HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.0 BOCC Staff Report 03.09.1998Colorado Timber SUP 3/9/98
Exhibit: Explanation:
A. Proof of publication
B. Certified mailing receipts
C. Application and all attachments
D. Project information and staff comments, with all attachments
E. Copy of the Garfield county zoning resolution of 1978, as amended
F. Copy of the Garfield county comprehensive plans of 1981 and 1984
REQUEST:
APPLICANT:
LOCATION:
BOCC 3/9/98
PROJECT INFORMATION AND STAFF COMMENTS
Special Use Permit for the extraction of
natural resources - timber.
The Colorado Timber and Land Company;
Dale Albertson.
Tracts of land located in portions of Sections
1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 11 and 16, T7S, R100W of the
6th P.M.; located on Kimball Mountain,
generally north of County Road 202.
SITE DATA: 300 Acres +/-
WATER: Will not be used
SEWER: Will not be used
ACCESS: County Road 202 (Kimball Creek Road)
EXISTING ZONING: R/L: Resource Lands - all categories.
ADJACENT ZONING: R/L; O/S
I. RELATIONSHIP TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The subject sections are not included on the Garfield County Comprehensive Plan's
Management Districts Map (1981; 1984 Plans). However, due to similar terrain, it is possible
to infer the following designations: District C - Rural Areas/Minor Environmental Constraints
(valley floors) and District F - Rural Areas/Severe Environmental Constraints (escarpments
and slopes). See map, page 7
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL
A. Site Description: The subject tract is located in a physiographic province known as
the Colorado Plateau, typically a deeply dissected region of steep ridges capped by
comparatively level mesas. The general area proposed for logging is remote, located
approximately 20 miles northwest of DeBeque, on Kimball Mountain. The timber
proposed for extraction is located on both sides of Kimball Creek, along the flanks of
Kimball Mountain and Cow Ridge. Slopes have been calculated to be between 50%
and? 2% (between 27 degrees and 35 degrees). See topographic map, page
B. Adjacent Land Uses: The majority of the land uses, on private lands, are devoted to
ranching and the oil and gas industry. The Bureau of Land Management administers
sizeable tracts adjacent to the applicant's property.
C. Logging Proposal: The applicant proposes an additional phase to a previously -
permitted, helicopter logging operation. This project would operate on private lands
constituting approximately 300 acres. Up to 70% of the trees in an area designated
for logging would be felled, then flown to five (5) designated areas on the valley floor
and removed via trucks, along existing private and public roads. Except for days
when weather interferes with economic and safe operations, the applicants expect to
log year-round, expecting to operate the helicopter approximately 140 days of the
year. See attached Timber Harvesting Plan and Map.
III. REVIEW AGENCY/PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Garfield County Department of Emergency Management: Notes that the area is not
within a fire protection district and suggests that the applicant be required to
coordinate emergency response with the appropriate fire protection district; suggests
an emergency response plan be submitted to the County. See letter, page 9 .
B. Division of Wildlife: Has reviewed the project, concluding that there would be both
positive and negative wildlife impacts associated with this project. This letter will be
summarized later in this report.
C. Colorado State Forest Service: Notes concern for the proposed removal rate of 70%,
which could result in severe erosion and sedimentation., recommends this removal rate
be scaled-back to 30%, with allowance for increased removal in areas experiencing
damage from insects; recommends a minimum 75 foot buffer area around live streams
and very selective logging near ephemeral drainages; suggests that it does not appear
that over -cutting is occurring; however, requests an independent review of the
previous project before permitting Logging of these lands; concludes by stating
support for the project, yet requests to be allowed a personal inspection, prior to
approving this request. See letter, pages /6 — / / .
IV. MAJOR ISSUES AND CONCERNS
A. Roads/Access: Access to the areas proposed for logging would be from County
Road 202 (Kimball Creek Road), which would be utilized as the sole hauling route
to Roan Creek Road (CR 204) and Interstate 70. The road is asphalt -surfaced from
its intersection with CR 204, to the bridge crossing Roan Creek, which grades to an
improved dirt road west of Roan Creek.
This phase of the proposed logging operation, including helicopter landing areas,
would be conducted on lands owned by Dale Albertson and would not require access
across adjacent public or private lands.
Since the logging proposal is to use a helicopter to transport the felled timber, the
applicant is not proposing the construction of any new roads. The timber would be
flown to locations specified as LI thru L5 on the timbering map, in the Kimball Creek
valley, and loaded on trucks for transport to Interstate 70.
