Forest Plan Revision Sierra National Forest - USDA Forest Service

Forest Plan Revision Sierra National Forest Feb. 2013

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands

Sierra National Forest

Forest Plan Revision Overview Sierra National Forest



Outline • What is a Forest Plan? • What is the timeline for this process? • What is an Assessment Report? • How can I provide input? PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands


What is a Forest Plan? • Required for all National Forests & Grasslands • Describes broad management direction for the National Forest • Plans are programmatic in nature and do not make site specific decisions • Forest Plans have a 10 – 15 year life span • All management activities and uses must comply with Forest Plan Direction PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands


Timeline 2012

Bioregional Science Synthesis Stakeholder Assessments Communication & Collaboration Plan

2013

Forest Assessment Reports (Sierra, Sequoia, Inyo) Bioregional Assessment Identify Need for Change

2014

Identify the Need for Change NEPA process -> Draft EIS

2015

Public Review of DEIS Final EIS

2016+

Decision Monitor -> Assess -> Adapt -> Revise Plan PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands


What is an Assessment? A report synthesizing existing information related to social, economic, and ecological conditions and trends Goals:  Develop an understanding of conditions & trends  Build a common understanding of existing information  Develop Relationships PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands


15 Assessment Topics 1. Terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and watersheds; 2. Air, soil, and water resources and quality; 3. System drivers (dominant ecological processes, disturbances, etc. 4. Baseline assessment of carbon stocks; 5. Threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, and potential species of conservation concern present in the plan area; 6. Social, cultural, and economic conditions; PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands


15 Assessment Topics 7. Benefits people obtain from the NFS planning area (ecosystem services); 8. Multiple uses and their contributions to local, regional, and national economies; 9. Recreation settings, opportunities and access, and scenic character; 10. Renewable and nonrenewable energy and mineral resources; 11. Infrastructure, such as recreational facilities and transportation and utility corridors; PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands


15 Assessment Topics 12. Areas of Tribal importance; 13. Cultural and historic resources and uses; 14. Land status and ownership, use and access patterns; and 15. Existing designated areas located in the plan area including wilderness and wild and scenic rivers and potential need and opportunity for additional designated areas.



Assessment Milestones •

Jan

- 1st Draft of Forest Assessment Topic Papers

•

Feb - Collaborative Meetings (review existing conditions)

•

Mar - 2nd Draft of Forest Assessment Topic Papers

•

April - Collaborative Meetings (review trends & drivers)

•

May - Finalize Forest Assessment Topic Papers (handoff to Regional Office)

•

July - RO publishes Draft Assessment Report

•

Aug - Collaborative Meeting (review Draft Assessment Report)

•

Oct - Finalize Assessment Report PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands


Input & Feedback • Public Meetings: TBD, April • Comment Cards • Email address: [email protected] • Mailing address: Forest Supervisor (Planning) 1600 Tollhouse Rd, Clovis CA 93611

• ourforestplace.ning.com • livingassessment.wikispaces.com/ PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands


Timeline Assess resources and capacity

Now – ec 2012

Conduct stakeholder analysis

Collaboration & Communication Plans Public Notice

YEAR 2

Scoping

Alternatives Development

Analysis

Draft EIS 90-day Public Comment

YEAR 3

Analyze Comments Final EIS

Objection Process

Decision

YEAR 4+ Monitor

Assess

Adapt

Revise Plan



Ongoing Communication

Desired Conditions

NEPA Process

Tribal Consultation

Need for Change

Forest Assessments

Coordination with Counties

Bioregional Assessment

Collaborative Planning Workshops and Public Meetings

Science Synthesis

“Our Forest Place” Wiki as Information Clearinghouse

Jan – ep 2013

Stakeholder Issue: Leadership Intent for Ecological Restoration: Balancing Vegetation, Fire, and Wildlife



Ecosystem Restoration Assessment Topic Papers Chapter 1 - Assessing Terrestrial Ecosystems, Aquatic Ecosystems and Watersheds Chapter 2 - Assessing Air, Soil and Water Chapter 3 - Drivers and Stressors Chapter 8 - Assessing Multiple Uses

Chapter 1 Assessing Terrestrial Ecosystems, Aquatic Ecosystems and Watersheds



Chapter 1 Aquatic Ecosystems

• Rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and springs make up diverse aquatic ecosystems across a wide variety of landscapes.

