Environmental Assessment

Transcription

1 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service October 2011 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Bridgeport Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Mono County, California Township 6 North, Range 21 East, Section 35 and Township 5 North, Range 21 East, Section 2. For more information contact: Mike Crawley, District Ranger HC 62 Box 1000 Bridgeport, CA (760)

2 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual s income is derived from any public assistance program. (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 to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C , or call (800) (voice) or (202) (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ii

3 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing Table of Contents Summary 1 Document Structure 2 Background 2 Purpose and Need for Action 5 Proposed Action 5 Decision Framework 6 Issues 6 Alternatives, including the Proposed Action 8 Alternatives 9 Design Features Common to All Action Alternatives 14 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated From Detailed Study 15 Comparison of Alternatives 16 Environmental Consequences 19 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail 19 Recreation and Avalanche Risk 22 Wildlife and Plants 27 Hydrology 38 Cultural Resources 39 Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations _ 41 Consultation and Coordination 42 References Cited 43 Appendix A: Public Comment Summary 46 Appendix B: Species Evaluated 51

4 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing SUMMARY The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest proposes to establish a motorized crossing of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) and a snowmobile route between the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA) and Highway 108 through the PCT Crossing Area. The project area is located approximately ½ mile south of Sonora Pass and is within the Bridgeport Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California. Action is needed to respond to the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (Act) which designated the BWRA and directed the Forest Service to establish a crossing of the PCT. The Proposed Action (Alternative 2) would establish a designate motorized crossing of the PCT and a route between the BWRA and Highway 108 on the east side of Sonora Pass. The Proposed Action would cross the PCT at two points and parallel the PCT for approximately 1,400 feet. A decision to select the Proposed Action would amend the Forest Plan to allow for motorized use in an area otherwise managed under a wilderness prescription that prohibits motorized use. In addition to the Proposed Action, the Forest Service also evaluated the following alternatives: Alternative 1, No Action - No winter motorized crossing of the PCT would be designated and snowmobilers would not have a route between the BWRA and Highway 108 through the PCT Crossing Area. Selection of this alternative would not require a Forest Plan Amendment. Alternative 3, Ridgeline Route The Forest Service would establish a route between the BWRA and Highway 108 on the east side of Sonora Pass. The route would be located primarily on a ridge along the northwest boundary of the BWRA and PCT Crossing Area, and would not enter the PCT Crossing Area. There would not be a crossing of the PCT. Selection of this alternative would not require a Forest Plan Amendment. Alternative 4, Adaptive Management The Forest Service would designate a motorized crossing of the PCT and a route between the BWRA and Highway 108 on the east side of Sonora Pass, initially using the same route identified in the Proposed Action. Based upon specified monitoring of effects to the PCT, motorized use outside the designated crossing corridor, avalanche safety, and the Sierra Nevada red fox, the Forest Service could adjust the location of the crossing and designated route, limit recreation use to minimize impacts to wildlife, or implement additional restrictions if motorized recreationists do not stay on the designated route. A decision to select this alternative would amend the Forest Plan to allow for motorized use in an area otherwise managed under a wilderness prescription that prohibits motorized use. Based upon the effects of the alternatives, the responsible official will decide: 1) Whether to approve the crossing as proposed or modified, or as described in an alternative, including the approval of a Forest Plan non-significant amendment. 2) If mitigation is needed. 3) If project monitoring is required, what that monitoring will be. 1

5 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Environmental Assessment DOCUMENT STRUCTURE The Forest Service has prepared this Environmental Assessment in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other relevant Federal and State laws and regulations. This Environmental Assessment discloses the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts that would result from the proposed action and alternatives. The document is organized into four parts: Introduction: The section includes information on the history of the project proposal, the purpose of and need for the project, and the agency s proposal for achieving that purpose and need. This section also details how the Forest Service informed the public of the proposal and how the public responded. Comparison of Alternatives, including the Proposed Action: This section provides a more detailed description of the agency s proposed action as well as alternative methods for achieving the stated purpose. These alternatives were developed based on significant issues raised by the public and other agencies. This discussion also includes possible mitigation measures. Finally, this section provides a summary table of the environmental consequences associated with each alternative. Environmental Consequences: This section describes the environmental effects of implementing the proposed action and other alternatives. This analysis is organized by alternatives. Within each section, the alternative is described followed by the effects by resource area. Agencies and Persons Consulted: This section provides a list of preparers and agencies consulted during the development of the environmental assessment. Appendices: The appendices provide more detailed information to support the analyses presented in the environmental assessment. Additional documentation, including more detailed analyses of project-area resources, may be found in the project planning record located at the Bridgeport Ranger District Office in Bridgeport, CA. Background The area known as the Pacific Crest Trail Crossing Area (PCT Crossing Area) is adjacent to the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA), just south of Sonora Pass on the Bridgeport Ranger District (Figure 1). The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (OPLMA) created the BWRA and directed the Forest Service to establish a crossing of the nearby PCT as stated in section 1806(f): Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail - The Secretary shall establish an appropriate snowmobile crossing point along the Trail in the area identified as Pacific Crest Trail Proposed Crossing Area on the map entitled Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Proposed Management and dated September 17, 2008 (1) In accordance with (A) The National Trails system Act (16 U.S.C et seq.) and (B) any applicable environmental and public safety laws; and (2) Subject to the terms and conditions the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure that the crossing would not 2