B. Logging Method/Timber Harvest: Due to slope of the tract and other concerns,
the applicant proposes to utilize a helicopter to move the felled timber to the point it
would be loaded on trucks. The previously -permitted operation was considered to
be an experimental, pilot project. This initial phase proposed harvesting up to 2,240
MBF of Douglas fir, within an area of 640 acres, 400 acres subject to logging. The
current phase proposes harvesting up to 1680 MBF of Douglas fir, from 12 different
locations, totaling approximately 300 acres.
C. Slope/Soils: The slope of the individual parcels proposed for logging varies,
generally ranging between 50% and 70%, with average slope around 63%. The soils
on these slopes have been identified by the Natural Resources Conservation Service
to be within the Utso-Rock Outcrop complex, a soil unit derived from the Green
River shale. This soil is considered to have severe constraints due to the excessive
slope, creating significant erosion hazards and limiting the use of certain types of
mechanical logging equipment, especially when the soil is wet.
D. Industrial Operations Classification: This type of Special Use Permit application
falls under the Extraction classification as defined in Section 2.02.31(1) of the County
Zoning Resolution and is therefore required to meet certain Industrial Operation and
Industrial Performance Standards, as further defined in Sections 5.03.07 and 5.03.08.
These sections require an impact statement address certain parameters affecting, or
affected by, the proposal and shall address the following (from Section 5.03.07):
1. Existing lawful use of water through depletion or pollution of surface run-off,
stream flow or ground water.
The impact statement suggests a buffer zone of 50 feet of a year-round stream,
Kimball Creek, the only year-round stream that would be affected. The proposal also
suggests 25 foot buffers around ephemeral streams.
2. Impacts on adjacent land from the generation of vapor, dust, smoke, noise,
glare, or vibration or other emanations.
Noise is expected to be generated by a helicopter operating over the site, which the
applicant states should have no negative impact on adjacent properties. Dust would
likely be generated by trucks as they enter and leave the site via County Road 202.
The use of magnesium chloride is proposed, "close to residences."
3. Impacts on wildlife and domestic animals through the creation of hazardous
attractions, alteration of existing native vegetation, blockade of migration routes,
use of patterns or other distributions.
The application suggests impacts to wildlife and domestic animals would be of short
duration; however, would be mitigated by grass seeding and the release of native
vegetation to increase the browse for these animals. The applicant suggests that
immediate impacts to wildlife may be negative, but would be mitigated by the increase
in browse and an overall improvement of habitat.
There is some concern for raptor nesting sites throughout the area proposed for
logging, which the applicant states a nesting survey would be accomplished this spring
to determine potential impacts.
The Division of Wildlife has recommended the following measures to mitigate
negative wildlife impacts:
I] Allowing to remain in the planned cut areas small, irregular-shaped islands of
standing timber to provide escape and thermal cover for various animals;
2] Notes concern for a drainage basin wide timber removal rate of 70% and suggests
that optimum timber harvesting should occur in varying successional stages of growth
including old-growth, intermediate and new -growth;
3] Erosion is a significant concern, yet would be mitigated to some degree by the use
of helicopter yarding. Suggests utilizing the Colorado State Forest Service buffer
zone requirements around perennial and intermittent streams of 150 feet and suggest
monitoring of soil and erosion conditions for a period of five years after harvesting,
4] Recommends that the proposed basal reduction rate of 45% be reduced to 30%,
which should mitigate windfall loss;
5] DOW supports the plan to survey and monitor big game animals and recommends
that low-level helicopter flights be curtailed during May and June, the elk and deer
calving season;
6] Recommends curtailing low-level flights over BLM lands, during the big game
hunting season, between August 25 and November 30;
7] Encourages the applicant to notify DOW of any sighting of threatened or
endangered species;
8] Suggests that potential impacts to raptors would be minimized by the plan to
survey the area for raptor nest sites and recommends allowing a few small stands (six
to 8 trees per acre) of dead and decaying trees to remain to provide habitat,
9] Recommends utilizing bear -proof trash containers. See letter, pages /2 — /
4. Affirmatively show the impacts of truck and automobile traffic to and from such
uses and their impacts to areas in the County.
The applicants predict eight (8) highway legal, logging truck round -trips, per day,
noting that these vehicles are required to pay taxes for usage of the roads.
Additionally, a $100,000 bond to cover road damage attributable to this project will
remain in force.
5. That sufficient distances shall separate such use from abutting property which
might otherwise be damaged by operations of the proposed use(s).
The applicant states that no impact will occur to adjacent lands as all operations
would occur within lands owned by the applicant.
6. Mitigation measures proposed for all of the foregoing impacts identified and
for the standards identified in Section 5.03.08 of this Resolution (Industrial
Performance Standards).