•

Conditions included: water quality, biodiversity, and hydrology PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands


Chapter 1 Terrestrial Ecosystems •

Forests, chaparral, grasslands, desert scrub, and alpine communities

•

Geographical differences are related to differences in precipitation.

•

Conditions selected include: California habitat types; connectivity of forest carnivore habitat; vegetation heterogeneity; habitat elements; and fire restoration.

•

Vegetation is now more uniform and is younger.

•

High severity fires have created large patches of un-forested lands and fragmented landscapes.

Chapter 1 Terrestrial Ecosystems



Chapter 1 Riparian Ecosystems •

Vegetation, soils, and hydrology are important in every riparian ecosystem.

•

These vary by location in landscape and types of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

•

There are varying amounts of erosion and shifts in native plant communities.

Chapter 2 Assessing Air, Soil and Water



Chapter 2 Air

•

Air quality is assessed and managed according to state and federal regulations.

•

Some wilderness areas are managed as Class 1 areas, which have more stringent requirements for air quality.

•

The air basins on the west slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the southern Cascades are greatly affected by air quality in the Sacramento Valley.

Chapter 2 Soil • Roads and other infrastructure rededicate a part of the most productive soils to other uses. • Severe fires and roads have a significant potential to affect site productivity through erosion and have significant short term impacts on hydrologic function.

Chapter 2 Soil •

Roads, skid trails, and impact from mechanical equipment can change soil structure, and reduce its hydrologic function.

•

Severe fires and fire use for fuel management may have the potential to affect long term carbon sequestration in the near surface mineral soil.

Chapter 2 Water •

The Sierra National Forest has generally provided a high level of protection for the Sierra Nevada headwaters.

•

A recent statewide survey found that streams in forested watersheds were in better condition than in any other land use.

•

Extensive water development of dams and diversions has occurred in streams and rivers of the bio-region.

•

The Watershed Condition Framework classifies watersheds in the bio-region as: 63% “functioning properly;” 36% “functioning at risk;” and 0.5% having “impaired function.”

Chapter 2 Water



Chapter 3 Drivers and Stressors



Chapter 3 • • • • • • •

Demographics Demand services & Market influences Water Development Fire as an Ecosystem Process Insects/pathogens Invasive Plants Vegetation Succession

Ecosystem Stressors and Drivers Climate Change • • •

Higher temperatures Less snow pack Potential drought



Chapter 3 • Climate change

Ecosystem Stressors and Drivers Fire •

Departure from historical fire frequency

•

Potential for large-scale, high severity fire



Chapter 8 Assessing Multiple Uses



Chapter 8 Water “The contribution of key

watersheds, water resources and water within the plan area to use and enjoyment by the public, both consumptive including water withdrawals and diversions for agricultural, municipal, and commercial uses and nonconsumptive including water storage for flood control, hydropower, and recreation.”

Chapter 8 Fish, Plants and Wildlife • • •

Hunting, Plant Gathering Nature Watching

Chapter 8 Range History of Grazing in the Sierra National Forest, Recent Grazing Activity, Condition of Rangelands in the Plan Area, Existing Condition Summary of Meadows by Condition Class, Conifer encroachment, Riparian Condition – Proper Functioning Condition Assessments, • Grassland Rangeland, Soils and Vegetation Condition

• • • • • •

Chapter 8 Timber • • • • • • • •

Timber Vegetation Insects and Disease Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Reduction Forest Restoration Projects Timber Harvest Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Act (The Dinkey Project) Special Forest Products

Chapter 8 Timber



Chapter 8 Timber Volume Sold (Ccf) on the Sierra National Forest

40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Leadership Intent for Ecological Restoration: Balancing Vegetation, Fire, and Wildlife



Stakeholder Issue: Wildlife Greg Schroer, Forest Wildlife Biologist Anae Otto, District Wildlife Biologist



Wildlife Resources Assessment



Key Components of Assessment • Habitat:

Chapter 1: Ecosystems

• Species:

Chapter 5: At-Risk Species

– Course Filter Assessments – Finer Filter Assessments

– Federal Endangered, Threatened, Proposed, Candidate – Species of Conservation Concern (SCC)



Habitat • Course Filter Assessments • CWHR Habitat Classes

(CA Wildlife Habitat Relationships)





Habitat • Course Filter Assessments • CWHR Habitat Classes • Other Landscape Assessments – Specific Habitats » Old Age Forests » Meadows – Habitat Connectivity



Habitat • Finer Filter Assessments •

Habitat Change Indicators – – – –

Forest Heterogeneity Tree Size and Abundance Snags and Woody Debris Canopy Cover



At-Risk Species Federal endangered, threatened, proposed or candidate species Alpine, Subalpine, Upper Montane Zone Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (E) Montane Zone Pacific fisher (C) California Condor (E)

SNAMP Photo



At-Risk Species Species of Conservation Concern (SCC)

Identified by using the best available information to indicate substantial concern about the species’ capability to persist over the long-term in the plan area.

