Figure 2.1. Details of the Proposed Action for the Number Two Canyon Trail System Project (see Figure A.5 in the Appendix for entire Project Area).

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1 2. CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES Chapter 2 describes the range of alternatives and how they were developed. It provides the reader and responsible official with a summary of the project, displaying alternatives, design criteria, mitigation measures, monitoring requirements and a comparison of the alternatives. Alternatives considered, but eliminated from detailed study are also included. Additional maps are located in Appendix A. The purpose and need as well as issues were used to modify the publicly scoped Proposed Action, to develop a modified Proposed Action that became the Preferred Alternative. Scoping provided a broad insight into important public issues, as described in Chapter 1. Rather than formulating a new alternative in response to every public concern and previously or potentially unresolved resource conflict, the Proposed Action was adjusted, where feasible or necessary, in response to comments received during collaboration and scoping. Changes made to the Proposed Action in response to issues raised during scoping include decommissioning Forest Service Road (FSR) at the proposed Martin Ranch trailhead and restricting motorized access with a gate on FSR at the Four Corners trailhead. Mitigation measures added include a year-round area closure to motorized vehicles and a seasonal closure in deer winter range. These actions are described in detail below in Chapter Alternative 1: No Action The no-action alternative would continue current Forest management within the project area. No trail construction, adoption of existing user-built trail, rehabilitation of user-built trail, development of skills areas, new trailheads, road improvements, new gate installation, or assignment of a Forest Plan management allocations would occur. Ongoing activities such as routine road maintenance, invasive weed management, and recreation use would be expected to occur Alternative 2: Proposed Action (Preferred Alternative) The Preferred Alternative is the modified Proposed Action and is the action proposed by the Forest Service to meet the purpose and need (Figure 2.1). It would develop a non-motorized, multi-user trail system that would connect on the north with the CDLT Sage Hills/Horse Lake Reserve trail system. Road access would be improved and trailheads would be developed. Trails would be designed for a range of mountain bike skill levels and experiences, and would be suitable for all non-motorized users. It is comprised of the following actions within the project area: 1) Construct 24.6 miles of non-motorized, multi-user, natural surface trails. 2) Improve and adopt 5.0 miles of user-built trail. 3) Rehabilitate 5.3 miles of user-built trails to reduce erosion and re-establish vegetation. 4) Develop downhill and skills area for mountain bikes. 5) Construct new trailheads at Martin Ranch and at Four Corners. 6) Improve 1.2 miles on FSRs 7101 and to provide better access to the new trailheads. 7) Increase motorized access on FSR by 0.4 miles to the new Martin Ranch trailhead. 8) Decommission FSR and remove from classified road system. 9) Restrict motorized access with a closed gate on 0.9 miles of FSR to administrative use only. 10) Assign Forest Plan management allocations to 216 acres of the National Forest as Key Deer and Elk Habitat (EW-1), Matrix, and Riparian Reserve. 9

2 Figure 2.1. Details of the Proposed Action for the Number Two Canyon Trail System Project (see Figure A.5 in the Appendix for entire Project Area). 10

3 FSRs 7107 and would be utilized as trail routes to provide the connection with the Chelan- Douglas Land Trust s Sage Hills Trail System; they would not be adopted into the trails system. The Forest Service has a public easement on Road 7107 across private land in Sections 3 and 4. No improvements are proposed for these roads, though general road maintenance would continue Trail Construction Designed and managed uses on these trails would include hiker/pedestrian, mountain bike, trail running, and pack and saddle. Trail design and construction would utilize modern sustainable construction techniques including side hill contoured trails with frequent grade reversals, a stacked loop system (concentric loops) and enhanced natural features, such as rock drops, log rides and small dirt jumps. These features would provide a range of challenges for mountain bikers. Several viewpoint locations along the trail system would include a small, hardened area and bench or picnic table adjacent to the trail. Trails would be constructed with a combination of hand and power tools and small excavators in the 1.8-ton range. Trails would be maintained annually as needed to clear downed trees, brushed to maintain established clearing limits, and trail tread and erosion control feature maintained. Trail construction would be accomplished through service contracts, force accounts, and volunteer group efforts. Construction of an 18- to 48-inch wide trail-tread would be established. Back-slopes would be 1:1 or 2:1 where possible. Trail grades would range from 3-12% with occasional pitches from 15-30%. Trails gradients would vary but would generally not exceed 12-14%. Grade reversals, rolling grade dips, water bar placement, or out-sloping would be used to move water off the trail. Clearing from the centerline would range from three to eight feet. Clearing height would be six to ten feet. There would be occasional turnout areas to allow passing. Trail design would include enhanced natural features such as log rides, rock drops, rock gardens, and dirt jumps to provide for a range of challenges to mountain bikers on appropriate trails. Risk management strategies around enhanced natural features would be utilized such as signing, providing opt-in or -out trail alignments, and roll-able features. Trails would be designed as Trail Class 2 4 as appropriate per Forest Service Handbook (USDA Forest Service 2010) specifications. The forested landscape character along edges of the proposed trails would be maintained as much as feasible. Trail design, construction and maintenance would use appropriate techniques to reduce erosion and sediment delivery, especially within wet areas, including: trail location, rolling tread with frequent runoff relief points (e.g., drain sags, grade reversals, kicks, rolling grade dips, water-bars and sediment traps), erosion matting and reseeding/replanting disturbed areas with appropriate native species and would also include stabilization of exposed soils during construction operations. Tree removal in the proposed trail corridors would be reduced to the extent practical through careful trail layout during construction. Live trees would be felled only when it would not be feasible for the trail to be routed around them. Trail sections would be armored as necessary in wet areas, through intermittent stream crossings, on steeper sections, and in switch backs with material suitable for the site condition and trail designation (e.g., grid blocks for crossing approaches on multiple-use trails, turnpikes, culverts, rocked fords or 11

