White Mountain National Forest

Transcription

1 White Mountain National Forest United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Eastern Region McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment Town of Sandwich Grafton County, NH Saco Ranger District November 2010 For Information Contact: Rod Wilson Saco Ranger District White Mountain National Forest 33 Kancamagus Highway Conway, NH Telephone: Ext. 120 FAX:

2 Cover: Pond Brook in the Sandwich Range. WMNF photo by Terry Miller. This document is available in large print. Contact the Saco Ranger District Phone: TTY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA s TARGET Center at (202) (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC or call (202) (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Printed on Recycled Paper

3 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment Contents Chapter 1 Purpose and Need Introduction Background Purpose of the Action and Need for Change Proposed Action Decision to be Made Public Involvement Issues Chapter 2 Alternatives Introduction Description of Alternatives Alternatives Considered But Not Analyzed In Detail Comparison of Alternatives Chapter 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences Recreation Wilderness Heritage Wildlife Rare Plants and Invasives Soil and Water Chapter 4 Preparation and Consultation ID Team Members and Forest Service Contacts Agencies Consulted Appendix A Comments and Forest Service Responses

4 } White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District Figure 1.1 Hardy Brook Rd NH-49 Tripoli Rd Smart's Brook Greeley Ponds Trail Boulder Path Kettles Path Sandwich Mtn Trail Drake's Brook Trail Alogonquin Trail Cascade Path Snows Brook Rd Livermore Trail Flat Mountain Pond Trail Gleason Trail Tripyramid Loop Trail Kate Sleeper Trail Church Pond Spur C McCrillis Path Relocation Project Figure 1.1 Foolkiller Rd Downes Brook Trail Mccrillis Trail Sabbaday Brook Trail Rollins Trail } Blueberry Ledge Trail } Mount Potash Trail } } Dicey's Mill Trail Tom Wiggin Trail Mccrillis Path Unh Trail Passaconaway Cutoff Trail Walden Trail Pasture Path Old Mast Road Trail IA Kelley Trail Kelley Rd Oliverian Brook Trail Gordon Path Lawrence Trail Cabin Trail Ferncroft Bear Notch Rd Ü Old Paugus Trail Fall Pond Rd Bickford Path Bolles Trail Black Mtn Pond Trail Bennett Street IA WHITEFACE Whiteface-Intervale GUINEA HILL Cold River Rd Guinea Pond Trail Mead Trail NH-113 Legend } } McCrillis Path Relocation DIAMOND LEDGE Wilderness Zone A NH State Hwy 25 Roads Wilderness Zone B Hiking Trails White Mountain National Forest Sanwich Range Wilderness Wilderness Zone C Wilderness Zone D NH-109 Map created June 18, Miles 4

5 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Background Chapter 1 Purpose and Need The Saco Ranger District of the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) has completed this environmental assessment (EA) on a proposal to relocate a section of the McCrillis Path in the Sandwich Range Wilderness in the Town of Sandwich, New Hampshire. This EA includes the Purpose and Need for the project, a description of the Proposed Action, a description of the Decisions to be Made, Alternatives Considered, a description of the Affected Environment and an analysis of the environmental consequences. The enclosed map displays the proposed project area. The Sandwich Range Wilderness (Management Area 5.1) is approximately 35,800 acres, located in Carroll and Grafton Counties, New Hampshire. This Wilderness contains several dominant peaks including the Tripyramids, Mt Whiteface and Mt. Passaconaway as well as several mountain ponds. The Sandwich Range has long been popular with hikers and backpackers. There are approximately 57 miles of trails within the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Like most Eastern Wildernesses, the Sandwich Range Wilderness includes lands that have been modified through past logging, historical trail uses, and other past human actions. All Wilderness Areas in the WMNF are managed in accordance with the Wilderness Management Plan, from the WMNF Land and Resource Management Plan (2005). That Plan directs that Wilderness is managed to allow natural ecological processes to dominate while managing human uses. The WMNF uses a zoning approach to manage Wilderness among many competing wilderness values. To do so, each Wilderness includes up to four zones ranging from low-use areas to high use areas. The WMNF Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP Appendix E) describes these zones as follows: Zone A, defined as areas 500 feet or more from all trails. Zone B, defined as areas within 500 feet of low-use trails. Zone C, defined as areas within 500 feet of moderate-use trails. Zone D, areas within ¼ mile of developed facilities or within 500 feet of high use trails. Areas without a designated trail or facility have been identified as Zone A. The McCrillis Path by definition is located in Zone B, with the surrounding area identified as Zone A (see Figure 1.1). Zone A lands are the least impacted lands, affording the greatest degree of solitude. 5

