United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District 33 Kancamagus Highway Conway, NH 03818 Comm: (603) 447-5448 TTY: (603) 447-3121 File Code: 1950 Date: August 1, 2008 Dear Interested Citizen, I am writing to invite you to comment on the McCrillis Path Relocation Project. The McCrillis Path relocation project proposes to construct approximately ½ mile of trail across National Forest land. The trail would connect the existing McCrillis Path to the proposed trail easement location on the private parcel. The enclosed Scoping Report provides additional detail about this project, instructions on how to comment, as well as a map for your reference. This document is also posted on our WMNF web page: www.fs.fed.us/r9/white. You have received this letter because you own property in close proximity to the project area or have expressed interest in similar projects. I am interested in receiving your comments about our proposal, including any information about the project area that could help us improve our plans. Thank you for your interest in the management of the White Mountain National Forest. Sincerely, //Terry Miller// TERRY MILLER District Ranger Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper
McCrillis Path Relocation Project United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Scoping Notice Saco Ranger District White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District August 2008 For Information Contact: Lauren Oswald Saco Ranger District White Mountain National Forest 33 Kancamagus Hwy Conway, NH 03818 Phone: 603 447-5448 X109 Fax: 603 447-8405 www.fs.fed.us/r9/white
McCrillis Path Relocation Project Table of Contents White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger District INTRODUCTION...3 BACKGROUND...3 PROPOSED ACTION...4 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION...6 Trail Relocation:... 6 Forest Plan Amendment:... 7 Trail Easement:... 7 WHAT IS THE DECISION TO BE MADE?...8 HOW CAN YOU COMMENT?...9 2
Introduction The Saco Ranger District of the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) is seeking public comments on a proposal to relocate the McCrillis Path, in the Sandwich Range Wilderness in the Town of Sandwich, New Hampshire. This document is our invitation for interested persons to review the proposed action and, if interested or concerned, provide us your comments for consideration. This Report includes the Purpose and Need for the project, a description of the Proposed Action, a description of the Decisions to be Made, and information on How You Can Submit Comments to the Forest Service. The enclosed map displays the proposed project area. The project as proposed would relocate a part of the trail into what is described in the as Wilderness Management Plan (WMNF Forest Plan, Appendix E) as Zone A. This would likely require a non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan. Background The McCrillis Path is located in the south central portion of the Sandwich Range Wilderness, in Sandwich, New Hampshire and follows old roads connecting Ferncroft and Whiteface Intervale. Traditionally, the 2.9 mile McCrillis Path combined with the McCrillis Trail and the Blueberry Ledge Trail to provide an 11-mile loop opportunity from the Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead on the Whiteface Intervale Road. The northeastern 1.1 miles of the McCrillis Path, from the Blueberry Ledge Trail to the National Forest boundary (see Figure 1.2), provides access to a network of trails on both National Forest and private lands via the Tilton Springs Path. The southwestern portion of the McCrillis Path is currently closed beginning at the private property boundary, denying hikers direct access to National Forest land on McCrillis Path. An adjoining landowner has expressed a desire to provide public access to the Path on an alternate route across his property, and is willing to grant a permanent easement. In fact, the landowner purchased the property in large part to help resolve the trail access issue. The Sandwich Range Wilderness (Management Area 5.1) is approximately 35,800 acres, located in Carroll and Grafton Counties, New Hampshire. This Wilderness area is composed of three major ridges radiating outward from the center. It contains several dominant peaks, including the Tripyramids, Mt Whiteface and Mt. Passaconaway as well as several mountain ponds. The Sandwich Range has long been popular with hikers and backpackers. There are approximately 57 miles of trails within the Sandwich Range Wilderness. The Forest Plan assigned all Congressionally-designated Wilderness on the Forest to Management Area 5.1. Like most Eastern Wildernesses, the Sandwich Range Wilderness includes lands that have been modified through logging, recreation trails, and 3
other human actions in the past. Wildernesses are now managed to allow the current natural ecological processes to dominate. The Forest objective for Wilderness is to manage the areas to standard in accordance with the Wilderness Management Plan and national direction. In order to provide a range of opportunities Wilderness has generally been divided into four zones, ranging from lower-use areas to more highly used areas. The four zones, as delineated by the Wilderness Management Plan, are: Zone A, defined as areas 500 feet or more from all trails. Zone B, defined as areas within 500 feet of low-use trails. Zone C, defined as areas within 500 feet of moderate-use trails. Zone D, defined as areas within ¼ mile of developed facilities or 500 feet of high use trails. Through this defined zoning process all areas without a designated trail or facility have been identified as Zone A. The McCrillis Path by definition is located in Zone B, with the surrounding area identified as Zone A. Refer to Figure 1.1. Proposed Action The proposed McCrillis Path project has two distinct elements, one of which is the Forest Service proposed action. Both components are essential to the successful completion of 4