This section requires that the proposed industrial operation comply with applicable
County, State and Federal regulations concerning water, air and noise pollution, and
shall not be conducted in a manner that would create a public hazard or nuisance. It
appears that the applicant has considered the various impacts that are likely to be
generated from this proposal and has attempted to address these impacts. In staffs
opinion, the use of helicopter yarding is preferable to the development of a network
of roads across very steep and sensitive lands.
Staff suggests that adopting the mitigation measures proposed by the Division of
Wildlife would assist in further mitigation of impacts to wildlife, streams and erosion.
Additionally, the Board should consider the comments and recommendations of the
State Forest Service, prior to rendering its decision.
V. SUGGESTED FINDINGS
1. That proper publication and public notice was provided as required by law for the
hearing before the Garfield County Board of Commissioners.
2. That the hearing before the Board of County Commissioners was extensive and
complete, that all pertinent facts, matters and issues were discussed within the Special
Use Permit application and the public hearing.
That the application is in compliance with the Garfield County Zoning Resolution of
1978, as amended.
4. For the above stated reasons, the proposed land use is in the best interest of the
health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity and welfare of the citizens of
Garfield County.
VL RECOMMENDATION
Based on this analysis, staff recommends APPROVAL of the application, for the proposed
timbering and helicopter landing areas identified on Exhibit A, pursuant to the following
conditions:
That alI representations of the applicant, either within the application or stated at the
meeting before the Board of County Commissioners, and contained within the Timber
Harvesting Plan and Progress Report, shall be considered conditions of approval.
The haul route for timber and all overweight service vehicles will be approved by the
County Road & Bridge Supervisor. Additionally, an overweight vehicle permit will
be acquired for each vehicle needing such permit, prior to commencing operations.
3. That the forest management practices and revegetation will continue to be monitored
for compliance with the proposed Timber Harvesting Plan by a staff forester, hired
and paid by the applicant.
A road bond of $100,000 shall remain in force and be placed with the Road and
Bridge Department, to be used for the repair of CR 202 and 204, from damage
attributable to the applicant's activities. The bond shall be valid for the period of time
that the applicant is actively logging on the property.
5. This Special Use Permit is subject to review for compliance or noncompliance with
performance requirements associated with the issuance of the Special Use Permit,
prior to permitting additional acreage subject to timber harvesting. The applicant will
be required to submit a report, no more than one year from the date of a resolution
of approval, indicating the measures taken to comply with the performance
requirements of the permit. The Board of County Commissioners will review the
report, in a public meeting, within 30 days of receipt of the report and may determine
that a public hearing is necessary to consider expansion of the permit or development
of additional approval conditions.
b. All vehicles used in conjunction with the logging operation, and operated on Garfield
County roads, must be licensed or apportioned in the State of Colorado, through the
Garfield County Clerk & Recorders Office.
The hauling of logs will be discontinued during normal times for local ranches to
safely transport livestock along County Roads 202 and 204.
8. There will be no harvesting of aspen trees from the site, with the exception of the
incidental cutting of trees, as approved by the staff forester.
9. All revegetation of the site shall be done with certified weed free seed mix. The
revegetation of the helicopter landing areas shall be inspected for two (2) years
following cessation of logging activities.
10. The applicant shall develop an emergency plan and shall file said plan with the
Garfield County Department of Emergency Management and the appropriate fire
protection district.
11.
SCE i107'63
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Memorandum
To: Eric McCafferty
CC:
FEB 1:71993
From: GUY MEYER
GARFiELD Courn i Y
Date: February 17, 1998
Subject: Colorado Timber and Land Conditional Land Use Permit
1 have reviewed the referral from your office and have the following comments foryour
consideration.
1. The applicant is proposing the use of a Bell Helicopter in moving timber from one area
to another in the harvesting process. The location which this project is proposed is not
within the boundaries of a Fire Protection District or Ambulance District. 1 believe it
would be prudent to require the applicant to be required to contact either the Rifle or
Grand Valley Fire Protection District and develop some ype of service agreement.
2. Since the use of the Helicopter could potentially create a hazard for County residents in
the area 1 would also suggest that some type of Emergency Plan be submitted to the County
by the applicant to insure an appropriate emergency response.
STATE OF COLORADO
Roy Romer, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNmv EMPLOYER
John W. Mumma, Director
6060 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80216
Telephone: (303) 297-1192
West Regional Office
711 Independent Ave.
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
Telephone: (970) 248-7175
Mr. Eric McCafferty
Building and Planning Dept.
Garfield County
109 8th St., Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
REFER TO
March 3, 1998
F or Wildlife -
For People
RE: SUP -LOGGING, Colorado Timber and Land, Kimball Mountain, Debeque, Colorado
Dear Mr. McCafferty:
The Division of Wildlife thanks you for allowing additional time to fife comments on this project.
