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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.01 BOCC Staff Report 09.08.2008 - Exhibit M - Forest Management PlanTEPEE PARK FOREST MANAGEMENT' PLAN Garfield County, CO prepared by Jeff Calvert, Registered Professional Forester David Levy Forestry Services Nevada City, California April 1996 TEPEE PARK FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS General Location Map Topography with Property Boundary Forest Management Plan Map Forest Management Planametric Map Ownership, Legal, and Project Information Map 1 Map 2 Map 3 Map 4 5 Public Comments and Assistance Public Agencies 7 Private Individuals and Companies 9 1. Introduction 10 Overview of Tepee and Beaver Creek Area Photo 13 Drainage and Watercourse Map Map 14 Roads and Topography Map Map 15 11 Management Objectives 16 III. Location and Access 17 IV. Physiography 18 Soils Map Map 20 Soils, Road & Watercourses Map 21 V. Forest Products and General Economy 22 Vegetation & Timber Types Map 23 Vegetation & Timber Types, Roads & Watercourses Map 24 VI , Forest Description 25 VII. Management Recommendations A. Timber 23 Typical Forest Views Photo 33 Examples of Forest Stands Photo 35 Forest Scenes with Deadwood and Downfall Photo 36 B. Wildlife 37 C. Water 39 Vlll . Methods of Operation A. Yarding Methods Yarding Systems B. Road Construction Diagram for installation of Culverts Road Identification Table Typical Road Views Road Construction Examples Road Designation Map Culvert Location and Sizes Road Designation & Culvert Reference Road Designation & Culvert Reference Typical Road Cross Sections Typical Culvert Installation for Logging Roads Road Construction Specification Revegetation Method Examples of Hand Dug Interceptor Ditches Photos of Various Tepee Park Drainages Diagram for Installation of Culvert Typical Road Section for Logging Roads C. Soil Stabilization Measures EHR, Roads & Watercourses Map 0. Watercourse Protective Zones And Measures Diagram of WPZ and EEZ Special Protection Measures E. Snag Retention F. Fire Safety G. Fuels Reduction H. Administration 1X Affected Environment A. Wildlife and Fisheries B. Soils C. Water D. Recreation and Visual Resources Map Diagram Table Photo Photo Map Chart Map Map Chart PhotolDrawing Photo Photo Diagram Diagram Map Diagram Diagram 40 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 65 67 68 69 70 73 73 74 75 76 77 ■ E. Endangered Species 78 F. Cultural Resources 78 G. Traffic and Haul Routes 80 H. Conclusion 82 X. Other Pertinent Information 83 XI. Bibliography 84 CO Err! ,M. • - r } i TEPEE PARK FOREST MANAQEMENT PLA 4 %.��1 /4 7 , :" ": , 1° Vis,°'. 4 ! "E E!V f f f �„.7;,..'it seasonal: ,F A! ' ,l y w',,„,o,,,,,, .. rr. J (USF3 Spedal Property I FMP /11:. Permit Required) Boundary: p://ir;iii ;ref Seasonal Reconstruction: "'"''""-•"- Road to be Abandoned: x x x x x Catch Basin: i / FOREST MANAGEMENT • PLAN MAP NORTH" MAMM :PERK & RULISON 7 5:iiainute series USO � Jest 95% Mixed) Sections 30 & 31 - T7S R93W Setdats15,22,23, 24,25, 28,27,35 & 36 - T7S R94W Sectors 5, 6, 7 & 8 - T86 R93W ALL witldn Bre 6h Prindple Merrdian Gafie!d County 4,464 FMP Acres 40' Cmfai Iriervd . + r m • it x..47; J[f-. , �, :..4.1)a 1 . -! _ �. ( ,).tIrrNisi`. ..ate This map is an approximate representation of all features. The accuracy of topography, boundaries and scale are reliable but not guaranteed. .) 15 14 24 FORE USFS SPECIAL USE PERMIT REQUIRED Seasonal: Seasonal: (USFS Special Permit Required) LEGUME': qablarearling Property ! FMP Boundary: Class I: Class 11: -- -- Class Springs: Cabin: @ ''art 14 =..1. Seasonal: Seasonal Reconstruction: Road to be Abandoned: x x x x x Catch Basin: A/ FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANAMETRIC MAP IIORTH MAMM ::PERU[ &-RULtSON7.5 Minute Serlos' =Quadrangles So 31 - 17S Ft93W Seat) 15,72,23, 24, 25, 26,27, 35 336 -115 R94W Sections 5, 6, 7 & 6 - TSS INN ALL w lin the 51hPrirrcpl Lleridiart Garfleid County 4,464 RAP Acr@3 r. . - RULUSON NORTH riklAWO PEAK USGS 7.5 min QUAD. USS 7.5 mitt QiJ U. This map is an approximate repreaentation of al features. The accuracy of topgraphy, boundaries and scale are reliable but not guaranteed. T7S TRS R94W 4 Row 7 ' 8 TIMBER and TIMBERLAND OWNER(s) Tucker and Frase 5221 Mica Ct. Redding, Ca. 96003 (916) 223-6715 A Legal Partnership Comprised Of: David P Frase 1789 Gold Hills Drive Redding, Ca 96003 (916)244-7386 Timothy D. & Stacey D. Frase 2911 Anita Street Redding, CA 06001 (910) 246-3878 J and K Logging (916) 928-4355 PC Box 989 Quincy, CA 95971 Sharon L. Tucker 21870 Regena Drive Palo Cedro, CA 96073 (916)347-1565 Clay K. Tucker 19009 River Ranch Road Anderson, CA 96007 (916) 244-6606 TIMBER OPERATOR (cable) TIMBER OPERATOR (tractor) FORESTER PREPARING FMP (Forest Management Plan) Commencement date Expected completion date Forest products to be removed Location of operation U.S.F.S. Topographic Maps Tepee Park EMP To be determined Jeff Calvert for: David E. Levy Forestry Services PO Box 1797 Nevada City, CA 95959 (916) 265-4891 (Review and Editing by David Levy) Upon approval (expected start Summer 1996) Three years following approval Sawlogs, chip logs and firewood All or Portions of Sections: 30 & 31 in T75 R93W 15,22,23,24,25,2 6,27,35,&36 in T7S R94W 5, 6, 7, & 8 in T8S R93W All in the 6th principle meridian North Mamm & Rulison 7.5 Min. Quads 5 Prescription: Group and Single Tree Selection, Commercial Thinning and Shelterwood Removal: Over -mature Engelmann Spruce - Alpine Fir Stands Regeneration Cuts: Mature Aspen stands Extent of Harvest Area: 1454 acres Species: Engelmann Spruce, Alpine Fir, Quaking Aspen, Products: Saw logs, wafer logs, round wood Volume: Engelmann spruce and Alpine fir 8 TO 11 MMBF (MBF=Thousand Board Feet MMBF=Million Board Feet ) Aspen (Cubit = 100 cubic feet) Economic Benefits: Resource utilization, provide employment during planning, marking, road construction and harvest phases of the plan; provide limited employment post-harvest for care -taking, road maintenance and guiding services; provide additional state and local tax revenues. 1,090 cunits Ecological Benefits: The harvest of the stands and construction of a new road system will: • Reduce the fire danger • Provide access for fire and forest management • Replace exiting USFS road within riparian zone of Beaver Creek with better designed road out of riparian zone • Establish improved habitat for wildlife • Renew and sustain aspen forest -type • Create bio -diversity in portions of the over -mature forest • improve forest health • Improve water yields. Tepee Park FMP 6 Public Comments and Technical Assistance PUBLIC AGENCIES USFS White River Ranger District Rifle Ranger Station, 0094 Co. Rd. 244, Rifle, CO 81650 Terry Wood -District Ranger Gary Osier -Engineering Cindy Hockelberg-Forester Bob Kapushion-Timber Brian Watt -Silviculture USFS White River National Forest 317 E. Market St.., Meeker, CO 81641 Mike Frary-Zone Fire Management Officer USFS White River National Forest, SO PO Box 948, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 Bill Knight -Archaeologist Tony Svatos-Forest Soil Scientist Ron Wright- Soil Scientist Colorado State Fish and Wildlife Service 6091 County Road 233, Silt, CO, 81652 Perry Will -Warden Colorado State Fish and Wildlife Service Meeker, CO 81641 Chuck Riechert-Warden Colorado State Forest Service 222 South 6th St., Room 416, Grand Junction, CO 81501 John Dennison Kelly Rodgers City of Rifle 202 Railroad Ave., Rifle, CO 81650 Tim Moore -City Engineer Garfield County 109 8th St., Suite 303, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601-3303 Mark Bean -Planning Director King Lloyd -Engineer Garfield County Sheriffs Office P.O. Box 249, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 Tom Delassandri - Garfield County Sheriff Tepee Park FMP 7 (970) . 