Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Activity or Quantities/Effects/Results by Alternative 

Environmental 

Indicator 

No Action Proposed Action 

affect the Northern Spotted Owl. Long-term beneficial effect on the Northern 

Spotted Owl. 

Owl Core Areas – Site 303 

70 Acre Patch Area 40 acres Suitable Habitat 40 acres Suitable Habitat 

500 Acre Core Area 42% Suitable Habitat 42% Suitable Habitat 

3340 Acre Home Range 56% Suitable 52% Suitable* (4% is degraded/maintained due 

to reduction to <60% but > 40% canopy closure) 

Owl Core Areas – Site BKS 08 

70 Acre Patch Area 59 acres Suitable Habitat 59 acres Suitable Habitat 

500 Acre Core Area 

52% Suitable Habitat 48% Suitable Habitat* (4% is 

degraded/maintained due to reduction to <60%, 

but > 40% canopy closure) 

3340 Acre Home Range 

45% Suitable Habitat 45% Suitable habitat*(9% is 

degraded/maintained due to reduction to <60%, 

but >40% canopy closure) 

Risk of Barred Owl/Spotted Owl 

Interaction 

Existing older multilayed forests at 

higher risk to adverse Wildfire 

impacts and increased interactions 

All seven patches of older multilayered forests 

are not treated by the Action except for the 

reduced risk of adverse wildfire effects, due to 

treatment of adjacent stands. May be a reduced 

risk of interactions between owl species. 

* Degraded/maintained means the habitat still functions as suitable habitat but its value is lessened for the described use since canopy cover remains above 40%, but less than 60%.. 

III. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 

Within this chapter is a brief description of the current setting and existing forest environment 

within which the Proposed Action would occur. This section also identifies existing and pertinent land management direction that bounds the proposal within a pre-determined administrative 

setting, which in turn establishes the results to be achieved. 

A. General Setting 

The 493,000-acre (770-square-mile) Applegate Sub-basin is located on the northeastern flank of 

the Siskiyou Mountains in southwestern Oregon. Watershed lands are steep and rugged, ranging 

in elevation from 850 feet to 7,418 feet above sea level. Numerous small tributaries flow into 

the Applegate River, which then joins the Rogue River near the City of Grants Pass. The Slate 

Creek drainage is the last major tributary to the Applegate River above its confluence with the 

Rogue River. The Illinois Sub-basin, just to the south of the Applegate drainage, is also a major 

tributary to the Rogue River. The project area occurs on and just north of the watershed divide 

between the Applegate and Illinois Rivers. All but a small portion of the project is within the 

Slate Creek sub-watershed, and so drains to the Applegate River. The remainder of the project is 

within Lower Deer Creek sub-watershed, which drains into the Illinois River. Full descriptions 

and characteristics of the watershed that encompasses most of the analysis area are provided in 

the Cheney/Slate Watershed Analysis (USDI Bureau of Land Management 1996). 

41
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

B. Water 

Of the streams within and downstream of the analysis area, both the Applegate River (and its 

tributary Slate Creek) are designated as water quality limited for temperature. Total maximum 

daily loads for the Applegate Sub-basin were approved by EPA in 2004. DEQ has allocated all 

temperature nonpoint source loading to natural sources. Any human activity that results in increasing the amount of heat energy reaching any stream in the Applegate Subbasin is deemed 

unacceptable. Temperature simulations indicate that temperatures in most river reaches will still 

be above the water quality criteria when all human caused increases in heat are removed and 

shade reaches its maximum. 

The Clear Creek and Anderson Creek drainages are tributary to Deer Creek and drain the southern portion of the analysis area. Neither stream is listed; however they are tributary to Deer 

Creek which is listed as impaired due to water temperatures exceeding state standards. 

Beneficial uses in the Applegate Sub-basin include the following; those occurring in the Slate 

Creek watershed are underlined: 

• Public Domestic Water Supply

• Anadromous Fish Passage

• Private Domestic Water Supply

• Salmonid Fish Spawning 

• Industrial Water Supply 

• Salmonid Fish Rearing

• Irrigation

Precipitation and Channel Morphology: Project sub-watersheds drain mountainous terrain 

that is moderately steep. The mean watershed slope ranges from 19 to 25 degrees and the watershed relief is fairly low at about 11%. Annual precipitation is about 40” falling as rain in most 

years. First and second order stream channels are typically steep, V-shaped and ephemeral. 

Floodplains in the analysis area are mainly associated with Slate Creek. Summer flows are typically very low or absent in most analysis area streams. Channel substrate is typically bedrock, 

cobble or gravel with low channel sinuousity. Large woody material is lacking throughout the 

watersheds and in the analysis area. Wood structures have been placed in Slate Creek. These 

structures are in good condition and have retained some of the gravel substrate. 

Water Yield: Water yields from the analysis area were estimated in Table 12 using peak discharge for two year return interval estimates for Ramsey Creek, Slate Creek above its confluence 

with Ramsey Creek, and Butcherknife Creek (Oregon Dept. of Water Resources 2008, Cooper 

2005). 

42
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Table 12. Water Yields. 

Drainage Drainage Area 

(sq. miles) 

Estimated Bankfull 

Peak Flow cfs (2 year 

return internval) 

Bankfull discharge 

cfs/square mile 

Ramsey Creek 5.2 487 94 

Slate Creek above 

Ramsey 9.2 761 83 

Butcherknife Creek 2.3 182 79 

 

C. Geology and Soils 

The Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area lies primarily within the Southwest Oregon province, 

which has a relatively old geologic history. The northwestern portion of the Analysis Area lies 

within a band of high magnesium, primarily derived from Ultramafic (peridotite and serpentine) 

materials. The rest of the area has soils derived from a mixture of Ultramafic (peridotite and 

serpentine) and metavolcanic (Galice and Applegate Formations) parent materials to only 

metavolcanic (Galice and Applegate Formations) materials. In addition, there are developed 

drainages where alluvium has been deposited by water. The effects of uplift dominate the entire 

Analysis Area. Active downcutting of side drainages have occurred throughout the Analysis 

Area. 

Soils Inventory: The soils in the Analysis Area have been classified in two ways. The first type 

of classification is the RRNF Soil Resource Inventory (SRI) (Amaranthus and Meyer 1979). The 

SRI provides an extensive classification of land areas into individual units possessing similarities 

in soil, bedrock, climate, topography, and vegetation. These units are termed Landtype Units, 

and guidelines associated with these Landtypes are useful as a broad planning tool. The tool is 

limited in its application to site specific projects. The SRI map is contained in the corporate GIS 

files for the District. 

The second classification type is a geomorphology method, called the King-Trudeau Inventory 

(King and Trudeau 2000), is based upon all the soil forming factors: climate, topography, parent 

materials, organisms, and time. It is a site-specific inventory developed for the Butcherknife/Slate Area. 

Table 13 shows the soils as classified primarily by parent material and topography. The other 

soil forming factors of time, climate and vegetation are either somewhat constant for the analysis 

area or the changes are reflected by the differences in parent material and topography. 