6 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing (A) interfere with the nature and purposes of the Trail; or (B) harm the surrounding landscape. Although not explicitly stated in the OPLMA, the purpose of designating a crossing is to allow access between the BWRA and Highway 108 near Sonora Pass and create a loop opportunity for snowmobilers The OPLMA also appears to mandate one crossing of the PCT within the PCT Crossing Area; however, Congressman McKeon, who co-sponsored the bill, has stated that the intent was to provide a motorized crossing of the Pacific Crest Trail and not to specify the number of crossings. The Act did not release the Pacific Crest Trail Proposed Crossing Area (PCT Crossing Area) from wilderness consideration. In 1984, Congress passed the California Wilderness Act, including direction that the Forest study the Hoover Planning Area (West) and recommend whether it should be designated as wilderness. In 1986, the Toiyabe National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) recommended the Hoover Planning Area (West) as wilderness and provided for management of the area using a wilderness management prescription (Forest Plan, IV-96). The management prescription does not allow for the use of motorized equipment. The area encompassed by the PCT Crossing Area lies within the recommended wilderness area. In 2005, the Mono County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution supporting snowmobile use in the Sonora Pass/Leavitt Lake area until April 15 of each year. The resolution also recommended that the area for crossing of the PCT should be managed as surrounding nonwilderness lands (e.g. open to motorized use) and in accordance with the National Trails System Act. The resolution included management recommendations signed by the Mono County Board of Supervisors and four individuals including Dick Noles, Sally Miller, Wayne Norton, and John Dittli. Also in 2005, the Bridgeport Ranger District prepared an Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice for the West Hoover Travel Plan. That decision amended the Toiyabe Forest Plan to provide for snowmobile use in approximately 7,000 acres southeast of Sonora Pass now known as the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area. The 2005 decision authorized motorized use over snow in the winter and retained the wilderness recommendation for the entire area. The decision did not authorize motorized use the area now known as the PCT Crossing Area. 3

7 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Environmental Assessment Figure 1. PCT Crossing Vicinity Map. 4

8 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing During the winter and spring of 2010, the Bridgeport Ranger District worked with Mono County, Congressional representatives, user groups, and individual snowmobilers and skiers to develop a management plan for the BWRA. Although the PCT Crossing Area is not a part of the BWRA, its use and management is directly affected by the BWRA. There were many discussions during the BWRA management plan development about the PCT Crossing Area and the designated motorized crossing of the PCT. These discussions reiterated the importance of building and maintaining public trust through planning and decision-making processes. The PCT Crossing Area is not a single-use zone; the OPLMA of 2009 directed the Forest Service to establish a motorized crossing of the PCT that does not interfere with the nature and purpose of the PCT. The nature and purpose of the PCT, also by Congressional designation, is to provide for high-quality scenic, primitive hiking and horseback riding opportunities and to conserve natural, historic, and cultural resources along the corridor. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Management Plan (1982) affirms that cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are compatible with the purpose of the trail and that snowmobiling is prohibited except at designated crossings. The Forest Service recognizes potential conflict between motorized and non-motorized users and the need for balanced management of the PCT Crossing Area to meet the needs of all users. Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of this project is to establish a winter motorized crossing of the PCT through the PCT Crossing Area that has the following characteristics: Is identifiable and enforceable. Provides year-round protection of the area s high scenic quality. Minimizes snowmobiler exposure to avalanches within the PCT Crossing Area. This action is needed to respond to the direction of the OPLMA to designate a snowmobile crossing of the PCT and to provide an access between the BWRA and Highway 108 near Sonora Pass to create a loop opportunity for snowmobilers. This action is also needed to ensure protection of the nature and purpose of the PCT and the surrounding landscape. Proposed Action The Forest Service proposes to designate a winter motorized crossing of the PCT within the PCT Crossing Area and establish a route to allow snowmobilers access between the BWRA and Highway 108 on the east side of Sonora Pass as shown in Figure 2. The crossing route would enter the PCT Crossing Area from the east, below an unnnamed peak at 10,970 feet, along the divide between McKay Creek and Sardine Creek. The crossing route would drop into the Sardine Creek drainage, avoiding the bowls of the Sardine Creek headwaters. It would exit the PCT Crossing Area at Highway 108 on the east side of Sonora Pass. The proposed crossing route would cross the PCT at two points and parallel the PCT for approximately 1400 feet. 5