The Division of Wildlife has reviewed this proposal and finds that this project could result in positive and
negative impacts to wildlife. Beneficial impacts can be the improvement of wildlife habitats through
rejuvenation of old growth forest and creating plant species variety, and, the reduction of the risk for
large scale habitat loss through unplanned wildfire. The Division of Wildlife is concerned, however,
that the "70%" harvesting of small blocks of timber in the Douglas Fir forest communities of the Roan
Plateau and Bookcliff regions may lead to "cumulative" negative impacts to wildlife. The Douglas Fir
forest communities of these areas are limited in size and number and provide vital habitats to numerous
wildlife species. We are concerned about the potential for "heavy" windfall loss to Douglas Fir trees
that would follow the proposed 45% "basal area reduction". Of equal concern is the potential for
increased soil erosion, on soils that are already considered highly erodible, as a result of the proposed
narrow timber harvest "buffer zones" adjacent to perennial and intermittent streams.
Specific comments are as follows:
1. Species, such as deer and elk, can incur long term beneficial impacts from a logging project
with a resultant increase of big game forage. The planned timber cutting areas within Sections 1,2 and
3 are relatively small and currently provide the only "escape" and "thermal" cover for deer, elk, and
black bear in these three Sections. These same cutting areas provide limited "foraging", "nesting" and
"escape" cover for goshawk, flammuiated owl, blue grouse, forest songbirds, and related small
mammals that may utilize these these three Sections. A removal of "all available" timber at the
proposed 70% harvest rate will result in some immediate displacement of the above species until such
time as the tree canopy density of the cut areas has been restored. This negative impact on the above
species within these three Sections could be lessened by leaving small irregular-shaped clumps, or
"islands" of standing timber within the planned cut areas.
2. There exists a potential for significant negative wildlife impacts in the Kimball Creek area
should there be a unilateral, short term, 70% harvest of the "old growth" forests on private lands and
BLM lands throughout the Kimball Creek drainage. Wildlife species of the Kimball Creek drainage,
such as deer, elk, black bear, goshawk, flammulated owl, blue grouse, forest songbirds, and small
mammals that periodically require dense stands of old growth forest habitat, would be negatively
impacted through a drainage wide 70% removal of "old growth" forest. It is foreseeable that a
"cumulative" negative impact to "old growth" forest wildlife species could occur should all "old growth"
forests of the Kimball Creek drainage be similarly harvested before cut stands are able to reestablish
and mature. Optimum forest wildlife habitat conditions in the Kimball Creek area would consist of
forested areas that are of varying successional stages, "old growth", "intermediate growth" and "new
growth".
3. The Kimball Creek area and surrounding Roan Plateau is extremely susceptible to soil
erosion due to unstable soil types and steep topography. The terrain of the proposed project area is
typically steep and there exists a potential for increased soil erosion as a result of timber removal.
Excessive soil erosion could cause direct long-term loss of vegetative production, and, could cause
negative impacts to downstream aquatic wildlife in the lower reaches of Kimball Creek and Roan Creek
as a result of lessened water quality. The plan to "yard" cut logs with a helicopter will minimize
disturbance to forest soils and help prevent soil erosion. The "Timber Harvesting Plan" identifies the
local soils as having a "very high hazard of water erosion". Item#6, Potential Impacts and Planned
Mitigation. mentions soils and water resources and plans for a 50% harvest within a 50 foot buffer zone
of all perennial streams, and within a 25 foot buffer zone of intermittent streams. We have recently
seamed that the Colorado State Forest Service recommends that a 150 foot "no harvest" buffer zone
be established for perennial and intermittent streams within a Douglas Fir forest community to protect
soils.
The paragraph of "Post Harvest Conditions Defined" on page 9 of the submitted plan, states
that, during a five year period after logging, more organic material will become present in the soil and
increased available water holding capacity of the soil is expected. The effects of logging on soil
stability, whether positive or negative, may not be determined for at least five years. Soil conditions of
the logged areas should be monitored for a 5 -year period following any timbering activity in order to
determine the effects of logging on existing soils. Results of soil condition monitoring could provide
valuable information in planning existing and, or, future timbering operations in the Kimball Creek and
Roan Plateau areas.
4. The plan calls for a 45% reduction of basal area, with 55% basal area remaining. We have
recently learned that the Colorado State Forest Service recommends that basal area reductions for the
Douglas Fir community not exceed 30%. Basal area reductions in Douglas Fir that are greater than
30% will cause the residual standing trees to become more susceptible to "windfall" loss. Heavy
Douglas Fir windfall losses in this project area would negatively impact the forest community and
related wildlife species.
