Black Butte Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive River Management Plan Environmental Assessment

Transcription

1 Black Butte Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive River Management Plan Environmental Assessment Recreation & Visual Resource Report Prepared by: Shannon Pozas For: Covelo Ranger District Mendocino National Forest Service 1

2 August 2017 Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION Project Description Purpose and Need Overview of Issues & Issue Indicators Methodology Mendocino National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan LRMP Forest Niche AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Black Butte River and Cold Creek Segments Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Visual Quality Objectives Scenery Desired Landscape Character and Condition ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES Alternative 1 No Action Alternative Alternative 2 Proposed Action REFERENCES

3 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Description In 2006, Congress passed the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act (HR233) that included 18.5 miles of Black Butte River (16 miles wild, 3.5 miles scenic) and 1.5 miles of Cold Creek (all wild designation) into the National Wild and Scenic River System. The Black Butte River and Cold Creek are free flowing, without past or present major diversions. The Black Butte River watershed is located on the west side of the California Coast Range approximately 150 miles north of San Francisco Bay, and several miles east of Covelo, California. Parts of Mendocino, Lake, and Glenn counties lie within the watershed boundaries, though Wild and Scenic designation for Black Butte River and Cold Creek lies entirely within Mendocino County. Over 98 percent of the Black Butte watershed is within the administrative boundary of the Mendocino National Forest.. The Black Butte River originates at The Basin in the very south end of the watershed, and flows northwest for almost 36 miles before draining into the Middle Fork Eel River. The highest peak in the watershed is Black Butte at an elevation of 7,448 feet. A Comprehensive Management Plan for the Black Butte and Cold Creek Wild and Scenic (WSR) is to be developed to establish programmatic management direction for the WSR corridor. Its development will guide in implementing the direction of the Wild and Scenic River Act (WSRA). The WSR Act established a system for preserving outstanding free-flowing rivers. A defined section in Section 1(b) of the WSR Act: certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreations, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in freeflowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations (PL , 1968). The WSR Act requires the Forest Service to develop a comprehensive WSR Management Plan for the Black Butte and Cold Creek to protect and enhance the outstandingly remarkable fish, cultural/historic and geologic values. 3

4 Figure 1 Project Area 1.2 Purpose and Need The purpose of this proposal is to: 1) adopt a comprehensive river management plan to protect and enhance the values for which the river was designated (free-flowing, water quality, and outstandingly remarkable values), and 2) identify and implement Forest Service management actions needed to protect these values within the Black Butte River and Cold Creek corridor. Section 3 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 USC 1274, as amended) specifies that a comprehensive management plan will be developed for the designated river corridor. Planning is needed to integrate management of multiple resources, resource designations, and activities in the planning area. Management of uses on public lands is necessary in this congressional designated area to address private, public, and administrative access needs; protect resources, promote public safety; and minimize conflicts among uses of public lands. Based upon the review of the public input, evaluation of corridor conditions and need for action, the comprehensive river management plan will focus on the following: As required by law, develop a comprehensive river management plan that addresses resource protection, land use, user capacities, and other management practices. Protect outstandingly remarkable values. Ensure free flowing conditions and water quality is maintained. The purpose of this environmental assessment is to provide a basis for comparing management alternatives and adopting a management plan for the Black Butte River and Cold Creek corridor. 1.3 Overview of Issues & Issue Indicators Although there were no recreation or visual resource issues identified through the external scoping process or through analysis of the proposed action, both resources were discussed during project development. The existing environment has been described below for the purpose of establishing a 4

