4/30/13 Olympic National Forest - 1999 Annual Report

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Olympic National Forest

1999 ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forest Welcomes New Supervisor

A Message From the Forest Supervisor

Watershed Health

Road Management

A Great Place To Soothe the Soul

Recreation Fee Demonstration Funds Help Accomplish Work

Wildfire Closes Access to the Brothers Wilderness

Olympic Province Advisory Committee (OPAC)

Forest Consolidates Ranger Districts

Small Team to Administer Forest Special Use Program

New Forest Map Available

Forest Leadership Team

Olympic National Forest Statistics for 1999

Back to Annual Reports

FOREST WELCOMES NEW SUPERVISOR

Dale Hom, a native of the Puget Sound Region, was selected by Regional Forester Bob

Williams as the new Forest Supervisor to replace Ron Humphrey who retired December

1997. A graduate of the University of Washington, Mr. Hom has spent twenty three

years in the Forest Service in such diverse settings as Alaska, Idaho, Oregon,

Washington DC and Washington State and has considerable experience in the areas of

recreation management and community development.

Mr. Hom was most recently involved as project leader for the Great Western Trail

National Feasibility Study. Prior to that time, he was Operations Staff Officer on the

Sawtooth National Forest in southern Idaho where he managed programs in recreation,

engineering, fire, mining, wilderness and heritage resources. Previous jobs have included District Ranger on the

Okanogan National Forest and a number of positions in Alaska and Oregon.

Born in Seattle, Hom received a Bachelor of Science degree in outdoor recreation management from the University of

Washington, College of Forest Resources in 1976.

Mr. Hom and his wife, Rebecca, have two children, Rachel age 11 and Marcus, age 15. The Hom family is residing in

the Olympia area.

Ron Humphrey, with over 30 years of federalservice, served as Forest Supervisor on the Olympic for 8 years prior

to his retirement. Ron and his wife, Kathy, are now residing in Ennis, Montana. Following Mr. Humphrey's retirement,

Claire Lavendelserved as Acting Forest Supervisor until Mr. Hom began his duties on the Olympic the second week

of February.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE FOREST SUPERVISOR
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Dear Friends:

I'm pleased to share with you the land and resource management activities of the Olympic National

Forest in 1999. Our agency mission is to sustain the health, productivity, and diversity of the natural

resources to help us meet the needs of present and future generations. The Forest has focused on

improving and protecting the health of the land while providing benefits to people.

Watershed health and restoration has been, and will continue to be, a priority for the Olympic National

Forest. Healthy watersheds are important for the recovery ofsalmon and municipalities who depend on

pure, clean water. Last year's winter storms created numerous challenges on the Forest. Road

maintenance and storm damage repair was a high priority to prevent sedimentation in streams. When a

massive landslide closed U.S. Highway 101 near Lilliwaup WA, we opened forest roads as an alternate

travelroute for local publics. Despite forest roads and a campground becoming closed from landslides,

we continued to offer quality recreation opportunities, including renovation of a historic guard station into

a publicly available rental cabin. The Recreation Fee Demonstration Project has allowed us to retain user

fees which help us to continue providing high quality public services. Forest fires struck The Brothers

Wilderness in September which brought firefighters from around the Pacific Northwest. Throughout the

past year, we've worked with community-based stewardship councils, the Olympic Province Advisory

Committee, and volunteers to ensure the economic and social well being of communities that rely on the

benefits they receive from our Forest.

This past year, we began to implement the restructuring of the Forest and its workforce. Five offices

have been consolidated into three primary offices; the Headquarters in Olympia, the Hood CanalRanger

District office in Quilcene, and the Pacific Ranger District office in Forks. Fewer employees continue to

provide visitor information services and permits at Quinault and Hoodsport. Forest employees have met

the agency's mission of "Caring for the Land and Serving People" by working efficiently and costing less

to the American taxpayer. The workforce has reduced by two-thirds over the past decade, but

employees continue to demonstrate their dedication to public service. I'd like to take this opportunity to

salute them for their many accomplishments in 1999.

I wish you well in the new year.

Dale Hom

Forest Supervisor

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WATERSHED HEALTH

As part of our efforts to understand and better manage the naturalresources and

improve watershed health, the Olympic National Forest conducted watershed

analysis. The fundamental concept of a watershed analysis is to include all

landowners, both public and private, so that recommendations for long term

improvement of the riparian and aquatic condition throughout the whole watershed

can be addressed. The Watershed Analysis conducted in 1999 covered the East

and West Fork of the Humptulips River located on the west side of the Forest. In conjunction with Rayonier, Inc.,

and other participating partners including Washington Department of NaturalResources and Washington Department

of Ecology, an integrated, ecologically sound analysis was developed. The Forest also participated in the Salmon

River Watershed Analysis which was initiated by the Quinault Indian Nation. With site specific restoration plans and

adequate funding, we will improve watershed health.