9 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Environmental Assessment The Proposed Action also includes a non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan to allow for motorized use in an area otherwise managed under a wilderness prescription that prohibits motorized use. The amendment is description in detail below under Forest Plan Amendment. Decision Framework Given the purpose and need, the deciding official will review the proposed action and the other alternatives in order to make the following decisions: 1) Whether to approve the crossing as proposed or modified, or as described in an alternative, including the approval of a Forest Plan non-significant amendment. 2) If mitigation is needed. 3) If project monitoring is required, what that monitoring will be. Public Involvement Initial scoping for the PCT Crossing occurred during the development of the BWRA Management Plan from November 2009 to April Public meetings were held in Bridgeport, California in November 2009 and February A news release was issued on January 29, 2010 asking people to provide input into the development of the BWRA Management Plan and the location of the PCT crossing. Participants expressed interest in the location and number of crossings of the PCT within the PCT Crossing Area. They identified concerns about potential effects to the nature and purpose of the PCT, conflicts between motorized and non-motorized recreationists, and lack of clarity in the guidance provided by the OPLMA. In June 2010, a notice of proposed action and opportunity to comment for this PCT Crossing Area Project was sent to 66 interested parties. This list included individuals, organizations, Tribal governments, and other agencies. A legal notice was published in the Reno Gazette- Journal (newspaper of record) on June 25, A press release was sent to seven media outlets in California and Nevada. Additionally, flyers and opportunity to comment business cards were available at the Bridgeport Ranger District and were given to businesses in the Bridgeport, CA area. In March 2011, a second comment period was initiated for two reasons: 1) A Forest Plan amendment is required for action alternatives 2 and 4 to allow motorized use on the designated crossing corridor and 2) the Sierra Nevada red fox was discovered in the PCT Crossing Area after the initial comment period. Forty-eight comments were received and are summarized in Appendix A. Using the comments from the public and other agencies (see Issues section), the interdisciplinary team developed a list of issues to address. Issues Issues are cause-effect relationships that highlight effects or unintended consequences that may occur from the Proposed Action, providing opportunities during the analysis to explore 6

10 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing alternative ways to meet the purpose and need while reducing adverse effects (FSH , Section 12.42). A summary of public comments is located in Appendix A of this EA and all comments (with Forest Service responses to each) are on file in the project record. The public expressed a number of concerns during scoping. Four of those are described below as issues, and will be addressed in the environmental effects analysis of this EA. Alternatives 3 and 4 were developed in response to these issues. Additional concerns were 1) outside the scope of the proposed action; 2) already decided by law, regulation, Forest Plan, or other higher level decision; 3) irrelevant to the decision to be made; or 4) conjectural and not supported by scientific or factual evidence. A list of these is included in the project record. Issue 1: Consistency with the Nature and Purposes of the Pacific Crest Trail within the Pacific Crest Trail Crossing Area. The OPLMA of 2009 states that the snowmobile crossing is to be located so that it does not interfere with the nature and purposes of the PCT. It also states that an appropriate snowmobile crossing point be established. The route location and two crossings identified in the Proposed Action could interfere with the nature and purpose of the PCT by facilitating motorized use on and near the PCT. Alternatives 3 and 4 were developed in response to this issue. Measurement indicator for Consistency with the Nature and Purpose of the PCT: Number of motorized crossings and motorized corridor proximity to PCT. Issue #2: Motorized Use Outside Designated Crossing Route. The Proposed Action would authorize a designated motorized route through the PCT Crossing Area and motorized use would not be authorized elsewhere in the PCT Crossing Area. If motorized users illegally operate outside the designated crossing route, conflict with non-motorized recreationists could increase. Alternatives 3 and 4 were developed in response to this issue. Measurement indicator for Motorized Use Outside Designated Crossing Route: Extent of motorized use outside the designated crossing routes. Issue #3: Public Safety due to Avalanche risk. Avalanche hazards exist within the PCT Crossing Area. Snowmobilers using the Proposed Action route would be exposed to avalanche risk. Alternative 4 was developed in response to this issue. Measurement indicator for avalanche risk: Degree of avalanche exposure to snowmobilers. Issue #4. Effect to Sierra Nevada Red Fox. The Sierra Nevada red fox (SNRF) was discovered in the Sonora Pass area in August, Winter recreation use (motorized and non-motorized) within the PCT Crossing Area could impact SNRF by disturbing foraging, breeding and denning foxes, and may result in increased metabolic rate, energy loss, 7