5 baseline in which to identify change to the resources. The following indicators will be used to assess the effects of the Proposed Action and a No Action Alternative: Compliance with the LMP s Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Compliance with the LMP s Visual Quality Objectives (VQO s) Effect on Scenery 1.4 Methodology The scope of the analysis is the Black Butte Wild and Scenic Project boundary as it relates to the proposed action. Both recreation and visual resources were evaluated to determine if current LRMP direction is consistent with WSRA. The recreation opportunities for the Mendocino NF (MNF) have been analyzed and defined in the Mendocino National Forest Land Management Plan (LRMP) (USDA Forest Service, 1995) by what is called the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS). This spectrum is used to classify and select the desired experience level for individual recreation sites. These experience levels are based on physical, social, and managerial settings. This analysis for the recreation resources uses the ROS to determine consistency of the LRMP with the WSRA. The visual resources for MNF have also been analyzed and defined in the LRMP by what is called the Visual Quality Objectives. This analysis for the visual resources uses the VQO s to determine consistency of the LRMP with the WSRA. These methodologies will be used to document to what extent the current Forest Plan protects the recreation and visual resources are consistent with the WSR Act. All national forest landscapes have value as scenery. Scenery is analyzed by classifying variety classes, determining the landscape visibility, and by establishing viewsheds. Key viewing points will be used in this analysis as points of references from where the effects on scenery can be analyzed. 1.5 Mendocino National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan LRMP The Mendocino National Forest Land Management Plan (LRMP) was completed in The goals outlined in the Forest Plan are to maintain attractive landscapes and recreation quality around major lakes and within other areas of concentrated recreation use. The Forest Plan provides management direction for designated Wild and Scenic River corridors. The Black Butte River and Cold Creek segments are located within the Grizzly Management Area (MA17), Twin Rocks (MA 26), and Brushy Mountain (MA 39). The management area direction requires that the Forest provide protection to the outstandingly remarkable values found along the Black Butte River pending determination of the suitability of the Black Butte River for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System (Forest Plan, page IV-150). The Forest Plan was then amended in 2007 (Amendment ) to incorporate the newly designated Black Butte River and Cold Creek segments. That amendment also changed the management direction for the segments of the Black Butte River and Cold Creek to Management Prescription 10 Wild and Scenic River (Forest Plan, pages IV-76 to IV-77). The purpose of this prescription is to preserve the free flowing condition of designated Wild and Scenic Rivers and their outstanding river values (Forest Plan, page IV-76). 1.6 Forest Niche Starting in 2007, recreation facility analyses (RFAs) were conducted nation-wide to address growing concern about the agency s ability to maintain recreation sites to meet the needs of the public. The goal was to align management of recreation sites and facilities with the forest s recreation program niche and economic capability. Since 2007, national forest recreation programs throughout the country have been guided by recreation program 5

6 niche statements developed through the RFA process. Niche statements broadly define the scope of a national forest s recreation program and highlight those aspects that are distinctive. The following is the niche statement for the Mendocino NF: Spanning the eastern edge of northern California s Coastal Range, the Mendocino offers the first chance for absolute solitude and tranquility--in primitive forested settings at remote, uncrowded recreation site destinations, and challenging backcountry motorized-vehicle experiences all in close proximity to San Francisco and Sacramento. Sightings of Tule elk and other wildlife species can be observed, as they forage along tributaries to the Eel and the Sacramento River systems. Developed recreation destinations, providing overnight camping accommodations, still remain relatively quiet and unknown and uncrowded. Ascending the Mendocino s rugged terrain, the forest network of slower-paced dirt back roads take you to hidden, lesserknown places. The brushy hillsides give way to steep canyons of pine and fir. The remote landscapes of the forest provide great hunting opportunities for a variety of game species in an unusually extended hunting period. The vast holding of designated wilderness and adjacent wild landscapes provide opportunities for further escape -- find a spot on one of the remote peaks of the forest, call it your own, and reward yourself camping out under a starlit night sky. The southern reaches of the Mendocino provide world-class motorized-touring adventures that provide challenges for all experience levels. Come escape to the Mendocino to experience the excitement of our world-class off highway vehicle routes or the solitude and tranquility of our remote recreation sites. 2.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 2.1 Black Butte River and Cold Creek Segments The Black Butte and Cold Creek Wild and Scenic River Segments are located less than 10 miles northeast of the town of Covelo. The River segments were designed in the 2006 Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act (PL ). This Act designated three segments of the Black Butte River and Cold Creek, as follows: 16 miles of Black Butte River, from the Mendocino County Line to its confluence with Jumpoff Creek were designated as wild; 3.5 miles of the Black Butte River, from its confluence at Jumpoff Creek to its confluence with Middle Eel River were designated as scenic; and, 1.5 miles of Cold Creek, from the Mendocino County Line to its confluence with Black Butte River were designated as wild. 2.2 Recreation Opportunity Spectrum ROS Recreation settings are the social, managerial, and physical attributes of a place that, when combined, provide a distinct set of recreation opportunities. The Forest Service uses the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) to define recreation settings and categorize them into six distinct classes: primitive, semiprimitive non-motorized, semi-primitive motorized, roaded natural, rural, and urban (36 CFR ). The ROS system was developed to 6