6 Dicey's Mill Trail White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District Figure 1.2 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Kate Sleeper Trail Rollins Trail Ü Wonalancet Shortcut Tom Wiggin Trail Blueberry Ledge Trail Tilton Spring Trail Flat Mountain Pond Trail McCrillis Path Bennett Street McCrillis Trail IA Whiteface Intervale Road "ý Trail Closed Whiteface-Intervale New Hampshire State HWY 113A Legend Roads McCrillis Path Relocation Streams Hiking Trails 100 foot contour Proposed Wilderness Zone B Wilderness Zone A Wilderness Zone B Wilderness Zone C Wilderness Zone D White Mountain National Forest Miles Map created November 29,

7 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment 1.3 Purpose of the Action and Need for Change Need for a Trail Relocation The McCrillis Path is located in the south central portion of the Sandwich Range Wilderness, in the town of Sandwich, New Hampshire. Historically, the McCrillis Path was a dirt road used to travel between Wonalancet and the town of Sandwich. It follows old roads in use since 1825 to travel between Ferncroft and Whiteface Intervale. Before the Civil War, this road supported a thriving community of farmers. When owned by John Tasker, whose house was a landmark when the road was laid out in 1825, he and his neighbors were required to make and repair this road as a form of tax a highway tax. The property has been in various ownerships since then, and has remained a travel way, as a road, and eventually as a hiking route. Traditionally, the 2.9 mile McCrillis Path combined with the McCrillis Trail and the Blueberry Ledge Trail to provide an 11-mile loop opportunity beginning at Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead on the Whiteface Intervale Road. This Loop can be taken in either direction. It also provided access to a network of trails on both National Forest, and on other private lands via the Tilton Springs Path. Along the McCrillis Path a number of cellar holes are visible indicating its importance as a main travel route between towns. A large portion of the original route can still be traveled on foot. The historic McCrillis Path included 1.1 miles on National Forest land and 1.8 miles on private land. The section on private land has been closed, eliminating the option to hike the McCrillis Path from the Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead through to other trails and also eliminating the option to hike a loop back to a starting point. From the McCrillis Path, hikers could opt to use the 0.9 mile Tilton Spring Path to connect to a network of trails on private lands near Ferncroft. These lower elevation trails provide hikes on both the National Forest and private lands near Ferncroft. An adjoining landowner has offered to provide public access across his property to within a half mile of the existing McCrillis Path, and is willing to grant a permanent easement to the Forest Service. In fact, the landowner purchased the property in large part to help resolve the trail access issue. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this easement has been completed with the landowner in accordance with policy outlined in the Forest Service Manual (FSM) This would reopen access to trails that allow through hikes to Ferncroft from Whiteface Intervale and to complete the loop hike described above. The remaining segment needed is approximately 0.5 miles of trail relocation within the Wilderness to re-connect to the existing McCrillis Path, also in Wilderness. This action, along with the permanent easement on private land would reestablish a historic travel route between Wonalancet and the town of Sandwich. The purpose and need of the proposed action including trail relocation within the Wilderness is to provide permanent public access to the Sandwich Wilderness Area and to trails on private lands accessible from this historic trail. The relocation of McCrillis Path would reconnect this historic trail and 7

8 White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District its connectivity to these communities in the area, and to other historic trails on private property in the vicinity of Ferncroft. Forest Plan Direction The McCrillis Path is located within the Sandwich Range Wilderness (Management Area 5.1). The goal of MA 5.1 is to: Manage the land as part of the National Wilderness Preservation system in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Eastern Wilderness Act and individual Wilderness enabling legislations. Provide a range of Wilderness values including social, scientific, ecological, and recreational. Need for a Forest Plan Amendment The proposed McCrillis Path relocation is consistent with most Forest Plan goals and objectives for Wilderness, trail management and recreation; however during preliminary planning we identified two inconsistencies with wilderness management direction. The McCrillis Path would be relocated into what is currently identified as Zone A which by definition has no trails (see Figure 1.1). S-1 Zone A has no trails. Trails are prohibited. (Trail Construction, Reconstruction, and Maintenance, 3-16) Once the trail is relocated, a linear segment along the relocated trail would be rezoned from Zone A to Zone B, which extends 500 feet from low use trails. This proposal is inconsistent with another Forest Plan Standard: S-1 Management actions, such as dispersing use or increasing developments, must not result in a change along the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum or Wilderness Management zone scale from less- to more-developed. For example, management actions must not change a zone from A to B, B to C, or C to D. (Recreation, 3-13) Therefore an amendment to the Forest Plan is necessary. The proposed site specific Forest Plan amendment is intended to allow the McCrillis Path relocation and a site specific adjustment to Zone B along the relocated section. Other than the trail, the change from Zone A to Zone B would not result in any other physical change to this Wilderness. Management of the wilderness would remain unchanged. The scope of this Forest Plan amendment is limited to this McCrillis Path relocation project. It would not change management of Wilderness anywhere else or the goals of maintaining existing development levels, so the site-specific Plan amendment would be non-significant. Need for a Trail Easement To secure permanent access for this trail, a trail easement through the available private property to National Forest lands is needed. Attaining an easement to facilitate National Forest programs and facilities is consistent with land management and National Forest access direction outlined in the Forest Plan. Forest-wide direction states: 8