625-2371 (970) 878-4039 (970) 945-2521 (970) 876-2120 (970) 248-7325 (970) 625-2121 (970) 945-8212 (970) 945-0453 Bureau of Land Management Glenwood Springs Resource Area, US Hwy 6 & 24 Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 Bob Elderkin-BLM Staff Leader U.S. Geological Survey 1313 Sherman St., Room 715, Denver, CO 80203 Carol Morgans Tremain- Geologist David Noe - Geologist Tepee Park PMP 8 (970) 945-2341 (970) 866-2611 1 r r 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Private Individuals and Companies Kim Potter - Biologist 440 East 7th St., Rifle, CO 81650 Scott Fifer - Hydrologist Resource Engineering Inc. 909 Colorado Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Ken Chambers 33901 Hwy 6 & 24, Silt, CO 81652 High Country Engineering 923 Cooper Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Bruce Lewis, P. E. Roger Neal, Engineer Hepworth-Pawlak Geotechnical, Inc. 5020 Road 154, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Steve Pawlak, P. E. Ralph G. Mock -Engineering Geologist Eugene J. Leist - Consulting Forester PO Box 1633, Clackamas, OR 97015 John Taylor -Helicopter -Cable Yarder Foreman/Technician C and K Logging, 146 Mistletoe Road, Ashland OR 97520 Kent Strong, K & K Sawmill POB 210, SUI, CO 81652 Perry Brant - Brant Logging POB 126, Lazear, CO 81420 Tucker and Frase 5221 Mica Ct. Redding, Ca. 96003 Clay Tucker -Applicant Tim Frase-Applicant Ron Davis-Assistnant Manager Tucker and Frase Mike Bishop - Landowner in Vicinity Pat Loughry-Mining Engineer 509 Will Avenue, Rifle Co. 81650 Mid Coolbaugh - Shale Country Surveying P.L.S. 215 Hutton Avenue, Rifle, CO 81650 Tepee Park FMP 9 (970) 625-3713 (970) 945-6777 (970) 876-2381 (970) 945-8676 (970) 945-7988 (503) 632-6926 (503) 482-1221 (970) 876-2452 (91 6) 223-6715 (970) 625-0146 (970) 625-5622 (970) 625-3977 1. Introduction The 4464± acre property is located in a remote section of Garfield County approximately 8.25 air miles due south of the City of Rifle. The property is entirely surrounded by lands administered by the United States Forest Service of the White River National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management. Access to the property is from the City of Rifle, through private property and finally across USFS lands. A portion of the road across the USFS must be relocated to the west, moving it away from Beaver Creek and to an area with a more favorable road grade for log trucks. The owners have applied for a Special Use Permit to allow for the construction of the new road. There is a partial road system existing on the property. The road runs southward along Beaver Creek. The road forks approximately 1/4 mile after crossing the subject property line with one fork going east towards the West Mamm drainage and the other continuing southward to Teepee Park. There is a one -room fog cabin on the property located at Teepee Park. It is believed to be approximately 40 years old. The cabin is occasionally used by the owners and their guests while hunting or working on the property. Another old log cabin exists on the ridge north of Houston Mountain Tepee Park FMP 14 The stands have had relatively little manipulation by man. Road and trail maintenance have been the only "cutting" activity of the recent past. Historically the property has been used for grazing. The property was owned in the past by Union Oil Company of California (UNOCAL) and Virginia Colorado Development Corporation. The property is underlain with oil- bearing shale reserves and natural gas fields and was purchased for its mineral rights in the 1930's. Exploration consisted of "assessment pits" dug horizontally into the Green r, theocasual observere. These pits can would not notice them discovered as they havon close eround reveg tatedtion. and However, eroded causing them to blend into the landscape. The topography varies from nearly flat at Teepee Park to vertical cliffs above Porcupine Creek. The aspect is generally northerly: northwest and northeast with elevations from 8700 feet to the top Houston Mt. at 10,270 feet. There are four major drainages the property: mBmaver Creeand theCreek. Alk flow north and are tributary to the Coloadwaters of Porcupine rado ad❑ Spruce Creek and West River. Beaver Creek provides for domestic water supplies to the City of Rifle. The intake for the City of Rifle is approximately 5 miles north of the property line. The vegetation types include Engelmann Spruce -Alpine Fir, Aspen, Gamble Oak, riparian and upland meadows with combinations of two or more pure types. Many of the Spruce -Fir and Aspen stands are over mature with a high proportion of green cull and littered with blown down trees. There is good regeneration under the Spruce -Fir but very little in the Aspen stands. Soils are cobbly silty foams with clay loam subsoils. The owners propose harvesting timber from approximately 1454 non-contiguous acres. The harvest will create openings that will benefit wildlife and generate new, healthy stands of Aspen, reduce fire danger, and improve forest health in the Engelmann spruce/ Alpine Fir type by removing over mature, damaged and diseased trees while promoting forest diversity. The management of this property hinges on an adequate system of roads to remove timber, move equipment and to adequately protect the watershed from fire. The present road system has approximately 3.82 miles of existing roads. These provide access to the central area of the Beaver Creek Watershed and into the Mamm Creek Watershed. There will be approximately 8.33 miles of new road construction on the property which will provide access to the upper scopes of Beaver Creek Watershed and onto the ridge area above the Porcupine drainage. ( See Road Identification Table page 45 and Road Designation Map Page 48) Tepee Park FMP 11 In addition to new road construction on the property, Tucker and Frase have applied for a Special Use Permit for relocation of a portion of the haul route where it crosses the US Forest Service (see Forest Management Plan Map page 3, Forest Management Planametric Map page 4, and Haul Route Map page 79). This is necessary because that portion is presently within the riparian zone, excessively steep (there are pitches up to 35%) and poorly drained. Relocation will greatly reduce the potential for sedimentation into Beaver Creek and restore the riparian habitat. Tucker and Frase have requested that this road be closed with a gate during the spring to preserve the road surface. Often lost in the debate over roaded and roadfess areas is the other management purposes of adequate road systems. In July of 1994 a dry cold front moved into the mesa. The fuels moisture was between 8 and 12% with winds of 35 mph. Two fires broke out