Opinion ID: 3054099
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: 1999 Deep Creek Watershed Analysis

Text: The Forest Service manages the Ochoco National Forest under the Ochoco National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Ochoco LRMP). In 1993, the Regional Forester directed the Paulina Ranger District, among others, to conduct a watershed analysis that identified “processes and functions within the Deep Creek watershed that are key to maintaining sustainable and resilient terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.” To carry out these instructions, the Forest Service created an interdisciplinary team of employees that eventually documented its findings and conclusions in the August 1999 Deep Creek Watershed Analysis (Watershed Analysis). The Watershed Analysis collectively considered past actions in the Deep Creek watershed and the results of those actions to determine existing conditions and trends. Based on this cumulative evaluation, the Watershed Analysis determined that many of the tree stands were overly dense and susceptible to high-intensity wildfires and forest diseases; that some types of tree stands were over-represented as compared to historical conditions, while other types of stands were under-represented; and that riparian habitats along streams exhibited similar problems. The Watershed Analysis accordingly concluded that the Forest Service should undertake a blend of management activities to alleviate and improve these unsatisfactory conditions. 16210 LEAGUE OF WILDERNESS DEFENDERS v. USFS