Description of the Proposed Action for the Big Creek / Yellow Pine Travel Plan (Snow-free Season) and Big Creek Ford Project

Description of the Proposed Action for the Big Creek / Yellow Pine Travel Plan (Snow-free Season) and Big Creek Ford Project Payette National Forest Krassel Ranger District Valley and Idaho Counties, Idaho August 10, 2009 Photo of proposed motorized trail in McCrae Mine vicinity TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page Introduction 1 Purpose and Need 1 Scope of Project 2 Proposed Action 2 Preliminary Issues 10 Appendices Map 1 Vicinity Map 12 Map 2 Project Area Map 13 Map 3 Map of Proposed Action - North Half 14 Map 4 Map of Proposed Action - South Half 15 Map 5 Map of Big Creek Bridge 16 0

INTRODUCTION This document provides detailed information regarding the proposed action for the Big Creek Yellow Pine Travel Plan (Snow-free season) and Big Creek Ford analysis. This document consists of the following sections: - Purpose and Need o Explains the reason for and the necessity for the project. - Scope of Project o Defines the location and extent of this analysis. - Proposed Action o Describes the activities planned to fulfill the purpose of this project. - Preliminary Issues o Identifies a preliminary list of issues proposed to receive further analysis as a part of this project. PURPOSE AND NEED The purpose of this project is to: 1) Analyze designations on the Payette National Forest (PNF) Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). a. Consider additional designations for motorized use. b. Consider closures of roads and trails to motorized use. 2) Eliminate the Big Creek ford as required in the Terms and Conditions in the Biological Opinions (BO s) for the McCall and Krassel Ranger Districts Snow-free Season Travel Management Plan Record of Decision (ROD) [(October 2008) (Travel Plan ROD)]. 3) Provide public access to Lick Creek Trail No. 004 and provide access to private property at the Big Creek ford via a new bridge. 4) Implement other opportunities to meet PNF - Land and Resource Management Plan (USDA 2003) direction and the Terms and Conditions in the BO s on the PNF Travel Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). The need for this project is: 1) To fulfill the commitment of the Appeal Deciding Officer decision (dated 1-8-2009, file code: 1570-1, #09-04-00-0019 A-215), which provides direction in response to issues raised by appellants; 2) To fulfill direction in the Forest Supervisor s ROD for the PNF, McCall and Krassel Ranger Districts Snow Free Travel Management Plan (Travel Plan ROD-11 and ROD-15); 3) To begin to fulfill the Terms and Conditions in the BO s on the PNF Travel Plan FEIS; & 4) Supported by the Forest Service Final Rule (Final Rule) in the Federal Register: 36 CFR 212, 251, 261, 295 Travel Management; Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use (Federal Register 2005: 70 FR 68264). This Final Rule requires designation of roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use. The Final Rule prohibits use of motor vehicles off the designated system, as well as use of motor vehicles on routes and in areas inconsistent with the designation. 1

SCOPE OF PROJECT The project area encompasses approximately 99,075 acres in the Big Creek and Yellow Pine areas on the Krassel Ranger District in T. 18 to 21 N., R. 7 to 10 E., Boise Meridian (see Map 1 and Map 2). A portion (about 24,000 acres) of the project area is comprised of Boise National Forest lands that are administered by the PNF, Krassel Ranger District. The PNF - Land and Resource Management Plan (USDA 2003), further referred to as the Forest Plan, provides management direction for the project area. The project area is primarily in Management Area 13 Big Creek / Stibnite, with a very small portion of the project in Management Area 12 South Fork Salmon River. The Management Prescription Categories (MPC) in the project area include: MPC 3.1 Passive Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Hydrologic Resources; MPC 3.2 Active Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Hydrologic Resources; and MPC 4.1c Undeveloped Recreation: Maintain Unroaded Character with Allowance for Restoration Activities. The project area is adjacent to, but does not include any, of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. There are numerous Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) within and adjacent to the project area, although no activities in IRAs are proposed as a part of this project. Other direction regarding travel planning on NFS lands, including a description of MVUM requirements, can be found in FSM 7700 and FSH 7709.55, Current motorized use designations, on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the project area, are available on the 2009, East Side, PNF MVUM. A copy of this map can be obtained: by contacting any PNF Ranger District Office; or on the Internet at http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/payette/publications/trvl_mgmt/final%20eis/final%20eis%20index_2007.shtml. PROPOSED ACTION The proposed action would include: - Changes to designations of roads and trails on the Krassel Ranger District; - Eliminating the Big Creek Ford by constructing a bridge over Big Creek; & - Completion of actions to comply with the Terms and Conditions in the BO s on the PNF Travel Plan FEIS. The Proposed Action ID # column in Table 1 (below) can be referenced to Map 3 and Map 4 to view a depiction of the approximate locations of the proposed actions. A more detailed description of each proposal follows Table 1. 2

