Kreist Creek Recreation Report Prepared by: Pat Hart Forestry Technician For: Bonners Ferry Ranger District Idaho Panhandle National Forest 1/30/2014
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Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Overview of Issues Addressed... 2 A. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum... 2 Desired Condition... 7 The desired future condition for recreation has been developed over time through Forestwide and local recreation niche, accessibility, and tourism planning.... 7 Environmental Consequences... 10 Alternative 1 No Action... 10 Alternative 2 Proposed Action... 13 i
Introduction Lands within the area of interest have a long history of motorized and non-motorized recreational use. They include a wide range of natural and developed settings. They lie within an hour of Bonners Ferry, Idaho as well as both Creston, and Cranbrook, British Columbia. Recreation areas are easily accessed via Meadow Creek County Road in addition to well-maintained Forest roads. Meadow Creek Road is a primary access for the Moyie River. The Moyie River is remarkable enough that it was proposed for a Wild and Scenic designation in the late 1970 s. Although it was not selected for designation, the landscapes viewed from the river within the area of interest are generally pastoral with equilibrium between natural and manmade environments. Guided as well as private white water rafting is popular in the spring. Guide service is permitted for hunting through the archery and firearm seasons as well. Snyder Guard Station is accessed via Meadow Creek Road as are many developed recreation sites and trailheads. Deer Ridge Lookout overlooks much of the analysis area. A segment of the Districts identified Watchable Wildlife loop follows Meadow Creek Road. Recreational use has significantly increased in the last 20 years. There is greater demand for recreational facilities than ever before. Lands in the Purcells play a very important part in the recreation opportunities provided on the Bonners Ferry Ranger District. Motorized use is limited on most other parts of the District. That makes these lands, open to motorized recreation, unique. Areas that were at one time considered a low priority for recreation now offer opportunities for ATV or motorcycle trails, as well as opportunities for car camping, driving for pleasure, and snowmobile use. More than 50 miles of open road and 22 miles of system trail are available for recreational access. In addition, Snyder Guard Station and Deer Ridge lookout are advertised through a national rental program. They are booked continuously throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons. The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) was congressionally designated in 2009 and has several publications and a web site advertising its route through the planning area. The area of interest, until recently, had been primarily of local interest, but now has wide range of appeal and recognition due to the trail designation. Lands in the area of interest accommodate a diversity of activities ranging from car camping, cabin rental, huckleberry picking, hunting and fishing, to horseback, motorcycle and mountain bike trail riding, white water rafting, and day hikes. Due to terrain and already developed access, these lands provide some of the best potential on the District for fully accessible recreation activities. Recreational day use is high along roads throughout the analysis area. Although the highest seasons of use are spring through fall, low elevations and easy access allow year-round recreation opportunities. Physically, landforms vary from forested side slopes with occasional benches and rock outcrops to pastoral farmlands along valley road corridors with ponds and river glimpses. Peaks in the area range in elevations of 4,755 feet to 6,256 feet. Long-range vistas are not typical. The general setting of the area of interest is natural appearing, yet evidence of human activities such as highways, timber harvest, roads, developed campsites, et cetera, predominate. 1
Overview of Issues Addressed Issue Indicators The effects of management activity in the Kreist Creek project on developed and undeveloped recreational opportunities will be measured in changes to the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum, compliance with the Forest Plan, and in the degree to which the activities compliment or conflict with recreation desired future condition for sites and experiences. Those indicators are described as follows: A. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is a system for defining the types of outdoor recreation opportunities the public might desire as well as identifying the portion of opportunities a given area provides. It is used for planning and managing the recreation resource and recognizes recreation activity, setting and experience opportunities. The summer season ROS classes within the analysis area include: Semi- Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural and Roaded Modified. Acreage figures for Semi-Primitive motorized do not meet accepted minimum requirements, yet trails and many roads in the area meet the social and physical descriptors for this recreational opportunity. The characteristics of the landscape change seasonally with ROS classes generally reflecting more Semi-Primitive characteristics during the winter. Winter changes the recreation environment from a motorized, roaded experience to a more semi-primitive non-motorized experience. Snow softens the physical edges of human activity and disturbance, reduces the social interaction and muffles sound. Semi-Primitive Motorized lands are characterized as lands that may have subtle modifications, which would be noticed, but would not draw the attention of an observer wandering through the area. The sight and sound of human activity other than the immediate visitor, is generally distant. In this area of interest, summer season semi-primitive lands follow trail routes and many road routes that are open to motorized use. Social encounters are low and the recreational activities are associated with occasional dispersed camping, trail use, berry picking, hunting and firewood gathering. Roaded Natural lands are generally characterized as natural settings that may have modifications that range from being easily noticeable to strongly dominant to observers in the area. Alterations and structures are unnoticed and visually subordinate from sensitive travel routes. Access via designed roads and highways is the norm. Motorized trail use is common. The density of recreational use is low to moderate. Roaded Modified lands are a subclass of setting features within the Roaded Natural class. This subclass occurs where human modification is locally dominant or co-dominant with a natural appearing landscape. There may be numerous highly developed roads in the area yet there is a sense of remoteness due to the distances from major travel ways. The density of recreational use is moderate. Motorized trail use is common. Camping is not confined to developed campsites. 2
B. Forest Plan Standards Management Area 1: Provide for Roaded Modified and Roaded Natural Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classes. Maintain a diversity of recreational opportunities with an emphasis on full range (motorized and non-motorized) access. Trails and dispersed recreation sites are typical. Management area 2: Provide for Roaded Modified and Roaded Natural Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classes. Maintain a diversity of recreational opportunities. Trails and dispersed recreation sites are typical. Trails avoid critical grizzly habitat and restrictions may be necessary to reduce human/bear conflict. Management area 4: Provide for Roaded Modified and Roaded Natural Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classes. Motorized use is generally restricted to designated routes. Within critical habitat components, motorized use may be restricted to provide needed security. Provide opportunities for dispersed recreation consistent with wildlife habitat needs. Management area 9: These areas will be managed for a Roaded Natural or Semi-Primitive recreation experience. Lower emphasis on the roaded recreational experience and more emphasis on trail or backcountry experience. Existing improvements will be maintained. Existing trails will generally be open. These are generally visually sensitive areas. C. Comparison to Desired future Condition Please see Desired Condition section. Affected Environment/ Existing Condition A. Developed sites 1. Sinclair Lake Sinclair Lake is a small, marsh-surrounded lake in the northwestern most part of the analysis area. The lake and the surrounding property were acquired through a land exchange in1988 with the primary purpose of providing recreational opportunity. The lake and day-use site have enjoyed multi-agency and exceptional volunteer cooperation and support since that time. The lake holds rainbow trout, largemouth bass, perch and blue gills. A vault toilet, 2 picnic tables with associated fire rings, parking facilities, a gravel boat launch and a fishing/swimming dock comprise the facilities. Use is constant from May through November and occasional on the shoulder seasons. Amenities are new and in good repair. 2. Moyie Crossings Moyie Crossings is a unique picnic area featuring a public sculpture as well as more typical picnic amenities. Public sculptures are rare outside urban environments and this is an unusual placement in a natural environment with the specific intention of displaying the complex relationship between mankind and the earth which sustains us. The site and sculpture were donated as part of an agreement with Pacific Gas and Transmission in the late 1990 s. In addition, there are three picnic sites with fire-rings, a group picnic site, a vault toilet, benches on the river, short trails to wetlands and access to the Moyie River. 3
