian and aquatic 

conditions that supply stream channels with shade, sediment filtering, leaf litter and large wood, 

and streambank stability; 3) maintain and restore water quality; and 4) maintain and restore 

access to stream channels for all life stages of fish species. Table 4.4.1.4-1 list the ways in which 

the widths of RMAs are calculated on BLM-administered lands. 

TABLE 4.4.1.4-1 

Riparian Management Area Calculations

Riparian Management Areas a/ Buffer Distances 

Perennial and intermittent fish-bearing streams and 

perennial non-fish-bearing streams 

One site-potential tree height b/ on each side of a stream channel as 

measured from the ordinary high water line. 

Intermittent non-fish-bearing streams Half of one site-potential tree height on each side of a stream 

channel as measured from the ordinary high water line. 

Natural lakes, ponds > .25 acre One site-potential tree height extending from the edge of the water 

body as measured from the ordinary high water line. 

Ponds < .25 acre, natural wetlands, springs, seeps, 

constructed reservoirs, ditches, and canals 

The edge of a body of water or wetland to the outer edge of its 

riparian vegetation, or to the extent of seasonally saturated soil, 

whichever is greatest. 

a/ Riparian Management Areas are measured by slope (not horizontal) distance from the ordinary high water line. 

b/ The site-potential tree height for the purposes of determining Riparian Management Areas would be based on district 

averages measured at a scale no finer than the fifth-field watershed. 

The proposed pipeline would cross approximately 21.5 miles of riparian zones, of which 18.6 

miles would be on non-federal lands, and 2.9 miles would be on federal lands (1.4 miles on 

BLM-administrated lands, and 1.5 mile on NFS lands). A total construction disturbance of 26.6 

acres would occur to Riparian Reserves on NFS lands (1.6 acres of which fall within UCSAs). 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-53

Approximately 13.2 acres of the disturbance to Riparian Reserves would occur to forested areas; 

although all disturbed areas outside of the permanent right-of-way would be revegetated, 

forested areas could take multiple decades to restore to their preconstruction conditions. 

Therefore impacts to the forested portions of the Riparian Reserves would constitute a long-term 

effect. In addition, approximately 5.5 acres of the disturbed acreage on USFS Riparian Reserves 

would consist of long-term impacts resulting from operation and maintenance of the pipeline’s 

permanent right-of-way. Total construction disturbance to RMAs on BLM-administered lands 

would consist of 31.2 acres (2.2 acres of which fall within UCSAs). Approximately 18.3 acres 

of the disturbance to RMAs would occur to forested areas, resulting in a long-term effect. In 

addition, approximately 6.8 acres of the disturbed acreage on BLM RMAs would consist of longterm permanent impacts resulting from the pipeline’s permanent right-of-way. 

Table 4.4.1.4-2 summarizes the effects of the proposed pipeline on PAGs and LSRs within NFS 

lands. A total of 589.2 acres of land would be impacted on NFS lands, with approximately 169.3 

acres of impact occurring to forests over 80 years in age. Of the 589.2 acres of total impact, 

376.8 acres would be impacted within LSRs on NFS lands, most of which would occur within 

the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (280.3 acres) (table 4.4.1.4-2). Table 4.4.1.4-3 

summarizes impacts to forested stands within the affected BLM districts, including LSMAs. A 

total of 870.2 acres of land would be impacted on BLM-administered lands, over 542 acres of 

which would occur to forests over 80 years in age. Of these 870.2 acres of total impacts, 

approximately 45.3 acres of land would be impacted within LSMAs on BLM-administered lands 

(table 4.4.1.4-3). 

Listed below are the mitigation measures which would be implemented on federal lands, in 

addition to those described above. 

• On state and federal lands, compensation would be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. 

• Disturbed areas would be replanted with appropriate native seed mixes identified by the 

BLM and USFS for pastures, range lands, the right-of-way, wetlands, and other federal 

designated lands (based on NRCS recommendations) to prevent noxious weed 

germination. 

• For straw used on federal lands, the authorized officer for BLM or USFS may inspect and 

approve straw material to verify that it is weed free. Gravel/rock used on NFS lands 

would be from weed-free sources as well, and approved by the USFS’ authorized 

representative. 

• Pacific Connector has agreed to plant the easement with native trees/shrubs extending 

100 feet from the streambanks on federal lands. All plantings proposed for federally 

administered lands must be approved by each agency’s silviculturist. Agency 

silviculturist would determine when sites have been successfully revegetated. 

• Replanting of NFS lands would be in accordance with agency silviculture requirements, 

which may include planting native hardwood and shrubs in addition to conifers to ensure 

species diversity. 
4.4 – U

4.4-54

TABLE 4.4.1.4-2 

Summary of Construction Impact to Plant Association Groups (PAGs) on Three National Forests Affected by the Pacific Conne

Construction Impact (acres) b/ 

National 

Forest PAG Series a/ 

Forest 

Stand By 

Age 

(years) 

Impacted 

Area (acres) 

in LSR 

Construction 

Right-of-Way 

Temporary Extra 

Work Areas 

Uncleared 

Storage Area 

Rock Source/ 

Disposal 

Subtotal Late 

Successional or 

Old-Growth 

Subtotal Mid-Seral 

Subtotal Clearcut 

or Regenerating 

Douglas-fir > 80 38.5 38.1 5.5 22.2 65.7  40-80 3.5 7.0 2.1 0.5 9.6  < 40 14.2 15.1 3.9 1.2 20.2  Non-Forest 4.0 3.6 2.4 0.2 0.4 Grand fir > 80 14.0 6.1 1.0 7.0 14.1  40-80 0.5 1.0 0.0 1.2 2.3  < 40 1.1 0.7 0.3 0.1 1.1  Non-Forest 0.7 0.3 0.4 Jeffrey pine > 80 1.2 0.3 1.4 2.9  40-80 3.9 0.3 4.1 8.3  < 40 0.3 5.5 0.4 5.9  Non-Forest 0.1 0.1 Western hemlock 