43
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Table 13. Descriptions, acres and interpretations of soils within the Butcherknife/Slate 

Analysis Area (King-Trudeau Inventory). 

Rock Type Slope 

Percent 

Slope 

Configuration

Soil Type Name 

(Map Code) Acres Rooting Depth

Erosion 

Hazard

Compaction

Sensitivity

Growth and 

Rehabilitation 

Potential

Alluvium 0-35 concave AL <35% <-1 18 

Deep, 

may be 

restricted 

by water 

table 

Moderate Sensitive High 

Alluvium 0-35 planar AL <35% 1-1 18 Deep Moderate Sensitive High 

Alluvium 35-60 concave AL 35% to 60% <-1 3 Deep High N/A High 

Alluvium 35-60 planar AL 35% to 60% 1-1 5 Mod. High N/A High 

Alluvium 60+ concave AL >60% <-1 <1 Mod. Very High N/A High 

Alluvium 60+ planar AL >60% <1-1 <1 Mod. Very High N/A Moderate 

Metasediments, 

Volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

0-35 concave WV <35% < -1 370 Deep Moderate 

Moderate 

to 

Sensitive 

High 

Metasediments 

Volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

0-35 planar WV <35% 1-1 1182 Mod. Slight Moderate Moderate 

Metasediments 

Volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

0-35 convex WV <35% >1 <1 Mod.- 

Shallow Slight 

Moderate 

to not 

sensitive 

LowModerate 

Metasediments 

Volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

35-60 concave WV 35% to 60% <-1 1057 Deep High N/A High 

Metasediments 

Volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

35-60 planar WV 35% to 60% 1-1 <1 Mod. High N/A Moderate 

Metasediments 

Volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

35-60 convex WV 35% to 60% >1 <1 Mod.– 

Shallow High N/A LowModerate 

Metasediments 

Volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

60+ concave WV >60% <-1 220 Mod. Very High N/A Moderatehigh 

Metasediments 

Volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

60+ planar WV >60% 1-1 490 Mod.- 

Shallow Very High N/A Moderate 

Metasediments 

Volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

60+ convex WV >60% >1 <1 Shallow Very High N/A Low 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) 0-35 concave U <35% <-1 69 Deep Moderate Sensitive Moderate 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) 0-35 planar U <35% 1-1 375 Mod.- 

Deep Slight 

Sensitive 

to 

Moderate 

ModerateLow 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) 35-60 concave U 35% to 60% <-1 199 Deep High N/A Low 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) 35-60 planar U 35% to 60% 1-1 735 Mod. Moderate N/A Low 

44
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Rock Type Slope 

Percent 

Slope 

Configuration

Soil Type Name 

(Map Code) Acres Rooting Depth

Erosion 

Hazard

Compaction Growth and 

Rehabilitation Sensitivity Potential

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) 60+ concave U >60% <-1 141 Mod. Very High N/A Moderate 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) 60+ planar U >60% 1-1 334 Mod.- 

Shallow High N/A Low 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) & 

Metasediments & 

volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

0-35 concave UMV <35% < -1 66 Deep Moderate Sensitive High 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) & 

Metasediments, & 

volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

0-35 planar UMV <35% 1-1 97 Mod.- 

Deep Slight 

Sensitive 

to 

Moderate 

ModerateHigh 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) & 

Metasediments & 

volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

0-35 convex UMV <35% >1 <1 Mod.- 

Shallow Slight 

Moderate 

to Not 

Sensitive 

ModerateLow 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) & 

Metasediments & 

volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

35-60 concave UMV 35% to 60% <-1 90 Deep High N/A Moderate 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) & 

Metasediments & 

volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

35-60 planar UMV 35% to 60% 1-1 199 Mod. High N/A ModerateLow 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) & 

Metasediments & 

volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

60+ concave UMV >60% <-1 19 Mod. Very High N/A ModerateLow 

Ultramafic (peridotite 

and serpentine) & 

Metasediments & 

volcanic (Galice and 

Applegate 

Formations) 

60+ planar UMV >60% 1-1 35 Mod.- 

Shallow Very High N/A Low 

The time during which the soils are weathered is primarily a function of its location on the slope 

and from which parent material it weathered. All of the soils except for some of the recent alluvium have weathered for a long time. The climate throughout the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis 

Area is somewhat constant, though temperature gradients with elevation and aspect do exist. 

Consequently, the soils found at the higher elevations, with other factors being equal, have 

higher organic matter contents and less weathering. In Figure 3, the locations of the abovedescribed soils are mapped within the analysis area. 

45
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Figure 3. Soil types within the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area. 

To Grants Pass

To Cave Jct

199

2500

2500

02 01

07 11

18

19

06

35 36

12

13

24

14

31

23

03

34

15

22

10 08

17

20

05

32

27 26 25 30 29

27 26 25 30 29

020

306

018

744

630

695

163

760

742

285

673

224

225

753

743

716

244

235

214

314

751

602

738

256

650

696

693 223

747

640

278

226

694

770

161

684

670

700

275

660

745

741

746

685

698

772

771

160

748

758

739

162

686

212

661

678

695

686

Slate Creek

Ramsey Creek

Waters Creek

Butcherknife Creek

Clear Creek

Bear Creek

Love Creek

Cove Creek

Cedar Log Creek

T360S

T360S

T370S

T370S

R070W

R070W

R080W

R080W

¬

This product is reproduced from information prepared by

the USDA, Forest Service or from other suppliers. The Forest

Service cannot assure the reliability or suitability of this

information for a particular purpose. The data and product accuracy

may vary due to compilation from various sources, including modeling

and interpretation, and may not meet National Map Accuracy Standards.

This information may be updated, corrected or otherwise modified

without notification. For more information contact: 

the Rogue River Siskiyou NF at 541-471-6500

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

December 15, 2008

Legend

Rogue River Siskiyou NF

Butcherknife/Slate Project Boundary

Private

Road

Stream

Soil Type 

AL <35% <-1

AL <35% 1-1

AL 35% to 60% <-1

AL 35%to 60% 1 -1

AL >60% <-1

AL >60% 1 -1

MV <35% <-1

MV <35% 1 -1

MV <35% >1

MV 35% to 60% <-1

MV 35% to 60% 1 -1

MV 35% to 60% >1

MV >60% <-1

MV > 60% 1 -1 

MV > 60% >1

U < 35% <-1

U <35% 1 -1

U 35% to 60% <-1

U 35% to 60% 1 -1

U >60% <-1

U >60% 1 -1

UMV <35% <-1

UMV <35% 1 -1

UMV <35% >1

UMV 35% to 60% <-1

UMV 35% to 60% 1 -1

UMV >60% <-1

UMV>60% 1 -1

Butcherknife/Slate

Soils

46
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

The plant communities in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area have effects on soil formation. 