Use is moderate from late April through the end of October. The site is closed to vehicles during the winter season. Some amenities are in need of repair. The site provides rare public access to the Moyie River. Fishing, rafting, picnicking and wildlife viewing are common activities. 3. Snyder Guard Station Historic Snyder Guard Station is a complex of seven buildings, and is listed on the National Historic Register. The buildings include a residence, two log cabins, a cookhouse, an office/warehouse, an animal shelter, a machine shed, and a garage. Remnants of an old trolley that crossed the river remain. Snyder Guard Station was first established as a Ranger Station in 1908, the same year the Pend Oreille Forest was created. All the buildings were built before 1936. The site was used as a Ranger Station until 1937. It continued as a Work Center from 1937 until 1980. In the 1990 s, Snyder Complex was placed in the rental program. In 2005 a camping area was developed to the north of the historic site, followed with pavilion construction in 2010. A host house was constructed in 2007. The site has been hosted year-round since 2009. Snyder is available for rental through the national rental program from May through November. It is rented through the District office December through April. May through November is consistently booked. Users range from small families to wedding parties of 300 people or more. Winter season rental is occasional but gaining in popularity. Snyder hosts all manner of recreational activities. Facilities are generally in good repair. Annual building maintenance is necessary. All access roads need blading and gravel. Parking along the Meadow creek road needs to be developed for large groups. 4. Ruby Trailhead Ruby Trailhead is a large loop drive with parallel roadside parking enough to accommodate 3 or more stock trailers, and 4 or more passenger vehicles. There are highlines to the west and a short trail suitable for stock to Kreist creek. Two picnic tables and a fire ring are located on the interior of the loop. Trail #35 leaves the trailhead at the northern arc of the drive. The trailhead is shared by stock users, motorcyclists and mountain bikers. It is rare when the trailhead is full. Use is occasional throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons. Motorcyclists tend to start the riding season in late May; stock users are generally a little later. All user groups recreate through late October. The loop road needs to be re-shaped and graveled. Highlines and trail signing is good. The picnic tables and fire ring have been vandalized recently. Tables and fire rings will need to be replaced. 5. Deer Ridge Lookout Deer Ridge lookout is a fourteen feet by fourteen feet cabin atop a 40 foot timber tower. It was originally constructed and manned for fire protection. The current frame tower was built in 1965. It was placed in the national rental program in the mid 1980 s and quickly became a very popular rental cabin. Deer Ridge is one of three remaining 4
B. Trails lookouts in Boundary County and is valuable to history of the county. It offers panoramic views of the Moyie River Valley and the Selkirk mountains to the west. Deer Ridge is consistently rented from late May/early June through the end of September. Major renovation work was accomplished in 2004. The work brought Deer Ridge Lookout to an acceptable standard for recreational rental. More than annual maintenance has been consistent since that time. Recent vandalism requires door replacement and roof patching. Lookout and trailhead parking needs reshaping and graveling. 1. Ruby Ridge Trail #35 Ruby Ridge trail has served as primary access to the eastern Purcell Mountains for almost 100 years. It connects with trails to Deer Ridge lookout as well as the extensive Idaho/Montana trails network. Lands traversed by Trail #35 include a blend of uncut forested lands, rock outcrops, timber managed lands and high elevation ridgelines. The trail crosses stable lands suitable for a variety of uses and open to all non-motorized uses as well as two wheel motorized use. Trail #35 has been specified as a logical route for the congressionally designated Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) since the original study completed in 1980. Each subsequent version of the PNT has included Ruby Ridge trail as the Purcell access. The original trailhead was located directly across from Snyder Guard Station. It crossed private land with no easement. In the 1990 s the private landowner fenced out public access. In 1998 to 2000 a new trailhead and 2 ½ miles of trail were constructed on public land to access Trail #35. Construction costs were funded in part through an Idaho Parks and Recreation grant. Part of the Forest Service commitment to Parks and Recreation is that we will not change the use type on the trail or remove trail mileage for the expected life of the reconstruction work (usually 11-15 years). Trail #35 receives moderate use. That will change substantially when the PNT gains popularity. Trail #35 is currently important because it is open to motorized use in addition to non-motorized recreation. It enhances the recreational experience of those renting Snyder Guard station, and it has one of the longest use seasons of any of the District trails. 2. Snyder Creek Trail #205 Snyder Creek trail is an important connecting trail between Deer Ridge and the Moyie River. It is part of the oldest trail network on the Bonners Ferry District and is easily accessed from both the Moyie River area as well as higher elevation roads. Trail #205 is one segment of the riding loop within the Kreist Creek planning area. Trail #205 traverses lands that blend forest and natural openings with timber managed lands. Snyder Creek Trail was reconstructed in 2013 to meet standards appropriate for two wheeled motorized use as well as all non-motorized recreation. An Idaho Department of 5