9 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment Access should be acquired, exchanged, or granted with other federal agencies, states, counties, towns, and private interests to assure management objectives are met for all ownerships. In addition, the Forest Plan directs managers to evaluate and track land adjustment activities. Priorities for acquisition, easements, and other adjustments are identified based on the following criteria (italics indicate criteria applicable to this easement): 1. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands which have been directed by Executive or Congressional action. 2. Acquisition, exchange, or conveyance of lands needed to reduce expenses of both the Forest Service and the public in administration and utilization, including the consolidation of split estates. 3. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands which will provide a significant recreational experience or opportunity; 1.4 Proposed Action improve riparian ecosystems on water frontage such as lakes and major streams; provide critical habitat lands needed for the protection of federally-listed endangered, threatened, or sensitive fish, wildlife, or plant species; provide for the protection of significant historical or cultural resources when management may be enhanced by public ownership; and protect or enhance watersheds, and wetlands. 4. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands needed to implement other scheduled management actions such as a campground expansion, road construction, or trail construction or reconstruction. 5. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands needed to enhance or protect facilities or programs surrounding National Forest System lands. 6. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands that will consolidate existing National Forest System lands, eliminate the need for right-of-way acquisition, provide access to existing NFS lands, or meet the goals and objectives of the management area surrounding the proposed acquisition or exchange. 7. Land conveyances or exchange of lands no longer needed or suitable to meet the goals and objectives of a management area, and serve a greater public need in state, county, town, or other federal agency ownership. The attainment of the McCrillis Path trail easement, for the relocation project meets three of the seven criteria identified in the Forest Plan (#3, #4 and #6). The proposed action is to relocate a 0.5 mile section of the McCrillis Path onto National Forest land in order to connect the trail via a new trail easement on private land that then leads to the nearby Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead on the Whiteface Intervale Road. The relocated section of trail on National Forest land lies entirely within the Sandwich Range Wilderness, and would require a sitespecific, non-significant Forest Plan amendment to adjust the area adjacent to the 9

10 White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District 1.5 Decision to be Made 1.6 Public Involvement trail from Zone A to Zone B. An approximately 0.1 mile section no longer needed would be closed. Details of the Proposed Action are described in Chapter 2. This analysis evaluates site-specific issues, discusses alternatives considered but not analyzed in detail, and analyzes effects of the Proposed Action and No Action. The scope of this project is limited to decisions concerning the McCrillis Path relocation, and will not contain direction or guidance for other trail projects across within the Sandwich Range Wilderness or the White Mountain National Forest. Based on this analysis, comments from the public and contributions from an interdisciplinary team, the deciding official will make the following decisions: 1. Whether or not the proposed action would best move the White Mountain National Forest toward the Desired Condition outlined in the Forest Plan, and best address the purpose and need identified for this project. 2. What level of environmental analysis is appropriate for this project. This would include consideration of whether the proposed project and amendment would have significant impacts that would require documentation in an environmental impact statement. 3. What specific resource protection or mitigation measures should be implemented as part of the project. A scoping notice was sent to 54 parties comprised of abutters, recreation clubs, local officials, historical societies and people known to have interest in this project. The proposal was first published in the WMNF Schedule of Proposed Actions in April The Forest Service received and reviewed 20 letters, s, and phone calls in response to the scoping notice. Of these, 14 letters fully support the proposed relocation, two letters recommend connecting McCrillis Path to the McCrillis Trail, three letters oppose trail construction in Wilderness, and one letter requested more information about the easement process. On July 7, 2010, a 30-Day Comment Report was sent out to interested parties who had commented during scoping and to adjacent landowners. A legal notice was published in the New Hampshire Union Leader on July 7, Thirteen letters, s, and phone calls were received in response to the Comment Report. Appendix A of this Environmental Assessment includes a summary of the relevant comments and Forest Service responses. The McCrillis Path Relocation Scoping Report, 30 Day Comment Report, and the McCrillis Path Relocation Environmental Assessment are posted on the Forest website at: < 10