The serpentine peridotite plant communities have less production of organic matter to the chemical nature of the soil. Independent of the parent material, some differences exist with different 

microclimates. The moister areas have a higher productivity and storage of organic matter. 

Consequently, the concave areas, which have a higher moisture holding capacity, reflect this 

productivity and organic matter trend. 

Organic Matter: The organic matter in soil is important for soil productivity. Due to the wet 

winters and hot, dry climatic conditions during the summer, the organic matter contributed to 

these sites is quick to decompose, and a thin mat of duff sits atop the soil. This thin duff mat 

helps to prevent erosion and is a nutrient sink, especially on coarser soils. Opening the stand 

canopy to allow heating to the forest floor can both decrease the amount of organic matter by 

increasing the decomposition rate, and conversely allow more nutrients to cycle. Care needs to 

be taken not to compact the growing sites, thereby limiting water infiltration and reducing soil 

productivity. Refer to the Soils Specialist Report for details. 

Coarse woody material is most important where the canopy cover is reduced because it maintains 

site productivity, stores heat from solar radiation more effectively than the coarse soil alone, 

stores nutrients, and assists in maintaining soil moisture. Overall, the amount of coarse wood is 

very low in managed stands of the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area. Past management practices 

typically utilized every piece of wood cut in stands. Natural levels of coarse woody material 

would be much higher than are currently experienced in the managed stands in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area. In the forests outside the managed stands, the exclusion of fire has 

led to an accumulation of coarse wood. The natural levels of coarse woody material in these 

stands would be lower with the presence of uncontrolled wildfires. 

Past Forest Management Activities and Their Influence on Soil Characteristics: Past forest 

management activities have affected the soils in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area by compaction, puddling, displacement, removal of organic matter, burning and erosion. However, 

passive soils recovery has lessened impacts on site productivity. 

Detrimental Compaction, Puddling and Burning: Logging, site conversion, and site preparation activities, all using ground-based mechanical equipment, have compacted and puddled some 

acres in the Analysis Area. Compaction leads to a denser soil with a higher specific gravity. 

Puddling is the destruction of soil structure, primarily when wet, by compaction, to the point 

where ruts or imprints are made. Both can result in reduced site productivity. Puddling only 

occurs with compaction or the application of force on the soil surface. 

Though some areas within the Analysis Area were undoubtedly detrimentally burned in the past 

where the mineral soil surface changed in color and the next one-half-inch of organic matter was 

charred, little evidence of such effects are observable today. Evidently, the soils have recovered 

over time, with vegetation recycling more organic matter and microbes incorporating organic 

matter into the mineral soil. The size of areas still exhibiting characteristics of detrimental burning is estimated to be from zero, to less than one percent of any burned area. 

47
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Logging with tractors also impacts the soils via skid roads and landings. Areas detrimentally 

compacted from past harvest activities were measured by observing low elevation aerial photographs and using knowledge of the history of these areas. The results of this informal soil monitoring indicate about 90% of the area within Proposed Action units have less than 20% of the 

area detrimentally affected. The remaining 10% exhibit cumulative impacts exceeding 20% of 

each respective unit. Little evidence of a reduction in site quality is present. 

Detrimental Displacement: Detrimental displacement is defined as the removal of more than 

50% of the soil’s ‘A’ horizon (topsoil) from an area greater than 100 square feet that is at least 5 

feet in width. The majority of active erosion in the Analysis Area appears to be associated with 

roads and deferred road maintenance. Rutting and gullying are easily detected by anyone. The 

vast majority of sediment production in the Analysis Area comes from rill and gully erosion off 

roads, cutbanks, ditches and fill slopes. 

Rutting and erosion has been observed on FS Road 253 that goes through the serpentine meadow 

complex in T.37 S., R.8W., S.14. This is an area of major gully erosion caused by lack of drainage and vehicle use while wet. The road is un-surfaced. There is also erosion at the southern 

end of the road in part due to road drainage. 

Elsewhere, gully erosion can potentially occur from vehicle use on roads during the wet seasons 

and from un-surfaced roads. Roads are compacted surfaces that allow water to run overland 

rather than naturally infiltrate at the point of raindrop impact. 

Coarse Woody Material: Past management activities have impacted the amount and distribution of coarse (large) woody materials in this area. The majority of managed stands can be considered deficit in coarse woody materials. The current timber stands occupying these sites have 

not developed to the extent that they are once again providing large coarse wood, either standing 

as snags or on the ground. Silvicultural treatments now can provide for additional coarse woody 

material to compensate for these deficits at a watershed scale. 

Important Soil Processes and Potential for Impacts from Management Activities: The soil 

mantle is the important substrate to support tree growth. It provides for the filtering of quality 

water and the habitats for plants and animals. Since soils are of such fundamental importance to 

all land uses, a first step in determining what constitutes sustainable forest management is to 

consider the role of soils. 

Forest management can affect the biological, physical, and chemical properties of the soil. Loss 

of carbon, nitrogen, and associated minerals by harvesting has a pronounced effect on the complex of microorganisms dependent upon wood as a source of energy and nutrients. If not mitigated with proper forest practices, the removal of wood from a site can drastically alter the 

activity of fungi and other microorganisms associated with wood decay (Jurgensen et al. 1979). 

Vegetation management can alter the chemistry of the soil. Retaining or planting nitrogen-fixing 

plants, such as alder and Ceanothus species, can increase soil nitrogen and associated site productivity. Keeping brush and wood on the site can maintain the quantity of carbon in the soil 

and can supply nutrients and structural components provided by decaying organic material (Cole 

48
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

and Johnson 1979). Maintaining vegetation, removing vegetation, or revegetation can also affect 

evapotranspiration, which allows more or less water to leach soluble nutrients from the soil and 

decomposing organic matter, reducing site productivity. Soil erosion often increases after removing vegetation, but is temporary, as it will decrease again with the revegetation of the site. 

Skid trails and permanent roads can expose soils, compact soils, and disturb the physical arrangement of soils. Skid trails and landings may have long-term contributions to erosion and 

sedimentation if compaction prevents recovery. 

Landings and roads take land out of future forest production. A kilometer (0.6214 mile) of road 

in 1 km square (0.3861 square mile) of forest represents a 0.5 percent loss in area and removal 

from productivity. Roads are assumed unproductive under Forest Plans, regardless of any erosion impacts (Elliot et al. 1996). A certain percentage of lands are dedicated to access and operation purposes, but this can be minimized to maintain as much area as practical for the 

maintenance of the forest. 

 

Rutting caused by heavy equipment or vehicle use when roads and skid trails are too moist, can 

concentrate runoff and cause localized increases in erosion. Disturbing the physical arrangement 

of soils (displacement of topsoil or removing the organics-rich duff layer) can increase erosion. 

Ground disturbance can inhibit revegetation of the site. In some situations, this may mean a 

delay in the recovery of the site and may allow erosion processes to occur. The result of ground 

disturbance that causes compaction and erosion may be a decrease in the site productivity. 