Parks and Recreation grant provided much of the funding to do the work. Life expectancy of the work will be 11 to 15 years. Snyder Creek trail receives moderate use throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons. Mountain bike use is rapidly gaining popularity along Trail #205. 3. Deer Ridge Trail #350 Deer Ridge Trail #350 follows the ridge from Deer Ridge Lookout to Forest Road #2517. It connects to Trail #205, thus providing a riding loop in the Kreist planning area. The trail offers a very similar recreational experience to trails #35 and #205. Most of the views from the higher elevations are to the east, towards Deer Creek and the Montana border, rather than into the planning area. As the trail drops off the ridge, it enters more forested and timber managed lands. Reconstruction work has been occasional. The trail is in moderate to good condition. Trail use is moderate, with a surge of use during huckleberry season. C. River access Moyie River Access on Forest Service managed land is limited for the entire length of the. river segment within the United States. The lack of access is one of the primary shortfalls of the recreation program. Moyie Crossings offers public river access but it is difficult to launch rafts from the site. Two very important dispersed sites are located on the southwestern part of the area of interest (T63N, R2E, Section 11). The uppermost site is used consistently throughout the rafting season (generally mid-april through early June). Trucks and associated trailers are often parked for ½ mile along the Meadow Creek road. Use is common throughout the week and exceptional on weekends. The lower site is used primarily for car camping and fishing. It receives full summer season use. D. Dispersed recreation Dispersed camping opportunities are ample throughout the analysis area. Almost all open roads in the analysis area have user-developed campsites along or just outside the road prisms. Campsites are typically located next to a stream, trail crossings, or huckleberry fields. Although accessible by road, the overall feeling is one of naturalness and distance from rural human development. Most of those sites have one, if not more, campfire rings as well as a variety of shelter poles, shelves, and seats constructed with native materials. Trash and firewood debris are typical at these sites, but not to the degree noticeable in other areas of the District. Use varies throughout the season. It is not typical that all sites are filled at all times. There is a tremendous, site-specific increase in use during the huckleberry season and steady use throughout fall hunting seasons. In addition, day use along the open roads is high throughout the analysis area. Driving for pleasure is one of the most consistently popular activities in this area. Gathering forest products such as berries, Christmas trees, firewood, and mushrooms, is also a 6
popular recreational pursuit within the analysis area. Winter over snow use is generally limited to road riding. Use is low to moderate and no significant winter play areas exist in the area. Winter non-motorized use is light and comprised primarily of local enthusiasts. E. Disabled Hunting Access Forest Roads #2782 and #2572 are used October through December as access for hunters with disabilities. The roads are open to the public until hunting season, when they are gated. Hunters with disabled access hunting tags apply at the District office where their names are selected randomly to assign hunt dates. They are given gate keys and allowed on the gated roads. Desired Condition The desired future condition for recreation has been developed over time through Forest-wide and local recreation niche, accessibility, and tourism planning. For the Kreist Creek area of interest, developed sites, river access, open Forest roads and trails in the planning area would be well maintained, open to the public, meet accessible requirements as possible, and would provide safe access for the general public. Improvements would be made to accommodate current use as well as expected increased future use. All improvements would be made with the intent of retaining a balance of rustic/natural landscapes and man-made environments. There would be an equal probability of experiencing sights and sounds of other user groups and for isolation from sights and sounds of humans. In general, the visitor could expect a feeling of closeness to nature, opportunities associated with primitive recreation, and tranquility. Visitors would need a degree of woodsman and outdoor skills in an environment