7 support the planning direction under the 1982 Planning Rule (USDA Forest Service, 1982). The ROS for the Mendocino NF was originally established under the 1995 LRMP. The table and map below displays the ROS classes within the Black Butte and Cold Creek Wild and Scenic River Segments. Figure 2. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum The recreation opportunity spectrum for the Black Butte Wild and Scenic River is Semi Primitive/Non-Motorized through most of the corridor. Some segments of the river have been identified as Natural/Roaded. Semi-primitive settings are predominantly natural environments of moderate to large size. Interaction between visitors is low but there is often evidence of other humans. The area is managed in such a way that the minimum on-site controls of restrictions present are subtle. Motor vehicle use may be prohibited in some semi primitive areas. Natural Roaded stings are characterized by a more natural appearing environment with moderate evidence of human activity. Interaction between users is low to moderate. Resource modification and utilization practices are evident but harmonious with the natural environment. Conventional motor vehicle use is common on paved, graveled, and unsurfaced roads. Existing visitor use consist of: Access: The Black Butte River is accessed near its mouth at the Eel River Campground (a Forest Service campground) where Forest Road M-1(a National Forest System road) and Forest Highway 7 allow easy access 7

8 into the area. The major road access on the west side is the dirt Forest Road M-1, which uses the top of Etsel Ridge to parallel the Black Butte River; however, private land prohibits hiking down from this road. The Black Butte River and Cold Creek are not easily accessible from any other point; there are no other road or trail access points. All designated river segments are located on National Forest System lands on the Mendocino National Forest. Approximately half a mile upriver from the campground, public access is blocked by private property that spans the river. Day Use: The designated segments of the Black Butte River and Cold Creek are difficult to float due to access, shallow water, and topography. No legally authorized commercial guides use these segments. No recreation special uses are proposed or anticipated based on the access and topography. All day use occurs in the Portal segment and includes picnicking, wading and viewing scenery. Overnight use: No dispersed campsites have been documented in the public land in any segment (though evidence of camping has been documented on private land near the Blue Slides tributary). This is likely due to steep terrain in the segments, no legal public access along much of the WSR, and no flat sites except for transient gravel bars in much of the legal area. In order to travel along much of the WSR, people would have to walk in the river or cross it numerous times to reach gravel bars. Travel along the banks is impeded by vegetation, steep, crumbling hillsides, and mostly by the presence of private land. Should any of these factors change, there would be a limited supply of camping opportunities in a semi-primitive setting even during peak seasons. These would be restricted by terrain to gravel bars. Although the river falls within a motorized ROS, there are no motorized uses considered appropriate due to lack of road access, instability of soils and potential for erosion. The Eel River Campground provides rustic, overnight camping with toilets and picnic tables, and is lightly used. Illegal use: Various online reports of whitewater kayaking the 24 miles of the mainstem Black Butte River have been found. 2.3 Visual Quality Objectives VQO s There are four Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs) designated in the Forest Plan; 1) Preservation, 2) Retention, 3) Partial Retention, and 4) Modification. Existing natural and built features were considered when VQOs were assigned to the landscape during the development of the Forest Plan. The Forest Plan requires the Forest Supervisor approval through the environmental analysis process for any deviations from VQOs assigned to the landscape (USDA-FS, INF, 1988). Agriculture Handbook Number 462 (USDA Forest Service, 1974) provides a description of the VQOs. The designations of the Black Butte Wild and Scenic River are partial retention for most of the corridor and modification to some small segments of the corridor: Partial Retention Provides that management activities remain visually subordinate to the characteristic landscape when managed according to the partial retention visual quality objective. Activities may repeat form, line, color, or texture common to the characteristic landscape but changes in their qualities of size, amount, intensity, direction, pattern, etc., remain visually subordinate to the characteristic landscape. Activities may also introduce form, line, color, or texture which are found infrequently or not at all in the characteristic landscape, but they should remain subordinate to the visual strength of the characteristic landscape. Modification Provides management activities may visually dominate the original characteristic landscape. However, activities of vegetative and land form alteration must borrow from naturally established for, line, color, or texture so completely and at such a scale that its visual characteristics are those of natural occurrences within the surrounding area or character type. Additional parts of these activities such as structures, roads, slash, root 8