Characteristics of Proposed Units: The units associated with the Proposed Action (Alternative 

2) have existing soil conditions that are presented in this sub-section. Past management activities, the current conditions for amount of coarse wood, the percentage of land that is detrimentally compacted, puddled, displaced or burned, and compaction/rock content rating for each unit 

(Proposed Action – Alternative 2) are discussed below. Current site condition, including past 

forest management activities, was analyzed for each proposed unit. Status regarding past harvest 

and site preparation is assessed by particular unit. The estimated percentage of the units that are 

in a condition which is detrimentally burned, eroded, puddled, or compacted, consistent with 

Regional Definitions, is also displayed for each unit. 

The existing levels of coarse wood are dependent upon the past fire history and past forest management treatments. Other proposed units are listed as being within the range of natural variation, as documented by the Southwest Oregon Late-Successional Reserve Assessment

(USDA/USDI 1995) and professional judgment associated with field examination in the 

Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area. 

Sensitivity for compaction and the units with high rock content are also analyzed. The units that 

have a high sensitivity to compaction have high clay content and a moisture regime that is more 

likely to compact during operations. 

For proposed commercial treatment units, the percent of area that was found to be detrimentally 

compacted, puddled or displaced was identified on aerial photographs. Roads, skid trails and 

landings were measured. This method was not uniformly reliable as the canopy cover, where 

49
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

dense, would occlude the view. In these cases, additional percentages were added for detrimental compaction, puddling, burning and soil displacement when there was on-the-ground knowledge of the past management activities and existing ground conditions. This approach was 

accomplished as the most reasonable, cost effective and scientifically sound process available. 

The results are summarized in Table 14. 

Table 14. Characteristics of Proposed Units. 

Stand Proposed 

Treatment 

Proposed 

Logging 

System 

Estimated 

Existing 

Detrimental Soil 

Conditions, 

Including Roads 

a Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 5 

b Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

c Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

d Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

e Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

f Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 12 

g Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

h Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

i Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 9 

j Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 10 

k Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

l Meadow Restoration & Rx Fire g 7 

m Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 5 

n Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 1 

o Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

p Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

q Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 6 

r Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

s Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

t Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 6 

u Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 6 

v Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

w Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 10 

x Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

y Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 5 

z Meadow Restoration & Rx Fire g 20 

Aa Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 4 

Bb Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 4 

Cc Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

Dd Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

Ee Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

Ff Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

Gg Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

Hh Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

Ii Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

Jj Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 8 

50
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Estimated 

Proposed Existing Proposed Stand Treatment Logging Detrimental Soil 

System Conditions, 

Including Roads 

Kk Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

Ll Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 10 

Mm Density Mgt & Rx Fire s/g 7 

Nn Density Mgt & Rx Fire s/g 2 

Ll Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 15 

Oo Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

Pp Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

Qq Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 9 

Rr Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

Ss Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 2 

Tt Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 12 

Uu Density Mgt & Rx Fire g/s 10 

Vv Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 15 

Ww Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 16 

Xx Density Mgt & Rx Fire s/g 8 

Yy Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 2 

Zz Meadow Restoration & Rx Fire g 15 

1 Meadow Restoration & Rx Fire g 12 

2 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

3 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

4 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 7 

5 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

6 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 5 

7 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

8 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

9 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

10 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

11 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 5 

12 Meadow Restoration & Rx Fire g 12 

13 Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 15 

14 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

15 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 5 

16 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 3 

17 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 6 

18 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 6 

19 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s/g 8 

20 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 5 

21 Density Mgt & Rx Fire g/s 12 

22 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 5 

23 Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 15 

24 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 4 

25 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 8 

26 Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 11 

27 Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 14 

28 Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 4 

51
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Estimated 

Proposed Existing Proposed Stand Treatment Logging Detrimental Soil 

System Conditions, 

Including Roads 

29 Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 7 

30 Density Mgt & Rx Fire g 12 

31 Density Mgt & Rx Fire s 6 

D. Forests and Other Vegetation in the Analysis Area 

The vegetation associated with the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area is typical of the vegetative 

communities in southwest Oregon described by Franklin and Dyrness (1973). One hundred or 

more years ago, most of the low to mid elevation forests of southwestern Oregon, including 

those of the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area were structurally and compositionally different 

from today’s forest. 

In those days, fire occurred as often as every 20 to 30 years. This occurrence was probably more 

frequent at the lower elevations and less frequent at the higher, wetter sites including riparian 

zones and north aspects. These fires were usually of low intensity and mostly ground fires that 

maintained the area in an early seral condition. Timber stand composition included white oaks, 

black oaks, madrone, ponderosa pine and scattered Douglas-fir trees. The forests were open, 

allowing one to see considerable distances in all directions, unlike the stands of today. There 

were few patches of dense seedlings, saplings and poles of white fir and Douglas-fir. The forests 

had a simpler structure and composition and were more resistant to insects and disease. 

Since the initiation of aggressive fire suppression, the in-growth of shade tolerant species has 

increased stand density to a point above what is considered an appropriate level for a healthy 

forest. Fire exclusion has allowed the more tolerant white fir and Douglas-fir to develop in 

dense understories over a large portion of the affected sub-watersheds. Fuel loads and ladder 

fuels have increased the risk of wildfire across the landscape. This dense stocking level is taxing 

the ecosystem’s resources making the competition between trees intense. Early seral tree species, such as white oak, black oak, ponderosa pine and sugar pine, have especially suffered under 

these conditions. This stressed environment creates favorable conditions for successful disease 

and insect attacks, a situation aggravated by recent drought. Trees killed by insects and disease 

are continuously adding to the fuel load and increasing the risk of catastrophic fire. 

1. Plant Series and Plant Associations 

Forests in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area are primarily comprised of four plant series. 

The most common is Douglas-fir (46 percent of area), tanoak (21 percent of the area) and 

Jeffrey pine. Less well-represented series include white oak with minor areas in grand fir 

and white fir. Descriptions of the major plant series found in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis 

Area can be found in Forested Plant Associations of Southwestern Oregon (Atzet et al. 

1996). 

52
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Plant associations are a system for classifying vegetation that provides useful clues to the 

site-specific environment. In the classification system, a limited number of plants are considered indicator species. Different combinations of these indicator plants describe distinct 

associations and point to a unique set of environmental conditions. Plant associations can 

help characterize the moisture regime, climate, soil chemistry, potential wildlife use and 

vegetative management options for an area. Each plant association is named for the major 

overstory (dominant tree) species and understory (usually shrub or herb) species that are predicted at the climax stage of development for any given vegetation community. The climax 

is a stage in succession that occurs when a plant community is allowed to develop undisturbed for a long period and plant composition and structure reach a steady state that would 

be characteristic of the sites potential. 

2. Vegetative Seral Stages 

An important characteristic of vegetation is the seral stage. Most analyses have used successional stages; this is not appropriate for the southwest Oregon areas because of the frequent 

fire return intervals. Stand age averages only about 250 to 300 years. Ecologically, succession is classed as early successional, with the stand being composed primarily of pioneer 

species, the mid-successional stage, when the climax species begin colonizing stand and produce a lower tree layer. Late-successional stands are characterized by the dominance of the 

climax and the decline of the pioneers and climax stands are composed of climax, shade tolerant species. Stands in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area, because of fires, typically 

only reach mid-successional condition. The pioneer species, such as Douglas-fir, still dominate the stands. 