this project, so both have been included in this description to provide clarity to the project proposal. 1. Relocate the McCrillis Path on NF land (Forest Service proposed action). The McCrillis Path relocation project proposes to construct approximately 0.5 mile of trail across National Forest land. The trail would connect the existing McCrillis Path to the proposed trail easement location on the private parcel, at the nearest possible point and using the shortest possible route on National Forest land. Approximately a 0.1 mile section between the relocation and private would be closed. 2. Relocate the McCrillis Path on private land (not part of the Forest Service s proposed action). Based on preliminary observations and designs approximately ½ mile of trail will be constructed within a predefined trail corridor on the private parcel. The private landowner proposes to record a trail easement granting the public a permanent trail access across the property. Parking for McCrillis Path will be continue to located at the existing Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead on the Whiteface Intervale Road. No additional parking capacity is anticipated or needed. The proposed McCrillis Path Relocation Project would require a minor amendment to the Forest Plan. It is expected to have no significant environmental effects, and therefore it is 5
expected to be a non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan. The non-significant amendment would identify the McCrillis Path relocation as a site specific exception to direction found in MA 5.1 and the Wilderness Management Plan. The proposed nonsignificant Forest Plan amendment clearly identifies and describes the McCrillis Path relocation as a site specific exception. The additional Forest Plan direction as proposed would state: S-1 The McCrillis Path relocation is a known exception to constraints on trail construction(s-1, p 3-16) and increased development in Zone A (S-1, 3-13, and G- 1, 3-16). The completed trail relocation will be zoned consistent with the WMNF Wilderness management zoning process. Associated with this project is the attainment of a trail easement for the portion of the trail that would be constructed on the private parcel. The landowner has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the United States Forest Service, identifying his commitment to donate a trail easement to the USA for the purpose of preserving public access to National Forest Lands and the McCrillis Path in perpetuity. The lands process and procedures for attaining a permanent trail easement would be conducted prior to the commencement of the trail relocation. Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action Trail Relocation: The McCrillis Path is a trail that has had over a decade of public access issues in Sandwich, NH. Historically, the McCrillis Path was the connector road between Wonalancet and Sandwich. Along the McCrillis Path a number of cellar holes are visible, indicating the routes position as an important connector route in its day. A large portion of the original route can still be traveled. The western end of the trail crossed a tract of private property that has been posted closed to public use. Recently an adjacent landowner approached the Forest Service, and offered to donate a trail easement across his property with the intention of restoring public access to the McCrillis Path in perpetuity. The trail relocation would reestablish a historic level of connectivity between Wonalancet and Sandwich. The McCrillis Path relocation combined with the open portion of McCrillis Path, the McCrillis Trail and the Blueberry Ledge Trail would provide a unique 11-mile loop opportunity from the Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead on the Whiteface Intervale Road. The restored McCrillis Path would also serve as a connector route to a number of other trails both on the Forest and on private property. The relocation project would facilitate the preservation of public access to National Forest Lands and the McCrillis Path in perpetuity. The McCrillis Path is located within the Sandwich Range Wilderness (Management Area 5.1). The goal of MA 5.1 is to: 6
Manage the land as part of the National Wilderness Preservation system in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Eastern Wilderness Act and individual Wilderness enabling legislations. Provide a range of Wilderness values including social, scientific, ecological, and recreational. The Forest objective for Wilderness is to manage Wilderness areas to standard in accordance with the Wilderness Management Plan and national direction. The White Mountain National Forest has used a zoning approach to manage and maintain Wilderness character among many competing wilderness values. Forest Plan Amendment: The proposed McCrillis Path relocation is consistent with many Forest Plan goals and objectives for Wilderness, trail management and recreation; however during preliminary planning we identified two inconsistencies. The McCrillis Path would be relocated into what is currently identified as Zone A (Refer to Figure 1.1). By definition the proposed trail relocation will change a linear segment of Zone A to a more developed management zone. This proposal is inconsistent with Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines. The relevant Forest Plan Standards are: S-1 Zone A has no trails. Trails are prohibited. (Trail Construction, Reconstruction, and Maintenance, 3-16) S-1 Management actions, such as dispersing use or increasing developments, must not result in a change along the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum or Wilderness Management zone scale from less- to more-developed. For example, management actions must not change a zone from A to B, B to C, or C to D. (Recreation, 3-13) Therefore an amendment to the Forest Plan is necessary. Preliminary analysis of the proposed action suggests that environmental effects would be minor and insignificant. The proposed site specific non-significant Forest Plan amendment is intended to allow for the construction and subsequent Wilderness Zoning of the McCrillis Path relocation. The scope of the amendment is limited only to the McCrillis Path project. An alternate route outside of Wilderness is not possible because of the juxtaposition of Forest Service and private lands. Trail Easement: Attainment of a trail easement on private property to secure access to National Forest programs and facilities is consistent with lands and access direction outlined in the Forest Plan. Forestwide direction states: Access should be acquired, exchanged, or granted with other federal agencies, states, counties, towns, and private interests to assure management objectives are met for all ownerships. 7
