Ten watersheds were analyzed to identify site-specific riparian management projects. Two riparian restoration projects were accomplished in two of the watersheds analyzed. The Pine Creek project, located on the Lassen National Forest, involved stream channel realignment and the Grizzly Creek project, located on the Plumas National Forest, involved stream bank stabilization. Riparian projects are considered accomplished when a service contract is awarded for that activity or when the activity is completed on the ground. 366ac 2000ac Timber Sales are agreements between a Purchaser and the Forest Service in which the Purchaser pays the Forest Service for the merchantable products removed from the sale area.
Merchantable products are commonly sawlogs and chips.
Service contracts are agreements in which the Forest Service pays the operator to perform specific activities such as cutting and piling brush with hand tools or chainsaws, crushing brush or thinning small diameter trees using mechanical equipment, or constructing fireline. To date, the Chief of the Forest Service has received 15 appeals, however, the appeal period ends April 17. All projects will comply with the standards and guidelines of this new owl strategy, which includes canopy closure and large tree retention requirements. The Group Selections currently being planned for FY 01 in non-suitable owl habitat are expected to continue without modification. As directed by the Regional Forester, an administrative study is currently being planned that will investigate how owls and features of their habitat respond to certain silvicultural treatments.