4 boardwalks for wet areas). Trail bridges would constructed to cross the perennial stream near the Martin Ranch trailhead. Hand tools, power tools such as brush cutter, chainsaw, and small excavator (1.8 ton range) or SWECO trail building machine would be used to build trails. Power tools to cut brush on some trail segments and the trail building machine produces noise typically associated with small pieces of heavy equipment. Trail locations that encounter hard rock would be loosened with a jack-hammer or explosives to build through. Typically five to ten people would be on-site working at any one time. These numbers may be exceeded on occasional during larger volunteer work events. Comprehensive signing of the trail system would follow direction in Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service EM (USDA Forest Service 2013) and best industry practices. Table 2.1. Summary of trail lengths by different categories. Number Two Trail System Miles Existing User-built Trails to Adopt into System 5.0 New Trail Construction 24.6 Total New Trail System Miles 29.6 Existing Roads to be use as a connector for Trails 3.9 User-built Trails to be Rehabilitated 5.3 Number Two Trail System by Use Type Miles Bike only Trail 1.1 Hiker only Trail 1.0 Multi-use Trail 28.5 Total Trail System Miles 29.6 Trail Connector on Existing Roads User-built Trail Rehabilitation Trail rehabilitation specifications for unauthorized, user-built routes would include installation of drain dips, embedded logs on steep gradients, scattering debris and logs on the trail, and strategic use of a trail building machine to remove the trail prism and return the natural contour, and seeding with natives. Erosion matting and reseeding/re-planting disturbed areas with appropriate native species would be utilized if needed. Closure devices would include log barriers and grading to disguise the trail. The objective of all these measures would be to deter continued use and encourage soil stabilization Downhill and Skills Park An 18-acre Downhill Area would be developed. This would consist of a consolidated area of short, high-challenge bike trails. Twenty short downhill trails with in-line enhanced natural features and five push-up trails would be constructed. Alignment of the trails could be changed over time to maintain the engagement of riders and discourage establishment of user-built trails in other locations. These 25 trails of approximately 500 feet in length each would affect approximately 1.5 acres. 12

5 A 20-acre bike Skills Park area would be developed. This would consist of two pump tracks and enhanced natural features such as low log rides, progressive drops, and jump lines. The hillside above the Skills Park would consist of five to ten short trails of increasing challenge for beginner to intermediate riders. A picnic pavilion and toilet facility would be constructed so this area could serve as a central gathering location. Approximately 15% of the area, or 3 acres of ground, would be disturbed in creating and using the Skills Park. Heavy equipment, such as a small excavator and a small dozer, would be used for this work Martin Ranch Trailhead The Martin Ranch Trailhead would be located 0.4 miles up FSR at the old ranch house foundation, and would occupy approximately 0.5 acres. This seasonal-use trailhead would include an information kiosk, picnic or seating facilities, one accessible vault toilet with access path, and parking are for approximately 25 standard vehicles and 3 ADA spaces. The entrance gate to access this trailhead (the existing double swinging gate at the intersection of FSR 7101 and ) would be closed seasonally. Construction of trailhead facilities would be to Forest Service standards (USDA Forest Service 2010) and would be limited to close or within the Martin Ranch footprint and utilize disturbed areas, existing roads and openings. Once these improvements have been made, these trailheads could become part of the Northwest Forest Pass System, and require purchase of a day or season pass to utilize the improvements. These funds would be used to maintain and patrol the trailheads and trail system. FSR would be decommissioned and removed from the classified road system. The new Martin Ranch Trailhead parking area would be built on top of the first 150 feet of this road. The remaining 663 feet would be blocked to eliminate use by motorized vehicles. Hazard trees (USDA Forest Service 2014a) would be removed around the new trailheads during construction and as they appear in the future Four Corners Trailhead The Four Corners Trailhead would be located on FSR at the intersection with 7101 and occupy approximately 0.5 acres. FS Road would be closed with a gate immediately north of the trailhead location. A seasonal-use trailhead for hikers, runners and mountain bikers and stock would be constructed that would include an information kiosk, picnic or seating facilities, one accessible vault toilet with access path, and parking for standard, ADA vehicles and truck-trailer combos (stock trailers). Standard vehicles would be separated from horse trailer parking areas and hitch rails to provide separate user staging areas. The gates on FSR 7101 providing access to this trailhead would be closed seasonally. Construction of trailhead facilities would be to Forest Service standards (USDA Forest Service 2010) and would be limited to close or within the existing Martin Ranch footprint and utilize disturbed areas, existing roads and openings as much as possible. 13