Criteria will include: – – – –

NatureServe rankings State T&E listings Locally vulnerable species Other criteria

Jared Paul Photo PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION Restoring, Enhancing and Sustaining Forests in California, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands




Stakeholder Issue: Leadership Intent for Recreation & Infrastructure Management



Recreation, Lands and Infrastructure Assessment Topic Papers Chapter 9. Recreation Settings, Opportunities, and Scenic Character Chapter 10. Renewable and Energy and Mineral Resources Chapter 11. Infrastructure Chapter 13. Cultural Resources Chapter 14. Land Status and Ownership, Use, and Access Patterns Chapter 15. Designated Areas

Chapter 9 Recreation Settings, Opportunities and Access, and Scenic Character

Chapter 9 • Recreation Settings Recreation Opportunity Spectrum The basis for determining expectations of future conditions of recreation areas relies on the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS). The ROS applies a macro-scale to help classify various recreation settings and probable activities that subsidize the goal of providing a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Chapter 9 • Recreation Settings From lakeside camping and picnicking to wilderness solitude, the Sierra National Forest is destination recreation. With intensely used and highly developed lakes and the world famous Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildernesses, the Sierra provides the extreme ends of recreation settings. These sharp contrasts provide destinations for visitors to escape from the heat and routine urban life, connect with nature, family and friends. Given the proximity to large, diverse and growing urban areas the Forest has a responsibility to provide heritage and conservation education to sustain this incredible landscape for future generations.

Chapter 9 • Recreation Opportunities Developed Recreation Ability to enjoy the desired recreation experience There are 232 developed recreation facilities on the forest. These include boating, camping, fishing, interpretation, picnicking, snow play, and trailheads

Chapter 9 • Recreation Opportunities Dispersed Recreation The Motor Vehicle Use Map indicates 943 locations to park in order to camp, fish, hunt, hike, use offhighway vehicles, and more.

Dispersed recreation consists of those activities that take place after the motor vehicle stops.

Chapter 9 • Recreation Opportunities Recreation Special Uses

Recreation sites under special use permit provide opportunities for services not offered by the Forest Service

Services like resorts , ski areas, pack stations and more

Chapter 9 • Scenic Character

The physical appearance as expressed through uniquely valued scenery features.

Chapter 10 Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy and Mineral Resources

Chapter 10 • Hydroelectric Power Hydroelectric power is generated as a result of falling water.

There are 11 hydroelectric power plants on the forest.

Chapter 10 • Minerals The objectives of the mineral program is to provide for the orderly development of mineral resources and to ensure all laws and regulations are met, with a focus on public safety.

Chapter 11 Infrastructure

Chapter 11 INFRASTRUCTURE o Infrastructure is the constructed features used to facilitate the management and utilization of the Sierra NF. o Most are Forest Service Federal property; however, infrastructure is also make up of private and public features.

Chapter 11 • INFRASTRUCTURE (cont) • The Infrastructure Assessment consists of 7 general categories: – – – – – – –

Transportation Recreation Facilities Administrative Facilities Range Historic Properties Private uses Public Utilities

Chapter 11 • 11.1 Transportation

– Transportation refers for the vehicular movement of goods and services for the utilization of the National Forest.

Chapter 11 • 11.1 Transportation (continued)

The Sierra NF maintains approximately 1900 miles of road for seasonal public access and 500 miles for administrative uses.

Chapter 11 11.2 Recreation Facilities

The Sierra National Forest has 232 recreation facilities across the forest. They include buildings, drinking water systems and septic systems.

The recreation sites range from relatively undeveloped areas, with little to no improvements to developed areas such as RV campgrounds.

Chapter 11 • 11.2 Recreation Facilities (cont) The Forest also maintains trails as recreational experiences: Hiking and Pack 840 miles Motorized Vehicles 188 miles Snowmobile and Skiing 213 miles

Chapter 11 • 11.3 Administrative Facilities

– “FA&O” (Fires, Admin. & Other) facilities are typically buildings and appurtenances necessary to support the employees, equipment and activities for the management of the Forests. Administrative facilities include: • • • • •

Fire stations, Offices, warehouses and shops, Barracks, Individual residences.