5. During the months of May and June, deer and elk will likely be giving birth in preferred areas
within the project area. Low level helicopter activity over big game birthing areas will disturb any big
game trying to utilize birthing areas during May and June. Impacts to birthing deer and elk within the
project area during May and June could be avoided by eliminating low level flights over these areas
during this time period. The Division of Wildlife supports the applicant's plan to survey for, and avoid,
areas where big game animals appear to be located during May and June.
6. During the period August 25th through November 30th, big game hunters will possibly be
recreating on BLM lands in Sections 8 and 9 via access points on County Rd. 202 in Section 9 by
Myser Spring. Additionally, big game hunters will be utilizing the BLM lands immediately south of the
project area, south of Kimball Creek in Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 ,15, 16. Low leve! flights by a
helicopter during this period in the fall will disturb big game hunting activity that is taking place in these
areas of BLM land. Conflicts with big game hunters who are recreating on the BLM lands during the
archery and rifle seasons could be avoided by eliminating low level flights over these BLM lands during
this period.
7. Presently, there are no threatened or endangered wildlife species known to be utilizing or
inhabiting the project area or surrounding Kimball Creek drainage. The plan proposes to notify the
Division of Wildlife of any accidental "take" of endangered species. Additionally, the Division of Wildlife
encourages the applicant to report any observations of threatened or endangered wildlife, whether alive
or dead, so that considerations and planning recommendations can be given on any current or future
logging operation in the Kimball Creek area.
8. The project area does provide habitat to "forest" raptor species, such as goshawk and
flammulated owl, which are susceptible to immediate negative impact if nesting trees are disturbed.
Flammulated owls are "secondary cavity nesters" that nest in tree cavities that are natural or made by
woodpeckers. Preferred trees are either dead or decayed. Golden eagles are common in the Kimball
Creek drainage, but are not considered "forest" species. Golden eagles may be found nesting in rock
outcrop areas and cliffs within and adjacent to the project area. Direct negative impacts to nesting
forest raptor species, and golden eagles, will be minimized by the applicants plan to survey the project
area for raptor nest sites during the spring, followed by the modification of "cut areas" and "operating
periods". Forest raptor species, as well as forest song bird species, commonly utilize standing dead
trees (snags) for roosting, nesting and foraging. Negative impacts to these forest bird species could
also be offset by leaving a few standing dead/decayed trees within the cut areas. Six to eight
dead/decayed trees per acre are recommended for these species.
9. The entire project area lies within year-round black bear habitat. We assume that employees
of the project will be living and camping in this project area. This area experienced human conflicts
with nuisance black bears in the summer of 1995 where CONOCO drilling rig workers were camped and
did not utilize "bear proof' trash containers_ This conflict involved at least two black bears, one of which
became aggressive to humans and had to be trapped and destroyed by Division of Wildlife personnel.
During the fail of 1995 one of the Albertson Ranch big game hunter camps, located on Kimball Creek
immediately below the project area, also experienced nuisance black bear conflicts. Having black
bears become accustom to humans and learning to associate humans with food sources, such as
garbage and trash, is a direct negative wildlife impact associated with humans living and working in
black bear habitat. Utilization of "bear proof' trash containers by persons living in this project area
would minimize the potential for human/black bear conflicts and resultant negative impact.
Additionally, employees and personnel should be aware that Colorado Wildlife Commission Regulation
#416-A prohibits the feeding of black bears and any other big game wildlife.
The Division of Wildlife appreciates the opportunity to comment on projects such as this. Please contact
me if I can provide anything further. Our agency would be happy to discuss any concerns or ideas that
the applicant may have pertaining to wildlife.
Sincerely,
t
Joseph W. Gumber
District Wildlife Manager
Debeque District
cc: Steve Yamashita, Area Supervisor, DOW
Van Graham, Terrestrial Biologist, DOW
John Toolen, Habitat Biologist, DOW
File
May 5, 1998
Eric McCafferty
Garfield County Planning Department
109 8th Street, Suite 303
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Eric,
• Tv
FOREST
SERVICE
State Services Building
222 S. 6th Street, Room 416
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
Telephone: (970) 248-7325
Mr. Ken Roberts of Colorado Timber and Land Co. recently asked me to tour the Dale
Albertson timber harvest area north of DeBeque. Mr. Roberts is interested in applying
for an extension of their original land use permit to harvest timber on Albertson's
property and to haul logs on county maintained roads in this area, and has indicated
that he has plans to possibly expand this operation into other areas of Garfield county. I
was accompanied by Ken Roberts, Jack Montgomery of Ranier Helicopters, and John
Denison of our office. I have the following comments regarding the logging operation:
• We initially looked at the most recent harvest areas in sections 1, 2, 3, and 11 (see
attached map). These areas have recently been harvested by Ranier Helicopters out of
Everett, Washington_ Most of the harvest areas are readily seen from the Kimball Creek
road, and it is difficult to tell from a distance that there has been any activity in these
stands whatsoever. Close inspection reveals some discernible stumps and slash, but
overall these harvest areas appear to have been very lightly cut by individual tree
selection or group selection. There appears to be very little damage to the residual
stand with this type of logging, with minimal impact to future seed source, wildlife
habitat, or erosion potential. All landing areas are located well outside of any
streambeds or riparian areas.