> 80 2.2 2.0 0.2 <0.1 2.2 

 40-80 0.3 1.5 0.1 2.5 4.1  < 40 <0.1 <0.1  Non-Forest 0.3 0.1 0.2 White fir > 80 5.6 21.3 4.6 5.2 31.2  40-80 7.9 8.7 0.5 17.0  < 40 0.3 2.7 0.9 3.6  Non-Forest 2.3 0.8 11.0 0.3 1.2 Not in series > 80 5.1 3.5 1.8 5.2  40-80 1.7 1.2 0.6 1.8  < 40 0.4 0.5 <0.1 0.6 

Umpqua NF 

 Non-Forest 1.8 0.7 0.4 0.7 

> 80 65.3 72.2 13.4 35.8 121.3 

40-80 5.9 22.5 11.8 8.7 43.0 

< 40 16.3 24.5 5.6 1.3 31.3 Umpqua NF Total 

Non-Forest 9.0 5.6 14.4 0.4 2.3 
 4.4 – U

4.4-55

TABLE 4.4.1.4-2 

Summary of Construction Impact to Plant Association Groups (PAGs) on Three National Forests Affected by the Pacific Conne

Construction Impact (acres) b/ 

National 

Forest PAG Series a/ 

Forest 

Stand By 

Age 

(years) 

Impacted 

Area (acres) 

in LSR 

Construction 

Right-of-Way 

Temporary Extra 

Work Areas 

Uncleared 

Storage Area 

Rock Source/ 

Disposal 

Subtotal Late 

Successional or 

Old-Growth 

Subtotal Mid-Seral 

Subtotal Clearcut 

or Regenerating 

Douglas-fir > 80 20.8 12.8 0.7 7.3 20.8  40-80 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2  < 40 9.0 5.3 1.8 2.1 9.2  Non-Forest 7.9 1.9 5.5 0.5 Mountain hemlock 

> 80 5.7 3.5 0.4 1.7 5.7 

 40-80 0.0 0.0  < 40 4.5 3.0 <0.1 1.5 4.5  Non-Forest 0.1 0.1 Shasta red fir > 80 10.6 7.8 0.2 2.7 10.6  40-80 0.1 0.1 <0.1 0.1  < 40 23.9 13.5 4.3 6.1 23.9  Non-Forest 0.7 0.6 0.1 <0.1 White fir > 80 66.5 41.5 1.5 23.5 66.5  40-80 14.6 9.6 0.5 4.4 14.6  < 40 84.6 46.9 17.1 20.7 84.7  Non-Forest 30.4 9.7 18.0 2.7 Not in series > 80 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.3  40-80 0.0 0.0  < 40 0.2 0.2 <0.1 0.2 

Rogue RiverSiskiyou NF 

 Non-Forest 0.0 

> 80 104.0 65.9 2.7 35.4 104.0 

40-80 14.9 9.8 0.6 4.5 14.9 

< 40 122.3 69.0 23.2 30.4 122.5 

Rogue River-Siskiyou NF Total 

Non-Forest 39.1 12.3 23.6 3.2 

Shasta red fir > 80 0.0 

40-80 0.0 

< 40 0.0 

FremontWinema NF c/ 

Non-Forest 
4.4 – U

4.4-56

TABLE 4.4.1.4-2 

Summary of Construction Impact to Plant Association Groups (PAGs) on Three National Forests Affected by the Pacific Conne

Construction Impact (acres) b/ 

National 

Forest PAG Series a/ 

Forest 

Stand By 

Age 

(years) 

Impacted 

Area (acres) 

in LSR 

Construction 

Right-of-Way 

Temporary Extra 

Work Areas 

Uncleared 

Storage Area 

Rock Source/ 

Disposal 

Subtotal Late 

Successional or 

Old-Growth 

Subtotal Mid-Seral 

Subtotal Clearcut 

or Regenerating 

White fir > 80 0.7 0.5 1.1  40-80 0.0  < 40 1.2 0.3 0.5 2.0  Non-Forest Not in series > 80 33.3 3.2 6.8 43.3  40-80 7.7 1.5 1.3 10.5  < 40 24.4 2.7 3.0 30.2 

FremontWinema NF c/ 

 Non-Forest 2.4 0.6 0.1 

> 80 34.0 3.2 7.3 44.4 

40-80 7.7 1.5 1.3 10.5 

< 40 25.6 3.1 3.5 32.1 

Fremont-Winema NF Total 

Non-Forest 2.4 0.6 0.1 

> 80 169.27 172.0 19.3 78.4 269.7 

40-80 20.81 40.0 13.9 14.5 68.5 

< 40 138.54 119.0 31.8 35.1 185.9 

Overall Total 

Non-Forest 48.16 20.4 38.6 3.8 2.3 

a/ PAGs as defined by USFS. b/ Total excludes Impacted Area in LSR which is already included in the Construction Impacts. c/ The Fremont-Winema PAG data is not complete, and, therefore only 53.78 of the 96.58 acres impacted by the Pacific Connector pipeline within the FreForest are represented in this table. Columns do not necessarily sum correctly due to rounding. 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-57

TABLE 4.4.1.4-3 

Summary of Construction Impact to Forested Stands within Four BLM Districts Affected by the Pacific Connector Pipeline 

Construction Impact (acres) 

BLM District 

and Forest 

Stand Type 

Age 

Category 

(years) a/ 

Impacted 

Area 

(acres) in 

LSMA 

Construction Right-of-Way Hydrostatic or TARs/PARs Rock Source/ Disposal Temporary Extra Work Areas Uncleared Storage Areas 

