St. Joe Travel Management Inventoried Roadless Area Report

Transcription

1 St. Joe Travel Management Inventoried Roadless Area Report Lynette Myhre and Tracy Gravelle July 2015 Regulatory Framework Idaho Roadless Rule Roadless area descriptions from the Idaho Roadless Conservation EIS (PF: REC-36) and Idaho Roadless Rule were used, but the Idaho Roadless Rule (USDA Forest Service 2008 Idaho Roadless Rule) specifically states that nothing in the rule shall be construed as affecting existing roads or trails in Idaho Roadless Areas. Decisions concerning the future management of existing roads or trails in Idaho Roadless Areas shall be made during the applicable travel management process ; however, the Idaho Roadless Commission was briefed about the project on May 16, 2014 (REC-32). Forest Plan Direction The 2015 Forest Plan includes goals, desired conditions, objectives, standards, and guidelines for inventoried roadless areas (IPNF 2015 Land Management Plan pp. 36). The Management Areas (MAs) within inventoried roadless areas on the St. Joe Ranger District include recommended wilderness in the Mallard Larkins and upper St. Joe (MA1b), the Grandmother Mountain Wilderness Study Area (MA1c), The St. Joe Wild and Scenic River (MA2a), the eligible LNF Clearwater wild and scenic river (MA2b), the Five Lakes Butte Research Natural Area (MA4a), back country (MA5), and general forest (MA6). Motorized access is allowed in the Grandmother Mountain Wilderness Study Area (MA1c), parts of the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River Corridor (MA2a), back country (MA5), and general forest (MA6). Methodology for Roadless Analysis Scope of the Analysis The geographic scope of the analysis is each inventoried roadless area on the St. Joe Ranger District. Sideboards Sideboards identified in the scoping process were adhered to; therefore, the following areas with prior designation decisions will not change: Mallard Larkins Pioneer Area, recommended wilderness, Grandmother Mountain Wilderness Study Area, Snow Peak Wildlife Management Area, Hobo Cedar Grove, and Route of the Hiawatha. 1

2 Roadless Areas Fifteen roadless areas cover about 364,000 acres of the district (REC-4 and REC-35). Descriptions of roadless areas include first-hand knowledge of the area, information from the 2015 IPNF Forest Plan, and information from the Roadless Area Conservation FEIS for National Forest System Lands in Idaho (2008). Roadless areas are evaluated using five wilderness attributes that correspond to the roadless characteristics defined in 36 CFR 294 Roadless Area Conservation, Applicability to the National Forests in Idaho, Final Rule, referred to as the Idaho Roadless Rule (see below). Changes in route designations as identified in the alternatives are evaluated in relation to their effects on each roadless area. The analysis discloses potential effects to wilderness attributes in order to determine if, or to what extent these effects might influence future consideration for wilderness recommendations. This analysis focuses on the potential effects on roadless characteristics as defined in the Idaho Roadless Rule and wilderness attributes as defined in the 1964 Wilderness Act and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) (72.1). Table 1 shows the crosswalk or relationship between the wilderness attributes identified in Forest Service Handbook and the roadless area characteristics defined in the Idaho Roadless Rule. The wilderness attributes and associated roadless characteristics are used to compare the effects of the proposed changes in designations. Wilderness attributes are described for each roadless area. Expected changes are presented for the action alternatives. The five wilderness attributes include: (1) Natural, (2) Undeveloped, (3) Solitude and Primitive Recreation, (4) Special Features, and (5) Manageability/boundaries (FSH Ch. 72.1, REC-9). All of the attributes would be enhanced by prohibiting cross-country travel. Table 1: Wilderness Attributes and Roadless Characteristics Crosswalk Wilderness Attributes Natural: Extent to which the area s ecological systems are substantially free from the effects of modern civilization and generally appear to have been affected primarily by forces of nature. Undeveloped: Degree to which the area is without permanent improvements or human habitation. Solitude and Primitive Recreation: Personal subjective value defined as the isolation from the sights, sounds, and presence of others and the developments of man Special Features: Unique and/or special geological, biological, ecological, cultural, or scenic features. Manageability/boundaries: Ability to manage a roadless area to meet the minimum size criteria (5,000 acres) for wilderness. Roadless Characteristic High quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air; Sources of public drinking water; Diversity of plant and animal communities; Habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, and for sensitive species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of land. Reference landscapes; Natural appearing landscapes with high scenic quality. Primitive, semi-primitive non-motorized, semi- primitive motorized ROS classes of dispersed recreation. Traditional cultural properties and sacred sites; Other locally identified unique characteristics. No criteria Out of the five attributes, Natural and Solitude are the only attributes that would be directly affected by the action alternatives; therefore, they are the attributes discussed in this section. Motorized designations may affect opportunities for experience, such as solitude. Forest Service Handbook Ch 72.1 (REC-9) outlines considerations when evaluating opportunities for solitude. Prohibiting cross-country motorized use could improve the Natural attribute in any of the roadless areas. Designating motorized use as proposed in the action alternatives (noting the sideboard where new construction is not considered) would not change the other attributes. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27. 2