11 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Environmental Assessment decreased food intake, avoidance of an area, vulnerability to predators, starvation and reproductive failure. Alternative 4 was developed in response to this issue. Measurement indicator for Sierra Nevada red fox: Motorized and non-motorized disturbance to SNRF. ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION This section describes and compares the alternatives considered for the Pacific Crest Trail Crossing project. It includes a description and location of each alternative considered. This section also presents the alternatives in comparative form, sharply defining the differences between each alternative and providing a clear basis for choice among options by the decision maker. The information used to compare the alternatives is based upon the design of the alternative and the environmental, social and economic effects of implementation. Forest Plan Amendment Following publication of the legal notice for the Notice of Proposed Action and Opportunity to Comment and receipt of public comments, the Forest identified a conflict between the proposed use of motorized vehicles in the congressionally designated PCT Crossing Area and current Forest Plan direction to manage the area under a wilderness management prescription that does not allow motorized vehicles (Forest Plan, p. IV-96). The Forest recognized that a decision to select any of the motorized alternatives would not be compliant with this Forest Plan direction. To resolve this discrepancy, the Forest has added a provision to alternatives 2 and 4 for amending the Forest Plan. The non-significant amendment would consist of the following: Add to footnote #1 on page IV-96: Except as identified in Recreation MIH Code A16 Add Recreation MIH Code A16: Manage the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Area (as identified in the DN/FONSI for the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing) to allow for snowmobile use on the designated crossing corridor. Ensure that this use does not compromise the long-term wilderness character of the Hoover Planning Area (West) recommended wilderness. The addition of the amendment provisions constitutes incremental changes, as authorized by Forest Service National Environmental Policy Act Procedures (36 CFR 220.7[b][2][iii]). 8

12 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing Alternatives Four alternatives are analyzed in detail in this EA (Figure 2). Mitigation common to all action alternatives is described in detail in a separate subsection following the description of these alternatives. Alternative 1: No Action Under the No Action alternative, current management plans would continue to guide management of the project area. No winter motorized crossing of the PCT would be designated and snowmobilers would not have access between the BWRA and Highway through the PCT Crossing Area. This alternative would not meet the intent of the OPLMA or the Purpose and Need. Alternative 2: Proposed Action Under Alternative 2, the Forest Service would designate a winter motorized crossing of the PCT within the PCT Crossing Area and establish a route to allow snowmobilers access between the BWRA and Highway 108 on the east side of Sonora Pass as shown in Figure 2. The PCT crossing route would enter the PCT Crossing Area from the east, below an unnamed peak at 10,970 feet, along the divide between McKay Creek and Sardine Creek. The crossing route would drop into the Sardine Creek drainage, avoiding the bowls of the Sardine Creek headwaters. It would exit the PCT Crossing Area at Highway 108 on the east side of Sonora Pass. The proposed crossing route would cross the PCT at two points and parallel the PCT for approximately 1400 feet. Design Features have been established for this alternative. Please see Design Features Common to All Action Alternatives on pages This alternative includes a non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan to allow for snowmobile use along the designated crossing corridor in an area otherwise managed under a wilderness prescription that prohibits motorized use. The amendment is described above under Forest Plan Amendment. Alternative 3: Ridgeline Route Alternative 3 was developed in response to Issues 1 and 2 to minimize impacts to the nature and purpose of the PCT, to minimize the number of motorized crossings of the PCT, and to minimize snowmobile use outside the designated motorized corridor. The Forest Service would establish a route between the BWRA and Highway 108 on the east side of Sonora Pass. The proposed route would be located primarily on the boundary of the PCT Crossing Area and BWRA, along the ridge between McKay Creek and Sardine Creek. The route would exit the BWRA at Highway 108 on the east side of Sonora Pass. The route would not cross the PCT and would not parallel the PCT for any length. Design Features have been established for this alternative. Please see Design Features Common to All Action Alternatives on pages

13 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Environmental Assessment Figure 2. Alternatives. 10

14 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing Alternative 4: Adaptive Management Alternative 4 was developed in response to Issues 2, 3 and 4 to minimize snowmobile use outside the designated crossing corridor, to be responsive to avalanche hazards, and to minimize impacts to the Sierra Nevada red fox. The proposed PCT crossing route would be as described for the Proposed Action. The route would enter the PCT Crossing Area from the east, below an unnamed peak (10,970 feet) along the divide between McKay Creek and Sardine Creek. The crossing route would drop into the Sardine Creek drainage, avoiding the bowls of the Sardine Creek headwaters. It would exit the PCT Crossing Area at Highway 108 on the east side of Sonora Pass. The route would cross the PCT at two points and may parallel the PCT for approximately 1400 feet. However, the exact location of the PCT crossing and designated route may be adjusted to enhance user safety, reduce user conflict, or reduce impacts to the Sierra Nevada red fox. See adaptive management actions below. Design Features have been established for this alternative. Please see Design Features Common to All Action Alternatives on pages This alternative includes adaptive management adjustments that may be made when monitoring during project implementation indicates that implementation is not having the intended effect, or is causing unintended and undesirable effects (36 CFR 220.7[b][iv]). Table 1 identifies required monitoring of effects to the nature and purpose of the PCT, motorized use outside designated PCT crossing corridor, avalanche hazards, and disturbance to Sierra Nevada red fox; condition thresholds that would trigger implementation of adaptive management adjustments; and a range of potential adaptive adjustments that could be implemented. In addition, the Forest Service would document and assess snowmobile use on the designated PCT crossing route. A baseline of snowmobile use of the PCT crossing route would be established following three years of monitoring. Ongoing monitoring, education and enforcement efforts would continue throughout the snowmobile use season on the designated PCT crossing route and the Forest Service would immediately respond to violations. Effectiveness of education will be assessed by compliance rates and number of incident reports and violation notices. This alternative includes a non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan to allow for snowmobile use along the designated crossing corridor in an area otherwise managed under a wilderness prescription that prohibits motorized use. The amendment is described above under Forest Plan Amendment. 11