For this analysis, seral stages have been identified as more meaningful, and have been defined by stand canopy closure and tree size. Early, mid and late seral stages have been recognized. Late seral stand are defined as canopy cover greater than 60 percent and average 

tree diameters greater than 21 inches. Mid seral stands are defined as canopy cover greater 

than 40 percent but less than 60 percent and average tree diameters from 11 to 21 inches and 

early seral stands are defined as canopy cover less than 40 percent. Table 15 below is the result of combining these variables. 

Table 15. Current Vegetation Conditions in the Analysis Area by Seral 

Stages. 

Seral Stage

National Forest Lands 

and Private Lands 

within Analysis Area 

Percent of Total 

Non-Forest 267 4.5 

Early or Non-Forest 2322 39.9 

Mid 2675 45.9 

Late 564 9.7 

Totals 5,830 100 

53
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Summer storm events, being convective in nature, can produce intense rainfalls that can accelerate surface erosion on exposed soils. Movement of the jet stream in spring and fall can 

generate high-velocity winds at the surface. High winds combined with extremely saturated 

soils occasionally causes trees to be uprooted when they are directly exposed. Windthrown 

trees have been observed in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area, typically near ridgetops, 

on the edges of insect centers and on the edges of previous regeneration harvested stands. 

The degree and extent of this condition is not as severe or extensive as occurs elsewhere in 

the Pacific Northwest. 

3. Managed Stands 

Multiple-use resource management has long been practiced in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area. Harvesting activities began in large tracts in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area 

in the 1950s when the area was noted for its supply of large diameter ponderosa pine and 

sugar pine timber. As a result, in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area there are acres of 

young, 20 to 60 year old mixed conifer stands. Seed certification and a better understanding 

of seed zones and sowing seed from appropriate elevation bands corresponding with outplanting needs began to occur in 1965. 

4. Forest Health 

Pathogens and insects are currently affecting forest conditions (i.e., forest health) throughout 

the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area. In particular, white pine blister rust (caused by the 

fungus Cronartium ribicola), Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) mountain pine 

beetle (D. ponderosae) western pine beetle (D. brevicomis), pine engraver beetles (Ips spp.) 

and the fir engraver (Scolytus ventralis) are currently influencing stand structure, stocking 

and species composition in many stands. 

These agents will continue to affect stand development and succession into the future. While 

mortality in some stands may be attributable to a single pathogen or insect, it is more common to find several pathogens and insects working together in complexes. Their effects are 

greatly influenced by the tree species composition in affected stands, host ages and history of 

other disturbances such as fire, wind or timber harvest. 

Insects and pathogens affect ecosystem functions and conditions by physically altering or 

killing their host trees. This leads to changes in forest species composition and successional 

pathways, influences tree size, canopy cover and stand structure, creates wildlife habitat, affects nutrient cycling and influences fire behavior. Effects may be subtle or dramatic; insects 

and pathogens can influence the landscape, stand, or individual trees. Whether their effects 

are perceived as beneficial or detrimental is dependent upon management objectives, desired 

future conditions and scale of activities. 

54
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Insect and pathogen activity in the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area has increased since the 

turn of the century as a result of fire exclusion, introduction of exotic organisms and extensive management activities. Most important effects have been increased stocking levels, 

changes in species composition, soil disturbance and compaction, creation of wounds and 

stumps and lack of coevolved resistance mechanisms. 

Root Diseases: Black stain root disease can be observed causing mortality of small groups 

of younger Douglas-fir, particularly trees in plantations that are less than 30-years-old. It is 

predominantly associated with roadsides, skid trails and landings. Black stain is spread long 

distance by root-feeding bark beetles and weevils that are attracted to low vigor Douglas-fir. 

This includes trees growing in compacted soils as well as recently cut stumps and slash. The 

beetles carry spores of the fungus and introduce the fungus to the trees while the insects are 

feeding in the roots. Once established in the root system, black stain root disease can spread 

quickly to other trees via root grafting and contact. Susceptibility to black stain root disease 

usually decreases on a site once the trees reach 30 to 35 years old. However, it is possible to 

find black stain in older trees under stress. 

Phytophthora Lateralis: Port-Orford-cedar is attacked by a non-native pathogen, Phytophthora lateralis (P. lateralis) which causes Port-Orford-cedar root disease. The spread of 

the pathogen is primarily influenced by human activities that move infested soil, organic material, or water. This disease is not found within the project area. This analysis will use the 

Record of Decision and Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment for Management 

of Port-Orford-Cedar in Southwest Oregon (USD/USDI 2004b) direction to determine if live 

Port-Orford-cedar is “measurably contributing to” meeting land objectives, based on plant 

association group, stand exams and other observations to determine the ecological role of 

Port-Orford-cedar and its overall importance. Refer to the Port-Orford-cedar report for more 

details. 

White Pine Blister Rust: In the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area, white pine blister rust 

occurs throughout the ranges of its hosts, affecting sugar pine. High hazard locations where 

high levels of mortality may occur include large flats or stream sides where moist conditions 

generally prevail or on saddles or ridgetops where fog and clouds linger in the fall. Higher 

elevation sites in the Analysis Area are particularly vulnerable and the long-term survival of 

wild type five-needle pines is questionable in these locations. White pine blister rust is a 

branch and stem canker disease of five-needle pines. Damage includes mortality, topkill, 

branch dieback and predisposition to attack by other agents, including bark beetles. 

C. ribicola is exotic; it has not coevolved with its hosts. The fungus is native to Asia but was 

introduced to British Columbia via Europe in 1910. It quickly spread throughout most of the 

range of five-needle pines in the West. It has substantially decreased populations of fiveneedle pines throughout their ranges. It is a major killer of regenerating five needle pines 

and makes reestablishment of wild populations of these species on high hazard sites difficult 

or impossible. In many areas, the only natural hosts remaining in high hazard areas are large 

trees that have had their tops and numerous branches killed by the fungus. Trees in this condition are frequently predisposed to infestation by mountain pine beetle. 

55
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

The life cycle of the fungus takes four to five years to complete. The fungus is an obligate 

parasite and requires an alternate host in the genus Ribes, the gooseberries and currants. Yellow-orange pustules or blisters on pines produce aeciospores annually in the late spring. 

These thick-walled, long living spores are fairly resistant to radiation and desiccation; thus, 

they are capable of long distance dispersal by wind. Aeciospores land on and infect the 

leaves of Ribes. 

Ribes leaves support annual infections that produce urediniospores in midsummer. Urediospores infect other Ribes leaves and build up the population of the rust in local areas when 

conditions are somewhat moist. Basidiospores are produced on infected Ribes leaves in late 

summer and early fall and are disseminated via wind to pine needles where they germinate. 