3 Prohibiting cross-country motorized use would be a benefit to soil and water where it prevents soil damage and erosion. See sections for Aquatics and Soils. It would also protect the diversity of plant and animal communities and habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, and sensitive species that depend on large, undisturbed areas of land. See sections on Fisheries, Plants, and Wildlife. This would be applicable where motorized use would be designated in or at the perimeters of roadless areas. Both motorized and non-motorized recreationists are looking for solitude. We received comments from motorcyclists who describe their enjoyment of the solitude available in the immense back country of the St. Joe RD, and that their vehicle gets them out farther in a day than a hiker can travel. Lack of motorized use is beneficial to solitude and enhances the experience; sounds of motorcycles do influence feelings of solitude within an area. A study (USDA Forest Service Sound Levels of Five Motorcycles Traveling Over Forest Trails, 1993, REC-16) states, the data confirm that although in some cases the motorcycles were audible at the measurement locations (could be detected as being present by carefully listening observers who knew what they were listening for) no measurable sound increase occurred. The study also concluded that sounds produced by five motorcycles ridden on typical motorcycle trails are detectable, at least occasionally, by observers listening for motorcycles at distances up to one half mile in the terrain conditions at the study site. The 2004 NVUM report (REC-8) shows the perception of crowding by IPNF visitors. In the General Forest Area (where the trails are), 73% of people surveyed rated crowding between 1 to 3 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being defined as hardly any one there. First-hand knowledge by St. Joe RD staff also confirms this. This finding also suggests that, for the most part, recreational use is widely dispersed. Existing Condition of and Effects to Inventoried Roadless Areas Big Creek Roadless Area #143 This irregularly-shaped area is characterized by narrow drainages separated by high, steep ridges. Prominent peaks include Bad Tom Mountain, Lemonade Peak, Spooky Butte, Mastodon Mountain, Foolhen Mountain and Elsie Peak. Topography is steep and dissected by numerous small drainages with elevations ranging from 2,400 feet on Big and Slate Creeks to over 6,000 feet on the St. Joe-Coeur d'alene Divide. With the exception of two small areas which drain northward into the Coeur d'alene River system, the majority of the roadless area flows in a southerly direction via Big Creek, Slate Creek, and their tributaries into the St. Joe River. Within the roadless area approximately 4.6 miles or road are currently open for motorized use (PF:REC-39). The topography and vegetation in this area provides screening separating users from one another. A non-motorized user can usually enjoy solitude on mid-week treks into the area; however, sounds from roads that intrude into the area, such as Road 1907, can be heard. Most trails are currently traveled by motorized users. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. 3