15 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Environmental Assessment Table 1. Adaptive Management Monitoring, Triggers, and Potential Adjustments Monitoring Subject Effects to Nature and Purpose of PCT Motorized use outside designated crossing route Avalanche Hazards Monitoring & Adaptive Adjustment Triggers Document incident reports and violation notices of snowmobiles off the designated crossing route, including use along the Pacific Crest Trail. If snowmobile use on or along the Pacific Crest Trail increases significantly and consistently from baseline, implement potential adaptive adjustments. Document incident reports, violation notices and observed tracks of snowmobiles off the designated crossing route. Cameras may be placed within the PCT Crossing Area to detect violations. If consistent motorized travel outside the designated route is document, implement potential adaptive adjustments. Periodically assess avalanche activity in the designated PCT crossing corridor by an avalanche forecaster. If previously unknown avalanche hazards are identified, implement potential adaptive adjustments. Potential Adaptive Adjustments -Increase or refocus education, signing and enforcement efforts. This may include an increase in the number of patrols in PCT Crossing Area. -Limit numbers of motorized recreationists allowed in PCT Crossing Area. -Adjust the designated route/crossings. -Increase or refocus education, signing and enforcement efforts. This may include an increase in the number of patrols in PCT Crossing Area. -Limit numbers of motorized recreationists allowed in PCT Crossing Area. -Close the PCT Crossing Area to snowmobile use. -Assess new avalanche hazards and their potential effect on the PCT crossing route. -Assess the PCT Crossing Area for a less hazardous crossing and route, and realign the existing route to minimize hazards. -If an acceptable route realignment cannot be identified, close the PCT Crossing Area to snowmobile use until hazardous conditions no longer exist. 12

16 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing Monitoring Subject Sierra Nevada red fox disturbance Monitoring & Adaptive Adjustment Triggers Document evidence of food storage violations or habituation in SNRF. If habituation documented or food storage problems increase, implement food storage related adaptations. Encourage research and continue monitoring to document behavioral modification due to snowmobile use. If behavioral modification documented, implement intensified research, monitoring or additional restrictions. Potential Adaptive Adjustments -Intensify education effort regarding food storage. -Implement food storage order. -Intensify patrols and enforcement actions. -Intensify monitoring and coordinate with other agencies to undertake research on the SNRF. -Restrictions may include limits on night riding, trail closures and reroutes, and seasonal closures Provide animal tracking training for biologists and patrol staff. If SNRF are detected by tracks in the PCT Crossing Area, implement intensified monitoring and research. Encourage research and continue monitoring to document SNRF den sites. If a den site is discovered in the PCT Crossing Area, implement potential adaptive adjustments with Limited Operating Period (LOP) standards identified in the 2004 Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment. ***Monitoring locations will be based on findings from ongoing surveys. Therefore, the PCTCA may not be a primary monitoring location if ongoing surveys determine this area is not a center of activity for the fox. Also, due to safety concerns from avalanches and difficult terrain, monitoring will only occur if it can be accomplished in a safe manner. -Reroute route to avoid impacts to SNRF within ¼ mile of known den sites. Distance from den may be adjusted if new information arises that indicates a change would be appropriate to protect denning individuals. -If reroute not possible, impose a LOP or an early closure within ¼ mile of known dens from January 1 to June 30 that excludes all winter recreational use (both motorized and non-motorized). LOP timing and distance from the den may be adjusted if new information arises that indicates a change would be appropriate to protect denning individuals. 13

17 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Environmental Assessment Design Features Common to All Action Alternatives The following design features would be used during implementation of the selected alternative. User Conflict Educate all users about the significance of the PCT, its location in relation to the BWRA, and why it is managed for non-motorized use. Encourage snowmobilers to use the designated route as an egress from the BWRA to Highway 108, but do not prohibit two-way traffic. Implement one-way egress if monitoring indicates: o Safety incidents between snowmobilers. o Significant and consistent snowmobile traffic outside the designated corridor. o Significant and consistent snowmobile tracks indicating the inability of snowmobilers to complete the uphill climb from highway 108 to the BWRA. Require all users to obtain a daily self-issuing permit when entering the adjacent BWRA. Permit will contain information about areas open to motorized use, staying on designated route while in the PCT Crossing Area, and minimizing impacts to wildlife (e.g. removing trash, keeping a safe distance from wildlife). Continue efforts to provide information to the Stanislaus National Forest (SNF) about appropriate use in the PCT Crossing Area. 1 Identify Stanislaus National Forest Near Natural and Recommended Wilderness areas and adjacent management restrictions including the PCT north of Highway 108 on PCT Crossing Area maps. Close the PCT Crossing Route to motorized use when one of the following occurs, whichever comes first. (Also see design features described below under Wildlife/Natural Resources Disturbance describing conditions for earlier closures.) o BWRA is closed to snowmobile use. o Caltrans reopens Highway 108 to vehicle traffic. o No later than the last Sunday in April. Develop and sign a Forest Order that supports current land designations to ensure effective management of the PCT Crossing Area. Signing Conduct a field review to determine exact locations for permanent and temporary signs. Locate signs to effectively identify designated snowmobile crossing route. Locate permanent and temporary signs to minimize visual impacts. 1 Near Natural is a Stanislaus Forest Plan management prescription. Management emphasis includes: Emphasis is placed on providing a natural appearing landscape in a non-motorized setting. Public motorized use is not normally allowed and no timber harvest is scheduled. Wildlife habitat management, watershed protection, dispersed non-motorized recreation, livestock grazing and minerals uses are allowed. The area is characterized by a high quality visual setting where changes are rarely evident. Land altering practices are limited in scope and duration. It meets the Forest Service criteria for the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class of Semiprimitive Non-motorized. Special timber harvest methods to enhance recreation or to salvage losses may be employed. 14