Total b/ 

Coos Bay District 

<80 4.4 81.0 0.2 1.2 24.4 10.5 117.3 

Conifers 80-175 24.1 24.0 0.1 4.5 5.2 33.8 

>175 2.9 5.8 1.3 0.5 7.6 

Hardwoods 80-175 0.6 0.4 1.0 

Mixed <80 <0.1 6.5 0.1 3.2 9.8 

Non-Forest N/A 1.3 2.4 2.0 5.7 

Coos Bay District Total 31.4 119.3 0.2 5.0 34.34 16.1 175.0 

Roseburg District 

<80 2.5 52.0 0.8 2.1 29.0 34.8 118.7 

Conifers 80-175 0.1 49.9 0.1 14.0 53.5 117.4 

>175 11.3 44.9 0.1 0.9 24.2 55.0 125.1 

Hardwoods <80 0.6 <0.1 0.4 1.0 

80-175 7.6 2.9 6.9 17.4 Mixed >175 3.6 3.0 1.8 8.4 

Non-Forest N/A 4.8 1.4 3.8 10.0 

Roseburg District Total 13.9 163.4 0.9 3.0 74.5 156.2 398.0 

Medford District 

<80 19.9 0.1 <0.1 118 1.3 33.0 

Conifers 80-175 35.0 0.1 0.1 10.8 14.5 60.5 

>175 15.3 4.1 5.5 24.9 

80-175 29.5 0.1 10.2 5.9 45.8 Hardwoods >175 0.9 0.2 0.1 1.2 

<80 3.2 1.3 0.6 5.1 

Mixed 80-175 44.7 0.1 17.1 10.6 72.4 

>175 

Non-Forest N/A 23.9 0.1 12.7 0.7 37.4 

Medford District Total 172.3 0.5 0.1 68.3 39.2 280.3 

Lakeview District 

80-175 5.4 0 0 0.9 0 6.2 Conifers >175 9.5 0 0 1.5 0 11.0 

Lakeview District Total 14.8 0 0 2.4 0 17.2 

Overall Total 45.3 469.8 1.2 8.1 179.5 211.5 870.2 

a/ Note that due to differences in available data, the age classes listed are different than what was reported for forest stand ages 

on NFS lands (table 4.4.1.4-2). 

b/ Total excludes Impacted Area in LSR, which is already included in the Construction Impacts. 

- Columns do not necessarily sum correctly due to rounding. 

In addition, the NWFP requires that new developments on NFS lands within LSR and Riparian 

Reserves are neutral or beneficial to the creation and maintenance of late-succession habitat and 

riparian habitat. The proposed Pacific Connector pipeline as designed would not be neutral or 

beneficial to LSRs and Riparian Reserves (due to direct impacts from clearing and indirect 

impacts from fragmentation, noxious weeds, pathogens, and the potential for altered fire 

regimes). In consultation with the USFS, Pacific Connector developed a Mitigation Plan to 
4.4-58 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

compensate for impacts to LSR and Riparian Reserves, including funding various USFS projects. 

The USFS and Pacific Connector have an Agreement in Principle to execute the proposed 

mitigation plan that includes committed funding. The details for administering the mitigation 

fund would be specified as a condition of the USFS Right-of-Way Grant. The full list of projects 

that have been negotiated between Pacific Connector and the USFS is contained within 

Appendix L. These plans include projects such as: 

• The decommissioning of roads within LSRs that the USFS have determined are no longer 

required. 

− Roads which the USFS has identified as “surplus” or unneeded would be 

decommissioned and these roadbeds would be tilled to a depth of 18 inches. Tillage 

on federal lands would be directed by a Soil Scientist, and would use equipment 

designed to promote rooting depths needed to facilitate native vegetation recovery 

and proper water infiltration. 

− The process of decommissioning roads could result in short term impacts, including a 

temporary increase in erosion during road treatments, temporary disturbance to 

wildlife during treatments, temporary loss of vegetation if roads need to be cleared in 

order to remove culverts or side-cast materials, and an increased risk of invasive 

species as a result of soil disturbance. In addition, the creation of snags could result 

in short term impacts to vegetation during their installation within stream or terrestrial 

habitat. 

• Establishing easements or purchasing titles on lands which could be preserved as late 

successional forest. 

− These lands could either be adjacent to the pipeline or be situated adjacent to existing 

BLM-administered and USFS-managed lands in order to block up ownership, 

increase connectivity, and reduce potential future fragmentation. 

• Funding silvilcultural projects that would create or accelerate the development of old 

growth characteristics on federal lands. 

• Creating snags to enhance riparian or terrestrial habitat. 

• Funding habitat management programs for the Kincaid’s lupine/Mardon skipper. 

− Fence or otherwise exclude cattle and off-road vehicles from sensitive areas to protect 

habitat. 

In April 2009 Pacific Connector filed a revised draft Mitigation Plan with the Commission 

(Appendix L3). This Mitigation Plan is also incorporated into the BA for the proposed Project. 

We recommend that; 

• Prior to pipeline construction, Pacific Connector should file its final habitat 

Mitigation Plan with the Secretary, for review and approval of the Director of OEP. 

Vegetation Infestations – Insects and Pathogens

The effects and mitigation measure implemented for the prevention of infestation by insects or 

pathogens would be similar to those discussed above; however, directional tree falling would be 

required on all NFS lands, including areas with no known insect/disease occurrence, in order to 

prevent residual tree damage/injury and disease infection. 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-59

Noxious Weeds

In order to prevent or limit the spread of invasive species and noxious weeds, all construction 

equipment would be inspected to ensure that it is clean and free of potential weed seed, prior to 

transporting equipment to the construction right-of-way. Because of the contiguous pattern of 

NFS lands crossed by the pipeline, equipment that could serve as a vector for invasive species 

would be inspected and cleaned at cleaning stations located at the borders of each National 

Forest, prior to clearing and grading activities, in addition to being cleaned at cleaning stations 

associated with any mapped areas infested with noxious weeds of priority A and T and selected 

B listed weeds within each National Forest. Because the BLM managed lands crossed by the 

pipeline are not contiguous, but are instead spread out in a checkerboard pattern, it is not 

practical to set up inspection and cleaning stations at each entry point. Instead, where BLM 

lands are contiguous to NFS lands, the cleaning stations would be located to include the adjacent 

BLM lands. The location of any additional cleaning stations required in areas where BLM lands 

are not contiguous with NFS lands, would be coordinated with the BLM. Monitoring efforts for 

weed species would be similar to those described above; however, monitoring within federal 

lands would occur annually for a period of at least 3 to 5 years. 

We received comments from the BLM, BOR, and USFS concerning the need for additional 

measures to prevent the spread of noxious weeds, including increasing the number of washing 

stations. Therefore, we recommend that: 

• Prior to pipeline construction, Pacific Connector should file its Noxious Weeds, Soil 

Pests, and Forest Pathogens Control Plan with the Secretary. This plan shall 

include information regarding specific locations and number of wash stations, the 

source(s) of the wash water, how these stations would be operated, how effluent 

from the wash stations would be monitored/treated to prevent seed releases, and 

plans for station configuration and decommissioning. Pacific connector should 

place vehicle and equipment wash stations at various strategic locations such as 

prior to entering each county, and where equipment would be moved from an area 

that is known to contain noxious or invasive weeds. Washing stations should be at 

least 0.25 mile from all perennial streams and monitored for weeds after 

construction. 