4 Opportunities for solitude would increase slightly in the Big Creek Roadless Area for all three action alternatives, with Alternative B providing the most opportunity compared to the existing condition (Table 2). There would be no change to motorized use on existing roads with any of the action alternatives, and approximately 4.6 miles of road within the roadless area would remain open for motorized use (PF:REC-39); however, fewer miles of trails would be designated for motorized use in all action alternatives. An additional 13.3 miles of trail would be non-motorized in Alternative B, an additional 6.7 miles would be non-motorized in Alternative C, and an additional 4.9 miles would be non-motorized in Alternative D. Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness in the Big Creek Roadless Area with all action alternatives because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1- Wilderness Attributes and Roadless Characteristics Crosswalk). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC- 22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. Grandmother Mountain Roadless Area #148 Access to the roadless area is provided at several points by well-maintained roads surrounding the area and approximately one mile of Duplex Creek Road 480 within the Backcountry Restoration Theme of the roadless area (PF:REC-39). The most popular entry points begin from Fishhook-Gold Center Road 301, Marble Creek Road 321, and the Little North Fork Road 760. This area is a combination of forests and alpine meadows, and contains the headwaters of Marble Creek -- managed by the Forest Service, and the headwaters of the Little North Fork of the Clearwater River -- managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It includes high elevation lands with breath-taking scenic vistas. This area includes the Grandmother Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA). The WSA was acquired from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as part of two separate land exchanges. The initial exchange of 5,200 acres was acquired as part of the Arkansas-Idaho Land Exchange Act of 1992 (Public Law ). The second parcel totaled 1,700 acres, and was acquired as part of the Idaho Land Enhancement Act of 2006 (Public Law ). At the time these laws were enacted, and the lands exchanged, the BLM was managing both parcels as part of the Grandmother Mountain WSA; established under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782). Both the Arkansas-Idaho Land Exchange Act (1992) and the Idaho Land Enhancement Act (2006) require that this area be administered to retain the existing wilderness character and potential for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Existing uses in place prior to acquisition by the Forest Service shall continue to be allowed; including STM use. Five trails on the St. Joe Ranger District portion of the area are currently designated for STM use, and no changes are proposed (2015 Forest Plan p. 50). The Grandmother Mtn. Roadless area is favored by many people. A majority of the users for this area come from Moscow, Idaho and Pullman, Washington. It is the closest roadless area to these urban areas. There have been requests for this area to be non-motorized, and occasional conflicts between hikers and motorized users have occurred. The area has a dedicated group of people who use motorcycles on over 37 miles of loop trails in the area. An additional seven miles of single-track trail (Lookout Trail 52), managed by the BLM, are interconnected with these trails. 4

5 At times sounds of adjacent activities can be heard from the higher ridges. Two areas of concentrated use are near Freezeout Saddle and in the Lost Lake area. Once a person leaves these areas the opportunity to experience solitude can be found, especially further away from the trailheads and on week days. Topography and vegetation in this area provide screening. Motorized use occurs on trails in the Grandmother Mountain Roadless Area, with occasional intrusions of unauthorized OHV 50 access. Trail designations on five trails on Grandmother Mtn. are limited to STM use; therefore, non-motorized solitude is not guaranteed on this trail system. There are three day-hike, nonmotorized trails, in this area. For additional information, see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. Effects of Alternatives B, C and D All of the alternatives, including Alternative A (when considering existing use), are the same for solitude opportunity in Grandmother Mountain Roadless Area. Approximately one mile of Duplex Creek Road 480 within the roadless area would be designated for full-size vehicles in all action alternatives (PF: REC-39). For all of the alternatives non-motorized solitude is not guaranteed on the motorized trail system in the Grandmother Mountain Roadless Area, and no change to trail designations is proposed in any alternative. This area has three day-hike non-motorized trails. Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness in the Grandmother Mountain Roadless Area with all action alternatives because it would eliminate the unauthorized OHV<50 use that sometimes occurs and would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment. There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. Hammond Creek Roadless Area #145 The Hammond Creek Roadless Area is located on the west side of the North Fork of the St. Joe River drainage beginning approximately one mile north of Avery, Idaho. Primary access exists from the North Fork Road 456 on the east and Bonneville Power Administration roads on the northwest. The Cedar Mountain, Kyle Creek, and Hammond Creek trail systems provide access into the interior. The area has a long history of motorized use on trails and roads and offers limited to moderate opportunities for solitude (Idaho Roadless Conservation EIS 2008). The topography and vegetation in this area provides screening for short distances, separating users from one another; however, sounds from roads can be heard in the roadless area. The trails in this area are primarily traveled by motorized users. For additional information, see project file document REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. Opportunities for solitude would be increased just slightly for all three action alternatives with the reduction of 1.3 miles or motorized trails (see Table 2). Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness with all action alternatives because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. 5