18 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing Use temporary (e.g., placed and removed each season) signs to complement permanent signs. Remove temporary signs at the end of the winter season. Avalanche Hazards Notify users of risks associated with traveling in avalanche terrain. Post avalanche awareness information at trailheads and link to avalanche forecasting information on the forest s website. Coordinate with Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center to develop better local avalanche forecasts for winter recreation. Encourage users to take an avalanche class and carry the appropriate equipment while in avalanche terrain. Wildlife/Natural Resources Disturbance Educate all users about effects of human interactions to wildlife through field contacts, signs and permits. Specifically address potential impacts to the Sierra Nevada red fox. Emphasize user responsibilities to remove trash and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Do not open the PCT Crossing Area to snowmobile use earlier than the first Saturday in December and only when a minimum of 24 of snow is available at the Leavitt Road and Highway 108 junction. Close the PCT Crossing Area to snowmobile use earlier than described above if the following conditions exist: o Less than 12 of snow is available at the Leavitt Road and Highway 108 junction. Spring snow packs naturally consolidate. The presence of 12 or more of snow at the junction location (more than 1000 feet lower in elevation than the PCT Crossing Area) implies that sufficient snow for snowmobiling exists in the Crossing Area. o 10% or more bare ground is exposed at Leavitt Lake. Similar to the snow pack, if 10% bare ground occurs at Leavitt Lake, there will still be considerable snowpack in the PCT Crossing Area. Alternatives Considered but Eliminated From Detailed Study Federal agencies are required by the NEPA to rigorously explore and objectively evaluate a range of reasonable alternatives, and to briefly discuss the reasons for eliminating any alternatives that were not considered in detail (40 CFR ). The following alternatives were considered, but eliminated from detailed study as explained below. Upper Crossing Route This route was identified during the development of the BWRA Management Plan as the only viable single crossing route in the PCT Crossing Area. The Upper Crossing route would enter the PCT Crossing Area from the east, below an unnamed peak at 10,970 feet, 15

19 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Environmental Assessment along the divide between McKay Creek and Sardine Creek. It would head west across the north face of the slope below the peak, crossing the bowls of the Sardine Creek headwaters, and exit the PCT Crossing Area just below 10,000 feet at the boundary with the Stanislaus National Forest. However, the end point for the Upper Crossing route would not provide access to Highway 108, and thus would not meet the Purpose and Need for this project. Furthermore, at the Stanislaus National Forest boundary, motorized users would enter a Near Natural management area where motorized use is generally not permitted. The Stanislaus Motor Vehicle Travel Management guidelines close this area to motorized use. A Stanislaus Plan amendment would be required to allow snowmobilers to travel through this area to access Highway 108. Snowlands Network and Winter Wildlands Alliance Alternatives 3, 4 and 6 Snowlands Network and Winter Wildlands Alliance are non-profit organizations that represent non-motorized winter recreationists. Together, Snowlands and Winter Wildlands proposed four alternatives to the Proposed Action, which are located in the project record for this EA. Their Alternative 5 was accepted and is analyzed in this document as Alternative 3, Ridgeline Route. Snowlands/Winter Wildlands Alternative 3 route is similar to Alternative 3, Ridgeline Route. It was eliminated from detailed study because the route ends at the Stanislaus National Forest boundary in a Near Natural Management Area where snowmobile use is not permitted. The Stanislaus Motor Vehicle Travel Management guidelines close this area to motorized use. A Stanislaus Plan amendment would be required to allow snowmobilers to travel through this area to access Highway 108. Snowlands/Winter Wildlands Alternatives 4 and 6 were eliminated from detailed study because they do not provide viable access from the Leavitt Lake bowl to Highway 108 for snowmobilers traveling in the BWRA. Snowmobilers would have to travel below Sardine Falls and bypass bowls in the upper McKay Creek drainage, or return from the upper McKay Creek drainage which would add time and mileage to their trip. Crossing Near Highway 108 at Stanislaus Forest Boundary A non-motorized recreationist submitted an alternative that would cross the PCT just above Highway 108 in the PCT Crossing Area, which is located in the project record for this EA. This alternative was eliminated from detailed study because it would unnecessarily encourage snowmobilers to travel onto the Stanislaus National Forest instead of directly accessing Highway 108. It is similar to the Snowlands/Winter Wildlands Alternative 3. Comparison of Alternatives This section provides a summary of the effects of implementing each alternative. Information in the table is focused on activities and effects where different levels of effects or outputs can be distinguished quantitatively or qualitatively among alternatives. 16