The helicopter logging in progress by Ranier appeared to be a professional, safe, and
efficient operation. Logs were being yarded to well cleared, organized landings, and
landing slash was being piled for future burning. New road construction was minimal,
and the main haul road appeared to be in excellent shape, despite recent rain and
snowmelt.
• We proceeded to inspect those areas within section 7 that were harvested last year
(see map). These areas were reportedly cut by Salmon River Helicopters in the
fall/winter of 1997. This harvest in general appears much heavier than the recent
cutting done by Ranier. There are patches of timber from 1 to 20 acres visible from the
road where most of the overstory has been removed, leaving only the sub -
merchantable trees. This type of cut is heavier than I would recommend for this timber
type, as it increases the chances of blowdown in the residual stand and reduces the
value of the stand as hiding cover for wildlife. Many Togs have been yarded and left
unhauled from landings, and the landing slash was not piled. In addition, the landing
areas chosen appeared to be too close to Kimball Creek, and many of the logs are
currently mired in water and mud from spring runoff. A short section of recently
constructed road was badly flooded, apparently from lack of adequate drainage. Mr.
Roberts informed me that Salmon River Helicopters, the operators responsible for this
part of the harvest, had been fired from the job around the first of the year, and
replaced by Ranier Helicopters. Ranier has cleaned up at least one of the landing
areas, and Mr. Roberts has stated that they will eventually haul all the logs and clean
up all landings in this area.
• In conclusion it is obvious that, as with conventional loggers, not all helicopter loggers
are the same. There is an obvious difference in the quality of the work reportedly done
by the two operators. In my opinion the logging being done currently by Ranier is not
only acceptable, but also in fact exemplary, particularly given the marginal quality of the
timber being removed and the high cost of this type of logging. The harvesting done by
Salmon River, on the other hand, is the typical "high grade" operation all too commonly
seen on private lands in our state, with little regard to proper silvicultural or
environmental standards. I recommend that the county permit for Colorado Timber and
Land Co. be extended for other areas, providing they can harvest to the same
standards that we observed with Ranier. My specific recommendations to follow in
allowing additional timber harvest in areas similar to this are:
1. Allow only partial cutting of this timber, with removal of no more than 30% of the
merchantable sized trees within harvest areas.
2. Ensure that all landings are located at least 100 feet from perennial or intermittent
drainages, and that any new road construction (even small spur roads) have proper
culverts or drainage to prevent flooding and erosion.
3. Ensure proper dust control on haul roads where needed.
4. Monitor the logging operation to ensure compliance with county conditions of
approval.
Sincerely,
A'7�
Kelly Rogers
Assistant District Forester
cc: Ken Roberts
Colorado Timber SUP 3/9/98
The subject tract is located approximately 20 miles northwest of DeBeque on Kimball Mountain. The
area is part of the Colorado plateau, consisting of a network of deeply dissected valleys and relatively
level mesas. The timber proposed for logging is located on both sides of the Kimball creek valley on
Kimball Mountain and Cow Ridge. Slopes are calculated between 50 to 70%. Adjacent land uses
are largely devoted to ranching and the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the bureau of land
management administers adjacent land.
This application is for an additional phase to a helicopter logging operation, proposed to be
conducted on approximately 300 acres of land. The tree removal rate is proposed to be up to 70%.
The trees would be cut then transported by helicopter to five designated areas on the valley floor and
would then be removed by trucks. Weather permitting, the helicopter is expected to operate roughly
140 days er year.
To date, we have received comments from the following agencies:
1] Garfield county dept. of emergency management who suggests the applicant coordinate
emergency services with a local fire protection district and suggests an emergency response
plan be filed with the county;
2] Division of wildlife has reviewed the plan and I will summarize their comments later in this
report;
3] The state forest service has responded noting concern for the proposed removal rate of 70%,
and recommends this rate be scaled to 30%; suggests an increased removal rate in areas
experiencing insect damage; recommends a buffer of 75 feet around live streams;
acknowledges that it appears over -cutting is not taking place, yet requests an independent
review of the project.
In terms of access, the site is reached from county roads 202 and 204 which provide access to
interstate 70. This phase of the project would not require access across other private or public lands
so access easements are not required. No new roads are proposed to be constructed and all timber
would be flown to one of 5 helicopter landing sites in the Kimball creek valley.