6 Mallard Larkins Roadless Area #300 This area includes the Mallard Larkins Pioneer Area on the south, part of the LNF of the Clearwater River on the west, the Snow Peak Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on the north, and the upper St. Joe in the east. The area is characterized by streams and rivers, which run through steep-walled valleys, and numerous high mountain lakes. Elevations range from 2,400 feet, along the LNF Clearwater River, to 6,870 feet at Mallard Peak Lookout. Wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, camping, day hiking, back packing, and stock riding and packing are among the uses in this area. The Snow Peak WMA is co-managed with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) with a focus on nonmotorized hunting opportunities. The 2015 IPNF Forest Plan designated part of the area as recommended wilderness (MA1b). An existing area restriction for the entire Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area prohibits use of any motorized vehicles within the entire area, except for access roads (REC-1); the 2015 Forest Plan Revision keeps and expands these non-motorized trail designations to comply with recommended wilderness desired conditions and standards. The area is generally accessible by moderate to low standard gravel and dirt roads. Access along the north side is provided from several dead-end roads extending south to and into the interior from the main St. Joe River Road and Road 320 from Red Ives Work Center east. Access to the east side is possible from the Pierce-Superior Road 250, the Fly Hill Road 720, and the Pot Mountain Ridge Road 715. Access to the south side is from numerous logging roads in the Cold Springs, Quartz, and Skull Creek drainages, and the North Fork Clearwater River Road 249. The southwest corner is accessed by the Dog Ridge Road 700. Interior access, with some exceptions, is provided over a network of approximately 280 miles of low standard, fire control and administrative trails. Several trails into the more popular areas, such as the original Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area and along the upper St. Joe River, have been improved to some extent in recent years. Except for light to moderate traffic on adjacent roads, the area has a high degree of solitude. The varied terrain and the vastness of it enable the visitor to experience complete solitude in many areas (Idaho Roadless Area Conservation EIS, 2008; pg. C3-137). Topography and vegetation in this area provide good visual screening, and solitude is nearly always assured. Infrequent motorized use occurs on some of the accessible trails in the area and on roads adjacent to the area with most motorized activity occurring during the hunting season. For additional information, see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. Most of the trail would be available exclusively for non-motorized use. Compared to the existing condition, opportunities for solitude would increase slightly in the LNF Clearwater-Foehl Creek portion of the Mallard Larkins Roadless Area for all three action alternatives with Alternatives B and C providing the most opportunity for solitude (see Table 2). An additional 5.4 miles of trail would be non-motorized in Alternatives B and Alternative C, and an additional 3.8 miles would be non-motorized in Alternative D. Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness in the Mallard Larkins Roadless Area with all action alternatives because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. 6

7 Meadow Creek-Upper North Fork Roadless Area #302 The Meadow Creek-Upper North Fork Roadless Area is situated on the Idaho-Montana border. The Idaho portion (6,000 acres) is located in parts of Clearwater and Shoshone Counties within the Clearwater and Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The Montana portion is in Mineral County within the Lolo National Forest (40,400 acres). The portion of the roadless area within the St. Joe Ranger District is bounded by Forest Road 320 to Missoula Lake on the north and the St. Joe River on the south. For additional information, see project file document REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. There would be no change in solitude within the Meadow Creek Roadless Area because there would be no change in trail designations (see Table 2). Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness with all action alternatives because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC- 22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. Midget Peak Roadless Area #151 The opportunity to experience solitude is moderate due to the small size of the 7,200-acre Midget Peak Roadless Area (Idaho Roadless Area Conservation EIS 2008). A paved road, the St. Joe River Road, forms the eastern boundary and provides primary road access to the area. The Simmons Camp Road 218X (less than 0.3 miles long) is within the St. Joe Recreation River corridor where motorized use is allowed. Several trails, including the Simmons Creek and Simmons Ridge systems, traverse the interior. Topography and vegetation in this area provides some visual screening. For additional information, see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. Compared with the existing condition, opportunities for solitude would increase for all three action alternatives with an additional 2.4 miles of non-motorized trail (see Table 2). Access on Road 218 and 218X would not change. Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness in the roadless area with all action alternatives because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC- 22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. 7