6 Road Improvements Forest Service Roads 7101 (from the Forest Boundary to Four Corners) and (from the intersection with 7100 to the new Martin Ranch Trailhead) would be improved from the existing 10 to 14 feet to a consistent 14-foot-wide subgrade with a 12-foot-wide running surface and then hardened with 4 inches of compacted aggregate surfacing to increase longevity and minimize sediment. Existing drivable drain dips would be improved, and new ones installed for erosion control, at interval distances determined by grade. Existing drainage ditches would be cleaned. Roadside brush would be cut. Two to three inter-visible turnouts would be built on the first 500 feet of to facilitate two-way traffic and a fence would be installed to prevent vehicles from intruding into the adjacent meadow on the uphill side. Undersized metal pipes would be replaced with larger culverts to accommodate higher flows and ensure aquatic organism passage. Road improvements could be accomplished through construction contracts or force account Gates Three new gates and four existing gates would be used to manage motorized access to and within the project area. Gates would allow year-round and seasonal closures to minimize winter related resource damage and sediment dispersal, protect key deer and elk habitat, and would prevent unauthorized motorized use, and unauthorized access to adjacent private lands. Existing gates on FSR 7101 at the rock-cut, just west of the Forest boundary, and at the intersection of 7101 and 7100 in Peavine Canyon would be closed during the winter. They are currently closed prior to December 1st until after Apple Blossom Festival, to prevent road damage and to protect deer winter range. This closure would not change. The existing double swinging gate the at the junction with 7101 would remain in place and stay closed until this road dries out to the new Martin Ranch trailhead. Currently this gate is closed year-round. This would allow seasonal motorized access to an additional 0.4 miles of road, as well as the trailhead. Large boulders may be placed adjacent to this gate to make the closure more effective. One new gate would be installed on Forest Service Road just beyond the new Martin Ranch Trailhead and would remain closed year-round administrative use only - to prevent motorized access beyond the trailhead. A new gate would be installed on FSR , immediately past the new Four Corners trailhead. This 0.9-mile road leads to the Mission View Viewpoint, and would be closed to motorized use year-round to reduce maintenance needs, and to reduce motorized intrusion into a non-motorized area. This road is deeply rutted, eroding and portions are below grade and has no drainage features. On the north end of the project area, the existing gate on FSR 7107 would remain closed year-round. There is no change proposed here. This gate restricts motorized use into the project area from the north. A new gate would be installed near the existing one on 7107, on FSR , and remain closed year-round to prevent motorized access to private lands further east in Section 35. Though there is no public access to this portion of the Forest 14

7 Land Management Allocations National Forest System lands in Township 22 North, Range 19 East, Section 14 were acquired relatively recently and the Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service 1990) and the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA and USDI 1994) did not assign a Management Allocation (see maps, Appendix A). Management Allocations establish management goals and recognize resource potential and limitations. These lands would be allocated as Matrix/Riparian Reserve/Key Deer and Elk Habitat (EW-1). Matrix is where most timber harvest and other silvicultural activities could be conducted. The EW-1 goal is to manage deer and elk winter range to sustaining healthy populations. These lands are capable and suitable to manage for these goals and adjacent National Forest System lands to the north and west are also managed as Matrix/EW-1 so this allocation would be consistent with surrounding land management goals Area Closures A Forest Order would be written to seasonally close deer winter range (EW-1), including those within the Project Area, to recreational use during the winter (see map, Appendix A.3). The management goal of EW-1 is to manage deer winter range to sustain healthy populations (USDA Forest Service 1990:IV- 113). This closure would protect mule deer from disturbance by recreational users during critical winter and early spring periods when deer are at risk. There are two exceptions to this closure. FSR 7101 would remain open to motorized and non-motorized recreational use from Number Two Canyon over to Mission Creek during the closure period (with gates closed as is the current situation). FSR would be open as a corridor to the top of Horse Lake Mountain to non-motorized recreational use from December 1 to January 31 annually. The closure period may be extended prior to December 1 or later than April 15, annually, in consultation with the Washington Department of Wildlife, if wintering deer are still present. This seasonal closure would coordinate with and be similar to CDLT s seasonal closure on its Sage Hills/Horse Lake Reserve and Chelan County PUD s Home Water Preserve. A Forest Order would be written to close the Project Area to motorized use to restrict motorized vehicles from utilizing existing roads, the non-motorized trail system, or creating new unauthorized routes off of existing roads (see map, Appendix A.4). Concurrent with this analysis, the Okanogan- Wenatchee NF is conducting an analysis to implement the Travel Planning Rule to manage motorized use. This process would also restrict all motorized use on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest off of a designated system. In this case, the proposed Area Closure Order would be superseded Design Criteria and Mitigation Measures In response to public comments and Forest Service concerns about the Proposed Action, design criteria and mitigation measures were developed to address some of the potential impacts the proposed action may cause Recreation Conflicts between user groups would be managed by providing a variety of trail options including directional bike traffic, and bike and hiker only options. A 1-mile biker-only trail would be built as bicycle speed, sightlines, and visibility would create hazards for other users. A 1.1-mile of hiker-only trail 15