As stated, this proposal is a second phase to a previously approved helicopter logging project. The
initial phase proposed harvesting approximately 2.2 million board feet from an area of 640 acres.
This phase proposes removing approximately 1.7 million board feet of douglas fir from 12 different
locations amounting to approximately 300 acres.
Slopes in the project area are steep, averaging approximately 63%. Soils on these slopes are defined
by the natural resources conservation service as Utso-rock outcrop complex, which is considered to
have severe constraints due to the steep slopes. Associated with the steep slopes is a high soil erosion
potential.
In terms of zoning, this type of special use permit application is considered an industrial operation
meeting the extraction definition. Therefore, the operation is required to meet the industrial
performance standards contained within the zoning resolution, which address certain performance
standards, to wit:
1. Existing lawful use of water through depletion or pollution of surface run-off, stream flow
or groundwater.
The impact statement identifies a buffer zone of 50 feet around Kimball Creek, and 25 feet
around ephemeral drainages.
2. Impacts on adjacent land from the generation of vapor, dust, smoke, noise, glare, or
vibration or other emanations.
Noise would be created by a helicopter operating over the site, which the applicant states
would have no negative impact occurring to adjacent properties. Dust would be generated
by trucks as they enter and leave the site via County Road 202 and the use of magnesium
chloride is proposed, close to residences.
3. Impacts on wildlife and domestic animals through the creation of hazardous attractions,
alteration of existing native vegetation, blockade of migration routes, use of patterns or
other distributions
Impacts to wildlife and domestic animals are expected to be of short, but would be mitigated
by grass seeding and the release of native vegetation to increase the browse for animals. The
applicant suggests that immediate impacts to wildlife may be negative, but would be mitigated
by the increase in browse and an overall improvement of habitat.
There is some concern for raptor nesting sites throughout the logging area, and the applicant
states a nesting survey would be accomplished in the spring to determine potential impacts.
The division of wildlife has detailed its concerns including an allowance for irregular-shaped
vgetation clusters to provide cover for animals;
✓tates its concern for the proposed, 70% removal rate and suggests that timbering occur in
,.../o14, intermediate and new growth timber stands;
/notes concern for erosion and suggests a 150 foot buffer zone around streams, with a
r commendation that erosion be monitored for at least 5 years;
✓recommends a reduction of the basal removal rate to 30%;
,/ the division approves of the plan to survey animal herds and suggests that helicopter flights
be curtailed during elk and deer calving season;
I/ also recommends curtailing flights over BLM lands during hunting season;
/recommends that the division be advised of any sightings of threatened or endangered
animals;
-recommends that a few dead and decaying trees be allowed to remain to provide habitat for
raptors;
and recommends the use of bear -proof trash containers.
4. Affirmatively show the impacts of truck and automobile traffic to andfrom such uses and
their impacts to areas in the County.
The application predicts eight highway legal, logging truck round -trips per day, noting that
these vehicles are required to pay taxes for usage of the roads. Additionally, a $100,000 bond
to cover road damage attributable to this project would remain in force.
5. That sufficient distances. shall separate such use from abutting property which might
otherwise be damaged by operations of the proposed use(s).
The applicant states that no impact will occur to adjacent lands as all operations would occur
within lands owned by the applicant.
6. Mitigation measures proposed for all of the foregoing impacts identified and for the
standards identified in Section 5.03.08 of this Resolution (Industrial Performance
Standards).
This section requires that the proposed industrial operation comply with applicable County,
State and Federal regulations concerning water, air and noise pollution, and shall not be
conducted in a manner that would create a public hazard or nuisance. It appears that the
applicant has considered the various impacts that are likely to be generated from this proposal
and has attempted to address these impacts. In staffs opinion, the use of helicopter yarding
is preferable to the development of a network of roads across steep and sensitive lands.
The review comments provided by the division of wildlife and the state forest service should
offer various methods to mitigate impacts to wildlife and streams and reduce erosion. The
Board should consider these recommendations, perhaps implementing them as conditions of
approval.
Based on this analysis, staff recommends approval of the project for the areas and helicopter
landing sites identified on the timbering area map, pursuant to the listed conditions.
Colorado Timber SUP 8/13/97
The subject tract is 1899 acres in size 640 acres of which subject to logging under this application,
and it is located approximately 20 miles northwest of DeBeque on Kimball Mountain. The area is
part of the Colorado plateau physiographic province, consisting of a network of deeply dissected
valleys and relatively level mesas. The majority of the timber proposed for logging is located on the
eastern and northern facing slopes, where gradients vary from 50 to 75%. Land uses adjacent to and
in the vicinity of the subject tract are largely devoted to ranching and the oil and gas industry.
Additionally, the bureau of land management administers adjacent land.