on Tucker-Frase property. The Teepee Creek and the Mamm Creek fire could not be attacked by County fire crews because of lack of roads and complications of assignment of responsibility. The U.S Forest Service already had "hot -shot" crews enroute to another fire. They were diverted from that original destination to the Teepee and Mamm burns. The original destination of the crews was the South Canyon fire which is better known as the Storm King fire. Perhaps if a road system had been in place County fire fighters could have responded to the Teepee and Mamm fires. The hot shot crews could have arrived at their original destination, possibly quickly extinguishing the wildfire, thereby preventing the death of 14 firefighters and millions of dollars in damages. Tepee Park FMP 1 2 OVERVIEW OF TEPEE AND BEAVER CREEK AREA LOOKING EAST ACROSS BEAVER CREEK WATERSHED FROM WESTERN RIDGE TOP LOOKING WEST AT UPPER RIDGE ABOVE TEPEE CREEK IN BEAVER CREEK WATERSHED OVERVIEW LOOKING SOUTH-EAST INTO TEPEE PARK AND BEAVER CREEK C) r - 11. Management Objectives Tucker and Frase, a partnership of the Tucker and Frase families, own and manage timberlands in the western United States. Their management objectives are a combination of economics and biology. The foresters have considered both the revenue that the resource affords and the entire biotic community in formulating this plan. Long term sustained timber yield, protection of watersheds, promotion of new timber growth and enhancement of big game habitat form the basis of this plan. The proposed timber harvest is a necessary portion of the management plan for this property. The timber stands scheduled for harvesting are over -mature and beginning to deteriorate. Tucker-Frase wishes to capture the economic opportunity before a major catastrophe or further degradation occurs within the timber stand. This is a legitimate use of private property. The local community will share in tax revenues and employment opportunities. In addition, the timber harvested will add to the nations lumber inventory which is presently in short supply In addition to the monetary benefits of the harvest to Tucker-Frase and the local community there are other important benefits: Wildlife: Removing a portion of the overstory will allow an increase in sunlight with a resultant rejuvenation of the understory: grasses, forbs and shrubs and sprouts of Aspen. This will provide for more forage for elk, deer and domestic grazing animals. Retention of "islands" and "lanes" of the spruce -fir forest with openings of earlier successional stages create ecotones. It has been well documented that this "edge effect" provides for better overall habitat for larger ungulates. Water: The reduction in overstory will reduce the moisture consumption by removing the large and mature trees, and thereby increase the amount of runoff available for irrigation for a decade or more. The openings increase the snow pack by allowing snow to build up on the ground where it can add to spring runoffs rather than being interrupted by tree limbs where it evaporates into the air. Fire: Improvement of access will assist in any tire suppression activities. Reduction in the overstory and dead and dying trees will reduce the potential for a catastrophic wildfire thereby creating more defensible space. Forest Health: The overstory stands currently are decadent and subject to insects and diseases that are beginning to effect the understory as well. Not only is the timber resource under-utilized but the down timber creates barriers to some species of wildlife. Tepee Park FMP 16 r Road Abandonment: Relocation of the present Beaver Creek Road will move the road out of the riparian zone to higher ground. This will reduce the sedimentation into Beaver Creek and expand the existing riparian zone as the old road fills in with vegetation. The new road will have a much reduced grade, proper crown with ditches and culverts where necessary. Relocation of this road will greatly reduce the potential for sedimentation. Reclamation of the abandoned road will be to USFS specifications. This will include ripping and reshaping to mimic original land contours, seeding (with an approved seed mixture), mulching and placement of natural barriers (rocks) to discourage vehicle trespass. Management of these stands will promote ecosystem diversity by removing a portion of the overstory that will allow young spruce and fir to release. Small openings will result in the sprouting of aspen thereby increasing the multiple use opportunities of a sub -climax forest. Management Alternative: Tucker & Frase has considered an option of conducting a land exchange with the U.S.F.S. This would transfer the ownership of the entire property to the U.S. Forest Service in return for land of equal value elsewhere. There has been preliminary talks with the Rifle Ranger District of the White River National Forest. This would leave the property in its present condition to be managed by the Forest Service. It should be noted that due to budget restraints and manpower considerations, this option is considered very tentative. III. Location And Access The legal description of the property includes: All or Portions of Sections: 30 &31 15,22,23,24,25,26,27,35436 5,6,7,&8 All in the 6th principle meridian in T7S R93W in T7S R94W in TBS R93W Garfield County, Colorado The location is in central Garfield County, 8.25 miles south of Rifle, Colorado. The property encompasses the upper portions drama Df ash (See Forest Management Plan e West Mamm Creek, Beaver Creek, Map Porcupine Creek and Spruce9 page 3 and Drainage and Watercourse page 14) The property is entirely surrounded by Federal lands administered by the U.S. Service and maintained, Bureau of Land R fle Rul songement. Access is south Road. Then along the fB Beand aver Creek Roadfle, along the county m Tepee Park FMP 17 through private land. The last 1.5 miles is across the United States Forest Service. IV. Physiography Mean annual precipitation is approximately 20 inches to 40 inches. The mean annual temperature is 34°F to 38 °F. Elevation ranges from 8640 feet to 10860 feet. Soils are deep and well drained. Please reference Solis map on page 20. Solis include: R63 -Silas loam, alluvium, effective rooting depth to 60 inches with moderate permeability 104A-Cryoborolis-Cryaquolls association, silt loam surface layers; effective rooting depth of greater than 60 inches with moderate permeability. 2208-Leadville family, loam surface layer; effective rooting depth of greater than 60 inches with moderate permeability. 2238-Leighhcan family-Cryaqu0lls complex, very cobbly loam surface layers; effective rooting depth over 60 inches with moderate permeability. 302D-Subwell family-tJstvchripts-Rock outcrop complex, bouldery loam surface layers; effective rooting depth over 20 inches with moderately rapid permeability. 3138 -Scout -Rubble Land family, very cobbly loam to boulder surface layers; effective rooting depth 40 to over 60 inches with moderately rapid permeability. 317C-Stonyridge-Eyer families complex, silt loam to gravely loam surface layers; effective rooting depth of greater than 20 inches with moderate permeability. 331 B-Peeler-Leadville-Echmoor families complex, silt loam to loam surface layers; an effective rooting depth of greater than 40 inches with moderate to moderately slow permeability. 