8 would be built from the Martin Ranch Trailhead to provide a hiker only opportunity. The remaining trails would be non-motorized, multi-use. Signing at Trailheads and other access points to the Number Two Canyon Trail System would clearly designate authorized user types to reduce unintended motorized use. Comprehensive signing of the trail system would follow direction in the Sign and Poster Guidelines from the Forest Service EM (USDA, 2013). To help accommodate multiple users on the trail system, information boards would be erected that would display interpretive, regulatory and trail etiquette information. A brochure would be created with similar information to be distributed at public information outlets. User groups would be encouraged to educate users about multiple use trail etiquette. The Downhill area would be designed for experienced riders. There would be no opt-out trails to go around the in-line enhanced natural features. Risk management strategies would be utilized such as signing and skill filtering features at the entrances to each trail. Trail location and design could be changed over time to provide variety within the Downhill area and prevent user-built trails from being established in other areas. A Forest Service interdisciplinary team would review future changes in this area before they are allowed, and a commensurate amount of disturbed ground would be rehabilitated prior to new routes created. The forested landscape character along edges of the proposed trailheads would be maintained as much as feasible. Appropriate techniques would be implemented to reduce the potential for erosion, sediment delivery and other resource problems by (a) location, (b) site design minimizing disturbed area and maximizing the retention of existing vegetation, especially trees, (c) picnic tables and other site fixtures set in concrete or otherwise stabilized to discourage their removal and subsequent development of user-built sites, (d) graveling of access road, parking areas, designated sites and connecting trails and (g) re-vegetation of disturbed areas. All disturbed cut and fill slopes would be seeded to avoid surface erosion and insure good re-vegetation. All seed mixes utilized in the area would be free of noxious weeds and other invasive nonnative plant species. Soil disturbance would be minimized to the extent practical, consistent with project objectives Implementation would include stabilization of exposed soils during construction operations, as well as disturbed sites on trails and at the proposed trailhead. To reduce unauthorized recreational use on the PUD s Home Water Preserve from the trail system, coordination efforts would be undertaken with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, CDLT and the PUD as well as partner and stakeholder groups to erect prohibitive signing, block, and rehabilitate unauthorized trails Education efforts would be initiated to inform the public on the rationale for: 1) The seasonal deer closure, 2) Discouraging unauthorized use on National Forest Lands and adjacent PUD, CDLT and private lands, and 3) Need for fire prevention during wildfire season. 1) Seasonal deer closure: Information at trailhead kiosks, seasonal signing on the trails, coordination with CDLT, PUD and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, build on public efforts such as the 2015 Mule Deer Summit held in Wenatchee, engage user groups, law enforcement patrols. 16

9 2) Unauthorized use on adjacent lands: Information at trailhead kiosks, signing on trails, property boundaries clearly posted, coordination with PUD, CDLT, and Weyerhaeuser, engage user groups, law enforcement patrols. 3) Fire prevention: Information at trailhead kiosks, engage user groups, fire prevention patrols Wildlife 1) Protect all known listed Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive species sites, and those discovered prior to or during implementation of project activities. Modify implementation activities, including contracts, if protective measures prove inadequate, listed species are discovered, or new species are listed that could be affected. 2) Activities in the Swauk Late-Successional Reserve would not result in reductions of latesuccessional security habitat as defined in the Late-successional Reserve Assessments (USDA Forest Service 1997a, 1997b) and Assessing the cumulative effects of linear recreation routes on wildlife on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (Gaines et al. 2003). 3) Leave trees cut in Late-successional Reserve on site. 4) If an active wolf den or rendezvous site is discovered in the vicinity of the project, modify activities to avoid disturbance while being used during the breeding season. 5) Implement a year-round area closure to all motorized vehicles, including over-snow vehicles, on all trails in the Project Area, and all areas between the trails. 6) Establish a Forest Order to seasonally close EW-1 (deer winter range) within the Project Area to all recreational use from December 1 to April 15 annually, including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and mountain biking to avoid distress to animals during this critical period. There are two exceptions to this closure. FS Road 7101 would remain open to motorized and non-motorized recreational use from Number Two Canyon over to Mission Creek during the closure period (with gates closed as is the current situation). FS Road would be open to non-motorized recreational use from December 1 to January 31 annually as this is the period of deepest snow depth and deer migrate to lower elevations during this period. This closure period may be extended prior to December 1 or later than April 15 annually in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, if wintering deer are still present, or if roads are still wet and could be damaged by vehicle use (Appendix A.3). 7) Meet the no net loss of grizzly bear core area policy in the Peshastin Bear Management Unit (BMU). 8) Restrict construction activities creating noise above ambient forest conditions such as chainsaws and mechanized trail-building equipment within 400 meters (1/4 mile), and blasting within 1 mile, of northern spotted owl nests and nesting habitat not surveyed to protocol, from March 1 to July 31 (see owl habitat map, Appendix A.5) Fuels Trail and trailhead construction, and road reconstruction would require some removal of vegetation. Trail clearing width would varying from 6 to 8 feet along 24.6 miles of proposed new trails, for a maximum of 33 acres. Both trailheads combined total approximately an acre, and are mostly devoid of trees; some slash will be produced at each trailhead from brush and the few trees cut. Roadside brushing would be limited to FSR , on the 0.4 miles between FSR 7101 and the Martin Ranch trailhead. 17

