Silver Creek Plunge Campground Reconstruction

Transcription

1 Silver Creek Plunge Campground Reconstruction PROPOSED ACTION REPORT Emmett Ranger District Boise National Forest 1805 Highway 16, Room 5 Emmett, Idaho November 2009 Silver Creek Plunge Campground Reconstruction - Emmett Ranger District 1

2 1. What is the Purpose of this Proposed Action Report? This Proposed Action Report (PAR) describes a proposal to reconstruct the Silver Creek Plunge Campground on the Emmett Ranger District, Boise National Forest, approximately 23 miles north of Crouch, Idaho. The PAR first describes the proposed action, and its purpose and location. The PAR then discusses the public involvement, the decisions to be made and how to comment. 2. Where Would the Proposed Project Be Located? The project is located approximately 23 miles north of Crouch, Idaho on the Emmett Ranger District adjacent to the Silver Creek Plunge Resort. The Silver Creek Plunge Campground is located in T.12N. R.5E. Section 36 NW ¼ of SE ¼ Boise Meridian, Valley County, Idaho. Figure 1 displays the vicinity of the project area. National Forest System (NFS) roads 698 and 671 access the campground. The project site can be reached by taking Highway 55 from Boise, Idaho to the Banks-Lowman Road near Banks, Idaho. Then, take the Banks-Lowman Road northeast to the junction of Forest Road (FR) 698, near Crouch, Idaho. Take FR 698 north approximately 16 miles to the junction of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 671. Take NFSR 671 northeast approximately 8 miles to the junction of NFSR 671W1. From Boise, total distance is about 61 miles on pavement and about 15 miles on gravel and dirt roads. 3. What is the Proposed Action? Reconstruction of the Silver Creek Plunge Campground would create four developed campgrounds and provide a total of 70 individual sites and 2 group sites. The campground would be constructed to Forest Service standards designed to maintain public health and safety. Reconstruction would include the following components: Designated Campground: The proposed renovation would establish two loops in the largest existing camping area: the Valley Loop and the Peace Loop. In addition, two group sites would be reconstructed in the areas currently used for group sites. The two group sites would be the Ucon Group Area and the Control Group Area. Table 1: Preliminary number of units and people accommodated by campground*. Loop/Group Site Single Family Sites Double Family Sites Total # Sites Valley Loop Peace Loop Ucon Group Area 10** Control Group Area 8** 8 75 TOTAL * Preliminary numbers may change with final design and implementation. ** The group sites include double tent pads as well as RV parking. Total # of people at one time Silver Creek Plunge Campground Reconstruction - Emmett Ranger District 2

3 Silver Creek Plunge Campground Reconstruction Vicinity Map Silver Cr Plunge Campground Reconstruction # Boise National Forest Emmett Ranger District Idaho Middle Fork Payette River # Emmett Ranger District Deadwood River Silver Cr Plunge Campground Reconstruction Project Area Bear Valley Creek Payette River Banks Garden Valley $+ $+ $+ 17 Rock Creek Lowman Crooked River $+ Horseshoe Bend Grimes Creek Mores Creek Miles

4 Single family units would include one 8-feet long picnic table, one fire ring with a tip-out grill and one utility table. Double family units would include two 8-feet long picnic tables, a fire ring with a tip-out grill and two utility tables. The tent pads would be 12 feet by 12 feet in size in the single family units and 12 feet by 20 feet in size in the double family units. Pull-in parking at each camping site would be paved and would accommodate a full size car, truck, or van. The majority of the sites would accommodate a full size travel trailer or Recreational Vehicle (RV). Group sites would each include twelve 8-feet long picnic tables, three 8-feet long serving tables, 3 pedestal grills and a group fire pit. A 30 feet by 64 feet overhead shelter would be constructed over the picnic and serving table area to provide shade and shelter for group gatherings. The Group sites would be constructed to provide adequate access for RVs as well. Attachment A includes the preliminary site plans for each of the four camping areas. All existing structures (picnic tables, outhouses, etc) would be removed and disposed. Campground Entrance and Access: The campgrounds would be each accessed by only one entrance and exit, with the exception of both the Peace and Valley Loops being accessed by a single entrance. A new fee station and with an information kiosk would be constructed near the single entrance to the campground areas. The existing roadcut along NFS Road 671 opposite the entrance of the Peace/Valley campgrounds would be expanded to allow greater site distance around the corner. Approximately 1,200 to 1,500 cubic yards of material would be removed from the roadcut/hillside. The material would be used for road fill on the campground roads if possible. The roadcut would be revegetated with native grass species. Barriers would be installed to prevent access from NFS Road 671 road to the campgrounds using userdeveloped routes and to direct egress and ingress through the new entrance. Designated entrances would be designed to improve campground security and public safety. All roads within the four campgrounds would be surfaced (i.e. asphalt or gravel and dust abatement) to reduce dust within the campground and reduce sediment inputs from roads to streams. Sanitation and Toilets: The existing portable toilets would be replaced with vaulted toilets to eliminate the current risk of unsanitary conditions and provide a more aesthetically pleasing experience. Six double vault toilets would be installed; one in each group site and two in each of the campground loops. Installation of vault toilets would eliminate the potential of groundwater contamination through building materials, design and location. Water System: The current water system, originating from the Silver Creek Plunge resort would be disconnected and a new water system would be developed. A well would be drilled east of the Control Group Site in the forest. Attachment A includes a site map displaying the tank and well/pumphouse locations. An existing road and old skid trails would be cleared and used to access the well site and tank. A solar-powered pump and pumphouse would be constructed near the well and solar-panels installed to power the pump. The pump would be used to transfer water into a buried holding tank upslope of the well. Water would then be then piped to the campground. The pipe route would occur along existing roads. Water hydrants will be located throughout the camping sites with approximately one hydrant for every two to three sites, and near each toilet. Site Design: The campgrounds have been designed to avoid impacts to streams, wet areas and to reduce soil compaction as much as possible. In some cases, existing camping areas have been moved or eliminated to avoid wetlands. In other cases, new campsites have been added in locations that do not impact stream and wet areas. For example, a walk-in tent pad area was included in the east side of the Peace Loop and the Ucon Group Area was designed to avoid degradation to an eroding streambank of Silver Creek. In addition, newly constructed roads within the campground would provide adequate drainage and would eliminate standing water and large puddles within the campground areas. Silver Creek Plunge Campground Reconstruction - Emmett Ranger District 4