4.4.2 Timber 

Timber harvesting is an important industry within the Pacific Northwest. Most timber operations 

are commercial, in which a landowner, operator, or timber owner receives payment from a 

purchaser of forest products. All of the known merchantable tree species in the proposed project 

area are present within the area to be crossed by the proposed Pacific Connector pipeline 

facilities. Trees that would be cut within the area of the proposed Jordan Cove LNG terminal are 

not considered merchantable. Jordan Cove has, however, committed to conduct a timber cruise 

in the proposed terminal area prior to construction to confirm that assumption. If any 

merchantable trees are found within the proposed terminal area, they would be salvage logged 

and sold while the unmerchantable timber, timber slash and brush will be pulverized in a tub 

grinder and stockpiled as mulch. The mulch would be saved for future erosion control of 

recontoured sand dunces created post-construction. 
4.4-60 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

4.4.2.1 Pacific Connector Pipeline 

Existing Timber Resources 

The proposed Pacific Connector pipeline would cross approximately 48 miles of latesuccessional old-growth forests, 44 miles of mid-seral forests, and 58 miles of recently harvested 

forested lands (table 4.4.1.3-2). The USGS defines five forested land types within the pipeline 

route: 

• Deciduous Forest Lands. This category includes all forested lands, which consist 

predominantly of trees that lose their leaves at the end of the frost-free season or at the 

beginning of the dry season. Within the pipeline route, this forest type consists of 

hardwoods such as oak, maple, and alder. Deciduous forests found within wetlands are 

not included within this category. 

• Evergreen Forest Lands. This category includes areas that consist predominantly of 

tree species that maintain their leaves year-round (including both coniferous and 

broadleaved evergreens). Species typically found within this forest type are: Douglasfir, western red cedar, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, 

and ponderosa pine. Within the pipeline route, lands designated as Evergreen Forested 

Lands apply to forests that have not been harvested for 80 to 100 years or the majority of 

trees are over 40 years old. 

• Clearcut Forest Lands. This category applies to Evergreen Forested Lands that have 

recently been clearcut. This applies to lands which are markedly different from adjacent 

stands and were cleared within four years. 

• Regenerating Forest Lands. This category applies to lands that fall between the 

Clearcut and the Evergreen Forested Lands. These lands consist of evergreen species that 

have been replanted after clear-cutting occurred. This classification is also used for areas 

where selective harvesting has occurred and 20 to 30 percent of the forest consists of 

older trees (40 years or older) intermixed with younger trees. 

• Mixed Forest Lands. This category applies to forests where both evergreen and 

deciduous species are present but neither species dominates. 

Table 4.4.2.1-1 lists the log types in the pipeline route (see table 4.4.2.2-1 for log types on 

federal lands). While timber cruises have not yet been conducted, information available 

indicates that approximately 1,833.7 acres of the proposed pipeline contain large mature trees 

TABLE 4.4.2.1-1 

Merchantable Timber to be Cleared by Class and Age

Type of Timber 

Diameter to Breast Height 

(dbh) 

Inside Top Bark Height 

Diameter Age 

Small conifer sawlog 10”-20” 6-10” 26 – 60 years 

Medium conifer sawlog 20-30” 8-12” 61 – 100-125 years 

Large conifer sawlog 30” and larger 8-16” 125 – 250 years; 

with an unquantified population of 

ancient relic trees 300 to 500 years 

over 40 years in age, and approximately 1,201.2 acres contain small to medium trees, under 40 

years in age, that would be harvested (see table 4.4.1.3-3). A portion of these 1,201.2 acres of 

small to medium trees would not be merchantable (those less than 25 years in age). The exact 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-61

number and board feet of these non-merchantable trees would be determined during timber 

cruises. Some portion of the trees would be retained for restoration (large woody debris and 

stream restoration) and the remainder (the majority of the merchantable logs) would be sold. 

Impacts and Mitigation 

Logging methods to be used would vary by location and acreage and would not be known until 

timber contractors evaluate site-specific conditions and then-current acreages. Actual logging 

methods selected would be based on site-specific information at the time of actual harvest. 

Minimal log removal by helicopter is anticipated. The logging contractors would be solicited by 

a request for proposal. These proposals would be evaluated by Pacific Connector and contracts 

would be awarded to the most qualified bidder(s). Logging methods would be the contractor’s 

decision (subject to appropriate company and agency approval). The exact timber harvest and 

decking requirement locations would be determined by the contractor within the access roads 

and staging areas already approved for the pipeline. 

The primary effects of the Pacific Connector pipeline on timber production would result from the 

cutting, clearing, and/or removal of forested areas as required for clearing of the pipeline 

construction right-of-way and adjacent TEWAs. The degree of impact would depend on the 

logging methods used, quantity of lumber removed, and the age of affected stands. The 

proposed Pacific Connector pipeline would impact approximately 116.9 acres of Deciduous 

Forest, 923.8 acres of Evergreen Forest, 257.7 acres of Clearcut Forest, 711.7 acres of 

Regenerating Forest, and 286.1 acres of Mixed Forest Lands (these values due not include 

UCSAs). Approximately 545.7 acres of forest land would be removed from the timber base 

within the permanent pipeline easement. Future timber production would be lost on these acres 

for at least the life of the Pacific Connector pipeline. In addition, approximately 969.4 acres of 

young stands would be cleared. These stands have not yet reached merchantable size; therefore, 

future timber production would lost on these lands. 

Timber cruises would be conducted prior to vegetation clearing in order to determine timber 

volumes, values, and species composition within forested lands. Timber cruises would be 

conducted in accordance with industry and/or federal agency standards (e.g., they would meet 

the USFS Pacific Northwest Regional standards for NFS lands). Timber cruises on federal lands 

would be conducted by the land management agencies or by a third party contract that has been 

approved by the land management agency, according to a timber cruise design that the agencies 

approve. Pacific Connector would complete a check cruise on the cruises and appraisals 

completed by the federal land managing agencies. All timber cleared from the right-of-way 

would be cut and cleared in accordance with land owner/land management agency requirements, 

where practical. If, based on site-specific conditions, the land owner/land management agencyrecommended timber harvesting method is not feasible an alternate timber harvesting method 

would be utilized with approval from the land owner/land-managing agency. Landings for 

clearing operations would not be located in wetlands or riparian reserves on federal lands, and, 

where feasible, logs yarded out of wetlands or riparian zones would be skidded with at least one 

end suspended from the ground so as to minimize soil disturbance. 