11 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment 1.7 Issues Issues were identified by the interdisciplinary team through discussions with potentially affected parties, the Wonalancet Out Door Club (WODC), and with publics who commented on the project. Issues are disagreements or unresolved conflicts about the proposed action. Non-significant issues are typically used to refine the design of the Proposed Action; significant issues usually result in development of additional alternatives. The interdisciplinary team identified the following non-significant issues based on public comments; no significant issues were identified. Public use levels of the McCrillis Path may increase following its reconstruction, a trend that may have adverse consequences on Wilderness solitude. The trail reconstruction work, and the human presence thereafter, would adversely affect wilderness characteristics of the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Measurement indicators are identified in Chapter 2 (Comparison of Alternatives Table) for each issue and are used for comparing the No Action and Proposed Action Alternatives. 11

12 White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District 2.1 Introduction Chapter 2 Alternatives This chapter provides a detailed description of the Proposed Action and No Action alternatives. The No Action alternative represents the existing condition and is used to compare the effects of the Proposed Action. 2.2 Description of Alternatives No Action The No Action Alternative responds to those who do not want a relocation of the McCrillis Path within Wilderness to occur. This alternative would continue the existing management of the McCrillis Path as is, meaning public access to the McCrillis Path would be limited to access from the Blueberry Ledge Trail or the Tilton Spring Path. This alternative would not restore the loop hike or reestablish connectivity in a semblance of the traditional trail. The McCrillis Path would terminate at the private land 1.1 miles from its junction with Blueberry Ledge Trail. There would be no change to the existing condition of the area except from natural occurrences and modifications on the landscape resulting from ongoing Wilderness recreation. No site-specific Forest Plan amendment would be completed, and no trail easement would be acquired. Proposed Action The proposed McCrillis Path project has two distinct components. Both components are essential to the successful completion of this project, so both have been included in this description to provide clarity to the project proposal. 1. Relocate the McCrillis Path on NF land (Forest Service proposed action). The McCrillis Path relocation project proposes to construct approximately 0.5 miles of trail across National Forest land. The trail would connect the existing McCrillis Path to the proposed trail easement location on private land at the nearest practical point using the shortest practical route. A one-tenth mile section of the existing trail that lies beyond the proposed relocation toward the closed section of trail on private land would no longer be needed and would be closed. 2. Relocate the McCrillis Path on private land (not part of the Forest Service s proposed action). Based on field observation approximately ½ mile of trail would be constructed within a predefined trail corridor on the private parcel. The private landowner proposes to record a trail easement granting the public permanent trail access across his property. Parking for McCrillis Path would continue to be located at the existing Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead on the Whiteface Intervale Road. No additional parking capacity is proposed. The proposed McCrillis Path Relocation Project would require a site-specific, non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan. The non-significant amendment would identify the McCrillis Path relocation as a site specific exception to direction found in the Land Management Plan for MA 5.1, and in the Wilderness Management Plan. 12

13 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment The amendment would add the following Standard to MA 5.1, Recreation (p. 3-13): S-3 The McCrillis Path relocation is a known exception to constraints on changes along the Wilderness Management Zone scale and trail construction in Zone A. The completed trail relocation will be zoned as Zone B, consistent with the WMNF Wilderness management zoning process, and the map for the Sandwich Range Wilderness (Plan Appendix E, Map E-05, p. E-41) will be adjusted to reflect this change. Associated with this project is the attainment of a trail easement for the portion of the trail that would be constructed on the private parcel. The landowner has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US Forest Service, identifying his commitment to donate a trail easement to the US government for the purpose of preserving public access to National Forest Lands and the McCrillis Path in perpetuity. The lands process and procedures for attaining a permanent trail easement would be conducted prior to the commencement of the trail relocation. 2.3 Alternatives Considered But Not Analyzed In Detail Construct 1 mile of trail on NFS land to connect the McCrillis Path to the McCrillis Trail. This proposal would eliminate the need for a trail easement on private property, and would result in an additional 1 mile of trail in the Wilderness. It would contour westerly on National Forest, crossing two perennial brooks to reach McCrillis Trail, leading to Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead. This location is determined to be not feasible due to these two crossings, one of which is a steep drainage. To do so would require extensive and costly trail construction, additional subsequent trail maintenance, and would increase the total new trail mileage in Wilderness. It would also convert a greater number of acres from Zone A to Zone B. Locate an alternative route outside of Wilderness, entirely on private lands. An alternate route outside of Wilderness would require the cooperation of several landowners, one of whom is the landowner who closed his land to public access. The Wilderness boundary extends to the private land in this area, so it would not be possible to create a loop trail from the existing trailhead without crossing this landowner s property. Any other trail route outside the Wilderness would not meet the purpose and need of the project to provide public access. 2.4 Comparison of Alternatives Detailed effects of the proposed action and no action alternatives on resources are described in Chapter 3. A general comparison of the two alternatives is outlined in Table