that offers some risk. General: Landscapes would retain a diversity of plant communities and recreational opportunities. Pastoral valley bottoms would fuse easily with both natural and manmade openings. Views from developed sites and along both the Moyie River and the Meadow Creek road would remain natural appearing and harmonious with geological features. Recreational use would increase along the Moyie River corridor. Use in already developed campgrounds would increase as would driving for pleasure. All Forest Service sites along the Meadow creek road would feature interpretive pamphlets or experiences. Several additional river access sites would be developed or more beneficially defined. Additional trail loops and sections would be added to Moyie River recreation areas. At higher elevations, a blend of open roads and open trails would allow access throughout the project area. Dispersed sites would be adequate for car camping, huckleberry picking and hunting. Trails would remain open to all non-motorized uses as well as two-wheel motorized use. 7
A. Developed Sites 1. Sinclair Lake Sinclair Lake would remain a day use site with a vault toilet, 2 to 3 picnic tables and fire rings, and a fishing/swimming dock. Facilities are accessible and good repair. No trails or additional road access would be associated with this site. Use would be moderate to high throughout the spring, summer and fall months and occasional during winter months (ice fishing would be common during winter months). 2. Moyie Crossings Moyie Crossings would be a day use site featuring a public sculpture, picnic amenities, Moyie River access, and walking paths. All facilities would be accessible and well maintained. Additional amenities are not planned. Use would be moderate early May through October. The site would be closed during winter months. 3. Snyder Guard Station Snyder Guard Station would be open to the public and in the national rental system. Buildings and facilities would be well maintained and historically correct. The Dispatch building would be up-graded to accommodate group meetings and programs. Original and replica amenities would be added to enhance the historic nature of the site. Parking would be developed along the Meadow Creek road to accommodate 75 vehicles or more. Use would be consistent and heavy throughout the rental period. Use would be moderate in the off-season. Large group gatherings would be common. 4. Ruby Trailhead Ruby trailhead would be a loop drive with parking spurs for 3 to 4 stock trailers, and vehicle parking for 2 to 3 passenger vehicles. Individual picnic sites would be associated with the parking spurs. Highlines are provided for stock users at each spur. A vault toilet would benefit the site. A group picnic area with two tables and fire ring would provide facilities for day use. A trail to Kreist Creek would provide water access for stock. Use at the trailhead would be primarily trail users but general camping would be accepted and encouraged. If Trail #35 is confirmed as the Pacific Northwest Trail route, a kiosk would provide information concerning PNT connections as well as information useful to all other recreation users. 5. Deer Ridge Lookout Deer Ridge Lookout would be well maintained and in the National Rental Program. Vegetation around the cabin would be treated to encourage a fire resistant perimeter as well as to provide panoramic views. The parking area would be level and graveled and would provide adequate parking for both lookout guests and trailhead parking. The vault toilet would be concrete and visually appropriate for the site. Use would be steady and consistent from early June through October. The lookout would be open to and maintained for winter use. During the winter months, the lookout would be accessed via snowmobile, or skis and snowshoes. 8
B. Trails: 1. Ruby Ridge Trail #35 Ruby Ridge Trail would be the primary access to the eastern Purcell mountain trail network. It would be open to all non-motorized uses as well as two wheel motorized use. It would traverse a blend of uncut forest land, rock outcrops, timber managed lands and higher elevation ridgelines. Use would be moderate to high throughout spring, summer and fall seasons. Use would be occasional during the winter season. 2. Snyder Creek Trail #205 Snyder Creek Trail would be the fundamental trail access from the Moyie River valley to Trail #350 and Deer Ridge Lookout. It would be open to all non-motorized use as well as two wheel motorized use. It would traverse a blend of uncut forest land, rock outcrops, timber managed lands and higher elevation ridgelines. Use would be moderate to high throughout spring, summer and fall seasons. 3. Deer Ridge Trail #350 Deer Ridge trail would provide trail access from Deer Ridge lookout to Road #2517 and Trail #205. Its recreational experience would be similar to the other trails in the area. Use would be similar to Ruby Ridge and Snyder Creek trails. It would also provide day-hiking possibilities for Deer Ridge lookout guests. 