331 C-Peeler-Leadville families complex, silt loam to loam surface layers; an effective rooting depth of greater than 40 inches with moderate permeability. 332B-Echmoar families, silt loam surface layers; effective rooting depth over 40 inches with moderately slow permeability. 333C-Herm-Kalab families, stony silt loam surface layers; effective rooting depth over 40 inches with moderately slow permeability. 336B-Gateview-H andran-Doffymont families, complex, gravelly loam surface layers; effective rooting depth 20 to over 40 inches with moderate to Tepee Park PMP 18 moderately rapid permeability. 3388-Westopa-Doughspon-Echemoor complex, silty clay loam surface layers; effective rooting depth over 60 inches with moderately slow permeability. 3458-Doughspon families, loam surface layers; effective rooting depth over 60 inches with moderately slow permeability. 352C -Scout family -Shale, very cobbly loam surface layers; effective rooting depth over 20 inches with moderately rapid permeability. 3828-Sieta-Tellura families, stony to cobbly silt loam surface layers; effective rooting depth over 60 inches with moderate permeability. 385D -Scout family -Rock outcrop-Hechtman family complex, very cobbly loam surface layers; effective rooting depth over 20 inches with moderately rapid permeability. 4490-Tampico-Echemoor families, loam to silt loam surface layers; effective rooting depth of greater than 20 inches with a moderate to moderately slow permeability. The Cryaquolls, that are mainly in the Teepee Park meadow, have a drainage class of under one foot. However, the remainder of the soils have a depth to seasonal high water table of over 6 feet. The terrain varies from nearly flat at Teepee Park to vertical at the shale cliffs. However, the majority of the harvest activity will occur on slopes of 10% to 50%. Aspect is generally northerly, with both northwest and northeast slopes. Beaver Creek, a domestic water source, is the principle drainage. The harvest will occur on both the east and west slopes of the Beaver Creekwatershed s e 35%usingof tha combination of tractor, cable, and helicopter yarding. Approximately harvest is scheduled for the south-east portion of the Porcupine Creek drainage again using these same yarding systems. A small amount of helicopter yarding will occur in the upper portions of the West Mann drainage and the west side of Porcupine Creek. Reprints of soil description from the Soil Conservation Service, 1985, Soil Survey of Rifle Area, Colorado, U.S. Department of Agriculture are in the Appendix. Tepee Park FMP 19 TEPEE PARK FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN Seasonal R9c0nSlrudtpn: �����•�•�� Road lo be Abandoned: x x x x x Seasonal; Seasonal: 345B:Doughspon Family 382B: Sicstz-Telura Family 385D: Scout Family - Rock Outcrop 104A: Cryaborolls • Cryaguolls 2248: Leedvale Family 225B: Leiglican Family 3020: Subwell Family 313B: SCO11t Family - Rubble Land 317C: Slonyridge 8318: Peeler - Leaoville Echemoor SOILS, ROADS & WASTERCOURSES MAP Mani P a b Y ►"��1 fife W ?Try' 1iWERAVtinves4 {75`.mP.eixel} Secimns 35 & 51 - T7$ R93W Sections 15, 22,23, 24,25.26, 27,35 &38 -775 R90 Section 5, 6, 7 & 8 - T8S R93W ALL *Ain the 6thPrix.* Mtridire Gels/0 County 4,464 FMP Anes 41C:40u Nand 336B: Wetopa - Daughspon 352C: Scout Family - Shale 382B: Seitz - Tellura Family 3850: Scout Family - Rock Outcrop 395D: Scout Family - Rock Outcrop 4200: Subwell - Dutfymont Family 449C: Tampico - Edlemoor Family hip. .. •'.IP' 1. 14 ; This map is an approximate representation of WI features, The accuracy of topography, boundaries and scale are reliable but rm1 duaranteed. )11 .'irk -'Avert :w�aw7r�.-,:�.�.rr ■fief.-.:gmekw. V. Forest Products and General Economy The typical economy of the area has been agriculture and mining. The area is at the center of the nations oil shale reserves and is near reserves of coal, limestone, oil, uranium and natural gas. The close proximity to skiing, excellent hunting opportunities and the areas inherent beauty have made it an attraction to tourists and "out -of -stators." Due to this influx of visitors and new residents the economy has become more service oriented. Real estate development foassociatede i in importance. The no forecast forthe area is for major expansion in construction labor and service industry positions: The proposed timber harvest is consistent with past management activities tor the area. Proper management of the area will preserve the esthetics of the area and health of the timber stand by removing decadent Umber and releasing the understory and regenerating the Aspen stands. There will be an increase in forage for wildlife and domestic livestock and an increase in snowpack. The timber will be shipped to various mills in the area for processing. It was originally planned that much of the spruce and fir timber will go to a Louisiana Pacific mill in Walden. However, due to the shortage of timber supply that mill has closed. Currently, no buyer for the logs has been chosen. The road construction, logging and hauling operations will create 8 to 14 jobs in the Rifle area. Some of the logging and hauling will be done by local contractors and local people. However, non -local companies must employed as there is no should create additionpter or cable al employment and in ate added revenue and trucking work into the economy of the Garfield County area. in addition to the direct payroll, a substantial portion of the maintenance and supply purchases by the logging & trucking contractors will likely be made in the Rifle and Glenwood Springs general area. Throughout the life of the project outside contractors, consultants and technicians will contribute to the economy through rentals of motel rooms and the purchase of food, fuel and supplies. Tepee Park FMP 22 Vi. Forest Description The property is approximately 4464± acres, please refer to Forest Vegetation Type map on page 10. The property is delineated by type as follows: Conifer (Spruce -Fir) 2241 acres Aspen -Conifer Mix 267 acres Aspen 658 acres Gambol oak woodland 267 acres Rock/non-vegetated 569 acres grassland 462 acres Total 4464 acres Aspen 15% Oak Veg Types Rock 13% Grass 10% Aspen - Conifer 14% Conifer 45% Conifer Stands The majority of the conifer stands proposed for harvest were cruised in 1993 using variable radius (prism) plots. The remainder of the stands were estimated using ortho black and white photos. in addition, harvest plots were established in 1994 and 1995 to better determine taper, growth and cull factors. The age of the stand is between 150 and 400 years old. Increment borings show counts as high as 100 rings per inch with the average at 16 rings per inch. These stands are characterized by a general lack of aspen, significant amount of blow down and standing dead and dying trees. Tepee Park FMP 2 5 1 w M 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 The conifer stands in the Teepee Park area and the Porcupine Creek drainage are irregular1 uneven -aged stands, predominantly Engelmann spruce (86% by volume), with Subalpine fir (13%) and Aspen (1%). These stands are not multi -tiered but usually two tiered and rarely three -tiered. The dense canopy (90%+) so characteristic