14 White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District Table 2.1 Comparison of Alternatives Table Indicators No Action Proposed Action Public Use Levels And Solitude Measured by estimated number of users Wilderness Character Measured by miles of trail in Wilderness. Measured by change from existing Natural, trammeled criteria No change to existing levels of use. Use would continue to occur at low levels on the McCrillis Path. Some forest visitors would continue to access the National Forest and the McCrillis Path across private property by creating their own trail. There are currently 77.6 miles of trail in the Sandwich Range Wilderness. No new miles of trail would be added. The McCrillis Path closure has been in place for nearly a decade and may have reduced human presence in this immediate area but other resource damage is likely to occur from user-created trails. It is anticipated that there would be a minor increase in use of the relocated trail as compared to the past ten years. It is anticipated that use levels would mimic historic use levels recorded prior to the closure of the trail at the private land. These use levels are expected to remain in the low range. Under the proposed action there would be 78.0 miles of trail in the Sandwich Range. The length of new trail at approximately 0.5 miles is such that the there would be no permanent change to the character of the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Trail construction would temporarily affect some Wilderness characteristics, like solitude, during construction only. These effects would end soon after construction is complete. Foot traffic impact would be limited to a defined trail corridor and could be mitigated if needed with trail maintenance. 14

15 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment Chapter 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 3.1 Recreation Affected Environment Recreation opportunities near the McCrillis Path project area include a variety of trails used to access the larger Sandwich Range trail network. Historical maps of the area show a number of primitive trails that are no longer on the Forest Service system of trails and are not maintained. The recreation setting for this area is described by the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS). ROS defines a range of unique recreation experiences as: Primitive, Semi-Primitive Non-motorized, Semi-Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural, and Roaded (Forest Plan, 2005, p.1-10 and Map 1-11). The lands within the project area are in Management Area 5.1, and the Semi- Primitive Non-Motorized (SPNM) ROS class. SPNM areas are characterized by a predominately natural or natural-appearing environment. Interactions between users are generally low. The McCrillis Path was historically used to travel between Ferncroft and Whiteface Intervale. In recent decades, hikers would hike a loop starting at Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead, and including McCrillis Trail, Blueberry Ledge Trail and the 2.9 mile McCrillis Path, returning back to Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead (see Figure 1.2). The McCrillis Path section, including 1.1 miles on National Forest land and an even greater distance of trail and dirt road on private land, completed this 11-mile loop. Tilton Spring Path, Red Path, Blueberry Ledge Cutoff, Tom Wiggin Trail, Dicey s Mill Trail, Blueberry Ledge Trail, and others that stem from these named trails are accessible from the McCrillis Path as well as from a trailhead in Ferncroft. The southwestern portion of the McCrillis Path is currently closed to hiking at the private property boundary, removing the opportunity to hike through to Ferncroft from Whiteface Intervale, and eliminating the loop hike described above. Issues with public access on this trail where it enters private land have existed for over a decade. Analysis Area The Analysis Area for direct and indirect effects on recreation is defined as the McCrillis Path project relocation area (shown in red color on Figure 1.2 in chapter 1). The time frame is one field season for direct effects based on the anticipated duration of the construction phase of the project. This analysis area and time duration were selected because once the trail construction is completed the majority of adverse effects to recreation end. The time frame for indirect effects is ten years into the future based on the anticipated beneficial effects that public access to the McCrillis Path would provide indefinitely. 15

16 White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District No Action Direct and Indirect Effects Alternative 1 would not alter current recreation opportunities because no change in the current condition would occur. Public access to the McCrillis Path would remain limited to access from the Blueberry Ledge Trail or via trails emanating from Ferncroft. However, the hike down the McCrillis Path from these locations would be a dead end hike. The potential loop hike would remain closed, resulting in a lost opportunity for hikers to return to their point of origin and vehicle without backtracking. The connection from Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead to other popular trails on National Forest and private land would remain available as they currently are, via longer routes. This Alternative does not meet the Purpose and Need for Action. Proposed Action This alternative would reconnect the loop by reconstructing a half mile section of new trail within the Wilderness. The connection to existing trails on private land and within the Wilderness would be restored through a permanent easement. The public benefits of this alternative are access to a series of trails within the Sandwich range Wilderness and trails on private lands near Ferncroft, via the relocated McCrillis Path. Hikers could use the Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead and return via a loop hiking experience rather than backtracking. Loop hiking is more interesting to many, and disperses hikers over more terrain, reducing resource impacts and increasing the feeling of solitude. Adverse effects from this alternative would be limited to short term noise, or visual contact to the occasional dispersed user, or a hiker that entered the trail construction area from the northeast end of the McCrillis Path during the construction phase, which is expected to last a few weeks during one field season. Providing for permanent public access is considered a beneficial effect, one that would last the duration of the analysis period, and longer. As for uses in Wilderness during the non snow season, or snowshoe use, other nearby trails are currently accessible from Ferncroft. Use on these trails and in Wilderness as a whole is not expected to increase beyond the current low or low to moderate category as a result of the completion of the McCrillis Path. Under the Proposed Action users would have more trail options, therefore the recreation experience may be improved. Cumulative Effects Analysis Area The analysis area for cumulative effects to recreation is the project area and the immediate private lands to the south. No other National Forest recreation facilities are affected by this project. Adjacent private land contains a number of Nordic trail routes that receive some use during winter. This proposed action would not adversely affect that activity. Nordic skiing on the private land has been ongoing for a few years, and the landowner continues to improve his trail system and resource protection measures such as grading, seeding and erosion control. However, numbers 16