8 Mosquito Fly Roadless Area #150 The opportunity to experience solitude is high (Idaho Roadless Area Conservation EIS 2008). Topography and vegetation in this area provide good visual screening, and there are few intrusions into the area. Access to the roadless area is provided by the St. Joe River Road, a paved road which forms the eastern boundary, and the Beaver, Avery Timber Creek, and Junction Ridge Roads which form the remaining perimeter. Infrequent motorized use currently occurs on most of the trails in the area, with most activity occurring around the hunting season; however, because of the light use a non-motorized user can nearly always enjoy solitude. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. Steep, rugged terrain with sharp ridges dissected by several drainages marks the topography, with elevations rising sharply from 3,300 feet along the St. Joe River to over 6,500 feet along the ridgelines. Rock outcrops and shallow soils typify a large proportion of this roadless area. Three major tributaries--mosquito, Fly, and Beaver Creeks--flow northeastward into the St. Joe River. Several major peaks, including Conrad Peak, Junction Peak, and Peggy Peak, are located within the area. Two small pond-like lakes--twin Lakes--are situated along the western boundary at a major trailhead near Peggy Peak. In each action alternative non-motorized trails are in large drainages which provide a high level of solitude. Compared with the existing condition, opportunities for solitude would increase for all three action alternatives. Alternatives B and C provide the most opportunity for solitude with an additional 14.7 miles of non-motorized trail. Alternative D would have an additional 9.2 miles of non-motorized trail (see Table 2). Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness in the roadless area with all action alternatives because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. North Fork Roadless Area #147 The North Fork Roadless Area is located immediately northeast of Avery, Idaho. Primary access includes the St. Joe River Road 218 and the North Fork Road 456. A rough, secondary road constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps extends approximately three miles into the center of the roadless area at Shefoot Mountain; however, it does not fall within the mapped roadless area boundary, meaning, it is buffered out of the roadless area. Approximately 0.7 miles of Clear Creek Road 3440 lies within the Backcountry Restoration Theme of the roadless area. A network of trails provides interior access. The northern boundary is the Route of the Hiawatha rail trail with over 20,000 visitors each season. Elevations sharply rise from 2,800 feet on the North Fork and main St. Joe Rivers to 6,300 feet at Shefoot Mountain, the highest peak within the roadless area. Several major tributaries of the St. Joe, the North Fork, and Loop Creek drain the area, with the largest being Skookum Creek. Steep, incised draws typified by break land topography and numerous bedrock outcrops cover roughly half of the North Fork Roadless Area. Glacial topography is evidenced in the Shefoot Mountain area. 8

9 Opportunities for solitude vary in this area from limited to high, depending on location (Idaho Roadless Conservation EIS 2008). The topography and vegetation in this area can provide enough screening in certain areas to separate users from one another; sounds from roads can be heard. The primary use of trails in this area is motorized. For additional information, see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. Opportunities for solitude would increase in the North Fork Roadless Area with all three action alternatives, compared to existing condition. Clear Creek Road 3440 would not be designated for motorized use in any of the action alternatives. Alternative B would result in the highest potential for solitude with an additional 8.7 miles on non-motorized trails (see Table 2). Alternatives C and D would have an additional 7.2 miles of non-motorized trails. Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. Pinchot Butte Roadless Area #148 The 8,500-acre area lies along the south side of the divide between the North Fork of the Clearwater River and the St. Joe River. Pinchot Butte is the highest point in the area with an elevation of 5,995 feet. The lowest point in the area is approximately 3,400 feet in Floodwood Creek on the southern boundary. The entire area drains into the Little North Fork of the Clearwater River. Topography is characterized by narrow ridges which drop off into steep, narrow draws. Several areas of rock outcrops appear along the slopes of Pinchot Butte and the tops of ridges The Pinchot Butte Roadless Area does not have any system trails and no roads intrude into the roadless area; however, at times sounds of adjacent activities can be heard from the higher ridges in the roadless areas. Topography and vegetation in this area provide screening. For additional information, see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. Effects of Alternatives B, C and D All of the alternatives, including Alternative A (when considering existing use), are the same for solitude opportunity in Pinchot Butte Roadless Area. The roadless area has no system trails, and none would be designated with any alternative, so there would be no change in solitude in the Pinchot Butte Roadless Area (see Table 2). Prohibiting cross-country motorized use from the adjacent open road may improve the naturalness in the Pinchot Butte Roadless Area with all action alternatives because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment that could occur (see Table 1). There would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations of the Pinchot Butte Roadless Area. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC- 39. Roland Point Roadless Area #146 The Roland Point Roadless Area is located on the south side of the Idaho Montana border about ten air miles north of Avery, Idaho. The roughly triangle-shaped roadless area rises in elevation from 3,400 feet on the North Fork of 9