of a mature forest has become reduced with age so that overall canopy closure is approximately 77%. As the stand has deteriorated the overstory has blown down or broken off resulting in many small openings of fess than an acre in size. Within these openings there is a considerable amount of regeneration and more advanced regeneration in the form of saplings and poles. In addition, the reduction in general canopy closure has allowed more seedlings to survive throughout the entire stand. The understory that developed has a slightly higher proportion of fir than spruce. This is normal for spruce -fir forests. Opening the stands will release the spruce regeneration, allow the aspen to resprout and return this to a more productive forest. Regeneration varies from approximately 600 to 1100 trees per acre with 27% to 48% being spruce. Stands in the West Mamm drainage are predominantly Subalpine fir (70%) with the remainder in Engelmann spruce (17%), Aspen (13%) and a trace of Douglas -fir. The stands in the West Mamm area are younger. Much of the area is dominated by non - merchantable trees. Very little harvesting is scheduled for this drainage. 11 Smith defines irregular uneven -aged stands as those stands which do not contain all the age classes necessary to ensure that trees will arrive at rotation age at short intervals indefinitely, Uneven -aged virgin stands and stands which have been culled over are almost always irregular in age distribution. ( Smith, 1962) Tepee Park FMP 26 Aspen -Conifer Stands These stands are characterized by a higher proportion of Aspen than conifers in the overstory. These stands are mature Aspen stands that are being gradually replaced by spruce. The understory is composed of chokecherry, snowberry, wood rose, cinquefoil, Oregon grape, currant, and varieties of grasses and forbs and some scattered spruce seedlings and saplings. There are very few aspen sprouts as the stands have mostly closed canopies. The aspen component will gradually be eliminated unless regenerated by some type of disturbance. Under natural conditions wildfire would be the primary factor in regenerating the stands to subclimax conditions. Wildfire suppression is an unnatural condition that has resulted in a concentration of fuels and contributed to the unhealthy status of many sub -climax forests. Tepee Park FMP 2 7 N r 1 1 1 1 M 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I Aspen Stands These stands are almost pure aspen in the overstory. Stocking ranges from 135 to 257 stems per acre. In some areas there may be openings from past fires, avalanches or slides where the aspen stands are younger: in the shrub seedling stage to the sapling pole stage. The West Mamm drainage in particular contains large areas of younger aspen stands. The Teepee Park area (Beaver Creek drainage) and most of the remaining property is dominated by stands which are mature to over -mature. Aspen is susceptible to more forest pests than any other Colorado tree species. According to literature there are over 500 different destructive organisms that attack aspens. These organisms may range from slightly destructive to extremely destructive causing serious rot and mortality. The result of almost any of these organisms is a reduction in vigor and general deterioration of the stand. This is especially true of the stands in the Beaver Creek and Porcupine Creek watersheds. The Aspen stands are typical of those found on much of the public lands on the White River National Forest. According to the White River National Forest, 1990, Land and Resource Management Plan: Only 12 percent of the type (Aspen) is in early successional stages while the optimum or balanced distribution for the wildlife indicator species should be 27 percent. About 60 percent of the aspen type will be replaced by other vegetation types through natural succession if left unmanaged. Non forested Areas Gambel Oak, grasslands and non -vegetated portions of the property comprise a total of 1304 acres or 29% of the land base. The majority of the Gambel oak is on the more northern portions of the property and generally at lower elevations. There are no plans to do any harvesting within these stands. The meadows and grasslands are concentrated around Teepee Park and the Teepee Creek drainage with scattered areas on ridge tops above Porcupine Creek and Spruce Creek. The non -vegetated areas include the north facing, steep shale cliffs, even though there are some scattered conifers perched on these cliffs. Tepee Park FMP 2 8 VII. Management Recommendations A. TIMBER Conifer Stands The stands proposed for harvesting are varied. Generally these are irregular or un- even aged multi -storied stands well -regenerated with saplings and seedlings and advanced regeneration of poles and intermediates. Opening the stands will release the less shade tolerant young spruce as well as allow for some sprouting of the minor aspen component. Preservation of the regeneration is paramount. In addition, there are some areas containing stands that are generally evenaged with multi -sizes. These are not young stands but there is no regeneration present and artificial regeneration is not an option at this time. These stands require that the areas be opened more slowly to allow the stands to become more wind firm and to allow some regeneration to take place. The conifer stands within the Beaver Creek and Porcupine Creek drainages will be harvested using a variety of silvicultures: Group and Single Tree Selection, Commercial Thinning and Shelterwood Removal. Group Selection: In this method small groups of trees are selected for harvesting. Groups of trees (less than 2 acres) can be removed while leaving groups of windfirm, healthy, vigorous trees. This method provides an opportunity to release established regeneration and reduce further logging damage. The object is to capture the opportunities that are provided by the small openings that presently exist. Those trees that are on the edges of openings have been exposed and may be more wind firm than individuals in denser portions of the stand. Since heart rot travels through the root system, diseased trees are frequently found in groups. This system promotes a healthier stand by removing obviously diseased individuals as well as those at high risk. Small groups that are healthy and windfirm are left intact to provide for vertical diversity and provide for future seeding of any disturbed soil from log skidding. Groups of Engelmann spruce will be the primary species selected as "leave." Alpine fir regeneration is disproportionately higher than spruce regeneration so it is not preferred as a seed source. Also, it is much shorter lived than spruce and is subject to heart rot at an early age. Therefore, Alpine fir will be selected to harvest unless they are part of a spruce leave group. Some portions of the stand will have leave groups that are contiguous to provide for travel cover or travel lanes for wildlife particularly deer and elk. This is especially important along roads. This will be accomplished by selecting leave groups that are connected with dense stands of saplings and poles as well as other mature leave groups. Generally, no more than 40% of the basal area of the original Tepee Park FMP 2 9 stand will be removed, Shelterwood Removal: In Multistoried stands where the stand developed from the deterioration of overstory stands and there is a manageable stand of reproduction a shelterwood removal can be used to release this regeneration. The result is an increase in growth rates with favorable condition for spruce. In this method the overwood is removed. According to Alexander2 : If the windfall risk is above average to high, the safest first cut is simulated shelterwood that removes the overwood with a thinning from below to obtain a widely spaced open -grown stand that will be windfirm. see Fig A and B reprinted from text. These stands must be harvested with considerable care to protect the residual trees and regeneration. Skid trails or cable corridors must be flagged before the harvest operation commences so that tailors fall timber towards the trail. Also, the timber must be felled in stages. 