17 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment 3.2 Wilderness of visitors are low, and the presence of the McCrillis Path might enhance the experience or present new opportunity for of a few of these users. So the cumulative effect on recreation is beneficial. Some users might consider the presence of Nordic trails nearby Wilderness and the possibility that some Nordic skiers would now access Wilderness via the McCrillis Path as an adverse affect. It is anticipated that few users would choose to Nordic Ski on the McCrillis Path in the Wilderness because the design of this trail within the Wilderness is not expected to be particularly suited for Nordic skiing. Affected Environment The Sandwich Range Wilderness encompasses 35,800 acres of diverse terrain, dense vegetation, a variety of landscape features and opportunities for solitude. Access is from the Sandwich Notch Road, the Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112), Route 16, and numerous secondary roads. Day hiking and backpacking are the predominant recreation uses. The most popular hiking routes are generally focused on the 4000 foot peaks of the North and Middle Tripyramid, Passaconaway and Whiteface. Featuring mountain peaks and spruce-fir covered ridges, glacial valleys with pure streams, ponds, northern hardwood and mixedwood forests, the Sandwich Wilderness was established in The Wilderness Area was increased in size in 2005, although this project lies within the original designation. It is home to abundant wildlife, and is enjoyed by many back country enthusiasts. Wilderness values and characteristics of the Sandwich Range Wilderness diminish in direct correlation to distance from the Wilderness core. This is especially true as there are many visible human intrusions outside the Wilderness including homes, roads, power lines, timber management, fields and other temporary and permanent visual impacts. Opportunities for solitude are encumbered in many areas by road noise and in some areas by heavy visitor traffic. Within the interior of the Wilderness, the opportunities for solitude are high along interior trails, and very high off-trail. Solitude is a bit limited during the high use summer season along trails connected to or nearby the McCrillis Path. Opportunities for solitude are highest in non-summer months, but can be affected by activities on adjacent private lands where recreation related uses may include snowmobiling and Nordic skiing. The McCrillis Path is on the very southern edge of the Sandwich Range Wilderness near White Face Intervale and Ferncroft, NH. This naturalappearing landscape is abutted by private land to the south. The private land is moderately developed, with evidence of recent logging and residential uses apparent. This section of the Wilderness shows indications of early human uses including evidence of early logging and hiking trails that provide visitors a direct connection to the long recreation history of the area, dating to the 1800 s. Approximately 57 miles of these trails are within the Wilderness. 17

18 White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District Whiteface and Ferncroft trailheads are the primary access points to the Sandwich Wilderness in the vicinity of the McCrillis Path. These access points lead to many connecting trails, some leading deep within the Wilderness. Mount Passaconaway, Mount Whiteface, the Sleeper, Tripyramid, and several smaller peaks are accessible from these trailheads. Importantly, low elevation trails and longer loop hikes have traditionally been available in this part of the Sandwich Range. Wilderness Characteristics Wilderness character is best described as the combination of biophysical, experiential, and symbolic ideals that distinguish wilderness from all other lands. The Definition of Wilderness from Section 2(c) of the 1964 Wilderness Act was used to identify four qualities of wilderness related to wilderness character (USDA Forest Service RMRS-GTR and USDA Forest Service RMRS- GTR ). These four qualities of wilderness are: Untrammeled The Wilderness Act states that wilderness is an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, and generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature. In short, wilderness is essentially unhindered and free from modern civilization Natural The Wilderness Act states that wilderness is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions. In short, wilderness ecological systems are substantially free from the effects of modern civilization. Undeveloped The Wilderness Act states that wilderness is an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain and with the imprint of man s work substantially unnoticeable. Outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation The Wilderness Act states that wilderness has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation. This quality is about the opportunity for people to experience wildness; or solitude. These criteria are used to analyze the effects of this project, to determine if proposed actions would affect the wilderness characteristics of the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Use of these criteria is consistent with Monitoring Selected Conditions Related to Wilderness Character: A National Framework (USDA Forest Service RMRS-GTR and USDA Forest Service RMRS-GTR ). Direct and Indirect Effects The analysis area for direct and indirect effects on Wilderness is a linear area approximately 0.5 miles in length and roughly 550 feet wide, though the relocated trail would be approximately three feet wide. The trail is to be relocated within this zone on the National Forest. The actual trail area would amount to less than one acre. However, the larger analysis area is used to evaluate the potential 18