10 the St. Joe River to over 6,500 feet on the Bitterroot Divide. Terrain is precipitous, with generally steep, rocky slopes. Streams flow southward into the St. Joe River system. About 265 acres of patented mining claims are contained within the roadless area. Bonneville Power Administration tower access roads, and the Bullion Creek, Loop Creek, and Cliff Creek Roads provide motorized access to the western, eastern, and southern boundaries. Low standard mining roads, the State Line Trail, and Lucky Swede Trail offer interior access. Opportunities for solitude vary from limited to high, depending on location (Idaho Roadless Conservation EIS 2008). The topography and vegetation in this area can provide enough screening in certain areas to separate users from one another; sounds from roads can be heard. STM Trail 60 goes through the middle of the roadless area from the North Fork of the St. Joe River to Bullion Pass. For additional information, see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. In the Roland Point Roadless Areas there would be no change in solitude because there would be no change in motorized access (see Table 2). Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness in the roadless areas because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC- 22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. Sheep Mountain-Sate Line Roadless Area #799 The Sheep Mountain-State Line Roadless Area lies along the Montana-Idaho State Line south and east of the Dry Creek Road. The access to the area is by either the Dry Creek Road or the Cedar Creek Road system. Motorized access is allowed on road 320A (0.3 miles) which accesses a dispersed camping site and falls within the Backcountry Restoration Theme. Ten trails in the area total about 40 miles, and most of those currently provide motorized access. The Stateline area is accessed by the Stateline Trail 738. There is infrequent motorized use on most of the trails; most activity occurs around hunting season. Due to light motorized use and remoteness of the area, opportunities for solitude are available. For additional information, see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. Opportunities for solitude would increase in Alternative B compared to the existing condition, and they would remain the same as the existing condition in Alternatives C and D (see Table 2). Motorized access to the Heller dispersed camping site would be designated on Road 320A in all action alternatives. Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness in the Sheep Mountain State Line Roadless Area with all action alternatives because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC- 22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC

11 Stevens Peak Roadless Area #142 The Stevens Peak Roadless Area is situated on both sides of the Idaho-Montana state line nine air miles north of Avery, Idaho. The most popular access is on trails which originate at the Lookout Pass overpass on Interstate 90. Other access is provided by low standard mining roads entering at several locations into the roadless area. Stevens Peak, with an elevation of 6,838 feet, dominates the topography of this irregularly-shaped roadless area. Several features of alpine glaciation, including cirques, alpine lakes, and moraines, typify the area lying north of Stevens Peak. Steep slopes dissected by tributaries of the North Fork of the St. Joe characterize the southern half. The lowest elevation of the roadless area is 3,600 feet along the North Fork of the St. Joe River. Opportunities for solitude vary in this area from limited to high, depending on location (Idaho Roadless Conservation EIS 2008). The topography and vegetation in this area can provide enough screening in certain areas to separate users from one another; sounds from roads can be heard. The 2.4 miles of trail are currently motorized. For additional information, see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. In the Stevens Peak Roadless Areas there would be a slight increase in solitude because Roads 1428, 1428UA, and 1428UB would not be designated for motorized use (see Table 2). The 2.4 miles of trail would remain motorized. Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness in all four roadless areas because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. Storm Creek Roadless Area #144 The Storm Creek Roadless Area borders the north side of the St. Joe River approximately one mile west of Avery, Idaho. Maintained roads encircle the 8,200-acre area. Currently 3.8 miles of motorized trail fall within the roadless area. The topography and vegetation in this area provides screening for short distances, separating users from one another; however, sounds from roads can be heard in the roadless area. For additional information, see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. Opportunities for solitude would be increased just slightly in Alternative B, and the other action alternatives would remain the same as the existing condition with no trail miles designated for motorized use (see Table 2). Alternative B would designate all 3.8 miles of trail in the roadless area for motorized use. Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness with all action alternatives because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 1). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC

12 Wonderful Peak Roadless Area #152 The Wonderful Peak Roadless Area is located on both sides of the Idaho-Montana border about nine air miles north of Avery, Idaho. About 500 acres of patented mining claims are contained within the roadless area. Bonneville Power Administration tower-access roads and the Bullion Creek Road provide motorized access to the area on the St. Joe Ranger District. Low standard mining roads, the Stateline Trail and Wonderful Peak Trail offer interior access. Opportunities for solitude vary in this area from limited to high, depending on location (Idaho Roadless Conservation EIS 2008). The topography and vegetation in this area can provide enough screening in certain areas to separate users from one another; sounds from roads can be heard. Currently there are 5.5 miles of motorized trail in the St. Joe Ranger District portion of the roadless area. For additional information, see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, REC-27, REC-36, and REC-39. In the Wonderful Peak Roadless Areas there would be a slight increase in solitude because Roads 1428 and 1428UA would not be designated for motorized use (see Table 2). Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness in the roadless areas because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment (see Table 2). There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics, and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. Roadless Summary Motorized access on roads in the Stevens Peak Roadless Area and the Wonderful Peak Roadless Area would be eliminated, so the potential for solitude would increase within them. Fewer trails would be designated for motorized use in the following roadless areas in all action alternatives, so the potential for solitude would increase within them: Big Creek, Hammond Creek, Mallard-Larkins, Midget Peak, Mosquito Fly, North Fork. In Alternative B fewer trails would have motorized use in the Sheep - Mountain State Line Roadless Area and the Storm Creek Roadless Area, so the potential for solitude would increase in those roadless areas in Alternative B. There would be no change in the miles of motorized trails in Alternatives C and D in the Sheep - Mountain State Line Roadless Area and the Storm Creek Roadless Area, so the potential for solitude would not change in those roadless areas with Alternatives C and D. There would be no change in designation of motorized routes in the following roadless areas, so there would be no change in the potential for solitude within them: Grandmother Mountain, Meadow Creek, 12

13 Pinchot Butte, Roland Point, Prohibiting cross-country motorized use may improve the naturalness in all roadless area with all action alternatives because it would reduce potential damage to the resources associated with a natural environment. There would be no change in the other wilderness attributes and their corresponding roadless characteristics (see Table 1- Wilderness Attributes and Roadless Characteristics Crosswalk), and there would be no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources on wilderness attributes or their corresponding roadless characteristics. Selection of any of the action alternatives would not affect future consideration for wilderness recommendations. For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39. Designations for motorized use on single-track trail are not considered irreversible, or irretrievable, since trail corridor clearing and tread width is no wider than that of non-motorized trail. Single-track trail specifications are the same tread width for all single-track uses (from inches). Vegetative clearing for stock use, a non-motorized use, requires the largest trail corridor, (i.e., the most trail clearance, 8 foot width and 10 foot height) (FSH , REC-26) If a STM trail becomes designated non-motorized, use would stop and the trail would not be diminished for the non-motorized user. The sounds of motorcycles do affect feelings of solitude within the area. A study (USDA Forest Service Sound Levels of Five Motorcycles Traveling Over Forest Trails, 1993, REC-16 ) states, the data confirm that although in some cases the motorcycles were audible at the measurement locations (could be detected as being present by carefully listening observers who knew what they were listening for) no measurable sound increase occurred. The study also concluded that sounds produced by five motorcycles ridden on typical motorcycle trails are detectable, at least occasionally, by observers listening for motorcycles at distances up to one half mile in the terrain conditions at the study site. Effects from motorized use on single-track trail are the sounds from the machines, not the clearing that is required. Specific motorized route mileage for each alternative, within corresponding roadless areas, is presented in Table 2 (also see REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39) Forest Plan Compliance Forest-Wide Direction for Inventoried Roadless Areas The goal for inventoried roadless areas is that they will be managed to protect values and benefits of roadless areas. All alternatives are consistent with this goal. All of the alternatives are consistent with the Inventoried Roadless Area standards which require complying with the Idaho Roadless Rule. All of the alternatives would designate motor vehicle use only on existing trails and roads. The alternatives are consistent with the Inventoried Roadless Area Guideline regarding wilderness potential on the Forest. Management Area Direction for Inventoried Roadless Areas MA1b - Recommended Wilderness: Opportunities for non-motorized exploration, solitude, risk, challenge, and primitive recreation would be available with all alternatives. Summer recreation opportunities and experiences are consistent with the ROS classification of semi-primitive non-motorized. Opportunities for solitude are high when traveling cross-country with almost no human encounters expected. The project does not include road construction or reconstruction, so it is consistent with the Idaho Roadless Rule and 2015 Forest Plan Access and Recreation Standards. No motorized routes would be designated in recommended wilderness in any of the alternatives. 13