44. .4444(.44_44kb, Figure A - Options for the ftrsl entr y into a multistoried spruce -fir stand with to w wind risk Original Stand First Cut Options 1. Overwood Removal 2. Thin From Below 4* 4 4. t Figure S - First entry lnta a multistoried spruce -fir stand with above average to high wind risk Original Stand 1. Overwood i�BIM vat and Thin From Below 2 Ecology, Silviculture and Management of the Engelmann Spruce -Subalpine Fir Type in the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains, Tepee Park FMP 30 Single Tree Selection: In stands where windfall risk is low, individual trees can be selected for removal, This method provides for a forest with an array of size and age classes. it is appropriate for uniformly spaced stands with irregular to all age structure. As this method tends to favor the regeneration of more shade -tolerant species, such as Alpine fir, this method will be used in stands that do not have a significant amount of fir in the leave stand. Generally, no more than 40% of the basal area of the original stand will be removed. Commercial Thinning: In this method the stands are relatively even -aged. The idea is to increase growth rates in the leave stand. Regeneration is not the object. This method should result in average diameters to be increased or remain the same. Very few of the stands present on the property can be so manipulated. However, some stands in the Porcupine drainage and the northwestern slope of Teepee Creek qualify on a limited basis. Generally, no more than 30% of the basal area will be removed. The forest is advanced in age and, generally, the stands have deteriorated to different degrees and are not uniform. it is not possible to put a line on a map with any accuracy and restrict the forester to a certain silviculture that may not be appropriate. As conditions change within the stand so must the silviculture change. Some acres may not be harvested at all, while another acre may have al! the overstory removed in order to release the regeneration and remove the decadent overwood (shelterwood removal), still another may have a few widely spaced individuals removed (selection). In order to adequately administer the harvest operation, Tucker & Frase foresters and their crews will mark all trees to be harvested. The harvest trees will be painted with a blue horizontal stripe and a base mark (stump scratch) painted below the cut line. Marking will not occur in cable units until cable roads (corridors) have been pre -flagged. This will reduce residual stand damage and increase yarding efficiency. Tepee Park FMP 31 Aspen -Conifer Stands Merchantable spruce and fir will be harvested within mature aspen stands that are degenerating and gradually being replaced by conifer. These entries will serve as a focal point for the harvesting of the mature aspen and the regeneration of the aspen stands. Small regeneration units of 7 to 12 acres will allow the aspen to sprout rejuvenating the aspen component and provide forage for wildlife. Aspen Stands Much like the mixed aspen -conifer stands, small regeneration cuts will be employed to return these to young vigorous stands. Approximately 15% of the stands will be so treated and in combination with regeneration units in the Aspen -Conifer stands will increase the early successional component of the total aspen stand to over 20%. Additional young stands of aspen will likely result from small openings created within the conifer stands where viable root systems still exist. The areas to be cut will be selected according to location, age, appearance (health) and topography. Only stands that can be yarded with ground -base equipment such as skidders, dozers or harvester -forwarders will be selected for harvest. This will preclude the harvest of stands on slopes over 50%. The regeneration cuts or openings in both the pure stands and mixed stands will be elongated with irregular edges and be separated sufficiently from one another so as to maximize wildlife habitat diversification. Openings in aspen stands will be between 400 and 500 feet wide and up to 900 feet long. Tepee Park FMP 32 TYPICAL FOREST VIEWS Stand Measurement information During the summer and fall of 1994 a team of 2 professional foresters (David Levy and Jeff Calvert) accompanied by 3 experienced forestry technicians spent 3 separate weeks conducting stand examinations over all parts of the ownership. In addition, a helicopter was used to do aerial reconnaissance as well as to transport the crew to remote location to gather stand measurement and tree data. An aerial photogrammetry company was contracted to fly the property to create both stereo pairs as well as a photo mosaic of the entire ownership. In the late winter of 1995 foresters Levy and Calvert with two crew members did additional field work via snow-moblies and snow shoes. Stands were marked under the different silviculture! prescriptions outlined. Following marking various data was collected including: basal area, overstory trees per acre to remain after harvest and advanced regeneration per acre. As there was considerable amount of snow regeneration greater than 6 feet ta[I was particularly conspicous. Measurements were made using both variable plots and fixed radius plots. Field instruments included diameter tapes, tree measurement sticks, logging tapes, basal factor prisms, and clinometers. The results showed, as expected, that the timber stands are highly variable with respect to stand composition by species as well as highly variable for number of trees per acre and volume per acre within an individual stand. This is due to the fact that the stand has never received management and has experienced a variety of natural events that are typical for wildland forests. Consequently, the range of volumes per acre fluctuated from low timber volume stands with only 2 MBF per acre to extremely well stocked stands with timber volume exceeding 30,000 MBF per acre. The results were too erratic to provide a meaningful statistical summary. Note: the timber stands will be marked under the supervision of a forester prior to harvesting. Tepee Park FMP 34 EXAMPLES OF FOREST STANDS SHOWING VARIATION AND y DIVERSITY OF SIZES, SPECIES, � AGE AND DENSITY M w 1 1 1 l Lpg-# 35 1 FOREST SCENES WITH DEADWOOD AND DOWNFALL B. Wildlife Of prime consideration to Tucker and Frase is the management of their stands in an ecological approach