20 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing Table 2. Alternative Comparison. Effects Alternative 1 No Action Alternative 2 Proposed Action Alternative 3 Ridgeline Route Alternative 4 Adaptive Management Complies with OPLMA of 2009 Number of crossings of PCT Impacts to nature and purposes of the PCT Meets the intent of the OPLMA and P&N to provide snowmobile access between BWRA and No. Yes. No. Yes. No crossings. Two crossings. No crossings. Two crossings. No effect. Crossing route parallels PCT for appox feet. No effect. No. Yes. Yes. Yes. Hwy 108 Conflict No effect. Designated route avoids headwaters of Sardine Creek. Motorized use allowed only on designated route. Safety No effect. Least avalanche exposure to motorized recreationists. Scenery/Visuals Temporary (winter) signing to indicate no access to PCT Crossing Area. Temporary (winter) signing to indicate two crossings and crossing route to access Highway 108. Designated route avoids PCT and popular skiing areas. Motorized use allowed only on designated route. Most avalanche exposure to motorized recreationists. Temporary (winter) signing to indicate designaated route, primarily outside PCT Crossing Area. Crossing route parallels PCT for appox feet. Designated route avoids headwaters of Sardine Creek. Motorized use allowed only on designated route. Least avalanche exposure to motorized recreationists. Temporary (winter) signing to indicate two crossings and crossing route to access Highway

21 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Environmental Assessment Effects Alternative 1 No Action Alternative 2 Proposed Action Alternative 3 Ridgeline Route Alternative 4 Adaptive Management Noise from snowmobiles Hydrology Wildlife TES Except Yosemite toad and Sierra Nevada red fox Wildlife- Yosemite toad Wildlife Sierra Nevada red fox No additional noise within the the PCT Crossing Area. No effect within the PCT Crossing Area. Noise from snowmobiles using the designated crossing route will be audible to nonmotorized winter recreationists using the PCT Crossing Area. Snowmobile exhaust may cause localized impact to water quality. No additional noise within the PCT Crossing Area. Snowmobile exhaust may cause localized impact to water quality. Noise from snowmobiles using the designated crossing route will be audible to nonmotorized winter recreationists using the PCT Crossing Area. Snowmobile exhaust may cause localized impact to water quality. No effect. No effect. No effect. No effect. No effect. May impact individuals, but are not likely to cause a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability. May impact individuals, but are not likely to cause a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability. May cause a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability. May impact individuals, but are not likely to cause a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability. May cause a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability. May impact individuals, but are not likely to cause a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability. May impact individuals, but are not likely to cause a trend toward Federal listing or loss of viability. Fisheries No effect. No effect. No effect. No effect. Environmental Justice No effect. No effect. No effect. No effect. 18

22 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES This section summarizes the physical, biological, social and economic environments of the affected project area and the potential changes to those environments due to implementation of the alternatives. It also presents the scientific and analytical basis for comparison of alternatives presented in the chart above. Effects, analysis and determinations are summarized from the specialist reports and included in the respective resource sections. The resource specialist reports are incorporated by reference and may be found in the project planning record located at the Bridgeport Ranger District Office. Each resource section discloses the affected environment and the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the Proposed Action and Alternatives. The National Environmental Policy Act defines the effects as: Direct- effects which are caused by the action and occur at the same time and place. Indirect- effects which are caused by the action and occur later in time or farther removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable. Cumulative- effects that result from the incremental impact of the action, when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency or person undertakes such other actions. Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Affected Environment The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) was designated with passage of the National Trails System Act (PL ) on October 2, The trail is one of the premier long distance trails in the nation, traversing three states (CA, OR, WA) from Mexico to Canada. National scenic trails are established to provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities of the areas through which such trails may pass. By definition, the PCT is for use by hikers and equestrians, and skiing and snowshoeing are recognized as legitimate uses. The act establishing the trail states that [t]he use of motorized vehicles by the general public along any national scenic trail shall be prohibited. Furthermore, 36CFR prohibits use of motorized vehicles on the trail without a special-use authorization. There is a trail-wide special order in place which prohibits the use of mechanical transport on the PCT, including bicycles. The PCT enters the Bridgeport Ranger District from Yosemite National Park to the south and travels through the Hoover Wilderness on the Bridgeport Ranger District and the Emigrant Wilderness on the Summit Ranger District of the Stanislaus National Forest. The PCT enters the PCT Crossing Area before dropping down to Highway 108 near Sonora Pass through the Stanislaus National Forest Near Natural Management Area and heading north across Highway 108. There are approximately 1.9 miles of the PCT in the PCT Crossing Area. 19