14 MA1c - Grandmother Mountain Wilderness Study Area: The existing wilderness character and potential for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System is retained while uses allowed prior to the legislation continue. Motor vehicle use is limited to single-track vehicles in all action alternatives, and ATV and UTV use is not allowed. The project does not include road construction or reconstruction, so it is consistent with the Idaho Roadless Rule and 2015 Forest Plan Access and Recreation Standards. MA2a - The St. Joe Wild and Scenic River (Wild segment from Heller Creek Campground to the headwaters): In all alternatives segments designated as wild provide non-motorized opportunities, and opportunities for solitude are moderate to high with few human encounters in designated wild river segments. Summer recreation opportunities and experiences are consistent with the ROS classification of semi-primitive non-motorized in designated wild river segments. Motor vehicle use is not allowed in wild river segments except on the roads specified in the St. Joe Wild & Scenic River Development & Management Plan (Red Ives Creek Road 320, spur road to the St. Joe Lake Trailhead, Medicine Creek Road 1217, and the Pot Mountain Ridge Road 715). Motor vehicle use is not proposed in the wild segment of the St. Joe River Road except on Red Ives Creek Road 320, Medicine Creek Road 1217, and Pot Mountain Ridge Road 715. MA2b LNF Clearwater River Eligible Wild and Scenic River (Wild segment 2 in Mallard Larkins Roadless Area): No routes would be designated for motorized use in the eligible wild segment of the LNF Clearwater River. MA4a - Five Lakes Butte Research Natural Area: Summer recreation opportunities and experiences are consistent with the ROS classification of primitive because no motorized access would be permitted in any alternative. There are no system trails or roads in the research natural areas, and cross-country motorized use would be prohibited with all action alternatives. MA5 Backcountry: These areas provide more remote and undeveloped recreation experiences both motorized and non-motorized, and summer recreation opportunities and experiences are consistent with the ROS classifications of semi primitive motorized and non-motorized. Alternatives are consistent with this direction. MA6 General Forest: Motor vehicle use is allowed in MA6. There is one small area in the Grandmother Mountain Roadless Area in MA6. Trail 261 goes through this area and would be designated for STM use in all alternatives. 14

15 Table 2: Miles of Motorized Routes (Roads and Trails) in Roadless Areas by Alternative Alternative A Existing Use B C D Idaho Roadless Area St. Joe Travel Management Recreation Analysis Area Roads Trails Roads Trails Roads Trails Roads Trails Change in Solitude Big Creek Big Creek, Slate Creek-Cedar Mtn Increase Grandmother Mtn Grandmother-Marble No change Hammond Creek Slate Creek-Cedar Mtn Increase Mallard-Larkins LNF Clearwater-Foehl Ck, Mallard Larkins, Snow Peak Increase WMA, Upper St. Joe Meadow Creek Upper St. Joe No change Midget Peak Simmons-Stateline Increase Mosquito Fly Fly-Mosquito Increase North Fork Wonderful-Shefoot Increase Pinchot Butte Grandmother-Marble No change Roland Point Wonderful-Shefoot No change Increase in Sheep Mtn.-State Alt. B; No Simmons-Stateline Line change in others Stevens Peak Wonderful-Shefoot Increase Storm Creek Slate Creek-Cedar Mtn Increase in Alt. B; No change in others Wonderful Peak Wonderful-Shefoot Increase TOTALS For additional information see project file documents REC-4, REC-22, and REC-27, REC-33, REC-39 15