that will benefit wildlife as well as revitalize the timber stands. The harvest will have a number of benefits to wildlife, particularly elk and deer. However, with proper balance of leave groups and unlogged areas avian habitat will be enhanced by providing for greater vertical diversity, increasing hunting areas for raptors, and creating additional forage and cover areas. Forage It is well documented that wildlife use will increase after selective cutting. From 2 to 15 years after lagging a 30% increase in deer use can be expected3 with a 5 fold increase in forage production in selectively logged spruce -fir stands. Small cuts in patches or strips evenly distributed over the management unit can greatly enhance wildlife habitat. The aspen regeneration cuts will increase understory vegetation as much as 400 pounds per acre the year following harvest and sprouts may number from 15 of 50 thousand to the acre within two years after harvesting. Diversity The present over -mature stands lack horizontal diversity. Horizontal diversity is the arrangement of plant communities and/or successional stages of a single plant community across the breadth of an area. This is the result of a lack of disturbance over time. The elimination of wildfire from the forest has allowed these stands to reach climax conditions and to build up high amounts of fuel loads. Vertical diversity will be increased over time as the advanced regeneration grows into the sapling -pole stage. This is a stage which is almost entirely lacking within the Teepee Park area. Barriers Not only has the blow down contributed to the fuel load but in some areas of the Porcupine Creek and Beaver Creek drainages blow down is so deep that they have become effective barriers to deer and elk movement especially during the winter. In late fall with 18 inches or more of snow on the ground I noted that deer would enter these areas of blow down and seemed to have almost as much trouble as I did negotiating a route through the jack-strawed timber. The tracks would head down hill to a pile go back up hill again and repeat this process until eventually finding a route down hill. The harvest will tend to break up these barriers. As skidders and dozers yard logs out of the stands they will tend to crush some of the smaller timber, the partially rotten timber and break up piles. Recently fallen timber that has salvage value will be removed from the woods. 3 Colorado Division of Wildlife, 1987, Managing Forested Lands for Wildlife Tepee Park FMP 37 Roads and Landings Efforts will be made to place roads and landings in such a way so as to lessen the impact on wildlife. Travel corridors and concealment cover will be preserved by leaving larger groups or contiguous leave stands along roads. The amount of cover to leave can be measured in terms of sight distance. For deer and elk, sight distance is the amount of cover capable of concealing from human view 90% of a standing adult animal at a distance of equal to or less than 200 feet. A portion of the new road system will be temporary. The remaining portion will closed to public travel with a system of gates. To discourage use of the roads during hunting season a care taker will be employed during the deer and elk hunting seasons. Logging Activity Parturition for deer and elk occurs during late May to June 15. If climatic conditions are such that harvesting operations can start during the Spring, logging will be restricted to avoid calving areas. Wildlife Biologists and Managers will be consulted to coordinate harvest schedules. Whenever is practical the contractor will complete as much work as possible in a drainage before moving into another drainage. This will result in the least amount of disruption. On September 22, 1995 we met with Perry Will, District Wildlife Manager for the Colorado State Division of Wildlife. While Mr. Will agreed that much of the "dark timber" was foo thick and harvesting would increase food supplies, he wanted to see travel corridors and cover areas left intact. His main concerns were in regard to access during hunting season and disruptions during elk calving season. He said that ATVs were especially disruptive to elk and deer. The animals are familiar with the sounds of normal internal combustion engines from cars, trucks, etc., but the noise of the all - terrain vehicles drive elk and deer out of the area. The landowners, who are also hunters, have expressed concern about the use of ATVs by unauthorized people. Although permission is occasionally granted to individuals to use horses on the property, the landowners wish to discourage the use of ATVs. To mitigate these concerns harvesting and associate operation (e.g. road construction and marking) shall be limited to the summer and fall months after the calving season. The landowner will close non-essential roads to unauthorized motorized vehicles (especially ATVs) during the regular hunting seasons beginning with the early archery season. Furthermore a caretaker will be employed to help enforce these restrictions. These road restrictions will not apply to roads necessary for the timber harvesting operation or management purposes. Tepee Park FMP 38 C. Water The Beaver Creek drainage is a domestic water supply for the City of Rifle and will be protected. The remaining drainages will receive the same protection with regard to sediment control and thermal protection via vegetation retention standards. Openings will result in a denser snowpack and greater water availability for domestic use and irrigation. Riparian Zones Perennial creeks will have no timber removed within 25 feet of the high water line of each side of the channel. This will be the Watercourse Protection Zone (WPZ). There will also be an Equipment Exclusion Zones (EEZ) established within 50 to 100 feet of all watercourses. The width of the zone will be dependent on the type of watercourse, i.e. perennial or ephemeral. Much of the flatter portions of Beaver Creek drainage can be harvested during the early winter. This allows ground based yarding equipment to work over snow and frozen ground lessening the impact in the area around these riparian zones. This method will be employed when the forester deems that winter yarding will significantly mitigate ground disturbance in a sensitive area. However, no heavy equipment will operate within the EEZ during the winter except on a case by case basis approved by the City Hydrologist, State Forester or their designee. Sediment control The greatest potential for sedimentation is from roads and skid trails. Cuts and fills resultant from road construction will be seeded and strawed and if necessary an erosion inhibiting fabric installed. All roads will be sloped and ditched so that water leaves the road quickly and is directed into areas of vegetation. Roads and landings will be out -sloped or in -sloped toward ditches to facilitate drainage and lessen erosion potential. Culverts will be used at all permanent watercourse crossings. Water bars will be installed on skid trails as per standards listed under Soil Stabilization Measures in the Methods of Operation. Vegetation retention standards will guide the harvest of trees within the EEZ. This will be discussed in greater detail in the Methods of Operation portion of this