4. New trails Non-motorized trails would complement Meadow Creek campground and provide diversity to the recreational experience offered in the Moyie Valley. (Primarily within T63, R2E, sections 11 and 12.) Trails would be suitable for easy mountain biking and pedestrian traffic. C. River Access Improved Moyie River access would be developed in T63, R2E, section 11, in the southwest portion of the planning area and at Snyder Guard Station. In general, river access for the public would be limited by private land. D. Dispersed Recreation There are many dispersed sites throughout the planning area yet they are generally isolated from each other. Most are associated with roadside camping. The sites provide the ease of access yet a sense of isolation. Use varies throughout the season. It is not typical that all sites are filled at all times. There continues to be site specific increases in use during the huckleberry season and steady use throughout fall hunting seasons. All other seasonal use is moderate and scattered. E. Disabled Hunting Program Due to National and Regional access clarification, the District will phase out of the disabled access hunting program. 9
Environmental Consequences Alternative 1 No Action Alternative 1 would have no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to recreation related resources and existing recreation opportunities would not change. Recreation activities such as driving for pleasure, hunting, camping, hiking, gathering forest products including berries, firewood, mushrooms, etc. would continue. Public motorized trail access would not change with this project and the ROS classes would not change. Effects Common to all action alternatives 1. Recreational Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Along roadways and trails, both alternatives would present conspicuous change in forest composition. Although changes would be less striking in alternative 3, both alternatives would permanently change physical ROS settings to eliminate remaining Semi-Primitive lands and redefine them as Roaded Natural or Roaded Modified lands. Currently, recreational users have the opportunity to drive a short distance from major State and County roads and enter a generally forested setting. With the exception of the southernmost part of the area of interest, past land management activities are visually subordinate or not noticeable at all to observers using major roads or trails. Action alternatives in this project would create modifications that are readily noticeable from all major travel routes. Long range vistas developed by harvest activities from within the area of interest may bring rural sights and sounds closer to the recreational user. The area would no longer feel remote. Modifications could just as likely augment distant scenery. Trail and road users would notice the change more readily than developed site users. Changes would be easily noticed and dominant to users along trails and open roads within the planning area. Most developed sites are along the periphery of the area. Vegetation and landscape characteristics would screen most sights and sounds of management activities. These changes would be appropriate within a Roaded Natural or Roaded Modified setting. Very minimal road decommissioning would be done (approximately 0.9 miles). With no new permanent roads being added, minimal road improvements, and no facility upgrades there would not be a change is ROS setting to a more developed level. All treatment activities and outcomes would be appropriate in the Roaded Natural and Roaded Modified environments. Socially, in the foreground and mid-range, the recreational experience would be diminished to some degree for the length of the proposed activities. An increase in sights and sounds of work activities in addition to truck traffic may disturb the generally quiet and remote character of the lands in the analysis area. Dispersed camping sites may not be as available as is typical. Roadside activities such as berry picking and firewood gathering may be interrupted temporarily. Temporary trail closures would be necessary for both alternatives; again, to a lesser degree in alternative 3. As experienced from distant travel ways and developed sites, looking into the project area, project activities would not overly affect the social recreational settings. The social experience for both action alternatives would likely return to near present condition after project activities are complete. 10