9 wads, etc., must remain visually subordinate to the proposed composition. Activities which are predominately introduction of facilities such as buildings, signs, roads, etc., should borrow naturally established form, line, color, texture so completely and at such scale that its visual characteristics are compatible with the natural surroundings. Figure 3. Visual Quality Objectives 2.4 Scenery Variety Classes Variety Classes are obtained by classifying the landscape into different degrees of variety. This determines those landscapes which are most important and those which are of lesser value from the standpoint of scenic quality. There are three variety classes which identify the scenic quality of the natural landscape; Class A Distinctive, Class B Common, or Class C Minimal. The visual quality for most of the Black Butte River stream corridors is rated as variety class B. Class B variety class refers to those areas where features contain variety in form line color, and texture or combinations thereof but which tend to be common throughout the character type and are not outstanding in visual quality. 9

10 At the stream headwaters of the Basin the variety class is rated A. Class A variety refers to those areas where features of landform, vegetative patterns, water forms and rock formations are of unusual or outstanding visual quality. They are usually not common in the character type. Landscape Visibility A large number of viewers with high concern for scenery, who view a landscape in detail for long periods of time, may substantially increase scenic importance of that landscape. Conversely, a small number of viewers with low concern for scenery, who view a landscape fleetingly, may substantially decrease scenic importance of that landscape. Landscape visibility is a function of many essential, interconnected considerations, including the following: (1) context of viewers, (2) duration of view, (3) degree of discernible detail, (4) seasonal variations, and (5) number of viewers. The degree of discernible detail is determined relative to the position or location of the observer. Other natural resource values, such as wilderness, wildlife, or old-growth, may create needs for natural-appearing landscapes and ultimately may raise the importance of maintaining high levels of scenic quality and landscape settings. These other natural resource values relate to viewer context. The project area lies in close proximity to the National Forest boundary. It is visible from numerous roads both within and outside the forest. Visual expectations directly influence the relative importance and sensitivity of what is seen and perceived in the landscape. The visual importance given to the landscape is influenced by multiple factors, including distance, duration and the viewer s intention. The importance of the scenic resource is weighed against other land resources and activities using Scenic Classes. Landscape visibility is determined using three elements: travelways and use areas, concern levels and distance zones. Travelways are liner concentrations of public-viewing, including roads and trails. Use areas are locations that receive concentrated public-viewing use. They include vista points, trailheads and other recreation sites. Most landscape viewing occurs from travelways and use areas. Concern levels are a measure of the degree of pubic importance placed on landscapes as viewed from travelways and use areas. Three (3) concern levels are used: Level 1 is the most important. Users have a high level of concern for scenery. It is associated with major roads and areas of concentration Level 2 areas are areas of lesser importance such as state highways, county roads, secondary trails, scenic overlooks, summer home tracts etc. Level 3 refers to low use areas and low volume roads, trails, waterways or recreation facilities. Distance zones are measured from key viewpoints. As distance between the viewer and the landscape increases, the level of visible landscape detail decreases. Distance zones are divided into three general categories: Foreground (300 feet to ½ mile), Middle ground (½ to 4 miles), and Background (4 miles to the horizon). 10