Table 1 Proposed Action ID Summary Table Proposed Action ID # MVUM Road # 1 371 Road Name (Names in parenthesis are not official road names) Big Creek - Smith Creek 2 373 Pueblo Summit 3 373 Pueblo Summit 4 N/A (McRae Mine Loop/Spur) Current Designation on MVUM "Roads Open to All "Roads Open to All "Roads Open to All Unauthorized B Proposed Designation on MVUM Trails Open to Vehicles 50" and Less in Width Miles Affected A 0.7 Temporary Road C 0.9 "Other Public Trails" 2.9 "Trails Open to Vehicles 50" and Less in Width" 5 N/A (Golden Cup) Unauthorized B Vehicles 50" and Less "Trails Open to in Width" 6 N/A (Ludwig Mine) Unauthorized B "Trails Open to All 7 N/A - Trail 004 (Big Creek Bridge) "Other Public Trails" Other Public Trails (No Change) 8 N/A (Big Creek Loop) Unauthorized B Unauthorized B (No Change) 9 N/A (Red Metals) Unauthorized B "Trails Open to All N/A - (Missouri Ridge 10 Unauthorized B "Roads Open to All Trail 031 Trailhead Access) "Trails Open to 11 N/A (Red Mountain) Unauthorized B Vehicles 50" and Less 12 N/A - Trail 067 (Quartz Creek) "Trails Open to All in Width" "Trails Open to Vehicles 50" and Less in Width" 13 N/A (Horse Heaven) Unauthorized B Vehicles 50" and Less "Trails Open to in Width" 14 9001 Upper Haul "Roads Open to All 4.6 4.3 1.7 Other This is a proposed reroute and bridge construction to eliminate the Big Creek ford. See description of Proposed Bridge over Big Creek below. A short portion of this road would be authorized as a temporary road 0.5 C for administrative use only for the life of the associated borrow source. 1.1 0.1 3.0 1.0 6.1 Temporary Road C 0.1 (Dispersed 15 N/A campsites near Unauthorized B "Roads Open to All Fern Creek) 16 N/A (Sugar Creek) Unauthorized B Unauthorized B (No 0.2 5.0 Proposed to be decommissioned D Change) A All mileages listed are approximate, errors can be attributed to rounding. B Unauthorized is not a designation approved for use on the MVUM and these roads and/or road segments will not be displayed on the MVUM. Unauthorized refers to Unauthorized Road or Trail as defined in 36 CFR 212.1. This definition is, A road or trail that is not included in a forest transportation atlas. This includes roads and trails on National Forest System lands that are not managed as part of the forest transportation system, such as unplanned roads, abandoned travelways, and off-road vehicle tracks that have not been designated and managed as trails. Unauthorized roads also include those roads that were once under permit or other authorization and were not decommissioned upon the termination of the authorization. C Temporary road refers to Temporary road or trail as defined in 36 CFR 212.1 and is not approved for use on the MVUM as they are not for public use. The 36 CFR212.1 definition is, A road or trail necessary for emergency operations or authorized by contract, permit, lease, or other written authorization that is not a forest road or trail and that is not included in a forest transportation atlas. D Decommission is defined as implementing activities that result in the stabilization and restoration of unneeded roads to a more natural state. 3