In addition, the Forest Plan directs managers to evaluate and track land adjustment activities. Priorities for acquisition, easements, and other adjustments are identified based on the following criteria: 1. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands which have been directed by Executive or Congressional action. 2. Acquisition, exchange, or conveyance of lands needed to reduce expenses of both the Forest Service and the public in administration and utilization, including the consolidation of split estates. 3. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands which will provide a significant recreational experience or opportunity; improve riparian ecosystems on water frontage such as lakes and major streams; provide critical habitat lands needed for the protection of federallylisted endangered, threatened, or sensitive fish, wildlife, or plant species; provide for the protection of significant historical or cultural resources when management may be enhanced by public ownership; and protect or enhance watersheds, and wetlands. 4. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands needed to implement other scheduled management actions such as a campground expansion, road construction, or trail construction or reconstruction 5. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands needed to enhance or protect facilities or programs surrounding National Forest System lands. 6. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands that will consolidate existing National Forest System lands, eliminate the need for right-of-way acquisition, provide access to existing NFS lands, or meet the goals and objectives of the management area surrounding the proposed acquisition or exchange. 7. Land conveyances or exchange of lands no longer needed or suitable to meet the goals and objectives of a management area, and serve a greater public need in state, county, town, or other federal agency ownership. The attainment of the McCrillis Path trail easement, for the relocation project meets three of the seven criteria identified in the Forest Plan (#3, #4 and #6). The MOU has been completed with the landowner in accordance with policy outlined in the FSM 1586.03. What is the Decision To Be Made? An analysis will evaluate site-specific issues, consider possible alternatives to the proposed action and analyze effects of the project on resources. Based on this analysis, 8
comments from the public and contributions from an interdisciplinary team, the deciding official will make the following decisions: 1. Whether or not the proposed action (or an alternative) would best move the White Mountain National Forest toward the Desired Condition outlined in the Forest Plan, and best address the purpose and need identified for this project. 2. If the proposed action adequately addresses relevant issues raised by the public and the interdisciplinary team. 3. What level of environmental analysis is appropriate for this project. This would include consideration of whether the proposed project and amendment meet the criteria for a categorical exclusion from documentation in an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment, including an assessment of any extraordinary circumstances (as defined in FSH 1909.15, Chapter 30.3). Once the level of documentation is determined and the analysis is completed, copies of the environmental and decision documents will be provided to people who submit comments during this scoping period, and to people who request copies. If the determination is made to complete an environmental assessment, a 30 day comment package will be provided to people who submit comments during this scoping period, and to people who request copies. How Can You Comment? Comments should be addressed to Saco District Ranger Terry Miller as follows: Written comments must be postmarked by the Postal Service, e-mailed, faxed or otherwise submitted by 11:59 pm ET on September 2, 2008. Mail: Send to Lauren Oswald, Project Team Leader, Saco Ranger Station, 33 Kancamagus Highway, Conway, NH 03818. Letters can be hand delivered Monday 9:00am-4:30pm and Tuesday through Sunday, 8:00am-4:30pm. FAX: Send to Attn: Lauren Oswald @ 603-447-8405. E-mail: Send to (comments-eastern-white-mountain-saco@fs.fed.us), and must include an identifiable name. Comments submitted as electronic documents must be in plain text (.txt), rich text format (.rft) or Word (.doc) format. You should receive an automated electronic acknowledgement as confirmation of receipt of your comments. If you do not receive acknowledgement, it is your responsibility to ensure timely receipt by other means. Oral comments may be submitted Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, by phone (603-447-5448 x109) or in person; and must be received by close of business on September 2, 2008. Comments should include the following information: 9
Your name, address, and if possible, your phone number and e-mail address. The title of the project you are commenting on. Your specific concern and reasons the concern may lead to environmental effects. The purpose of soliciting your comments during this scoping period is to collect additional information and to identify any unresolved issues regarding the proposal. To make your comments substantive they should be specific to the proposed action. Be sure to provide supporting rationale for your comments, including concerns about environmental effects of the proposed project. Please be aware that your name, address and comments will become part of the public record and may be available for public inspection. Thank you for your interest in the management of the White Mountain National Forest. 10