These thin-walled, short-lived spores require cool temperatures and moist conditions for survival and germination; wet weather or low-lying clouds and fog in late summer and early fall 

increase the chance of successful movement from Ribes back to pine hosts. 

The distribution, frequency and association of the hosts, as well as micro and macroclimatic 

conditions are important factors in the spread of the rust. Dense populations of Ribes increase the probability of having high production of basidiospores and infection of local pine 

populations. Certain Ribes species are more susceptible to infection than others. Large-scale 

weather events that bring moist conditions to a region influence levels of infection and long 

distance travel of fragile spores. Topographic features combined with microclimate, such as 

saddles or mountain tops where summer fog is frequent, locally influence infection. 

Bark Beetles: Bark beetles, such as Douglas-fir beetle and the fir engraver, are common in 

the project area. These beetles are secondary agents that are attracted to weakened trees. 

They maintain their endemic populations by attacking stress-weakened trees in overly dense 

stands. They also take advantage of trees injured or weakened by fire and increases in mortality may be observed on the perimeters of burned areas. All sizes of trees can be attacked and 

killed by the fir engraver. 

Fir Engraver Beetle: In recent years, fir engraver-caused mortality has been observed that 

is associated with drought stress, particularly in heavily stocked stands. This type of fir engraver-caused mortality has occurred in the watershed in small pockets. By killing trees, the 

fir engraver increases diversity in a stand and creates habitats for numerous organisms that 

depend on dead wood. Engravers also colonize down material and hasten its recycling by introducing wood decay fungi through the bark. 

The fir engraver completes one generation per year. Adult beetles fly and initiate new attacks between June and September, with peak activity in July and August. Females initiate 

attacks and after mating, each constructs an egg gallery perpendicular to the grain of the tree. 

Eggs are laid on both sides of this gallery and larvae hatch within two weeks. Winter is 

passed in the late larval or pupal stage and young adults mature by the following summer. 

Douglas-fir Beetle: Small pockets of mortality caused by Douglas-fir beetle are found scattered throughout the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area. These pockets are most often associated with stressed trees or very localized windthrown trees. The Douglas-fir beetle normally 

56
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

breeds in weakened or down trees. In certain instances, when down or weakened host material is abundant, beetle populations can build to high levels and nearby standing trees may be 

attacked and killed. Outbreaks are sporadic and usually of short duration, subsiding after two 

or three years. Since the Douglas-fir beetle prefers the larger trees in a stand, even shortduration outbreaks can have a significant effect on stand structure and gap formation. 

The Douglas-fir beetle has one generation per year. Adult flight usually takes place in the 

spring or early summer. Female beetles initiate attacks on suitable host material and construct long egg galleries beneath the bark. The eggs hatch within one to three weeks and 

young larvae feed in the cambium. Later in the larval stage, the larvae enter the outer bark 

where they construct pupal chambers. The winter is spent in the outer bark, either in the late 

larval, pupal, or adult stage. Those insects over-wintering as adults will be first to fly in the 

early spring, and may re-emerge to establish a second brood in late June or July. 

Pine Bark Beetles: Mountain pine beetles have recently killed scattered large-diameter 

sugar pines across the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area; western pine beetle and mountain 

pine beetle have also killed several large ponderosa pine. Mortality appears to have been occurring for several years. Attacks by Ips spp. have resulted in topkill of larger pines and 

mortality in scattered pockets of sapling and pole-sized trees. 

Trees attacked by the pine bark beetles are generally killed. Attacks may occur on either individual trees or groups of trees. In the endemic situation, the beetles attack trees that are 

under stress due to competition with other trees, weakened by pathogens, injured by fire or 

are otherwise debilitated. Periodically, large-scale outbreaks can occur and infestations can 

extend into stands of healthy trees. Trees infested by the pine bark beetles provide temporary 

food sources for woodpeckers and other insectivores. Infestation by western pine beetle sets 

the stage for other agents, such as woodborers and decay fungi, which are involved in the recycling of nutrients back into the soil. 

In ponderosa pine, the mountain pine beetle is generally associated with fairly young trees 

(75 to 100 years old) and acts as a thinning agent in denser stands. This thinning may be 

fairly irregular and may involve sizable groups of trees but is generally far less dramatic than 

is the case when beetles infest lodgepole pine. In the case of five-needle pines where host 

trees are usually scattered among other tree species, the mountain pine beetle will kill large 

scattered dominants or create small holes in stands as it attacks pines stressed by competition, 

white pine blister rust or other factors. 

The western pine beetle serves as a key mortality agent for ponderosa pines weakened by the 

effects of old age, drought, diseases or competition with other trees. Successful attacks result 

in death of the host tree. Occasionally, groups of trees are killed, especially when growing 

under crowded conditions. Since larger trees are generally preferred, the western pine beetle 

can dramatically alter the character of a forest that comes under attack. Stand structure can 

be altered and gaps can be created in the stand as the bark beetles kill the larger trees, either 

singly or in groups. In those instances where ponderosa pine occurs in mixed stands with 

firs, the western pine beetle can accelerate the successional process by selectively removing 

the early seral species from the stand. 

57
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Pine engravers are associated with logging slash and windthrown material. Pines broken or 

knocked down by snow may favor conditions for Ips bark beetles. On occasion, beetles can 

spread from this down material into standing trees and can cause significant tree mortality, 

especially in thickets and in young recently thinned stands. Tops of large trees may also be 

killed. Ips beetles help to accelerate the recycling of woody material by introducing wood 

decay fungi into host sapwood. Pine engravers also create gaps and introduce diversity into 

dense stands when they kill groups of young pines. 

The mountain pine beetle has one generation per year. Adult flight occurs between July and 

September, with eggs laid beneath the bark immediately after the tree is colonized. The eggs 

hatch within 10 to 14 days and larvae begin feeding in the cambium. The winter is spent in 

the late larval stage and pupation occurs in the spring or early summer. By mid-summer, callow adults develop and new adults are ready to emerge shortly thereafter. 

Pine bark beetles are generally associated with trees under stress from such factors as competition with other trees, infection by dwarf mistletoe, root disease organisms or other pathogens, or infestation by other insects. During drought periods, all of these factors become 

more important, and mountain pine beetle activity is at its greatest. Second-growth ponderosa pine stands are likely to be infested when growth rates of codominant trees are less than 

3⁄4-in. in diameter for the last decade. Other species of pine are likely to be killed by mountain pine beetle when growing under dense stand conditions. 

The western pine beetle completes two generations in one year. Adult beetles fly in early 

June and late August. Female beetles locate a suitable host and initiate attacks by burrowing 

through the bark. They release an airborne chemical (pheromones) that attracts other beetles 

and leads to concentrated attacks on the host tree. 