Proposed Changes to Road and Trail Designations This section discusses proposed: conversions to the designations of roads and trails, additions of roads and trails to the system, removal of roads and trails from the system and the actions associated with this. These changes will affect the system of roads and trails that appear on the PAF MVUM. Proposed Action ID #s 1 through 6 and 9 through 15 are depicted on Map 3 and Map 4 and summarized in Table 1 (above). These activities are proposed to fulfill this projects purpose statement number 1 (identified in the Purpose and Need portion of this document). Proposed Action ID # 1-6 & 9-15 are discussed individually below. Proposed Action ID # 1- Big Creek Smith Creek This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Roads Open to All to Trails Open to Vehicles 50" and Less in Width, of 0.7 miles of Road No. 371. This would eliminate the publics use of the full size vehicle ford on Smith Creek, while allowing continued motorized access to Big Creek / Smith Creek trail. Actions associated with this conversion include: Develop a trailhead, parking, and turnaround area at Lower Werdenhoff on Smith Creek near the current junction of Road No. 371 and the cutoff trail (that connects lower and upper Werdenhoff), to accommodate both motorized and nonmotorized users. Install a structure that will prohibit public motorized access to vehicles over 50 in width. Ensure access authorized under 36 CFR 228(a) is not eliminated. Where the existing road crosses the North Fork of Smith Creek, remove the failed culvert replace with an appropriate crossing. Proposed Action ID # 2 Pueblo Summit This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Roads Open to All to Temporary Road, of 0.9 miles of Road No. 373. Actions associated with this conversion include: Install a gate to prohibit public motorized access. Once road access authorized under 36 CFR 228(a) or other federal law or regulation is completed this portion of road would be decommissioned. Proposed Action ID # 3 Pueblo Summit This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Roads Open to All Vehicles to Other Public Trails, of 2.9 miles of Road No. 373. This road is not needed for NFS use or management Actions associated with this conversion include: Once road access authorized under 36 CFR 228(a) or other federal law or regulation, is completed this portion of road would be converted to non-motorized trail standards. Proposed Action ID # 4 McRae Mine Loop and Spur 4

This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Unauthorized to Trails Open to Vehicles 50" and Less in Width, of 4.6 miles of trail. Prior to designating this trail for public use, the following actions would need to be completed: Where the trail crosses the South Fork of Smith Creek, remove the failed bridge and open the trail with a hardened ford. Additional monitoring for fish occupation would be conducted in close proximity to the ford. In the event that the ford is found to be adversely affecting listed fish habitat, the trail would be closed to motorized use until an appropriate crossing structure is installed or other acceptable mitigation measures are implemented. Sign and install an obstruction to prohibit travel on the user created trail that connects the two existing roads until this (approximately 500 foot) user created trail is relocated or reconstructed. Reconstruct or relocate this user trail to a safe and stable location that is consistent with the proposed use designation. Install drainage structures, improve wet sections of trail, and improve creek crossings as directed by the district hydrologist. Proposed Action ID # 5 Golden Cup This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Unauthorized to Trails Open to Vehicles 50" and Less in Width, of 4.3 miles of trail. Prior to designating this trail for public use, the following actions would need to be completed: Install drainage structures, improve wet sections of trail, and improve creek crossings as directed by the district hydrologist. Install obstruction to prohibit motorized access to unauthorized roads and trails that exist off this trail. Proposed Action ID # 6 Ludwig Mine This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Unauthorized to Trails Open to All Vehicles, of 0.7 miles of trail. Prior to designating this trail for public use, the following actions would need to be completed: Install drainage structures, improve wet sections of trail, and improve creek crossings as directed by the district hydrologist. Install obstruction to prohibit motorized access to unauthorized roads and trails that exist off this trail. Proposed Action ID # 7 & 8 Big Creek Bridge & Big Creek Loop These two proposed actions are discussed below in the section titled Proposed Big Creek Bridge. Proposed Action ID # 9 Red Metals This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Unauthorized to Trails Open to All Vehicles, of 1.1 miles of trail. Prior to designating this trail for public use, the following actions would need to be completed: Acquire public use easement from private landowner(s). If this is not possible leave the designation as PNF-MVUM Unauthorized and decommission portions of the road not authorized under federal law or regulation. 5