Pacific Connector proposes that any debris entering a waterbody as a result of felling and 

yarding of timber would be removed as soon as practical after entry into the waterbody and shall 

be placed outside the 100-year floodplain where practical. Logs and slash would not be yarded 
4.4-62 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

across perennial streams unless fully suspended. During logging/clearing operations, the 

direction of log or slash movement would be conducted to minimize sediment delivery to 

waterbodies, including intermittent streams. Logs firmly embedded in the bed or bank of 

waterbodies that are in place prior to felling and yarding of timber would not be disturbed, unless 

they prevent trenching and fluming operations. Any existing logs that are removed from 

waterbodies to construct the pipeline crossing would be returned to the waterbody after the 

pipeline has been installed, backfilling is complete, and during the time the streambanks are 

being restored. 

Merchantable timber would be removed and sold according to landowner or land management 

agency stipulations. In limited areas, TEWAs have been identified for log storage and decking 

along the pipeline alignment that would be located in existing cleared areas adjacent to existing 

roads where feasible where log storage could occur for extended periods, if necessary. Pacific 

Connector has designed the construction right-of-way to minimize additional TEWAs which 

would reduce overall project disturbance. The construction footprint is not large enough in many 

areas to accommodate both the logs cleared from the right-of-way and accomplish efficient 

construction activities simultaneously. Therefore, cut timber would be removed from the rightof-way to avoid project delays due to right-of-way congestion. 

Pacific Connector expects that the use of all logging methods may be necessary during right-ofway clearing to efficiently remove timber from the right-of-way depending on the specific 

location. Ground-based skidding and cable (where feasible) logging methods would likely be the 

standard method; however in some isolated rugged topographic areas with poor access, 

helicopter logging may be utilized. The specific logging methods would not be determined until 

a contractor has been selected through the bidding process for each construction spread. Cable 

and helicopter logging methods would minimize the potential for soil compaction. Helicopter 

yarding is currently proposed for the following locations but would not be finalized until a 

contractor is selected for project construction: 

MP 37.3 – 38.3 

MP 78 – 83 

MP 88.5 – 105 

MP 108.5 – 109.8 

MP 134 - 136 

Any timber cleared from the right-of-way that would be used for instream or upland wildlife 

habitat diversity structures would be stored on the edge of the right-of-way or in temporary extra 

work areas for later use during restoration efforts. Prior to clearing operations, the EI or Pacific 

Connector’s authorized representative would flag existing snags on the edges of the construction 

right-of-way or TEWAs where feasible to save from clearing. These snags would be saved as 

mitigation to benefit primary and secondary cavity nesting birds, mammals, reptiles and 

amphibians. During this process other large diameter trees on the edges of the construction 

right-of-way and TEWAs would also be flagged to save/protect as green recruitment or 

habitat/shade trees, where feasible. Some of these trees would be girdled to create snags to 

augment the number of snags along the right-of-way to benefit cavity nesting birds, mammals, 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-63

reptiles and amphibians; however, snags that are determined to be a violation of Occupational 

Safety and Health Association (OSHA) requirements would be removed. 

Pacific Connector proposes that all operations and tree felling would occur within the certificated 

construction work area limits, and that trees within the certificated construction work area limits 

would be felled or sheared so as to prevent damage to adjacent trees, facilities, or structures. 

This may not be practical in steep areas where trees often must be felled on the contour to reduce 

breakage. Much of the forested portion of the proposed route crosses steep mountainous land. 

Failure to fall trees properly would result in a loss of timber available to local industries and loss 

of value to the land owners and land management agencies. Also, logging roads in some areas 

crossed by the proposed pipeline have not been used in many years and are covered with young 

trees. These roads would require clearing and major reconstruction if needed for hauling logs. 

Both the BLM and the USFS have requested that Pacific Connector retain qualified foresters and 

logging engineers to develop site-specific logging plans for each area to be logged. These plans 

would identify the size, height, volume, and value of trees in each portion of the construction 

right-of-way, how the timber would be felled and yarded, where landings and log decks would 

be placed, the haul routes that would be used to remove the logs, and how logging debris would 

be disposed of. The FERC requires that all operations be contained within the certificated work 

area, so it is important to identify methods for falling, yarding, decking, and any additional 

temporary roads that may be needed for hauling logs prior to the start of operations. Pacific 

Connector filed with the FERC in April 2009, a draft Timber Extraction Plan developed in 

consultation with the BLM and USFS. That plan estimated acres of forests to be cleared, net 

volume of clearing, and available harvesting methods. However, as timber cruises have not been 

conducted yet, the draft Timber Extraction Plan still requires additional information such as the 

dollar value of timber, logging system(s) to be used for each harvest segment, yarding locations, 

the location of landings and decks, etc. Therefore, we recommend that:

• Pacific Connector should file a final timber extraction plan with the Secretary prior 

to pipeline construction. 

State Lands

Less than one percent of the proposed Pacific Connector pipeline would cross State Forests. The 

proposed route crosses the Southwest Oregon and the East Oregon Forest Practices Region 

which contains mature forest. Trees within this portion the right-of-way would be cut and 

merchantable trees would be sold as directed by ODF. As stipulated within ORS 527.670(3), a 

written plan must be submitted to the ODF State Forester before extracting timber within: 

• 100 feet of a Type F stream (stream with fish or fish and domestic water use) or Type D 

stream (with domestic water but no fish); 

• 300 feet of an area containing state threatened or endangered wildlife, or sensitive 

nesting, roosting or water sites; 

• 300 feet of an area containing federal threatened or endangered wildlife or critical 

habitat; and 

• 300 feet of any area identified in OAR 629-665-0100 (Sensitive Bird Nesting, Roosting, 

and Watering Resource Site on Forestlands), OAR 629-665-0200 (threatened and 
4.4-64 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

endangered species that use Resource Sites on Forestlands), or OAR 629-645-0000 

(Significant Wetlands). 