5 Vegetation: On-site vegetation (trees, shrubs) would be retained as much as possible. However, many existing trees would be cut and removed to construct campground roads and campsites. The revegetation plan for the campgrounds includes transplanting trees from nearby areas, planting nursery-stock shrubs and seedlings, and seeding native grass. Depending on the trees remaining following campground construction, up to four trees would be planted or transplanted per campsite on the south/southwest side to provide shade and positioned at a distance of about 20 feet from the parking spur/tent pad. Vegetation (trees, shrubs) would also be used to create a visual screen and provide some privacy between campsites. Trees and shrubs used for screening purposes would be planted at a density to create a 10 to 20 feet long screen between every unit or fire-ring. The tree species to be transplanted from these units would include Englemann spruce, Douglas-fir, subalpine fir, and Ponderosa pine. These species would be removed at heights ranging from 4 feet to 20 feet and would be transplanted from nearby past timber sale units. Seedlings and saplings provided by the Lucky Peak Nursery include Ponderosa pine and Western larch. 4. Why Has the Project Been Proposed? (Purpose and Need) The Silver Creek Plunge Campground Reconstruction Project has been proposed because the current condition of the campground presents a moderate health and safety risk. The current facility is also not designed to meet the current levels of use. Proposed improvements are needed to create a more sustainable facility resulting in greater public safety and less impacts to environmental resources. The need for change is because: The Silver Creek Plunge Campground is located within one of the highest recreation use corridors (concentrated use areas) within the Payette River drainage on the Boise National Forest. The Payette River Basin Interagency Recreation and Tourism Survey (Institute for the Environment, Health, and Safety, Idaho State University, February 1997) identified the Silver Creek Plunge as one of the more popular destination sites in the basin. The site was ranked 18 th out of 190 sites by the Boise Forest s ranking tool, reflecting its high popularity and niche conformance. Approximately 40,000 visitors enjoy Silver Creek annually. In 2006, Money magazine ranked Boise as 8 th in its list of top 100 places to retire. This ranking was based in part on outdoor amenities associated with leisure and culture. The ranking suggests that facilities and opportunities provided by the Forest have been and will continue to attract older residents thereby supporting the need for enhanced RV and accessible facilities. The adjacent Plunge resort is an extremely popular destination offering rest, rejuvenation, and family fun within a 90 minute drive of the rapidly-growing Treasure Valley communities, including the Boise metropolitan area. The existing camping area at the Silver Creek Plunge Campground was never designed but rather evolved from user-developed sites and roads. The water system is an extension of the Silver Creek Plunge resort s private well and storage tank system consisting of minimally buried piping to approximately 50 outlets. Most existing toilets are hand-made, inaccessible, high-maintenance porta-potties that are moved as needed. Current vehicle travel and parking is haphazard. There are no established units or designated parking areas, truck-tire rim fire rings are often relocated at will, and group accommodations are a makeshift of individual units. Visitor exposure at this