o Where the trail crosses the unnamed creek on private land, open the trail with a hardened ford. Additional monitoring for fish occupation would need to be conducted on private and NFS land in close proximity to the ford. In the event that the ford is found to be adversely affecting listed fish habitat, the entire trail would be closed to motorized use until other acceptable mitigation measures are implemented. Where the trail crosses the unnamed creek on NFS land open the trail with a ford. Additional monitoring for fish occupation would be conducted in close proximity to the ford. In the event that the ford is found to be adversely affecting listed fish habitat, the entire trail would be closed to public motorized use until other acceptable mitigation measures are implemented. Develop a parking and turnaround area at the end of the proposed trail. Install obstruction to prohibit motorized access to unauthorized roads and trails that exist off this trail. Install drainage structures, improve wet sections of trail, and improve creek crossings as directed by the district hydrologist. Proposed Action ID # 10 Missouri Creek Trailhead Access This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Unauthorized to Road Open to All Vehicles, of 0.1 miles of road. This road currently accesses the Missouri Creek trailhead (Trail No. 031) and parking area. This road and trailhead parking area is currently in good condition. Proposed Action ID # 11- Red Mountain This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Unauthorized to Trails open to vehicles 50" and less in width, of 3.0 miles of trail. Prior to designating this trail for public use, the following actions would need to be completed: On the portion of Trail No. 067 currently designated as Trail open to vehicles 50" and less in width on the 2009 PNF- MVUM, the following would need to be completed: o Ensure the existing bridge over Quartz Creek meets safety standards for designated vehicle use. If it does not meet safety standards, the trail to the north of the current bridge would be closed to motorized use until a bridge that meets safety standards is constructed. o Install obstruction to prohibit motorized use of the existing ford of Quartz Creek. Install drainage structures, improve wet sections of trail, and improve creek crossings as directed by the district hydrologist. Install obstruction to prohibit motorized access to unauthorized roads and trails that exist off this trail. Proposed Action ID # 12 Quartz Creek This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Trails Open to All Vehicles to Trails Open to Vehicles 50" and Less in Width, of 1.0 miles of Trail No. 067. Actions associated with this conversion include: Ensure that appropriate public use easement(s) from private landowner(s) exist. If public use easement(s) do not exist close 6

the entire trail to motorized use until legal access is acquired. If this is not possible, designate the trail as Unauthorized until appropriate access is established. Ensure the existing bridge over the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River on private land meets safety standards for designated vehicle use. If it does not meet safety standards, the trail would be closed to motorized use until appropriate access is established. Install drainage structures, improve wet sections of trail, and improve creek crossings as directed by the district hydrologist. Proposed Action ID # 13 Horse Heaven This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Unauthorized to Trails Open to Vehicles 50" and Less in Width, of 6.1 miles of trail. This trail would connect into a trail on the Boise National Forest that comes out in the vicinity of the Johnson Creek Airfield. Prior to designating this trail for public use, the following actions would need to be completed: Acquire public use easement from private landowner(s). If this is not possible, locate a suitable route on NFS lands and construct new trail around the private land. Conduct a hazardous materials site exam to ensure public safety when crossing mining site. Install drainage structures, improve wet sections of trail, and improve creek crossings as directed by the district hydrologist. Install obstruction to prohibit motorized access to unauthorized roads and trails that exist off this trail. Where the two trail crossings of the North Fork of Meadow Creek exist, the trail would be opened the trail with hardened fords. Additional monitoring for fish occupation would be conducted in close proximity to the ford. In the event that the ford is found to be adversely affecting listed fish habitat, the trail would be closed to motorized use until an appropriate crossing structure is installed or other acceptable mitigation measures are implemented. Proposed Action ID # 14 Upper Haul This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Roads Open to All Vehicles to Unauthorized or Temporary Road, of 0.1 miles of Road No. 9001. This road access private land and is not needed for NFS management activities. This road would be decommissioned unless the landowner(s) or other interested party receives special use or other authorization then it would become a temporary road. Proposed Action ID # 15 Dispersed Sites near Fern Creek This is a conversion of the current PNF-MVUM designation, from Unauthorized to Roads open to all vehicles, of 0.2 miles of road. Converting this MVUM designation would provide opportunities for designated dispersed camping. Prior to designating this road for public use, the following actions would need to be completed: Install drainage structures, improve wet sections of road, and improve creek crossings as directed by the district hydrologist. 7