19 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment effects of user-defined trails. This analysis area was chosen because direct and indirect effects to wilderness characteristics would be spatially limited to within this area. The timeframe for the direct and indirect effects analysis is the duration of the project approximately one summer season. This analysis area and time duration were selected because once the trail relocation is completed, the direct and indirect effects on Wilderness end. No Action Under the No Action Alternative the McCrillis Path would remain closed on each side of the private land, limiting public access to the Sandwich Range Wilderness and to other trails via the McCrillis Path. The McCrillis Path would continue to be used as a one-way out and back trail from Tilton Spring and Blueberry Ledge trails, officially stopping at the private land. It is expected that some users will find access cross-country around the private land and may eventually create a user-defined trail. User-defined trails tend to be poorly located causing unexpected resource effects, reducing the naturalness of the corridor, and increasing the imprint of man. The Sandwich Range Wilderness as a whole would retain its current degree of natural integrity and ecological functions and its undeveloped and primeval character. The No Action alternative would continue to limit access opportunities to the historic McCrillis Path, but not to the Sandwich Range Wilderness. This alternative would not restore historical connectivity to nearby trails. The opportunity for solitude would not change. Proposed Action This alternative would restore access to the historic McCrillis Path, and its historical connectivity to other trails, to the local communities, and to the Wilderness via established trails. The limited scope of this trail relocation project is not expected to have any effect on the long-term ecological processes within the Sandwich Range Wilderness. The Sandwich Range Wilderness as a whole would retain its current degree of natural integrity and ecological functions and its undeveloped and primeval character. Use of the McCrillis Path would likely resume to the levels that were occurring before the trail was closed. Little change in the uses on other connecting trails would be detected by users. There would be an additional option of returning from Whiteface Mountain via a separate route (Blueberry Ledge and McCrillis Path) to the Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead. Some noise is expected in the immediate area when and where trail construction would occur. This would be associated with hand tool use during trail relocation. Effects on solitude during construction would be of short duration and limited in intensity due to the nature of the trail placement on gentle ground, and in accordance with minimum tool analysis and Wilderness trail construction techniques to be used. Beyond this short term impact to solitude, the natural and undeveloped character of this part of the Sandwich Wilderness Area would be affected only by the presence of this trail and the amount of use it receives. Overall, the expected 19

20 White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District use levels would remain low in this immediate area. Overall conditions would change little because people currently use the open portion of the McCrillis Path as an out-and-back trail, or bushwhack to the McCrillis Path across private land that is not posted. Other than the presence of a low standard low use trail through this 0.5 mile section of the Wilderness, and given its proximity to adjacent residential private land, this section of Wilderness would continue to be free from the effects of modern civilization and would be a place where man himself is a visitor who does not remain and where the imprint of man s work is substantially unnoticeable. The opportunity for solitude as measured by these elements of Wilderness quality would not change once the reconstruction is complete. Cumulative Effects The analysis area for cumulative effects on Wilderness is the Sandwich Wilderness within approximately three miles and the private lands immediately surrounding the relocation project. The time frame for cumulative effects includes past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions ( ; 10 years past and future). This time frame was chosen because it is a reasonable length of time for comparing current conditions (closure of the trail across private land), with the expectations of the future scenario with a relocated McCrillis Path. Past projects in the area include trail maintenance, improvement to the Ferncroft Parking Area and the installation of an interpretive kiosk on private property. The parking area provides access to a number of trails and the interpretive kiosk was installed through a partnership agreement. In Camp Shehadi, Camp Rich and Hermance shelters were removed. In 2006, 2008, and 2010, approximately 1.5 miles of the Lawrence Trail was relocated to correct erosion issues. Portions of Blueberry Ledge Trail have received heavy maintenance in recent years and a short relocation is being considered for These projects are generally very limited in terms of soil impacts, and were proposed, designed, and implemented to manage existing recreation uses and impacts. No other trail construction or trail relocation projects are proposed or anticipated within the foreseeable cumulative effects analysis area or time frame. No Action Since the only direct and indirect effects to Wilderness characteristics would be to soil and vegetation resources and development from user-created trails, the only past and future actions that could add effects would be trail relocations. The cumulative effect of the No Action Alternative on Wilderness character and on recreational hiking in conjunction with the Lawrence Trail relocation and the proposed Blueberry Trail relocation is negligible. Both trails would remain open during work periods and minimum tool analysis and Wilderness trail construction techniques are being used. Long term resource impacts will be reduced. No other trails in the area are receiving heavy maintenance or relocation. Proposed Action The cumulative effect of the Proposed Action on Wilderness character and on recreational hiking in conjunction with the Lawrence Trail and Blueberry Ledge relocation projects would also be negligible. Both trails would remain 20