10 1) Lop and scatter slash by hand in areas where continuous fuel concentrations do not exceed one foot in fuel bed depth. 2) Create slash piles not to exceed 6 by 6 by 6 feet in size where continuous fuel concentrations exceed one foot in depth. Construct piles to have a uniform arrangement perpendicular to the contour of the slope; pile larger vegetation on top to aid in compaction and water dispersion. 3) Place piles outside the drip-line of dominant trees, on the uphill side of those trees, or in areas where the pile would not serve as a ladder fuel. Do not pile higher then 1/3 of the lowest live limbs of the tree s crown. 4) For slash piled in the foreground of Forest Service Roads open to public vehicle travel, maintain a minimum of 15 foot spacing between piles, and a minimum of 15 feet from the shoulder of the road. 5) Burn piles with Forest Service crews directed by the district fuels specialist. Maintenance pile burning (piled bio-mass) within the project area along the trail network could be performed, if the cumulative total target does not exceed 100 tons Aquatics/Soils 1) Out-slope trail tread (3-5%) wherever feasible and when runoff can be captured efficiently. On intermediate grades waterbars/rolling dips are a more effective means of controlling drainage. 2) Place waterbars/rolling dips such that water or debris is directed off trail as soon as possible. Attempt to drain runoff into vegetated slopes avoiding fill slopes, exposed soil, and bodies of water. Mid-slope usually is the best location for rolling dips. The steeper the trail, the more rolling grade dips will be needed. Construct concurrently with the trail. 3) Build trail grade reversals to slow runoff velocity and disperse water. Take advantage of natural cross-drainage on the landscape. The following may be used as a guideline when implementing grade reversals. The grade of the trail should be reversed for about 10 to 15 feet then "rolled" back over to resume the descent. Grade reversals should be placed frequently, about every 20 to 50 feet (Hesselbarth et al. 2007). 4) Where an inside ditch is used, relieve with a drainage feature. Consider design standards and spacing guides defined in FSH (USDA Forest Service 2010). 5) Keep excavated materials and sidecast materials (soil/sediment) out of the Riparian Reserves: 150 feet each side of Number Two Canyon drainage; 150 feet on each side of designated wetlands; and 100 feet each side of intermittent stream channels. 6) Promptly rehabilitate or stabilize disturbed areas (fill slopes) as needed following construction by lopping and scattering small diameter slash material on exposed soil and outlet of cross drains to protect from erosion. Material should touch the bare soil to provide for effective cover. Securely disperse debris along the hill-slope. 7) Reseed/replant disturbed areas in Riparian Reserves to help accelerate riparian recovery and minimize erosion. 8) Conduct operations during dry periods. Construction shall be accomplished when moisture and soil conditions are not likely to result in excessive erosion and/or soil movement. Minimize disturbance footprint to the extent possible. 9) Promptly install and appropriately maintain erosion control measures. Suitable erosion control measures that stabilize disturbed areas and waterways will be installed prior to seasonal shutdown of project operations or when severe or successive storms are expected. 18

11 10) Locate or relocate trails to conform to the terrain, provide suitable drainage, provide adequate pollutant filtering between the trail and nearby water-bodies, and reduce potential adverse effects to soil, water quality or riparian resources. Avoid sensitive areas, such as riparian areas, wetlands, stream crossings, inner gorges and unstable areas to the extent practicable. When sensitive sites cannot be avoided, coordinate with the District hydrologist or fisheries biologist to develop site specific remediation measures for ground disturbance. 11) Avoid or minimize bank and riparian area excavation during construction to the extent practicable and minimize damage to existing vegetation, especially plants that are stabilizing the bank of the water-body. Consider growing season and dormant season for vegetation when scheduling activities within or near the water-body to minimize the period of time that the land would remain exposed, thereby reducing erosion risks. 12) Install hardened trail crossings at intermittent and ephemeral channel intersections. 13) Install puncheon or turnpike at wet areas on the trails to provide a dry and solid surface for the trail while allowing water exchange and aquatic habitat use. Culverts, logs, or large rocks may be used to allow water to freely pass from one side of the trail to the other. For turnpiked sections: place logs on the edge of each side of the wet area to act as a side rail to help support the tread of the trail, then place filter cloth over the top of the drainage structure to separate the surface of the trail from the drainage structures, and finally place gravel on top of the filter cloth to provide a travel surface for trail users. For puncheon: drive rebar through log sills and the ground on each side of the wet area, and then mount stringers to the sills and decking to the stringers. Turnpiking is expected to be minimal. 14) Install trail bridge abutments outside floodprone areas (Rosgen 1996). Do not use treated wood for bridge construction. Do not place riprap within the bankfull width of stream. Utilize silt fence or wattles to isolate active bridge construction areas from live waters to minimize sediment transported into the drainage. 15) Use and maintain surfacing materials suitable to the trail site and use to withstand traffic and minimize runoff and erosion. 16) Make trails that are identified to be rehabilitated unusable and hydrologically stable. 17) Ensure all equipment operated in or adjacent to water-bodies is clean of aquatic invasive species as well as oil and grease, and is well maintained. 18) Refuel and service equipment only in designated staging areas, outside of riparian reserves. 19) Promptly install and appropriately maintain spill prevention and containment measures. 20) Only use mechanized trail building equipment when soils are not wet to avoid compaction outside the tread. 21) Minimize brushing along the streamside of FSR , to preserve the streamside riparian corridor where feasible. Where streamside brushing is necessary, aerial brushing is preferred over ground brushing. 22) Minimize the number of turnouts along the reconstructed portion of FSR to the safest allowable number and design where they naturally fit into the landscape with minimal ground disturbance and tree removal. Design turnouts on the opposite side of the road from the perennial sections of the stream. Emphasize placement on the opposite side of the road from the intermittent sections of the stream, where feasible. 23) Design FSR upgraded culverts to accommodate at least the 100 year flood, including bedload and debris. 19