Install obstruction to prohibit motorized access to unauthorized roads and trails that exist off this road. Designate area for dispersed camping Proposed Action ID # 16 Sugar Creek This proposed action is discussed below in the section titled is a Proposed Actions to Comply with the Terms and Conditions of the BO s. Proposed Big Creek Bridge Proposed Action ID #s 7 and 8 are depicted on Map 3 and Map 5. These activities are proposed to fulfill purpose statements number 2 and 3 (identified in the Purpose and Need portion of this document). Proposed Action ID #s 7 and 8 and associated activities are discussed below. Proposed Action ID # 7 Big Creek Bridge See Map 3 for the location and Map 5 for a depiction of the details associated with the Big Creek Bridge. Background The current ford of Big Creek on the Lick Creek Trail (Trail No. 004) is referred to as the Lick Creek ford, Big Creek ford, Lick Creek Trail, Cougar Basin Trail, FS Trail Number 004, etc depending on the document or local name assigned. For the remainder of this document, the current ford of Big Creek in T. 20 N., R. 9 E., Sec. 2, Boise Meridian will be referred to as the Big Creek ford. The Forest Supervisor s Record of Decision for the Payette National Forest, McCall and Krassel Ranger Districts Snow-free Travel Management Plan & the Terms and Conditions in the Biological Opinions (BO s) on the Travel Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) identify the following actions to be taken: 1) Closure of the dispersed campground at the Big Creek ford; & 2) Analysis of an alternate crossing of Big Creek for use by recreational users and private landowners. Historically, the Big Creek ford has served two purposes: it provides public access to the Lick Creek Trail No. 004 and it provides private land access for several lot owners in the Edwardsburg subdivision. These lot owners appear to lack other legal access and have used the ford for decades as sole access. The Forest Service has identified an alternative site for crossing Big Creek that addresses all access needs for this area. To develop a proposed action, a team of resource specialists utilized criteria with which to compare several possible crossing sites. These criteria included: - Bridge span and complexity of design; - Bridge location; - Length of new road construction; - Road or campground construction within the Roadless Area; - USFS acquisition of easements across private land; & - Provides motorized access for private landowners. 8

After comparing several options using the above listed attributes, the proposed site for alternate access across Big Creek is approximately 200 feet downstream of the existing ford. The proposed bridge location would result in a bridge span of approximately 75 feet. Compared with other options, the cost and complexity would be the least. The bridge location is in a favorable stream reach, with no meandering or presence of redds. The construction of bridge abutments and road approaches would require minimal earthwork to excavate and remove stream bank material and would present a low risk of bridge failure, although one abutment would be constructed in a floodplain. This option would provide motorized access for lot owners that apply and are issued authorization for use. Actions to be Implemented In order to implement an alternative crossing to the Big Creek ford and meet the Terms and Conditions in the BO s on the Travel Plan FEIS, the following actions are proposed: - Construct a bridge and associated reroute. o Bridge design features would include: construct of self-weathering steel rather than wood to protect the investment from fire damage; designed for a single lane for vehicles and a separated single lane for foot and horse traffic; decking would not be porous, to prevent sediment on vehicle tires from entering Big Creek; Motorized bridge traffic would be restricted to Edwardsburg lot owners with a gate and signs (public would be limited to non-motorized use); - Acquire an easement for the Lick Creek Trail No. 004 through private property o All bridge and road construction would occur on NFS lands. o To connect to the existing road/trail, new road construction would include: approximately 260 feet on the west side of Big Creek (a short stretch of this is proposed in wetlands, the impacts are expected to be offset by improvements from the ford closure); & approximately 800 feet on the east side of Big Creek. - Dispersed campsites would be modified from their current condition to accommodate the new road and bridge approach. - Close the dispersed campsites located in the floodplain in the Big Creek ford vicinity. o Although the Terms and Conditions in the BO s state that the campground should be physically closed, recent consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service have resulted in concurrence that closure of campsites in the floodplain is adequate to protect the listed fish. - Once the reroute and bridge are completed, decommission the ford and the stretch of existing road that is replaced by the reroute. 9