Pacific Connector would prepare and submit to the ODF State Forester for approval a written 

plan, describing how the proposed pipeline would be in compliance with the Forest Practices Act 

(OAR 629-606-0010), prior to harvesting activates. 

4.4.2.2 Federal Lands 

Each National Forest and the four BLM Districts crossed by the proposed pipeline would 

administer its own timber sale contract. Pacific Connector would be the contractor for harvest on 

federal lands, although logging would likely be done by subcontractor. Table 4.4.2.2-1 

summarizes the estimated volume of timber that would be harvested on federally managed lands. 

The timber volume estimates provided in table 4.4.2.2-1 were derived using professional forestry 

methodologies and protocols to provide a basic timber volume inventory for the proposed 

Pipeline Project. A cruise-inventory of stand types (conifer, brush, riparian, roads, rock pits, 

etc.) was complied along forested areas of the proposed pipeline project route using aerial 

photography and ground visits. Each stand type was ground visited and inventory-cruise plots 

were established in each type to result in a 5 to 8 percent level of accuracy for determining 

Scribner decimal C log rule gross and net volumes. Twenty percent of plots were full measure 

quarter-acre (58.9 feet circular). To determine Gross MBF timber volumes, “Local” volume 

tables were developed for each species by stand type to determine gross volume by two inch 

diameter class total height. Dilworth, MB&G, Atterbury, & FS Cruise timber cruising protocols 

were used to determine volume, grade, and cruise downfall. No further deductions were taken 

for harvesting breakage, or local scaling rules-of-thumb factors for hidden defects. 

TABLE 4.4.2.2-1. 

Estimated Merchantable Timber Volumes in MBF by Class and County within the Proposed Construction Work Areas on 

Federal Lands

Timber Class (MBF) 

County Jurisdiction 

Small Conifer 

Sawlog 

Medium Conifer 

Sawlog 

Large Conifer 

Sawlog 

Mixed 

Conifer/Hardwood a/

Total Volume 

(MBF) 

Coos b/ BLM 360 270 1,680 24 2,334 

USFS 360 595 1,764 35 2,754 Douglas BLM 480 702 2,016 40 3,238 

USFS 600 540 3,192 51 4,383 Jackson 

BLM 480 486 1,680 22 2,668 

USFS 240 135 1,008 20 1,403 Klamath 

BLM 108 54 420 17 599 

USFS 1,200 1,270 5,964 106 8,540 Total 

BLM 1,428 1,512 5,796 103 8,839 

Total 2,628 2,782 11,760 209 17,379

a/ Mixed Conifer/Hardwood: Includes some exotics and a variety of hardwoods i.e., oak, madrone, ash, maple, and others. 

b/ There are no NFS lands crossed by the Project in Coos County.

Approximately 8,540 MBF of timber would be harvested on NFS lands and 8,839 MBF on 

BLM-administered lands (approximately 15.8 MBF are needed to build a 2,000 square foot 

house; therefore, this is enough timber to build approximately 1,100 houses of this size). Pacific 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-65

Connector would submit a reforestation plan to the BLM and the USFS for approval during 

easement acquisition. Following construction, previously forested areas within the temporary 

construction right-of-way and TEWAs would be replanted in accordance with Oregon 

reforestation rules (OAR 629-610-0000 through 629-610-0090), BLM Management Directions, 

and USFS Standards and Guidelines (i.e., National Forest Management Act requirements and 

Forest stocking standards). Areas within the permanent right-of-way would remain cleared and 

maintained in an herbaceous state in order to facilitate periodic checks of the pipeline. This 

would result in a permanent loss of timber production on land allocated for timber production on 

approximately 88 acres within BLM-administered lands and on approximately 35 acres of NFS 

lands (refer to the Financial Efficiency Analysis discussion in section 4.8.4.10). The government 

would be compensated for this lost in productivity by Pacific Connector. 

Riparian Reserves and LSRs on NFS lands, as well as RMAs and LSMAs on BLM-administered 

lands, are not available for programmed timber harvest. While Pacific Connector would be 

required to pay for all trees cut within the right-of-way, only trees within the Riparian Reserves, 

RMAs, LSMAs, and LSRs that the government determines would cause adverse impacts if left 

on the ground, or those that need to be removed from the construction right-of-way in order for 

construction of the pipeline to be completed, would be removed. Prior to any commercial 

harvest, resource specialists from the USFS and BLM would evaluate whether felled trees should 

be removed and which should be retained to meet their land management objectives. Pacific 

Connector has stated that they do not intend to transport cut trees back into these areas, except 

for those trees that are salvaged (with root-balls attached) for use as LWD and habitat 

enhancement. Pacific Connector developed a Mitigation Plan to compensate for the impact on 

these sensitive areas caused by the permanent removal of the trees that are not transported back 

into the areas or replanted. This plan includes the funding of USFS and BLM restoration 

projects, and is discussed in section 4.4.1.4, and detailed within Appendix L. 

Danger trees are those trees at risk of falling on workers or vehicles and thus would need to be 

removed for safety reasons. A tree may be at risk of falling for a number of reasons including 

the tree’s location and the presence of defects, insects, disease, work activities, and weather 

conditions. Such trees would be felled in advance of logging, pipeline construction, road 

construction/reconstruction, and road maintenance. Additionally, danger trees could be created 

from trees felled as part of the Project. This would occur if trees outside of approved 

construction areas are damage during felling of harvested timber. While this could result in 

growth loss, for which Pacific Connector would compensate the landowner for any trees 

removed and any loss in timber productivity, the FERC requires that all operations be contained 

within the certificated work areas. Danger trees would be designated by qualified federal 

representatives, or a third-party personnel that has been approved by the agencies. Danger trees 

would be felled in advance of logging, pipeline construction, road construction/reconstruction, 

and road maintenance. Danger trees would be directionally felled, using chainsaws, away from 

the permanent right-of-way if trees are to be left and towards to right-of-way if trees are to be 

removed. Compliance monitors in the field could review and approve as appropriate requests to 

remove danger trees outside the approved construction area. 
4.4-66 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

In addition to the procedures proposed for timber harvest above, the following would apply to 

federal lands: 

• The authority and procedure the USFS would use to dispose of merchantable timber cut 

for construction of the proposed Project is addressed under Title 36 "CFR 223.12 

Permission to cut, damage, or destroy trees without advertisement." This regulation 

authorizes the USFS, under the issuance of a right-of-way or special use authorization 

(SUA), to sell the timber directly to Pacific Connector at the current appraised value. 