12 24) Develop and implement a management plan for FSR that includes: potential extended seasonal closure timing (traffic regulation) during wet periods to prevent damage to riparian resources; inspections and maintenance during and after storm events; road operation and maintenance that gives high priority to problems with roads that contribute to degraded riparian condition. 25) Minimize sediment delivery to the Number Two Canyon drainage during reconstruction and maintenance activities on FSR Restrict sidecasting as necessary to prevent the introduction of sediment into the stream channel. 26) Leave trees cut in riparian reserves on-site. If trees cut along FSR need to be moved, consider using them to block access to the meadow in the first 500 feet of the road, or for trail bridge construction. 27) Restore the parking area immediately below the gate on the stream side of the road. Rehabilitate approximately 400 ft² scarifying, planting and seeding. Preclude future use of this area for parking through placement of large boulders. 28) Conduct a field review ( plan in hand ) of planned reconstruction work on FSR with engineering, hydrology, and aquatics resource staff of the IDT, at a minimum, initial design has been completed, to minimize impacts to stream and riparian habitats. 29) Replace culvert under 7101 at intersection with when the streambed is dry Cultural Resources If cultural resources or human remains are discovered during project implementation, stop all activities in the area of the discovery and immediately notify a Forest Archaeologist. If the discovery is determined to be a National Register eligible site and avoidance during project implementation is not possible, site specific mitigation would be developed by the Forest Archaeologist in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO) for the Yakama Nation and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Existing trash at the Martin Ranch trailhead would be removed and interpretation of the ranch would be provided at the information kiosk Scenic Meet the intent of High Scenic Integrity levels for Retention in foreground and middleground areas as desired for the Number Two Canyon Trails Project Area with the following objectives: 1) Landscape Architect will work with Project Engineer to develop site plans and engineering designs for each site. 2) Landscape Architect and Recreation Technician/Planner to review location of facilities in the landscape. 3) Utilize the Cascadian Architectural style for outdoor structures for trailhead facilities, rest room, day use shelter, signing, seating areas, kiosks, interpretive displays, picnic tables, trash receptacles, etc. 4) Provide accessibility for developed facilities as much as feasible. 5) Develop sign plan for the area, size of signs, colors and mountings consistent and contribute to the desired architectural design theme. 20

13 6) Save topsoil where feasible and place to soften impact of viewing disturbed ground, revegetate with prescribed grasses and vegetation as identified by the district botanist. 7) Blend soil grading smoothly into existing topography. Where soil grading, or cut and fills are needed, reduce visual impacts by blending with existing topography, provide shallow ditches to work with natural drainage patterns. 8) Fit the site facilities on the landscape with a minimum of landform and vegetation modification. Preserve trees and other vegetation close to the disturbed areas for additional screening and maintaining a natural setting. For any soil disturbance, ensure blending, erosion control, and revegetation. 9) Enhance viewpoints from destination viewing areas by pruning or removing trees to open views and reduce fire risk hazards. 10) Use darker colored gravel for paths, not white. (Blewett pit was recommended for color). 11) Utilize existing disturbed areas for constructing developed facilities. 12) Minimize clearing limits for construction of developed facilities and road improvements. 13) Develop long-range vegetation management plan for the area, address revegetation needs, hazard tree analysis, fuels reduction, and noxious weeds. 14) Cut stumps low to the ground (6-inch or less), in immediate foreground seen area of areas proposed new trailheads, all new or improved trails, and along FSR 7101 and ) Hand pile and burn slash in foreground areas along FSR and proposed new trailheads. Remove slash in a manner that appears natural and appropriate to the site. Removal from site or chipping is acceptable in some places. 16) Utilize the road and existing disturbed areas for staging equipment materials as much as feasible. 17) Remove all construction debris from the site including construction stakes and ribbons, and dispose of appropriately. 18) Gravel and stockpile areas shall be cleaned up and rehabilitated after use (scarified and seeded with the USFS approved seed mix. Excess gravel or other material shall be removed from National Forest land and disposed of appropriately Invasive Plant Species 1) Clean all heavy equipment (bulldozers, graders, backhoes, dump trucks, excavators, etc.) prior to entering National Forest System Lands operated outside the limits of the road prism. 2) Use only weed-free straw and mulch for all projects conducted or authorized by the Forest Service, on National Forest System Lands. If State certified straw and/or mulch is not available, use sources certified to be weed free using the North American Weed Free Forage Program standards or a similar certification process. 3) Use only gravel, fill, sand, and rock that are judged to be weed free by District or Forest weed specialists. 4) Use native plant materials as the first choice for re-vegetation, where timely natural regeneration of the native plant community is not likely to occur. 5) Maintain trailheads, roads leading to trailheads and other areas of concentrated public use in a weed-free condition. Treat known sites of invasive weeds along proposed trails before construction activities. 21