- Acquire public use easement(s) for the existing trail (Trail No. 004) across private property. Proposed Action ID #8 Big Creek Loop and Borrow Source In order to build the proposed bridge and reroute, described in Proposed Action ID #7, mineral material would need to be acquired. There is a potential source of material in T. 20 N., R. 8 E., Sec. 24, Boise Meridian that is proposed to be used for construction of the Big Creek bridge and associated reroute. The activities associated with this proposed action include: - Reconstruct a currently unauthorized road to access the proposed mineral material borrow source for road and bridge construction. - Authorize this road as a temporary road for administrative use only. - Develop a mineral material borrow source. o The proposed borrow source would provide material for use in the construction of the Big Creek bridge and associated reroute. o The borrow source and associated temporary road would be decommissioned after completion of the bridge/road construction. Subsequent use of this borrow source would require an additional analysis and decision to be completed. Proposed Actions to Comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Biological Opinions Proposed Action ID # 16 is depicted on Map 4. This and other activities listed below are proposed to fulfill purpose statement number 4 (identified in the Purpose and Need portion of this document). Proposed Action ID #16 and associated activities are discussed below. Proposed Action ID # 16 Sugar Creek This proposal is to decommission the Sugar Creek Road (approximately 5.0 miles) in T. 19 N., R. 9 E., Sec. 25, 34, 35, &36; T. 19 N., R. 10 E., Sec 30 & 31; and T. 20 N., R. 10 E., Sec. 6, Boise Meridian. For a depiction of the area proposed to be decommissioned, see Map 4. Other Actions Proposed For travel routes without Proposed Action ID #s in this analysis area, fords that are adversely affecting habitat for listed fish will be evaluated for replacement with appropriate stream crossing structures. If this is determined, stream crossing structures would be installed or other acceptable mitigation measures would be implemented installed. PRELIMINARY ISSUES This section identifies issues proposed to receive further analysis as a part of this project. These issues were identified through site specific analysis and by reviewing other documents related to travel management. The following is a preliminary list of issues that have been identified as topics that need further consideration during this projects analysis. The issues identified internally, by the public, and by other federal thuds far, include: Socioeconomic impacts; Recreational impacts; Effects to Historic Properties; US Forest Service acquisition of easements across Private land; Effects to Water quality and 10

wetlands; Effects to threatened, endangered, sensitive and management indicator fish, wildlife & plant species and habitats. The following is a summation of the issues proposed to be carried forward in this analysis: Socioeconomic impacts The initial cost and long term maintenance cost of adding roads and trails to the system should be balanced with the benefits that will be gained by adding roads and trails to the MVUM. Designations on the MVUM should provide quality recreational opportunities and minimize the potential for user group conflicts. Recreational impacts The project should ensure a balanced range of recreation opportunities and experiences. A mixed use analysis will need to be completed for this analysis. Effects to Historic Properties Compliance with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act will need to be ensured. Consultation with the State of Idaho Historic Preservation Office would be required prior to implementation. Surveys of any areas with proposed ground disturbing activities will be completed to avoid or mitigate any potential sites. Acquisition of road and trail easements across private land Several proposed routes cross private lands for which the Forest Service or the public do not have legal right-of-way. Prior to designating roads for public use, the Forest Service or a local government agency must acquire public use easements across private lands. In addition, road design would need to meet standards for public safety or be brought to standards prior to the Forest Service designating private roads for public use. Effects to water quality and wetlands The effects of the proposals on soil productivity, erosion potential, and sediment delivery to streams needs to be considered because the type, extent, and location of roads, trails, and motorized areas may have an effect on water quality. Effects to threatened, endangered, sensitive and management indicator fish, wildlife, and plant species and habitats Travel management may impact habitats for threatened, endangered, and sensitive fishes including Chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout (a Management Indicator Species). In general, forest roads reduce wildlife habitats and increase stress and disturbance on individuals and populations. The direct negative effects of forest roads include reducing the amount of available suitable habitat, displacing individuals, and altering behavior and habitat use patterns. Indirect negative effects include increasing human access resulting in greater vulnerability of species to harassment, over-harvest, and human-caused mortality. 11

Map 1 Vicinity Map 12

Map 2 Project Area Map 13

Map 3 Map of Proposed Action North Half 14

Map 4 Map of Proposed Action South Half 15

Map 5 Map of Big Creek Bridge 16