In times of particularly warm weather, these beetle-produced attractants can lead to mass attacks on several trees in a group. Each female lays about 60 eggs in individual niches cut in 

the sides of the egg gallery. These eggs hatch in two weeks and young larvae feed initially in 

the phloem, later moving into the middle bark where most development takes place. After 

four larval stages, the insects turn into pupae and then adults. 

Pine engraver beetles can complete several generations in one year depending on the temperature, leading to rapid outbreaks when conditions are right. Adults emerge from their 

over-wintering sites in late April and fly in search of fresh slash or windthrown material. 

The males initiate attacks and produce attractants, which draw other males and then females 

onto the same host material. In the case of I. pini, the males are joined by as many as four 

females and after mating in a nuptial chamber created beneath the bark by the male, each female constructs an individual egg gallery. Eggs are laid in these galleries, and larvae develop 

quickly and transform into pupae by mid-June. New adults are ready to emerge and fly by 

the end of July. If this second generation does not find fresh slash or windthrown material, it 

is likely to infest standing trees. The second generation is completed by mid- to lateSeptember. Some new adults over winter beneath the bark of their host while others emerge 

and fly off to hibernate in the forest. 

58
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

E. Social Setting 

Most of the Butcherknife/Slate area is in the wildland urban interface as defined by the Josephine 

County Integrated Fire Management Plan. Several mining claims are present on Slate Creek and 

mining also occurs on Butcherknife Creek. No large mining developments are present. 

There are no developed recreation sites within the analysis area. There are areas of dispersed 

recreational use, including hunting, camping, hiking, OHV riding, firewood cutting and special 

forest product collection. No concentrated recreation use is evident. All of the analysis area is 

visually classified as a maximum modification visual quality objective. 

F. Land and Resources Management Direction 

Overall management direction for conducting projects on the Siskiyou National Forest is provided by the Siskiyou National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (USDA Forest 

Service 1989b) as amended by the Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and 

Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted 

Owl (USDA/USDI 1994b). Together, these overarching plans define the rules and limits for 

accomplishing work on the Forest by allocating specific geographic areas to the attainment of 

explicit goals and desired future conditions. Inside the analysis area the Siskiyou National Forest 

LRMP assigns those lands, where treatments are proposed, to one of four allocations (called 

“management areas/prescriptions” in the LRMP). All four of these LRMP allocations include 

visual quality objectives within the analysis area. There are no inventoried roadless areas inside 

the analysis areas. 

1. Siskiyou National Forest LRMP Management Areas 

The first of these prescriptions/allocations, Management Area 3 (Research Natural Area), 

overlaps partly with the northwest portion of the analysis area. The management goal for this 

allocation is “[p]reservation of naturally occurring physical and biological [features] where 

natural conditions are maintained insofar as possible...[ USDA Forest Service 1989b p. IV81].” This reserved area is a component of a national network of field ecological units intended to safeguard distinctive habitats for “research and/or to maintain biological diversity 

on National Forest System lands [p. IV-81].” The Cedar Log Flat Research Natural Area 

(RNA) is a 441-acre unit “permanently protected for the purposes of maintaining biological 

diversity, conducting non-manipulative research and monitoring, and fostering education 

[Siskiyou National Forest 1997, p. 5].” This RNA area was specifically established to represent a Port-Orford-cedar/western azalea community, a Jeffrey pine/dwarf ceanothus savanna 

community and a California pitcher plant fen on serpentine-peridotite community within the 

Klamath Mountains province. 

For the most part, however, the analysis area and proposed treatment units overlie three 

LRMP allocations. Management Area 9 (Special Wildlife Site) is designated in the east central portion of the analysis area where a series of serpentine meadows are present. The goal 

of this management area prescription is “to protect or enhance these unique wildlife habitats 

59
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

... [p. IV-114].” Management Area 11 (Riparian) “applies to the riparian ecosystem along 

all perennial streams [p. IV-125]” where no less than 100 feet (measured horizontally) on 

each side of the stream is to be incorporated. This allocation complements terrestrial conservation objectives by sustaining streamside vegetation that promotes the vitality and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The largest proportion of the analysis area is Management Area 

14 (General Forest). This allocation dedicates the land’s use to programmed timber growth 

and production on suitable lands while concurrently maintaining a variety of forest and habitat characteristics. “The primary goal is to obtain a full yield of timber within the capability 

of the land and the management requirements of all other resources [p. IV-139].” 

2. Northwest Forest Plan Allocations 

The Northwest Forest Plan (USDA/USDI 1994b) was prepared subsequent to approval of the 

Siskiyou LRMP and so updates the LRMP by adopting a “comprehensive ecosystem management strategy [USDA/USDI 1994b, p. 1].” Within the analysis area, the NFP superimposes three allocations over the top of existing LRMP allocations: Adaptive Management 

Area, matrix and Riparian Reserve. Where the overlying NFP allocation is more stringent in 

its management requirements than the LRMP management prescription, the NFP requirements take precedence and mask the underlying LRMP standards and guidelines. 

Nearly the entire analysis area is comprised of lands designated in the NFP as an Adaptive 

Management Area (AMA). As a specialized allocation in the Northwest Forest Plan, AMAs 

“are landscape units designated to encourage the development and testing of technical and 

social approaches to achieving desired ecological, economic, and other social objectives [p. 

C-21 and D-1].” The Butcherknife/Slate analysis area is mostly included within the 277,500-

acre Applegate AMA, which is located on both Medford District Bureau of Land Management-administered lands as well as national forest lands administered by the Rogue RiverSiskiyou National Forest. Importantly, “[f]lexibility is provided to meet objectives for Riparian Reserves and Key Watersheds [p. C-22].” An AMA overlays LRMP allocations and usually (but not always) provides direction that supersedes prior allocation management 

instructions with (typically) more conservative direction. More detailed information regarding AMAs (and the Applegate AMA in particular, p. D-12), is located in Section D of the 

NFP standards and guidelines. 

In the southwest corner of the analysis area, matrix is the primary NFP allocation on about 

10 percent of the analysis area. “The matrix consists of those federal lands outside the six 

categories of designated areas (Congressionally Reserved Areas, Late-Successional Reserves, 

Adaptive Management Areas, Managed Late-Successional Areas, Administratively Withdrawn Areas, and Riparian Reserves). Most timber harvest and other silvicultural activities 

would be conducted in that portion of the matrix with suitable forest lands, according to standards and guidelines. Most scheduled timber harvest (that contributing to the probable sale 

quantity [PSQ] not taking place in Adaptive Management Areas) takes place in the matrix 

[USDA/USDI 1994b, p. C-39].” Lands categorized as matrix provide rules and limits that 

simply add basic but essential forest habitat conservation requirements to the underlying 

LRMP allocation. 

60
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

Superimposed on and intermixed within the AMA and matrix allocations are streamside 

strips identified as Riparian Reserve (RR), which add protection requirements near aquatic 

areas. Riparian Reserves overlap with AMA and matrix. Usually, Riparian Reserves are coincident with, but are often more extensive than, the land areas allocated in the LRMP as 

Management Area 11 (Riparian). The allocations are displayed in Figure 4. 