11 The Black Butte River can be seen from ridge top travel routes. The corridor is heavily vegetated, limiting views to the immediate river. Background views are of oak chaparral hillsides and some distant mountains. From the mouth of the river near the Eel River campground the view of the river is in the foreground. Foreground views may contain dramatic outcrops and large shallow pools. Much of the project areas would be considered to have a landscape visibility 3 with some areas having a landscape visibility of 2. Viewsheds are visible portions of the landscape seen from viewpoints. Viewpoints were identified, documented and included as part of this inventory. Each viewpoint was evaluated based on levels of screening by topography, vegetation, and/or development blocking the direct view of the project area. Viewshed visibility was determined by the edge conditions of viewpoint locations. Edge conditions are described as screened, partially screened or open conditions. A screened edge condition would block views of the project area. Partial screening occurs where there are dispersed patterns of vegetation and development. Open edge conditions lack any screening. The following key viewing points were chosen carefully as they each reflect the characteristic landscape of the overall BBCC Wild and Scenic River. Each key viewing points are also based largely due to the limited access and visibility of the project area. The key viewing points relevant to this analysis are view from the ridge top road FH7, and at the mouth of the river near Eel River Campground. Below is a table summary of the viewpoints evaluated for visibility. From these, key viewpoints were selected because they best represent critical views from the identified travelways and use areas with a high concern for public viewing. Table 1. Viewpoint descriptions Travelways and Use Areas Distance Zone Visibility Concern Level Black Butte Bridge Foreground Open to Partially Screened Forest Highway 7 Background Open to Partially Screened High Medium 11

12 Figure 4. View from ridge top travel rout Figure 5. View from mouth of river near Eel River campground. 12

13 View point from mouth of the river View point from ridge top Figure 6. Road and Trail access This analysis relies on personal observations from site visits and photography from inventoried sensitive viewpoints (key viewing points) and is essentially prepared using qualitative data for scenery (e.g. evaluation of effects is determined using professional judgment based on experience, training, and education, rather than quantitative values). 13

14 2.4 Desired Landscape Character and Condition The Mendocino National Forest Land Management Plan, Rx 10 Wild and Scenic River includes management direction area are as follows: -Provide for recreation in a primitive setting which offers considerable physical challenge and requires well developed outdoor skills a) Provide inconspicuous facilities (outside Wilderness) where needed for safety and sanitation. b) Permit overnight use of undeveloped areas, establish and enforce occupancy rules as needed. c) Construct or improve trails, and post travel routes as needed to properly disperse recreation use and promote safe travel in the area. d) Increase public understanding of the management direction for Wild and Scenic Rivers through the use of brochures, signs, and other media. -Meet visual quality objectives of retention. The Wild and Scenic River Act established a system for preserving outstanding free-flowing rivers. Act prohibits federal support for actions such as the construction of dams or other instream activities that would adversely affect the river s free flow or outstanding values. A free-flowing river, or section of a river, moves in a natural condition without impoundment, diversion, straightening, riprapping, or other modification of the waterway (WSRA 1968, Section 16). Human uses on NFS lands would not affect this value. The Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council has issued criteria for identifying and defining these Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs). The values must be river-related and they must be rare, unique, or exemplary in a regional or national context. The ORVs for the Black Butte WSR are Fish, Cultural/Heritage and Geology. Due to the protections in place in the WSR, it is not expected that most human uses on public land would affect the ORV s. 3.0 ENVIRONMETNAL CONSEQUENCES 3.1 Alternative 1 -No Action Alternative Roads and trails that used to provide closer access to the river system have now overgrown or pass through private property where public use is not allowed. Roads on NFS lands have also been closed where they were contributing to sedimentation or were on unstable soils. Due to more access in the past, the 1995 Plan stated that use in the corridor was light to moderate. The semi-primitive Motorized ROS classification in place for most of the WSR was most likely based upon the presence of the then-open roads. Today, the core of the WSR would probably be designated as Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized. Use today is much lower; the campground is rarely full and few groups are seen in the Portal area of the WSR. The current opportunities appear to be meeting demand for this type of recreation (overnight camping and day use). 14