During the year, employees continued to design and implement projects to restore the health of watersheds and to

ensure sustainable ecosystems. In the Deep Creek watershed (north end of the Forest), road drainage and

stabilization work, storm proofing, and erosion control measures were completed. On the west side of the Forest,
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structural and non-structural improvements were completed in the Matheny Creek watershed and in the Sitkum/

South Fork Calawah River watershed. On the south end of the Forest, structural and non-structural improvements

were completed in the Wynoochee River watershed. Structural improvements include crib wall construction and log

contours; non-structural improvements include revegetation with both grass and trees. Extensive road obliteration and

decommissioning work was also completed in specific areas. Most of the restoration work was completed through

contracts awarded to local businesses which contributes to improved local economies.

The quality of anadromous fish habitat is a major indicator of watershed health on the Forest. In addition to gathering

data on stream characteristics through standardized stream surveys on 29 miles ofstream this year, the Forest

implemented many projects over 37 stream miles designed to directly benefit fish. Through structural and nonstructural improvements, both anadromous fish-bearing rivers and streams and inland fish-bearing lakes and ponds

were enhanced. Periodic monitoring of these projects will improve our program in the future.

The Forest also implemented projects designed to address terrestrial needs as well. Approximately 1600 acres of

young stand thinning was awarded by contract. By treating overstocked stands annually, we are managing the stand

with potential wind, insect and/or disease related health problems in mind. Keeping each stand healthy keeps the

whole ecosystem healthy. Commercial thinnings were also designed to improve wildlife habitat. These sales were

delayed this fiscal year due to issues related to survey and manage requirements for threatened and endangered

species under the Northwest Forest Plan.

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ROAD MANAGEMENT

Several years of major winter storms have caused significant impacts to the Forest's road system. A Storm Damage

Site Report identified 48 flood damaged sites with total estimated repair costs in excess of $2,500,000. Road

condition surveys were completed this year on 500 miles of forest roads. The surveys focused on identifying

deficiencies in safety, resource damage and in our ability to meet management objectives. The surveys included

inspections of 42 bridges and 82 culverts.

Maintenance was completed on 809 miles of forest roads. Road drainage and stabilization projects were also initiated

to mitigate or improve watershed conditions. Contracts were awarded for F.S. Roads #2902 and #2924 to received

5.7 miles of drainage and stabilization work and 1.0 mile of decommissioning and the Deep Creek road system will

received 2.5 miles of decommissioning and 13.5 miles of drainage and stabilization work. Drainage and stabilization

work was completed on 10.2 miles of the Deep Creek road.

The Forest also completed approximately 90% of the survey and design work for the Hamma Hamma F.S. Road

#25. This heavily used road is scheduled for improving 5.3 miles of the single lane road to a double lane paved

standard.

An interdisciplinary team began the process of developing a strategy to analyze the Forest's road transportation

system. The strategy will help Line Officers make road management decisions that create consistency, integrate and

prioritize activities and projects, restore and protect resources, maintain capital assets and access, are cost effective,

and provide the framework for an annualroad maintenance plan and restoration strategy. Forest management plans to

implement the strategy during year 2000.

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A GREAT PLACE TO SOOTHE THE SOUL

"What a delightful place to soothe the soul during the winter. We shallreturn! This place is great."

Quote from the Hamma Hamma Cabin guest logbook
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Many unique experiences and special memories have been in store for those who

have stayed at one of the Olympic National Forest's three historic cabins. The

Forest is now in the fifth year of managing the Hamma Hamma and Interrorem

cabins under the recreation cabin rental program. On Memorial Day weekend

1999, the Louella cabin, south of Sequim, was added to the program.

Each cabin has its own unique history and character, but each has in common the

fact that it was falling on hard times during the 1980's. Lack of maintenance funds

and personnel to occupy the buildings led to frequent vandalism, broken windows, rotten floorboards, leaks, peeling

paint, and broken septic and water systems.

The cabins were deteriorating so quickly; there was talk about burning them down.

Making them available for public use by renting them seemed like a possible solution

to the funding problem. But how to get them in order so someone could safely stay

there was still a question that needed an answer.

That's where local Hoodsport Girl Scout Troop #624 came in. The Troop accepted

the challenge of fixing up the Hamma Hamma cabin and officially adopted it in March

of 1992. The girls scrubbed floors and walls, replaced broken windows, hauled away garbage, trapped mice, planted

a garden and sewed curtains.