14 6) Inspect, remove, and properly dispose of weed seed and plant parts found by construction crews on their clothing and equipment on a daily basis Timing and Implementation of Project Activities Phase 1 (1-2 years out from decision) would include adoption of suitable existing trails and rehabilitation of unacceptable user-built trails. Approximately seven miles of main trails would be built as well as beginning construction of the Martin Ranch Trailhead. However, FSR would not be opened to public traffic. Phase 2 (3-5 years out) would continue trail construction (including the Downhill Area) along with infrastructure development including improvement of FSRs 7101 and and completion of the Martin Ranch Trailhead. County Road C-5 would be improved in this timeframe if grant applications were successful would be opened to the Martin Ranch Trailhead for public use, after installation of new gate. Phase 3 (5-7 years out) would complete trail construction and build the Skills Park and the Four Corners Trailhead. Forest Service Road would be restricted with installation of new gate. Implementation of trail construction would be by volunteers and contractors, both under Forest Service supervision. Completion of road and trailhead improvements would be by contractors, under Forest Service supervision. Forest Service staff would do all fuels burning. Timing and implementation are dependent funding, volunteer services, and agency capacity Alternatives Considered but not Analyzed in Detail Alternative 3: An alternative was considered to designate some trails as stock-only. Stock and mountain bikes sometimes do not mix well on the same trail. Mountain bikes can approach stock quickly and quietly and when the animal sees the bike and rider, does not recognize it and can spook. However, because of the rather difficult road access for stock vehicles the Project Area is not heavily used by stock. In addition, a stock-only trail would be difficult to enforce, there being no other similar restriction on any other trail on the Ranger District. It was decided to rely on education to enable both user groups to co-exist on the trail system. A stock un-loading ramp would be built at the Four Corners Trailhead, which is expected to be away from the heaviest concentration of mountain bike use in Martin Ranch area and is more easily accessed from Mission Creek. This alternative would not meet the Purpose and Need because it would limit the number of multi-user trails (mountain bikers) available to the public. Alternative 4: An alternative was considered to build a trailhead at the Mission View Viewpoint rather than at Four Corners. This undesignated area at the end of FSR has a landscape view of the Mission Creek drainage, is large and flat, suitable for a trailhead, and is already impacted by vehicle use. However FSR from Four Corners to the Viewpoint is alternately steep/curvy and flat and deeply rutted throughout, is eroding and difficult to maintain. The steep portions would need reestablishment of the running surface and a thick layer of gravel for strengthening. In the flat portions the road is currently incised into the ground and does not drain. This portion of the road would need to be built up above the ground level. These road improvements to handle the expected increased traffic would be prohibitively expensive, and difficult to maintain. In addition the Mission View Viewpoint would be more difficult for stock trailers to access on this road with its steep and winding grade. The Four Corner trailhead location is easier for stock trailers to access. Therefore it was decided to build the 22

15 trailhead at Four Corners and close FSR This alternative would not meet the Purpose and Need because it would limit the number of multi-user trails (stock) available to the public. It would also be cost-prohibitive to maintain. Alternative 5: An alternative was considered that would not develop the Martin Ranch Trailhead because that would require widening Forest Service Road , which is in Riparian Reserve. Only the Four Corners Trail head would be developed. The Four Corners Trailhead is located at the far south end of the Trail System. A single trailhead here would require recreationists to travel 1-2 miles one way to the Martin Ranch Area (on one of two trails) where the skills area, the downhill area and most of the other trail opportunities are located. Many users would continue to park at the double swinging gate to access the Martin Ranch area rather than utilize Four Corners. The trail system is designed as a stacked loop (concentric trails) system around the central Martin Ranch Trailhead, which is also near the Skills Park and the Downhill Area. Additionally the Four Corners Trailhead is a smaller site than Martin Ranch and is intersected by four roads, a difficult location for a vehicle trailhead. Therefore it was determined not to consider this alternative further. Rather it is proposed to build the Martin Ranch Trailhead, widening Forest Service Road to access it, and performing other mitigations within the Riparian Reserve to be consistent with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy in the Northwest Forest Plan. For these reasons, this alternative would not meet the Purpose and Need. Alternative 6: An Alternative was considered to manage trails for mountain bike use only. The Purpose and Need for this project is to provide non-motorized, multi-user trails to help accommodate the demand for local trails. Managing the trails for only mountain bikes would not meet the Purpose and Need, and the multi-user trails would still be available and designed for mountain bike use and all nonmotorized users. Alterative 7: An alternative was considered to continue utilizing all user-built trails in the Project Area. Many of these trails are on locations too steep to be sustainable. One need for this project is to rehabilitate unsustainable trails that are causing resource damage. Other user-built trails are sustainable and make sense as part of a trail system and would be improved and utilized under the Preferred Alternative. Alterative 8: An alternative was considered to allow public vehicle access beyond the Martin Ranch Trailhead, further up the Road to access the skills area with its pavilion facilities and gathering area. This concept would not provide a non-motorized experience within this part of the upper Martin Ranch field and at the skills area Comparison of Alternatives This section provides a side-by-side comparison of the no action and the action alternative and a summary of how each alternative responds to the Purpose and Need. See Chapter 1 for background on the issues and Chapter 3 for a complete description of the effects and for the scientific basis for the results in the summary table. 23