6 campground is an estimated 39,750 person-days per year. The current condition of the campground presents a moderate health and safety risk given the variable and somewhat unknown character of the water system, and the misaligned road system. The objectives of this project are to enhance visitor safety and experience, improve water quality and improve riparian condition at the Silver Creek Plunge Campground by: constructing designated camp sites, developing adequate sanitary facilities, constructing a new water system, improving the road system within the campground, improving access in and out of the campground and campsites, and creating interpretive and informational kiosks. 6. What are the Anticipated Effects of the Project? The overall environmental effects of the project are anticipated to be beneficial as current conditions causing resource damage (such as poor road drainage, inadequate sanitation facilities, and soil compaction) would be remedied by the new design and construction. A thorough analysis of direct, indirect and cumulative effects will be completed as part of the environmental analysis for this project. Anticipated effects based on preliminary analysis and field reviews are summarized below: Threatened or Endangered species: A biological assessment and biological evaluation will be completed for this project. Preliminary analysis and two previous biological assessments (Silver Creek bridges replacements, 2009 and Silver Creek Plunge bridge replacement, 2005) show that there would be no effect to bull trout (threatened), Canada lynx (threatened), and Northern Idaho ground squirrel (threatened) due to the lack of known populations and habitat for these species within the project area. Floodplains, wetlands or municipal watersheds: Preliminary analysis has shown that the Proposed Action will result in an improvement in watershed conditions such as floodplains, wetlands and riparian areas as many of the current impacts to watershed resources will be remedied. The campgrounds are located within the Riparian Conservation Areas, but barriers (such as fences and boulders) have been and would be installed to minimize negative impacts from camping activities on riparian areas. Proposed activities are not anticipated to affect any known American Indian religious or cultural sites. Proposed activities are not anticipated to affect any known Archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas. A cultural resource survey and overview have been completed and will be included in the project record. 7. What Public Involvement has occurred to date? Release and distribution of this Proposed Action Report initiates a combined public scoping and 30-day notice and comment period on the proposed action as described above. In January 2009, a news release in the Idaho World, the Idaho Statesman, and the Emmett Messenger Index described the project as a part of a grant process for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. In addition, the project has been listed on the Boise Forest s Schedule of Proposed Actions since September No comments have been received at this point. Silver Creek Plunge Campground Reconstruction - Emmett Ranger District 6

7 6. Decisions to be Made The Emmett District Ranger must decide whether or not to implement reconstruction of the Silver Creek Plunge Campground as described in the proposed action, and if so, what design features, mitigation measures and monitoring should be included. 7. How to Comment The public is invited to comment on the proposed action. Those who submit timely comments will be eligible to appeal the decision pursuant to the 36 CFR 215 regulations and the April 24, 2006 order issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana in Case No. CV M-DWM. The opportunity to comment ends 30 days following publication of the legal notice for this comment period in The Emmett Messenger Index, expected to be November 18, Each individual or representative from each organization that provides comments or otherwise expresses interest in the project must either sign the comments or otherwise verify identity in order to attain appeal eligibility. Comments received in response to this request will be available for public inspection and will be released in their entirety if requested pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. 1. Write a letter to the Forest Service and mail it by December 18, 2009, address or deliver to: John Erickson Emmett Ranger District 1805 Highway 16, Room 5 Emmett, Idaho Call the District Ranger, John Erickson at Send an to the District Ranger by December 18, 2009 at: comments-intermtn-boise-emmett@fs.fed.us This Proposed Action Report is also available on the Boise National Forest website, (choose Land & Resources Management on the left menu, then Projects, then All Other Boise NF NEPA Projects ). The Responsible Official for this project is the Lowman District Ranger, John Erickson. For additional information, contact John Erickson at Silver Creek Plunge Campground Reconstruction - Emmett Ranger District 7

8 Attachment A Preliminary Site Drawings Silver Creek Plunge Campground Reconstruction - Emmett Ranger District 8

9 K:\e\facilities\_projects\_current\boi_silvercreek_plunge_cg\Drawings\_S1-S6_site_plan.dwg, 10/29/2009 8:29:38 AM 30-50% Design Submittal (10/29/09)

10 K:\e\facilities\_projects\_current\boi_silvercreek_plunge_cg\Drawings\_S1-S6_site_plan.dwg, 10/29/2009 8:29:44 AM 30-50% Design Submittal (10/29/09)

11 K:\e\facilities\_projects\_current\boi_silvercreek_plunge_cg\Drawings\_S1-S6_site_plan.dwg, 10/29/2009 8:29:48 AM 30-50% Design Submittal (10/29/09)

12 K:\e\facilities\_projects\_current\boi_silvercreek_plunge_cg\Drawings\_S1-S6_site_plan.dwg, 10/29/2009 8:29:53 AM 30-50% Design Submittal (10/29/09)

13 K:\e\facilities\_projects\_current\boi_silvercreek_plunge_cg\Drawings\_S1-S6_site_plan.dwg, 10/29/2009 8:29:56 AM 30-50% Design Submittal (10/29/09)

14 K:\e\facilities\_projects\_current\boi_silvercreek_plunge_cg\Drawings\_S1-S6_site_plan.dwg, 10/29/2009 8:29:59 AM 30-50% Design Submittal (10/29/09)