15 Due to the remoteness of the area, it is not likely that a large increase in demand for access or in existing use will occur in the WSR. If a hiking trail were built near the campground, it is probable that this would see some use from campers, but this would not be a destination for other visitors. There are nearby wilderness areas that are more of a draw than the WSR. Private land parcels near the river will continue to prevent access for visitors. The nature of the river, which becomes very shallow and warm in the summer months, prohibits most use of watercraft or swimming. The No Action Alternative is not expected to result in changes recreation opportunities, visual quality, or scenery. As Alternative 1 has no direct or indirect effects on recreation resources it will have not cumulative effects. 3.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action. Adopting a Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) establish programmatic management direction for the WSR corridor. Its development will guide in implementing the direction of the Wild and Scenic River Act. The WSR Act established a system for preserving outstanding free-flowing rivers. As part of developing a CRMP, a User Capacity Analysis is completed and indicators and thresholds are developed to monitor for any changes to the existing situation to keep attuned to changes in the ecosystem or social setting. The capacity analysis determined the appropriate level of visitor use and activities that would not impact Outstanding Remarkable Values of the river, the recreation opportunity spectrum, the visual quality objectives, and scenery. See Appendix A of the CRMP for full details of the Capacity Analysis.The following summarizes the results: Table 2. Thresholds, Indicators, Potential Management Actions Segment River Value Indicator Trigger Threshold Potential Management Action Justification Portal, river subsegment Free Flowing Rock dams built in river for sitting pools Documentat ion of people building dams No more than one dam noted per year Remove rock dams. Provide education at campground (posters at fee booth) Interrupts free flow of the river Volunteer host. Portal, river subsegment Water Quality/Fish Social trails on riverbanks One trail of any length observed on either bank between No more than two new trails reported in one year Rehabilitate/cl ose unauthorized trails. Slopes in the area are loose and prone to sliding. Sediment 15

16 Segment River Value Indicator Trigger Threshold Potential Management Action Justification bridge and private land Consider providing river access trails where appropriate. load a concern Portal, river and campgrou nd subsegments Recreation Experience People at One Time Documented increase over baseline more than 2X outside of holidays No more than 32 PAOT 80% of the main use season/rive r subsegment; no more than 60 PAOT in campgroun d Trail development to disperse visitors; more group campground gathering places; use study; consider restrictions on # of people in each site Too many PAOT will change the remote, undeveloped experience Portal, river subsegment and Mainstem Water quality/fish People walking in river/river crossing evidence Increased access to river if land ownership changes No more than 2 groups per year observed walking in river/more than one documente d trail crossing the river Develop public use trail in durable area and directing use away from river If access increases along with visitation, enough people in the river can affect water quality and fish habitat Mainstem Cultural/ Heritage Disturbance to cultural sites (looting, vandalism) Increased access to areas with known sites due to changes in land ownership No more than one incident Conduct damage assessment and develop treatment or mitigation plan to eliminate Zero tolerance for cultural site disturbance 16

17 Segment River Value Indicator Trigger Threshold Potential Management Action Justification sources of loss. Visit sensitive sites at least annually Cold Creek Fish/Water quality Social trails paralleling creek Increased access to creek due to changes in land ownership No more than one recognizabl e trail that is causing erosion Remove trail and/or build a sustainable trail to replace. Restrict access through indirect methods (parking lot size) or direct (quota) Slopes in area are loose and prone to sliding; erosion in creek can affect water quality and fish habitat. Table 3. Capacity Estimates for WSR Segments Segment Measure Existing Use Estimated Capacity Justification Portal, river sub-segment People/groups at one time 4-8 people (two groups) up to 32 people at one time/4 groups 15 sites/4 people per car; limiting attribute is parking. Large gravel bar and ½ mile to distribute use. Remote setting; ROS of low to moderate encounters. Portal, campground sub-segment People/groups at one time less than 70 people per month in the busiest month; estimate people (3-4 groups) up to 60 people at one time (15 groups) This represents the full design capacity of the campground. Remote setting, ROS of low to moderate encounters. 17