16 Table 2.2. Comparison of Alternatives by Proposed Activities. Construction Activities No Action Proposed Action Newly constructed multi-use non-motorized trails 0 miles 24.6 miles User-built trails to be improved and adopted 0 miles 5.0 miles Total System Trails 0 miles 29.6 miles Existing road utilized as trail route 0 miles 3.9 miles User-built trails to be rehabilitated and closed 0 miles 5.3 miles Biker only trail 0 miles 1.1 mile Hiker only trail 0 miles 1.0 mile Construct Martin Ranch and Four Corners Trailheads No Yes Access roads to be improved 0 mile 1.2 miles Roads to be restricted by gate 0 mile 0.9 mile Downhill Area 0 acre 18 acres Skills Park 0 acre 20 acres Table 2.3. Comparisons of Alternatives by Purpose and Need. Purpose and Need Develop non-motorized multi-user trail system that connects with CDLT Sage Hills/Horse Lake Reserve system Improve Road Access and Develop Trailheads Restore unsustainable unauthorized trails/routes, and discourage future unauthorized trail construction. Assign Management Allocations to newly acquired lands Unit of Measure Miles of trail/number of connections to CDLT Miles of Road /Number of trailheads improved or built Miles of rehabilitated trail/routes Alernative 1 No Action 0 miles FS system trail/no connections 0 miles/ 0 Trailheads Alternative 2 Proposed Action 29.6 miles/ 1 connection 1.2 miles/ 2 Trailheads 0 miles 5.3 miles Acres 0 acres 216 acres 24

17 Table 2.4. Comparisons of Alternatives by Issues. Issue Measurement No Action Proposed Action Increased traffic would cause Daily traffic 100 vehicles/ 130 vehicles/ detrimental effects to Number Two counts/miles of Road 0.0 miles 1.2 miles Canyon Forest Service Roads Improvement User-created routes are causing resource damage A designated trail system north of Horse Lake Mtn. would encourage more recreational use and could result in an increase in unauthorized use of PUD s Home Water Wildlife Preserve Unauthorized motor vehicles entering CDLT s Horse Lake Preserve could increase the spread of noxious weeds. Increased traffic on access roads could increase in accidents and first responder needs A new trail system would incur increased cost of maintenance Deer winter range impacts from increased recreational use Deer winter range in the project area Miles of routes rehabilitated or made adopted A qualitative analysis of expected unauthorized use Change in motor vehicle restrictions 0 miles rehabilitated/ 0 miles adopted Low to Moderate 5.3 miles rehabilitated/ 5.0 miles adopted Low 0 gates 2 gates Expected Accidents Low Level Low Level Cost/mile; alternative maintenance methods Area open to nonmotorized use in winter (acres) Change in mule deer winter range land allocation (EW-1) No Trail Maintenance Cost $5,191/mile; Usergroup volunteers likely to maintain trails 5231 acres 682 acres 5231 acres 5447 acres 25

18 2.6. Monitoring Table 2.5. Monitoring Items. Monitoring Item Hydrology, soils and riparian resources Monitoring Objective Ensure that trail drainage features function properly Management Strategy Inspect trail features and prescribe maintenance needs if necessary to minimize, adverse effects to soil, water quality and/or riparian resources. Frequency/ Duration Annually and after heavy precipitation events (> 0.4 inches/hour) Completed by Hydrology /Soils/Fisheries Unauthorized use from the Trail System onto PUD and CDLT lands Winter Deer Range Access Roads Cultural Resources Safety of multiusers on the trail system Functioning of the trail system Invasive Plant Species Determine if mitigations taken are effective in preventing unauthorized use. Determine if trail seasonal closures are effective. Determine if road improvements effective. Inadvertent discovery of cultural resources within trail prism. Ensure trail system is safe and minimizes multiuser conflicts Ensure trail system serves public needs and use patterns Presence of invasive plant species Field observations of use patterns. Coordination with landowners. Field observations of use during closed season. Inspect roads for proper drainage of water. Inspect cultural resources for impacts by trail construction or rehabilitation. Observe trail use. Issues brought forward by the public Observe trail use. Determine if new usercreated trails being established. Engage users. Invasive plant species surveys. During the use season for five years. Annually for five years. Annually. During on-theground activities. Annually, from implementation date through three years Annually, from implementation date through three years Annual invasive species work - ongoing. Recreation Specialist Recreation Specialist/ Wildlife Biologist Engineer Cultural Resource S Recreation Specialist Recreation Specialist District Invasive Species Specialist 26