23 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Crossing Environmental Assessment The PCT Crossing Area is located in the Walker Management Area and is recognized for its very high aesthetic and visual quality (Toiyabe Land and Resource Management Plan, 1986). The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail was designated for its scenic resources and outstanding recreation opportunities. The scenic integrity of the project area falls into the High category where existing landscape character is or appears to be unaltered. The PCT Crossing Area is currently undeveloped, with no existing structures or signage. The OPLMA of 2009 states in section (1806)(f): Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail - The Secretary shall establish an appropriate snowmobile crossing point along the Trail in the area identified as Pacific Crest Trail Proposed Crossing Area on the map entitled Humboldt- Toiyabe National Forest Proposed Management and dated September 17, 2008 In accordance with (C) The National Trails system Act (16 U.S.C et seq.) and (D) any applicable environmental and public safety laws; and (3) Subject to the terms and conditions the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure that the crossing would not (C) interfere with the nature and purposes of the Trail; or (D) harm the surrounding landscape. Environmental Effects Analysis of the effects of each alternative upon the PCT will focus on the effects to the nature and purposes of the PCT, including the number of snowmobile crossings of the PCT. A more detailed analysis of effects is documented in Pacific Crest Trail and Scenery Specialist Report (Weise, 2011). Alternative 1: No Action Under the No Action alternative, snowmobile use would not be allowed within the PCT Crossing Area. Education efforts, including a mandatory permit for all BWRA users, and law enforcement patrols would be used to minimize illegal motorized use within the PCT Crossing Area. Without snowmobile use, there would be minimal conflict between motorized and non-motorized use, either on or near the PCT, and skiers would be unimpeded in their use of the area. This alternative would not interfere with the nature and purposes of the trail, because no snowmobile use would occur on or near the PCT. However, implementation of this alternative would not comply with OPLMA direction to provide an appropriate snowmobile crossing point along the Trail in the PCT Crossing Area, or address the project purpose and need. Unlike the Alternatives 2 and 4, this alternative would not require any amendment of the current LRMP. Signage would be placed at the boundary of the BWRA and PCT Crossing Area to indicate no motorized use is allowed in the PCT Crossing Area. These signs would be designed and located to not impact PCT recreationists during the snow-free season. No temporary signs would be located near the PCT corridor, so visual impact during the winter would not occur. 20

24 Environmental Assessment Pacific Crest Trail Crossing Alternative 2: Proposed Action Under this alternative, the designated snowmobile route would cross the PCT twice and parallel the trail for approximately 1400 feet. This alternative would put motorized use nearer the trail than Alternatives 1 and 3, complicating efforts to reduce conflicts and would be more likely to interfere with the nature and purposes of the trail than Alternatives 1, 3, and 4. Alternative 2 would require a LRMP amendment to allow snowmobile use along the designated crossing route in an area currently managed under a non-motorized wilderness prescription. Signage would be placed at both PCT crossing points and along the designated crossing route to indicate where motorized travel is allowed. Signs would primarily be temporary (bamboo poles or similar) and would be removed when the snowmobile crossing and route is closed for the season. The priority for temporary sign removal would be along the PCT corridor. More signs would be visible to PCT recreationists under this alternative than under Alternatives 1 and 3. Alternative 3: Ridgeline Route This alternative would provide snowmobilers a route from the BWRA to Highway 108 without crossing the PCT. It would eliminate the need to establish a new motorized crossing of the PCT, and would be the least likely of the action alternatives to interfere with the nature and purposes of the trail. Implementation of this alternative would not comply with OPLMA direction to provide an appropriate snowmobile crossing point along the Trail in the PCT Crossing Area. However, this alternative would meet the project purpose and need to provide access to snowmobilers between the BWRA and Hwy 108 near Sonora Pass. Alternative 3 would not require an LRMP amendment to allow snowmobile use along the designated crossing route in an area currently managed under a non-motorized wilderness prescription because it does not enter the PCT Crossing Area. Signage would be placed at the boundary of the BWRA and PCT Crossing Area to indicate no motorized use is allowed within the PCT Crossing Area. These signs would be located in the BWRA and would be designed to not impact PCT recreationists during the snow-free season. No signs would be located near the PCT corridor, so visual impact would be lowest of the action alternatives. Alternative 4: Adaptive Management Because the initial actions to be implemented in this alternative are identical to those in the Proposed Action (Alternative 2), the potential effects of initial implementation would also be identical. See the description of Environmental Effects above for the Proposed Action. If the results of snowmobile use at the designated crossings and along the designated route were inconsistent with desired condition, the adaptive management options of this alternative would allow for adjustments to the snowmobile route location, season of use, numbers of motorized users, and time of day of motorized use. Consequently, this alternative would be 21