Pacific Connector intends to negotiate one contract covering the three National Forests. 

• The authority and procedures the BLM would use to dispose of merchantable timber on 

BLM-administered lands involved in the proposed pipeline are addressed in the Title 43 

CFR 5400 regulations. BLM may sell the right-of-way timber by competitive bidding or 

through negotiated sale where it is impracticable to obtain competition. Right-of-way 

timber would be sold under lump sum timber sale contract(s) at not less than the 

appraised value as determined by the BLM. Timber sale contracts would be prepared, 

offered, and administered by each BLM District involved. 

Timber sale boundary designation, volume estimation, appraisal and contract preparation would 

be accomplished in cooperation with Pacific Connector as negotiated. Pacific Connector would 

be responsible for logging and marketing of the timber. Any timber sold from federal land must 

be processed domestically and not exported. Tree marking paint would be agency tracer paint 

used under the supervision and accountability of the respective agency. 

The agencies would use a Tree Measurement Timber Sale Contract with the standard provisions 

for payment and log accountability. Many of the operational requirements typically detailed in 

such a timber sale contract such as erosion control, road maintenance and slash disposal are 

expected to be contained in the right-of-way grant and would be incorporated into the timber sale 

contract. Performance bonding typically required in such a timber sale, if included in the grant 

and considered adequate, would be used to cover operations performed under the timber sale 

contract(s). Agency sale administrators would oversee timber disposal operations to ensure they 

are carried out following any site-specific requirements as well as to insure proper log 

accounting for specially-designated revenues. 

The logging methods to be used on USFS and BLM lands would be determined through 

consultations with the USFS and BLM and as required in the Timber Sale Agreement. Pacific 

Connector proposes that slash from timber clearing be stored on or at the edge of the right-ofway and scattered/redistributed across the right-of-way during final cleanup and reclamation 

according to BLM and USFS fuel loading specifications to minimize fire hazard risks. This 

material would be pulled back onto the right-of-way during final cleanup after seeding. Where it 

is not feasible to pull the slash back onto the right-of-way after seeding, seeding in these areas 

(broadcast or hydroseeding) would occur with specifications to ensure adequate seed coverage. 

Slash would not be stored for prolonged periods of time within areas infested by pathogenic 

insects such as Douglas-fir beetle, Douglas-fir engraver beetle, Douglas-fir pole beetle, or 

flatheaded borer. Scattering the slash across the right-of-way will hinder OHV traffic on the 

right-of-way and will act as a natural mulch to minimize erosion. 

Section IV.F.3.e. of FERC staff's Plan states that if wood chips are used as mulch to not use 

more than 1 ton per acre of chips and to add an equivalent of 11 lbs of available nitrogen where 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-67

chips are used as mulch. The purpose of Section IV.F.3.e. of FERC staff's Plan is to ensure that 

revegetation efforts are not hindered due to the decaying process of large amounts of wood chips 

which can bind up soil nitrogen and impede revegetation. Because more than 1 ton per acre of 

woody material (logs, slash and chips) may be scattered across the right-of-way during final 

cleanup in many areas, Pacific Connector proposed a modification to from Section IV.F.3.e. of 

FERC Staff’s Plan. Pacific Connector claims it would be impractical and infeasible to remove 

this material from the right-of-way and it is a typical sivilcultural practice in the proposed project 

area to leave forest slash in logged areas). Pacific Connector would utilize the fuel loading 

standards of the BLM and the USFS as the limit for the quantity of woody debris that would be 

distributed across the right-of-way to minimize fire hazard risks for this proposed modification. 

Furthermore, it is expected that the woody slash material would not deplete soil nitrogen in the 

short-term, during revegetation establishment, because the size of the woody material that would 

be scattered on the right-of-way would be large and would not readily decay in the short-term. 

However, as proposed in the Section 10.8 of the ECRP, Pacific Connector would apply a 

standard fertilization rate of 200 pounds per acre bulk triple-16 fertilizer (16:16:16 -nitrogen, 

potassium and phosphorus) on all disturbed areas to be reseeded, except in wetlands. This 

fertilization rate would apply 32 pounds per acre of elemental nitrogen, potassium, and 

phosphorus. The elemental nitrogen rate would also satisfy FERC's requirement to add nitrogen 

where wood chips are used as mulch (see Section IV.F.3.e. of the FERC staff’s Plan). The use of 

fertilizers on federal lands would require approval and coordination with the respective agency 

prior to use. We find this proposed modification acceptable. 

On NFS lands, the maximum amount of slash that would be scattered across the right-of-way 

would be 12 tons per acre, which would be distributed over the following fuel loading size 

classes: 

Fuel Loading Specification by Size Class 

Size Class (diameter) tons/acre a/ 

0-1/4" < 1 

1/4– 3" 4-8 

3-8" 7-12 

a/ Total fuel load should not exceed 12 tons per acre, 

On BLM and private lands, the fuel loading specifications would be: 

Fuel Loading Specification by Size Class 

Size Class (diameter) tons/acre a/ 

0-1/4" < 1 

1/4 -8" 5-8 

>8" 10-15 

a/ Adapted from USFS Fuel Loading Standards. 

As provided by the USFS, dead and downed woody debris greater than 16-inches in diameter 

does not contribute to fire hazard and would be maintained on site. Slash may be chipped and 

scattered across the right-of-way provided that the average depth of wood chips covering the area 

does not exceed 1 inch following application. This chip depth would be sufficient to stabilize the 

soil surface from erosion while allowing grass seed to germinate and seedlings to develop. It is 
4.4-68 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

not expected to significantly increase fuel hazards as long as the maximum tonnage for fuel 

loading does not exceed 12 tons per acre. 

In areas where the fuel loading exceeds these standards, Pacific Connector would machine or 

hand pile and burn the excess material depending on the site location. Burning would occur 

during the appropriate burning season and according to the conditions permitted by the BLM, the 

USFS, and the ODF (OAR 629-615300). A prescribed burning plan would be developed for 

these activities which would be included in the POD. 

On BLM and NFS lands, larger slash pieces (more than 8 inches in diameter), may be removed 

from the project area and decked in designated storage sites, as stipulated by these agencies, or 

on the right-of-way at road crossings. This material would be made available to the public 

through the agencies' firewood programs. 