Should harvest activities occur during the winter season, the social recreational settings would change for very few visitors, due to the type and amount of recreation that occurs during the winter season. The social setting, for winter, would return to its current characteristic at the end of project activities. 2. Forest Plan All proposed activities meet Forest Plan standards for recreation. 3. Current and Desired Future Condition A. Developed Sites 1. There would be no increase or decrease in the number of developed sites within the planning area. 2. Neither action alternative would aid existing developed sites to their desired future condition. 3. As designed, unit 3 in both action alternatives may adversely affect Ruby Trailhead. Logging system design and project layout would help avoid safety and recreation concerns during the length of the activities. Due to the proximity with Meadow Creek road, and the gentleness of the terrain, post-harvest conditions may invite illegal off road use. 4. Sights and sounds of harvest activities would be apparent from Sinclair Lake, Moyie Crossings and Snyder Guard Station. The duration and strength of these disruptions would vary location to location. Visual and audible disruptions would be occasional and would not continue for the length of harvest activities. For the most part, harvest activities would be distant and non-intrusive from developed sites. The social setting for developed sites would return to present conditions as harvest activities end. 5. Harvest units would be visible to varying degrees from developed sites. Please see discussion in the Visuals Specialist Report. 6. Developed sites may experience disruption due to increased truck and vehicle traffic. This increase could pose a hazard to visitors who are unaccustomed to driving Forest roads. B. Trails 1. There would be no new trails or trail segments developed as part of this project. Nor would any trail mileage be diminished. The existing type of trail use would remain as it is presently. Trail recreational experiences would be modified as a result of harvest activities. (See discussion of ROS) 2. Action alternatives neither aid nor hamper trails from reaching their desired future condition. 3. As designed, units 3, 3a and 3b all have the potential to adversely affect trail #35. Unit 3 poses the greatest risk in that tractor skidding on trail switchbacks, on steep side slopes could cause damage to the tread such that trail re-establishment is improbable. With care, Unit 3a could avoid the trail location and would have little impact except for visual effect to trail users. Helicopter logging could be done so that trail tread is not damaged. Debris along the trail route would be visually unattractive 11
and a potential hazard to trail users. However, design features would minimize this effect by pulling logging slash away from the trail after operations are complete. Logging in Units 3,3a and 3b would necessitate closing both trails #35 and #205 for the length of the activity. That closure could greatly impact recreational users depending upon the season of work. 4. Unit 37 is the same in both action alternatives. Trail structures on Trails #35 and #205 exist in the Orser Creek area. Should prescribed burns succeed in that area, trail structures would need protection. Trail closures would be necessary for both trails during burn activities. It is unlikely that there would be any real affect to the trail network as a result of the burn. 5. Temporary road construction will not adversely affect the recreation experience in either alternative. 6. Unit 2, in both alternatives, would create an opening substantial enough that it would invite users to create a non-system cutoff ATV or motorcycle trail to Trail #35. 7. Trails traverse units 35 and 25a in alternative 2, and unit 35 in alternative 3. Design features would protect or re-establish trail tread in both alternatives. 8. Between the Meadow Creek road and Forest Road 2517, proposed silvicultural treatments cover the entire length of trail #35. Alternative 3 offers some relief from modification near road 2517, yet both alternatives largely change the recreational experience for Trail #35. Visual modifications would dominate. Design features to protect trail tread would minimize the distress to motorcyclists and mountain bikers. However, PNT hikers who have just left the Northwest Scenic area may find the changes unappealing and inconsistent with expectations. The changes would be permanent, although the visual affect would soften over time. C. Dispersed recreation 1. Generally, roads and roadside activities would be affected only on a temporary basis. Recreational visitors could expect short delays or increased traffic along haul routes. Several roadside campsites may be inaccessible during the life of the project activities but they would not be eliminated or changed radically. Some of the openings may create additional camping opportunities. 2. The new forest openings could be beneficial to big game, which could bring more hunters into the area, especially along road corridors. An increase in huckleberries after timber harvest could also bring more commercial or recreational pickers into the area. These factors would likely lead to a small increase in dispersed camping and day use in the late summer and fall seasons. 3. Should harvest activities take place during the winter season there may be increased access for snowmobiling and winter play. The access would remain for the time the roads are plowed. As proposed activities terminate, the winter access would return to current conditions. 4. Neither action alternative affects Moyie River access and the dispersed sites along the river. 12