Chapter 11 • Administrative Facilities (continued)

Chapter 11 • 11.41 Range The Forest manages 28 range allotments for local ranchers. Range improvements such as: fences, water developments and, corrals are constructed and maintained by permittees, and become permanent features as part of the Forest Service inventory.

Chapter 11 • 11.41 Range (continued)

Chapter 11 • Private Uses Facilities developed in private ownership in conjunction with special use authorizations. There are over 800 special use authorizations with constructed features. These are resort buildings, recreation residences, water lines, public agency maintenance and storage yards, communication towers and many more.

Chapter 11 • 11.42 Historic Properties

 Many of the Forest structures have outlived their usefulness as they were originally intended.  These often become museums or interpretive sites. These include the Jesse Ross Cabin, Billy Creek Station, Pine Logging Camp and the Charley Lee Cabin.

Chapter 11 • 11.42 Historic Properties (continued)

Chapter 11 • 11.5 Private Uses

• The Forest Service permits certain long term private occupancy of National Forest land for private uses under special use permits. • These include recreation residents, youth camps, communication towers and ski resorts.

Chapter 11 • 11.5 Private Uses (continued)

Chapter 11 • 11.6 Public Utilities

– Public utilities use National Forest lands and resources under license or permit to provide the public with services such as water and power. – These facilities include dams, powerhouses, reservoirs and transmission lines.

Chapter 11 • 11.6 Public Utilities (continued)

Chapter 13 Assessing Cultural and Historic Resources and Uses

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Chapter 14 Land Status and Ownership, Use and Access Patterns

Chapter 14 Land Ownership Ownership records of title to lands, including withdrawals, rights or privileges affecting or influencing the use and management of National Forest System lands.

Chapter 14 Land Status Specific designations of a geographical area that provides general guidance and policy for the management of a defined geographic area.

Chapter 14 Mammoth Pool

10

9

23

5

3

RecreationNon-Commercial

22

1

Community and Public Information

1

2

1

16

1

6

17

12

1

3

1

1

44

1

84

11

595

528

1

Totals

Kings River

6

Wildernes s

Huntingto n Lake

6

Sky Ranch

Edison/ Florence

2

Shaver Lake

Dinkey Creek

8

Redinger

Courtrigh t/ Wishon

RecreationCommercial

Merced

Clover Meadow

Special Use Authorization which includes permits, leases and easements that allow occupancy, use, rights, or privileges of National Forest System lands.

Bass Lake

Land Uses

Blue Canyon

Forest Areas

5

1

5

16

Water

Research/ Environmental Monitoring Agriculture

2

6

1

92

2

10

Encroachment

Total

2

2

Industry/ Construction

6

3

51

1

1 13

18

2

1

2 2

9

1

4

1

2

1

1

1 24

77

12

652

10

4

10

16

3

183

22

10

22

10

41

1

6

1

5

47

15

952

Chapter 15 Designated Areas

Chapter 15 • National Trails The Sierra National Forest has five National Trails: Pacific Crest Trail Kings River Black Point Lewis Creek Shadow of the Giants

Chapter 15 • Wild and Scenic Rivers The Sierra National Forest has two Wild and Scenic Rivers totaling 82.5 miles managed as part of the National Wild and Scenic River system. These rivers are: Merced River South Fork Merced River Middle Fork Kings River

Chapter 15 • Wilderness The Sierra National Forest has 546,000 acres of congressionally designated wilderness.

There are five Wildernesses: Kaiser Dinkey Lakes Ansel Adams John Muir Monarch

Chapter 15 • Inventoried Roadless Areas A group of USFS lands identified as lands without existing roads suitable for conservation as wilderness or other non-standard protection. The Sierra National Forest has 146,569 acres of inventoried roadless areas outside wilderness.

Chapter 15 • Research Natural Areas Areas established to preserve examples of significant natural ecosystems for purpose of research and ecological study, protect habitats of rare and endangered species of plants and animals. The Sierra National Forest has 3 areas: Backbone Creek Research Area San Joaquin Experimental Range Teakettle Creek Experimental Forest

Chapter 15 • Scenic Byways Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

Chapter 15 • Special Interest Areas These are: Carpenteria Botanical Area Devils Peak Botanical Area Nelder Grove Historical Area McKinley Grove Botanical Area Kings Caverns Geological Area Courtright Intrusive Contact Zone Dinkey Creek Roof Pendent