21 McCrillis Path Relocation Project Environmental Assessment 3.3 Heritage open during work periods and minimum tool analysis and Wilderness trail construction techniques are being used. Long term resource impacts will be reduced. With the exception of the proposed Blueberry Ledge Trail relocation, the other projects have been completed. Therefore, the cumulative effects to solitude would be negligible. The proposed action would not dramatically change any of the characteristics of this portion of the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Overall, the audible and ground disturbing impacts would be short term and limited in scope due to the limited size and duration of this action. The opportunities for solitude away from the immediate area of relocation would remain as they currently are. Use levels are expected to remain low to moderate, as was the case prior to the closure. The undeveloped and untrammeled nature of the Wilderness would remain. In summary, the limited duration and localized effects of the McCrillis Path relocation, cumulatively with the other completed projects and the Lawrence and Blueberry Ledge Trail relocations would not have a significant human or environmental impact. Affected Environment The McCrillis Path is a historical travel route dating back to the early 1800 s. Portions of it pass through the National Forest, and other sections pass through private property. A large portion of the original route can still be traveled. Historical sites can be seen along some sections of the McCrillis Path including several cellar holes and an occasional stone wall. The trail relocation and easement onto private land would reestablish this historic travel route between Wonalancet and the town of Sandwich. Direct and Indirect Effects No Action The No Action alternative would not impact any cultural resources or change any conditions. Existing historical sites within the National Forest along the original route remain accessible via the McCrillis Path, in an out-and-back hike from the Tilton Springs Path, or Blueberry Ledge Trail. Proposed Action No cultural resources were identified along the proposed relocation route. Cultural resource surveys were conducted for cultural and historic sites that might be affected by this decision. No sites were found near the relocation corridor. No existing sites along the original McCrillis Path would be directly or indirectly affected by this project because no changes to those sections of the trail are proposed and no dramatic change in use is expected. The findings and recommendations from the inventory and report were submitted to the New Hampshire State Historic Preservation Office. That office concurred with our finding that there would be no adverse impacts to any cultural resources (project record). 21

22 White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District 3.4 Wildlife Cumulative Effects There are no cumulative effects of either the No Action Alternative or the Proposed Action on cultural resources because there are no direct or indirect effects. No other National Forest projects that involve or affect cultural resources are known or proposed. No actions on private lands that might affect cultural resources are known. Affected Environment The proposed reroute includes mature softwood and mixedwood, and pockets of mature hardwood. Aspect faces south on a gentle slope. Wildlife sign includes deer, moose, bear, numerous birds, red squirrels, and chipmunks. Most likely the full array of wildlife species passes through or utilizes this habitat. Based on the analysis in the Biological Evaluation (see project record), no threatened, endangered or sensitive (TES) wildlife species are known to be present and it is unlikely any would exist here. Habitat exists for the northern bog lemming, however this location is on the extreme southern edge of this species range. Small-footed bats could forage in the area however the proposed trail relocation would pose no impact to this species. The stream west of the proposed trail location is too fast and rocky for wood turtles. The adjoining private land is used for farming and forestry practices along with recreation. The private land McCrillis Path would go through has recently been logged but remains forested with a mixture of young to mature trees. The parcel that is closed to public access has been logged extensively in the past few years and can be described as an early successional habitat. There are pastures and areas of recently harvested timber on the private lands along with areas of similarly vegetated forest. No large wetlands exist in the project area. No permanent streams exist in the project area though there are some intermittent streams, and a perennial stream near the proposed trail location on private land. Recent Concern White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a new condition recently found in bats. Affected bats may have a white fungus on their noses and occasionally other hairless parts of their bodies including arms, wings and ears (< org/files/wns_ pdf>). The exact cause of WNS is still being investigated, but has been associated with high mortality rates at some sites. WNS was first identified in 2006 and has since been confirmed in hibernating bats in New York, Vermont, Connecticut Massachusetts and recently New Hampshire (NHFG 2009). WNS has been detected in Indiana bats, little brown bats, northern long eared bats, small-footed myotis and eastern pipistrelles. It is believed the fungi (several genera have been isolated) are a symptom and not the cause of mortality. The Northeast Region of the USFWS is maintaining a web site on WNS with some of the most recent scientific information on this syndrome (< gov/northeast/white_nose.html>). 22