Figure 4. Land allocations in and adjacent to the Butcherknife/Slate Analysis Area. 

To Grants Pass

To Cave Jct 199

2500

2500

02 01

07 11

18

19

06

35 36

12

13

24

14

31

23

03

34

15

22

10 08

17

20

05

32

27 26 25 30 29

25 30 27 26 29

020

306

744

018

630

695

163

760

742

285

673

224

225

753

743

716

244

235

214

314

751

602

650

738

256

696

693 223

747

64

69

0

4

278

226

770

161

684

670

700

275

660

745

741

746

685

698

772

771

160

748

759

758

212

739

162

686

661

678

018

695

686

Slate Creek

Ramsey Creek

Waters Creek

Butcherknife Creek

Clear Creek

Bear Creek

Love Creek

Cove Creek

Cedar Log Creek

T360S

T360S

T370S

T370S

R070W

R070W

R080W

R080W

¬

This product is reproduced from information prepared by

the USDA, Forest Service or from other suppliers. The Forest

Service cannot assure the reliability or suitability of this

information for a particular purpose. The data and product accuracy

may vary due to compilation from various sources, including modeling

and interpretation, and may not meet National Map Accuracy Standards.

This information may be updated, corrected or otherwise modified

without notification. For more information contact: 

the Rogue River Siskiyou NF at 541-471-6500

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

December 15, 2008

Legend

Rogue River Siskiyou NF

Butcherknife/Slate Project Boundary

Road

Stream

Land Allocations

Research Natural Areas

Special Wildlife

Riparian Reserves

Matrix

Private

Butcherknife/Slate

Analysis Area

61
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

In the next few paragraphs are summarized the treatment aims and outcomes of each NFP allocation, as adapted to and included with underlying management prescriptions from the 

LRMP. Information that is more detailed is available in the Siskiyou National Forest LRMP 

(USDA Forest Service 1989b), the NFP (USDA/USDI 1994b) and LRMP amendments. 

Adaptive Management Area Treatment Aims and Outcomes: The primary technical objectives for an AMA are “development, demonstration, implementation, and evaluation for 

monitoring programs and innovative management practices that integrate ecological and economic values [USDA/USDI 1994b, p. D-3].” The primary social objective for an AMA is 

the “provision of flexible experimentation with policies and management [p. D-4].” These 

primary objectives are intended to inform development of a broad AMA Plan that defines a 

shared vision for the AMA and includes a locally derived framework that identifies overall 

intentions for the area such as desired resource conditions, general prescriptions or management strategies, monitoring protocols and community roles. In addition, each AMA “will 

have an interdisciplinary technical advisory panel that will provide advice to managers and 

the local communities involved with this effort [p. D-7].” 

The specific emphasis for the Applegate AMA is “[d]evelopment and testing of forest management practices, including partial cutting, prescribed burning, and low impact approaches 

to forest harvest (e.g., aerial systems) that provide for a broad range of forest values, including late-successional forest and high quality riparian habitat [USDA/USDI 1994b, p. D-12].” 

In particular, the NFP encourages “localized, idiosyncratic approaches [p. D-1]” to achieve 

conservation objectives and these approaches are to “rely on the experience and ingenuity of 

resource managers and communities rather than traditionally derived and tightly prescriptive 

approaches that are generally applied in management of forests [p. D-1].” Indeed, development, demonstration and testing of new forest resource management techniques are a priority 

for AMAs (see p. D-3 and D-4). 

Matrix Treatment Aims and Outcomes: Where matrix overlaps with the LRMP management prescription of General Forest, the primary objective for forest stands is to provide trees 

that are relatively uniform in size, age and quality so that each stand ultimately yields large 

trees and substantial (“full yield”) merchantable volumes (USDA Forest Service 1989b, p. 

IV-139 and IV-140). This is to say that treatment actions within matrix/General Forest allocations are to promote production of sawlogs and other wood products, while also providing 

for “multiple uses” such as “maintenance of many wildlife habitats [USDA Forest Service 

1989b, p. IV-139].” It is on these lands where programmed timber harvest is expected (suitable base) and intensive management of stand succession and growth is ongoing (USDA 

Forest Service 1989b, p. IV-139). 

Nonetheless, several ecosystem characteristics and purposes, including coarse wood/snag retention, establishment of protection buffers and provision of habitats for a variety of organisms, are incorporated into the matrix allocation as described in the NFP (see USDA/USDI 

1994b, p. C-39 through C-48). Consider that areas within matrix/General Forest would (ultimately) be a mosaic of managed stands of various sizes and ages. Tree spacing is likely to 

be more uniform in spatial arrangement then would occur in other allocations. The long-term 

62
 Butcherknife/Slate Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment

desired condition within the matrix/General Forest allocation is a regulated forest where 

plantations exist in age and size class proportions that deliver a continual supply of wood 

products and other benefits. Additionally, stands in matrix/General Forest should be fashioned to grow trees at rates that allow for continual and sizeable increases in diameter increment during each decade of tree growth. While the tree species present on any site must be 

representative of the natural diversity in the local area, precedence would be given to tree 

species of commercial value. 

The following direction on page IV-43, paragraph 6-14, of the Siskiyou LRMP provides this 

specific instruction (among numerous other standards and guidelines) for timber management:

“Stand treatment in managed commercial forests shall provide for 

species diversity. ... Thinning, commercial and pre-commercial, 

should retain a diversity of species based on site potential. Vegetation management activities and hardwood management prescriptions 

should allow for all natural species to function. None should be 

eliminated from the site.” 

 

Riparian Reserve Treatment Aims and Outcomes: Within streamside forests identified as 

Riparian Reserves, the aim is to sustain terrestrial vegetative conditions that improve the 

overall health and function of aquatic ecosystems. Primarily, the outcome of vegetation 

management in these areas is to grow large trees for streamside shade and in-stream down 

wood recruitment. Silvicultural activities within Riparian Reserves are permitted to control 

tree density, re-establish and manage plantations and to acquire desired vegetation characteristics needed to attain Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives (USDA/USDI 1994b, p. C31 and C-32). 

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 

In this chapter, resource specialists describe environmental consequences (effects) that are forecasted to occur should the Proposed Action be implemented. This chapter is organized by resource (soil, scenery, wildlife, etc.), with the effects upon physical resources reported first 

followed by discussions on the impacts to social and biological resources. For each resource, the 

discipline specialist always presents the ‘direct effects,’ ‘indirect effects’ or both kinds of impacts that would result from project implementation. Direct effects are those impacts that would 

happen at the same time and in the same place as the action or activity. In contrast, indirect 

effects are those consequences that arise either later in time or farther away in place but are still 

reasonably certain to occur. 

When relevant to understanding the additive consequences of a series of unconnected actions, 

‘cumulative effects’ are also reported. A cumulative effect results when incremental (direct or 

indirect) impacts of past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions act collectively to 

impart a larger impact than would be evident from the impacts recognized from just those con63