The cabin was ready to go by Memorial Day 1994 except for one major

problem. The floorboards were rotten in the bathroom and the toilet was not

usable. Those individuals who were the first to occupy the cabin willremember

the bathroom was closed and they had to use an outhouse. As maintenance funds

became available, the floors and bathroom were repaired.

As each year passes, the success of the rental program becomes more evident as

the fees are used to complete maintenance projects. Now more and more people

are enjoying the opportunity to experience these historic cabins. A special thank

you to all of the Girl Scouts, Forest employees and the many volunteers who have played a major role in the success

of our cabin rental program.

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RECREATION FEE DEMONSTRATION FUNDS HELP ACCOMPLISH WORK

The Forest is participating in three regionalfee demo projects. The Trail Park

Pass began in 1997 and the cabin rental and campground fee demo projects

started with the 1999 recreation season. All three fee demo projects have

been successful in providing additionalfunds for the operation and

maintenance of these facilities. Over $184,500 have been collected from the

sales of Trail Park Passes since July 1997 alone. During 1999, Trail Park

Pass funds, combined with appropriated funds, were used to maintain 196

miles of trailfor a total of 70% of the Forest trailsystem. In 1999,

maintenance work funded with Trail Park Pass dollars involved thirty-three

trails and nine trailheads. Trail crews repaired and installed waterbars and drain dips, improved tread and stream

crossings, installed new signs and improved bridge approaches, repaired or replaced trailhead bulletin boards and

completed minor trailrelocation and repaired some minor slides. Trail Park funds were also used to remove blown

down trees from winter storms along 2.5 miles of the Quinault NationalRecreation Trail.

A majority of visitors are pleased with the Fee Demo program and the maintenance work that is being accomplished

with the funds. However, many have made suggestions to improve the program. Ideas have included such comments

as "Make it more convenient to buy a pass or pay the fees. There are too many fees, the current program is too
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complicated and confusing. Make sure the money gets back to the ground."

The region is preparing a new Regional Fee Demo project that will attempt to resolve these issues. The Region plans

to begin the revised program this coming Spring. In the meanwhile, keep your 1999 Fee Demo vehicle passes and use

them until the new program is implemented. Information about the revised Regional Fee Demo program will appear at

our website as soon as it becomes available.

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WILDFIRE CLOSES ACCESS TO THE BROTHERS WILDERNESS

Click an image to see it large:

A lightning-caused fire started September 12th and burned for several weeks inside The Brothers Wilderness. Flames

and smoke plumes were visible from Seattle as the fire burned through a mixed conifer forest, brush, and lots of dead

trees and branches that were concentrated in avalanche chutes. The extremely steep and rocky terrain slowed

suppression efforts as 80 persons engaged in fighting the 300 acre fire and providing support to suppression crews.

"Light on the land firefighting tactics;" were emphasized to protect wilderness values. Crews utilized natural openings

and natural barriers to minimize the amount of fireline construction.

Due to suppression work involving the use of a helicopter loading buckets of water at Lena Lake, the Lena Lake Trail

#810, The Brothers Trail #821 and a portion of the Brothers Wilderness were closed to the recreating public

throughout the duration of the fire.

The Wolf Creek Interagency Hotshot Crew, Smokejumpers from the Redmond Air Center along with firefighters

from throughout the Pacific Northwest were involved in the suppression effort. This was the first time smokejumpers

had jumped onto a fire within the Olympic National Forest in 37 years. The total cost to control this natural caused

wildfire was $397,700.

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OLYMPIC PROVINCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (OPAC)

The advisory committee held four meetings and three field trips during 1999.

Dale Hom, Forest Supervisor and Designated Federal Officialfor the committee updated the committee at each

meeting of the significant actions involving the Forest. Updates included impacts to the Forest road system as a result

of winter storms, SR 101 slide damage and the utilization of F.S. roads to serve as bypass routes around the impacted

area, roadless area protection as directed by the President of the United States, and the new planning regulations.

The committee reviewed and discussed recreation opportunities on decommissioned Forest Service roads, the listing

ofsalmon as threatened and endangered under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, Special Forest

Products, Prairie restoration in the South Fork Skokomish drainage, the role and success of the Forestry Training

Center in Forks, an update on the Olympic NaturalResource Center in Forks, and the implementation monitoring of

the Northwest Forest Plan.

Three field trips gave the committee the opportunity to observe and discuss:

1. how the Forestry Training Center in Forks is teaching students about new harvest methods and assisting them in

developing new skills to meet the demands of the industry today;
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2. the results of the monitoring team's work involving the Implementation Monitoring of the Mouse Inn timber sale

in the Upper Matheny drainage; and

3. the success of the Special Forest Products industry ranging from a smallfamily operation to very large

commercial operations in Mason County.