Pacific Connector believes that the slash materials that may be generated during periodic rightof-way maintenance activities, which are likely to occur about every 3 to 5 years along the 

permanent easement, would not exceed BLM or USFS fuel loading standards. 

Design Criteria and Mitigation Measures 

Pacific Connector would implement the following measures to reduce impacts on timber 

production: 

• Pacific Connector would be responsible for logging and marketing of the harvested 

timber. Any timber cut on federal lands that is sold must be processed domestically. 

• The USFS and BLM would designate (i.e., flag, tag, and paint) all cutting unit boundaries 

and trees to be cut on federal land. 

• Logging methods would be ground based or skyline methods, currently used within each 

unique logging area. Methods used would minimize disturbance to the soil at the time of 

actual harvest. Logging methods would be proposed by the contractor and subject to 

appropriate company and agency approval. 

• Performance bonding would be adequate to cover operations performed under timber sale 

contract. 

• The logging system analysis/logging plan would include a transportation plan specific to 

BLM-administered lands and NFS lands. 

• All tree felling and vegetation clearing would occur within the certificated construction 

work areas, except for danger trees adjacent to the right-of-way, additional work areas, 

and travel corridors. Trees within the certificated construction work areas would be 

directionally sheared or felled so as to prevent damage to adjacent trees, facilities, or 

structures. 

• Danger trees would be designated by qualified federal representatives, or a qualified 

company or third-party personnel that has been approved by the agencies. Danger trees 

would be felled in advance of logging, pipeline construction, road 

construction/reconstruction, and road maintenance. Danger trees would be directionally 

felled, using chainsaws, away from the permanent right-of-way if trees are to be left and 

towards to right-of-way if trees are to be removed. 

• Landings would not be located in wetlands. 
 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber 4.4-69

• Logs and slash would not be yarded across perennial streams unless fully suspended over 

the stream and adjacent banks. Where yarding across intermittent streams is necessary, 

log movement would be designed to minimize sediment delivery to streams. 

• Logs firmly embedded in the bed or bank of waterbodies that are in place prior to felling 

timber would not be disturbed during logging and yarding operations unless they prevent 

trenching and fluming operations. 

• All timber cleared from the right-of-way would be in accordance with the land 

owner/land management agency. Merchantable timber would be removed and sold 

according to land owner/land management agency direction except for trees agency 

representatives require be left to meet resource objectives. 

• In limited areas, logs would be decked and stored in TEWAs located outside the right-ofway. TEWAs would be in currently cleared areas next to roads. 

• Most timber removal would be accomplished through ground skidding and cable yarding; 

helicopter yarding may be used in some areas that are difficult to access. Where ground 

skidding is used, the following measures would be employed to minimize significant 

detrimental soil disturbance (compaction and displacement): 

− low ground weight (pressure) vehicles would be used; 

− Logging machinery would be restricted to the 30-foot permanent right-of-way 

wherever possible to prevent soil compaction; 

− the removal of soil duff layers would be avoided in order to maintain a cushion 

between the soil and the logs and the logging equipment; and 

− designed skid trails would be used to restrict detrimental soil disturbance (compaction 

and displacement) to a smaller area of the right-of-way over the pipeline trenching 

area. 

− landings, yarding, and load-out areas used for timber harvesting would be scarified or 

subsoiled (depending on the vegetation to be restored) after use and prior to the rainy 

season where the potential for sediment delivery to waterbodies is possible. 

• Logging slash would be treated immediately. Material designated to remain on site to 

meet resource concerns would be placed in designated UCSAs along the edge of the 

right-of-way and then scattered/redistributed across the right-of-way during final cleanup 

and reclamation (following seeding), in accordance with BLM and USFS fuel loading 

specifications in order to minimize fire hazard risks. No Douglas-fir down wood, 12 

inches or larger in diameter, would be left in areas on NFS lands where there are known 

infestations of Douglas-fir beetle. 

• Logging would be minimized viable to yarding where appropriate, especially within a 30-

foot permanent easement. Slash concentrations on federal lands would be chipped in 

areas where yarding out is not feasible; slash on federal lands would not be stored in 

UCSAs in order to maintain forest productivity in these areas. 

• In upland areas, stump removal would be limited to the trenchline and areas where 

grading is necessary to construct a safe, level working plane. 

• Off-site slash disposal and/or burning may occur in areas where slash is concentrated, 

such as landings. Slash would be machine or hand piled with the outer edge of piles no 

closer than 20 feet from the outer drip line of live trees, and burned according to state 

burning requirements and landowner, BLM, and USFS stipulations. Burns would occur 

during the wet season. 
4.4-70 4.4 – Upland Vegetation and Timber

• Each construction spread would have one lead EI and several assistant EIs. The 

inspectors would ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and permit 

requirements. 

• EIs would have the authority to stop activities that violate the measures set forth in the 

timber harvest contracts with the various land owners and land managers and in other 

permits and authorizations, and would have the authority to order corrective actions. 

• The Chief EI would advise the contractor on when wet weather or other conditions make 

it advisable to restrict activities to avoid excessive rutting in sensitive areas. 

• Forestlands disturbed by the proposed Pacific Connector pipeline would be replanted 

according to state and federal (BLM and USFS) requirements. Planting would occur on 

all forestlands disturbed by the proposed project that are greater than 15 feet from the 

centerline of the permanent right-of-way of the pipeline. 

• An integrated pest management plan would be developed that meets landowner/agency 

approval. 

Logs would not be stored next to conifer trees bordering the sides of the right-of-way in order to 

avoid damage to live trees. Logs planned for removal from the site would be hauled off the site 

as soon as practical following yarding in order to prevent disease problems, as well as potential 

theft problems. Slash pieces larger than 8 inches in diameter, may be decked for short periods in 

agency or landowner designated and approved storage areas or in places where roads cross the 

right-of-way and made available for removal by firewood permits or for habitat improvement 

projects. However, Pacific Connector has stated that they may place LWD in UCSAs adjacent to 

standing conifers. Therefore, we recommend that: 

• Prior to pipeline construction, Pacific Connector should file a plan with the 

Secretary, for review and approval by the Director of OEP, that details how it 

would protect live trees within UCSAs.