5. There would be an increased opportunity for illegal cross-country motorized use after harvest. 6. Through the transportation analysis, the interdisciplinary team recommended to berm Forest Road #2517UR as a closure method. Forest Road #2517UR currently has a dispersed campsite. The campsite would continue to be useable; a road berm would eliminate illegal ATV and full size vehicle use. It would help protect Trail #350. Alternative 2 Proposed Action Alternative 2 would create a greater disturbance over a broader area than alternative 3. More openings would be visible across the landscape and along major travel ways. The disturbance would generally be short term. Exceptions to that are: 1. The intersection of units 15 and 18 and Road 2517. Logging work could easily damage trail junctions with the road. Original road construction did not consider adequate access for trail users. Trail access was developed as an afterthought. Because the trail curves and switchbacks so close to the road on both sides, dragging timber across the trail could damage the trail to the point of necessary reconstruction. In addition, lands surrounding the trail would be very open both above and below the road, tempting people to create cut-off trails. 2. Unit 36 has great potential to damage the trail junction of Trail#205 and Trail #350. Lands surrounding the junction are generally rock and bear grass meadows. Trail delineation is difficult at best. Design features would keep harvest activities away from this junction. Large openings between the trail and the road or between roads may encourage more illegal motorized use. Illegal ATV use already occurs around Deer Ridge lookout and in other areas throughout the planning area. Primary areas of concern are: Trail #350 as it crosses the ridge to the east and travels through the tip of unit 31 (T64N, R3E, section 30), Units 28 and 29 (T64N, R3E, section 31) as they link road sections, and units in the northern section of the planning area (T64N, R2E, sections 11 and 12) as they link road sections through switchbacks. Design Features and Mitigation Measures Developed Sites- (Sinclair Lake, Moyie Crossings, Ruby Trailhead, Snyder Guard Station, Deer Ridge Lookout) 1. Provide natural appearing landscapes from all developed sites; Sinclair Lake, Moyie Crossings, Snyder Guard Station and Deer Ridge Lookout (foreground and middle ground primarily). The exception is the Ruby Trailhead where the natural setting has already been altered. 2. At the Ruby trailhead, visually screen the trailhead and skid trails from points along the recreation trail. (To eliminate cross country travel) This could be done by leaving pockets of trees and brush along those portions of trail that invite off trail use. Leaving occasional log tops and brush debris on skid trails would help eliminate unwanted use. 3. At Ruby trailhead, re-shape the loop road, clean up debris, and re-seed the disturbed area at the trailhead. 13
4. Signing, information for campground hosts and public service announcements could help visitors understand the treatments. Trail Maintenance and protection 1. In general, minimize tractor trail crossings. Do not skid along trails. Avoid crossings near trail switchbacks. Do not place skyline corridors or skid trails on trail locations. Do not skyline or tractor skid across stacked trail switchbacks. 2. When feasible, avoid the use of trails as unit boundaries. 3. When feasible, avoid skyline corridors that cross trail switchbacks. 4. Provide a 75 buffer around all trail junctions and within all trail switchbacks. (Specifically, units 3 in both action alternatives and 36 in Alternative 2) 5. Maintain and protect all trail structures. (Examples: puncheon walkways in unit 37.) 6. Re-open trail corridors and re-establish trail tread after logging. 7. Protect trail access where trails intersect roads. (Example: units 15 and 18) 8. Provide a variety of scenic qualities from travel ways, including the trail system (immediate foreground observation). This can be done during the silvicultural layout. It includes having a variety of openings, along with clumps of vegetation in the foreground of the travel way. 9. Schedule harvest activities to provide at least one open mainline trail each season. 10. Provide visual screening, (see Design Features for Developed recreation, #2) between roads and trails or roads and roads. Examples: Units 12, 14,10,1, 17 and 23 cumulatively open a lot of country between roads. The visual impact would be strong. 11. Insure that temporary trail closures are clearly signed and that the signs are maintained throughout harvest activities (all access points). Announce to public and special interest groups prior to activities. 12. Do not use ATVs for access to harvest or burning activities. 13. Monitor and treat for weeds along trails as well as roads. Dispersed Sites 14. Protect dispersed sites during any road reconstruction. Do not unintentionally remove access to those sites. There are many sites along road 2517, generally around trailhead access points. Estimated Effectiveness: high; contract provisions for protection of recreation trails, developed recreation sites and dispersed sites are utilized in contracts and have been effective in protecting recreation resources. 14