This application is for a helicopter logging operation within the 1899 acres, of which a pilot project
of 640 acres would be the initial phase. The helicopter portion is considered experimental and if
successful, would likely lead to additional phases. The application contemplates timber removal of
between 60 and 70% of the total, which would be flown to the valley floor and removed by trucks.
The operation is anticipated to be year-round, weather permitting with an expectation of operating
the helicopter approximately 140 days, per year.
The Planning Department requested comment form the state forest service, bureau of land
management and road and bridge department. No comments have been received.
Access to the extraction site would be from county road 202, providing access eventually to interstate
70. Portions of county road 202 have been asphalt -surfaced, which grades to an improved dirt road
west of roan creek. These roads cross cattle guards and bridges, which in one case, the road is
limited to the width of one lane. Weight capacities of these crossings are unknown as there are no
posted signs.
Access to county road 202 is gained across adjacent private and public land, and the necessary
easements or permits have been granted. I note that the bureau of land management access permit
is for a period of 5 years and the access permit across the private parcel is approved for a period of
one year.
No new roads are being proposed, since the timber is proposed to be flown to the extraction point.
However, an existing road may be extended a distance of 300 feet.
Because of the steep slopes, the helicopter is being proposed to transport the felled timber to a
loading area. The application contemplates that the initial phase would encompass a total area of 640
acres, of which 400 acres would be logged. A total of approximately 2.2 million board feet of lumber
is anticipated from this initial phase.
Slopes across the tract vary considerably, generally between 40 and 70%, with an area of up to 75%.
Soils on these slopes are defined by the natural resources conservation service as Utso-rock outcrop
complex, which is considered to have severe constraints due to the steep slopes. Associated with the
steep slopes is a high soil erosion potential.
In terms of zoning, this type of special use permit application is considered an industrial operation
meeting the extraction definition. Therefore, the operation is required to meet the industrial
performance standards contained within the zoning resolution, which address certain performance
standards, to wit:
1. Existing lawful use of water through depletion or pollution of surface run-off stream flow
or ground water.
The impact statement suggests a buffer zone of 50 feet of a year-round stream, which in this
case is Kimball Creek, the only year-round stream that would be affected.
2. Impacts on adjacent land from the generation of vapor, dust, smoke, noise, glare, or
vibration or other emanations_
Noise would be created by the helicopters operating over the site, which the applicant states
would be contained within the property boundaries, and no negative impact occurring to
adjacent properties. Dust would be generated by trucks as they enter and leave the site via
County Road 202 and the use of magnesium chloride is proposed, "close to residences;"
however, the term "close" is not defined.
3. Impacts on wildlife and domestic animals through the creation of hazardous attractions,
alteration of existing native vegetation, blockade of migration routes, use of patterns or
other distributions.
Impacts to wildlife and domestic animals are expected to be of short, but would be mitigated
by grass seeding and the release of native vegetation to increase the browse for animals. The
Division of Wildlife has not been consulted, so it is difficult to predict impacts to wildlife. The
applicant suggests that immediate impacts to wildlife may be negative, but would be mitigated
by the increase in browse and an overall improvement of habitat.
Apparently, there is some concern for raptor nesting sites throughout the logging area, and
the applicant states a nesting survey would be accomplished in the spring to determine
potential impacts.
4. Affirmatively show the impacts of truck and automobile traffic to and from such uses and
their impacts to areas in the County.
The application predicts eight highway legal, logging truck round-trips per day, noting that
these vehicles are required to pay taxes for usage of the roads. Additionally, the applicant is
proposing a $100,000 bond to cover road damage attributable to this project.
5. That sufficient distances shall separate such use from abutting property which might
otherwise be damaged by operations of the proposed use(s).
The applicant states that no impact will occur to adjacent lands as all operations would occur
within lands owned by the applicant.
6. Mitigation measures proposed for all of the foregoing impacts identified and for the
standards identified in Section 5.03.08 of this Resolution (Industrial Performance
Standards).
This section requires that the proposed industrial operation comply with applicable County,
State and Federal regulations concerning water, air and noise pollution, and shall not be
conducted in a manner that would create a public hazard or nuisance. It appears that the
applicant has considered the various impacts that are likely to be generated from this proposal
and has attempted to address these impacts. In staffs opinion, the use of helicopter yarding
is preferable to the development of a network of roads across very steep and sensitive lands.
Additionally, the scope of this project is relatively small, which should enable the applicant
to assess the profitability of the enterprise before future expansion. Further, the application
suggests the use of a staff forester who would oversee logging operations. Staff suggests this
be made a condition of approval.
Based on this analysis, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the pilot project
portion of this application for section 7, T7S, R100W, pursuant to the listed conditions.