The advisory committee agreed at the October meeting to have quarterly committee meetings during year 2000. Two

of the meetings would involve a field trip. The dates and locations are:

DATE

February 18

May 18

August 17

November 17

FIELD TRIP

No

Yes

Yes

No

LOCATION

Northeast - Sequim/Blyn

Northwest - Forks

Southwest - Quinault/Aberdeen

Southeast - Olympia

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FOREST CONSOLIDATES RANGER DISTRICTS

The Forest has consolidated from four ranger districts to two. Faced with annual budget reductions over the past

several years, this change is a way to reorganize staffing and field operations to be more in line with current and future

budgets.

The Forest now has one west side ranger district after the consolidation of the Quinault and Soleduck Ranger

Districts. The new Pacific Ranger District office will be located adjacent to the Washington State Department of

NaturalResource's Olympic region office in Forks. The Pacific Ranger District willretain a visitor information office at

Quinault Lake. Most of the field operations on the southern portion of the new District will be conducted out of the

Quinault Office which will provide office space for 11 employees, while the main district work force of 19 employees

will be located in the new district office in Forks. The Pacific Ranger District consists of 271,300 acres and gets its

new name from the Pacific Ocean which parallels most of the district.

The east side ranger district consists of the combined Hood Canal and Quilcene Ranger Districts. The new Hood

CanalRanger District will have a ranger station office at the current location in Quilcene on Highway 101 and will

operate a visitor information office in Hoodsport at the old Hood Canal office. A total of 21 employees will be

stationed at the district office in Quilcene and a work force of 19 employees will operate out of the Hoodsport Office

which will involve field work as far west as the Wynoochee Drainage. The new Hood CanalRanger District is named

after the large, narrow body of water that parallels much of the district. The new Hood CanalRanger District has a

total of 361,000 acres.

The Forest Headquarter's office willremain in Olympia where the current work force consists of 56 employees and

will eventually be reduced to 35 employees. Some of these positions are being shared with the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie

National Forest while others will have duty stations at one of the Ranger Station locations as the Forest continues

efforts to reduce costs.

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SMALL TEAM TO ADMINISTER FOREST SPECIAL USE PROGRAM

In response to downsizing, retirements and declining budgets, in 1999 the

forest reorganized the special uses workload and formed a small team to

administer the special use program. This team concept represents a

significant change, allowing a smaller number of employees to focus the

majority of their time on this important workload.
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The team was one of 12 nationally approved to receive a three year grant

to reorganize the special use program and gain the experience and training

needed to improve customer service and management efficiencies,

increase interagency consistency, and ensure accountability in workload

accomplishments. The team has responsibility for managing over 200

existing special use permits as well as accepting and processing new

requests. Special use permits encompass a wide range of activities and

uses on the nationalforest including apiaries, group events, recreation

residences, outfitter guides, military training activities, communication sites,

and research studies to name a few.

In the teams first year, 13 expired permits or leases were renewed, NEPA analysis was completed for 20 new special

use authorization requests, a backlog of 95 expired permits were closed, a total of 68 permits were inspected, and

three recreation special use permits were audited.

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NEW FOREST MAP AVAILABLE

A new recreation map of the Olympic National Forest was made available to visitors during the 1999 summer

recreation season. The newly revised map now includes the entire highway road system around the Olympic

Peninsula. It is the first map in Region Six to provide complete province coverage. In addition to the Olympic National

Forest, the map includes information about the Olympic National Park, Washington State Parks, and Washington

State Department of NaturalResources recreation sites. The map serves as an excellent guide for camping, hiking,

and auto touring on the Olympic Peninsula. The improved list of developed sites makes it easier to find sites managed

by the different agencies and includes universal access information.

The new map is available at all the Forest's field offices, most Olympic National Park offices, and it can be obtained

via our website. The map sells for $4.00.

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FOREST LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dale Hom

Ben Kizer

Terry Sexton

Debbie Larsen

Luis Santoyo

Kathy O'Halloran

Ken Eldredge

Lana Thurston

Dave Johnson

Randy Dunn

Jay Webster

Forest Supervisor

Hood Canal District Ranger

Acting Pacific District Ranger

Staff Assistant

Operations Staff

Ecosystems Staff

Public Service Staff

Administration Staff

Acting Fire Staff

Personnel Officer

Law Enforcement Officer

(360) 956-2301

(360) 765-2201

(360) 374-6522 Ext. 211

(360) 956-2303

(360) 956-2260

(360) 956-2430

(360) 956-2323

(360) 956-2370

(360) 956-2221

(360) 956-2382

(360) 956-2262
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