18 Segment Measure Existing Use Estimated Capacity Justification Mainstem People at one time/people overnight Illegal use estimate 1-2 parties per year (2-3 people each) N/A No legal access; reassess if access changes Cold Creek People at one time 0 N/A No legal access; reassess if access changes Table 4. Monitoring Plan Monitoring Item Frequency Comments People at one time at Portal (both areas) Rock dams at Portal Social trails besides the two established ones from the campground at Portal; trails crossing river Areas without legal access: new trails or roads on FS lands leaving from FR 7 monthly or when fees are collected prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day Yearly in May (after spawning season) prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day Note # of groups in river subsegment as seen from campground and bridge area; note # of people in the campground & group size Note if any are present; determine management action GPS locations; check sediment load if trail persists; determine management action GPS. These trails/roads likely trespass through private land; notify landowners Changes in land ownership Whenever this occurs Determine length and area of corridor affected; develop capacity estimate Changes in management or design (new trails or roads on FS lands, or paving of FR 7) Reported or documented illegal use (outfitting) prior to occurrence ongoing as reported or found documented determine length and area of corridor affected; develop capacity estimate Consult with landowners and note if permission was granted for access; survey for campsites; contact business advertising the service 18

19 For each river value to be monitored, one or more key indicators are selected that will allow managers to keep attuned to changes in the ecosystem or social setting. For each key indicator, a threshold is set. This is the value that determines the amount of change that is either desired or that will be accepted before river management objectives are no longer being met. In this manner, indicators and thresholds provide managers with information to determine if the resource values and opportunities they are managing are actually being provided. The standards serve as triggers that cause predetermined management actions to be implemented when the limit is being approached. For each indicator and standard, a Potential Management Actions column lists the likely action that would be triggered if a particular threshold is reached. Sampling methods provide an example of how the indicator might be measured, but these sample methods can and should be changed as better means become available. Effects on Recreation Opportunities: The Recreation in the BBWSR would continue to be managed under the existing Forest Plan direction. People could continue to recreation as they have done in the past. There would be an increase in user education by teaching low impact techniques. There is potential for better cooperative management strategies with private land owners within the boundary. Effects on Visual Quality Objectives: Existing management direction would continue combined with a monitoring plan for potential future effects of Visual Quality. The main changes to Visual Quality would occur if private land parcels exchanged hands and fell under federal ownership, or if private landowners grant easements for travel to the river. If Highway 7 were paved, this could increase recreational visitor traffic to the WSR via the campground. Should any of these occur further analysis would be required to manage the changed conditions. Effects on Scenery: Existing management direction would continue combined with a monitoring plan for potential future effects of Visual Quality. The main changes to Visual Quality would occur if private land parcels exchanged hands and fell under federal ownership, or if private landowners grant easements for travel to the river. If Highway 7 were paved, this could increase recreational visitor traffic to the WSR via the campground. Should any of these occur further analysis would be required to manage the changed conditions. Cumulative Effects: The Recreation and Visual Resources in the BBWSR would continue to be managed under the existing Forest Plan direction and under the protection of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Adopting a Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) will establish programmatic management direction for the WSR corridor. Its development will guide in implementing the direction for preserving outstanding remarkable values and free-flowing condition of the Black Butte Wild and Scenic River. 4.0 References USDA Forest Service, National Forest Landscape Management, Volume 2, Chapter The Visual Management System, Agriculture Handbook Number 462. US Government Printing Office; Washington DC. USDA Forest Service Recreation Opportunity Spectrum User s Guide. USDA Forest Service Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Mendocino National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. Mendocino National Forest. Willows, Ca. 19