Forest Management Plan and in the Water Quality Plan in the Appendix. Tepee Park FMP 39 VIII, Methods of Operation A. Yarding Methods Three types of yarding will be use: Helicopter, Skyline (cable) and Tractor. The yarding methods are delineated on the Yarding Systems map on page 42. The map delineates only the type of yarding equipment to be used in that area not the harvest boundaries. in most cases the harvest boundaries are smaller than the yarding unit in that they may include openings and areas of non -merchantable timber. Tractor yarding includes conventional equipment such as skidders and dozers as well as self -leveling harvester and forwarders popular for cut -to -length mechanized harvesting. Tractor yarding will be limited to slopes of 50% or less in the Beaver Creek and Porcupine Creek drainages. The areas of tractor operation will generally be on slopes averaging 35% or less because much of the steeper ground can be more effectively yarded with cable. However, tractor yarding will be employed on up to 50% slopes when it is more ecologically favorable overall than moving the yarder to a new set-up. The harvester such as the Valmet 500T and forwarder such as the Timberjack 1210 can reduce soil disturbances, damage to the residual stand and the number of skid trails while working on steep slopes. The upper east -side portions of the Porcupine Creek drainage has ideal conditions for mechanized harvesting. Cable yarding will be used on the steep areas of the Beaver Creek drainage and the Porcupine Creek area. A Skyline system will be used with a carriage which has lateral yarding capabilities. The external yarding distances will generally be limited to 600 to 900 feet. This is primarily due to the of lack adequate holding strength provided by the roots of these tree species. These lengths may be increased with the use of mid -span supports. Corridors will be pre -flagged and should be aligned directly across the contours. Timber is to be felled in a herringbone pattern towards the corridors. Marking will be done after corridors are flagged. Corridors are to be perpendicular to the haul road and parallel with each other. Diverging fan shaped settings will be discouraged unless it is absolutely necessary. Tepee Park FMP 40 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 Helicopter Yarding will be used on very steep areas where haul roads can not be constructed or where the construction of roads would result in severe scaring or disturbances contrary to management objectives. The helicopter yarding will be done in some portions of the west side of the Beaver Creek drainage, the west side of Porcupine Creek and those isolated stands scheduled for harvest in the West Mamm Creek drainage. This type of yarding is very expensive but it ideally suited for steep and/or roadless areas. Soil disturbance from helicopter yarding is practically zero. Tepee Park FMP 41 B. Road Construction The management of this property hinges on an adequate system of roads to remove timber, move equipment and to adequately protect the watershed from fire. There are approximately 12.1 miles of road that will be involved in the harvest of the timber. This consists of is approximately 3.8 miles of existing roads in both the Beaver Creek drainage and West Mamm drainage. 8.3miles of new seasonal road construction is required for this property. The new road system was designed to provide yarder settings and landings for helicopters as well as a haul route for log trucks. Drainage distance Existing Seasonal Roads: 3.8 Miles Beaver Creek 2.57 miles West Mamm 1.25 miles Proposed Seasonal Roads: 8.3 Miles Porcupine Creek 2.42 miles Beaver Creek 5.91 miles total 12.1 miles Please refer to : Roadway Identification Table Page 45 Photo of Typical Road Views Page 46 , Road Construction Examples Page 47, Roadway maps on pages 48, 50, 51 Road locations for new road construction within the Beaver Creek watershed have been flagged during the summer of 1995 and staked with lath or marked with paint and metal markers. Road reconnaissance was done to determine the most suitable location to avoid excessive steep slopes or areas with slides, A major portion of this staked road traversing the western slopes above Beaver Creek on both sides of Tepee Creek was was reviewed during the fall of 1995 by Rifle City Engineer Tim Moore who commented that he felt comfortable with the road locations and watercourse crossings. Tepee Park FMP 43 All roads will be single lane with turnouts 12 to 14 feet wide properly drained either with out -sloping or in -sloped with ditches. The main system will be seasonal, Le. unsurfaced. They will not be open to the public and will be dosed by gates. Roads that are determined unnecessary for fire suppression or general management will be permanently closed with a series of tank traps or other suitable barriers. it should be noted that no road construction or other disturbances occur on the steep oil -shale cliffs facing north east in the West Mamm drainage or those of the Porcupine Creek drainage. The road design is to stay well above the cliffs along the ridge. Culvert size designation for road crossings are shown by the road # and location on page 49. Culvert sizes range from 12" diameter to twin 36" culverts. Sizes are based on discussion and evaluation with High Country Engineering and field examination of the crossing location and determination of the size of the associated watershed as well as comparison with existing culverts that have been successful along the Beaver Creek Road downstream from the property and culverts on the existing roads on the property. Road crossings within the WPZ of perennial watercourses (class 1) shall be surfaced with gravel for a minimum of 35 feet each side of culvert (see Item v. of road construction specifications). Tepee Park FMP 44 )Road Identification Table Tepee Park FMP Roads Total 12.1 Miles i Roads in Beaver Creek Watershed 44780 f t 8.48 Miles Existing Roads 1 3 5 8 0 f t 2.57 Miles 11. Main Beaver Creek Road 1.21 Miles #1 a 1500 ft. North Gate to Crossing of Beaver Creek at Culvert 41 b 4000 ft. End la to Turn to Tepee Park Cabin 141c 800 ft. South end of Existing Road 6380 ft. Total Spur Road to Cabin at Tepee Park 0.06 Miles Cid 3 00 f t . From Main road across Beaver Creek to Cabin Spur Road across Tepee Creek 0.11 Miles 4# 1 e 600 f t. From Main road across Tepee Creek East Road towards Mamm Creek 0.66 Miles N#2a 3500 ft. Beaver Creek Culvert Grossing to East Ridge # 3 Abandoned Ditch Road 0.64 Miles 3400 ft. East of Beaver Creek to Ridge Proposed New Roads 31 2 0 0 f t 5.91 Miles East Side Beaver Creek 2.61 Miles i#4a 1400 f t . Bottom along rim of meadow #4b 4000 ft. Road to North Ridge Line # 4 c 2100 f t. Ridge Road i#4d 2200 ft. Lower Mid Slope road #4e 2400 ft. Upper Mid Slope Road •#4f 1700 ft. Spur to Ridge 13800 ft. Total West Side Beaver Creek 3.30 Miles # 5 1600 f t . Bottom Extension south of Main Beaver Creek Road #6 3100 ft. Lower Mid Slope Road above Tepee Creek #7a 4000 ft. Upper Mid Slope Road to South tributary Tepee Cr. 11[47b 3400 f t . Mid Slope Road Across Tepee Creek #7c 2400 ft. Spur to South Timber ii 47d 2900 ft. Connector Road to West Ridge Line 11 1 7400 ft. Total i Roads in Mamm Creek Watershed gi Existing Roads 6 6 0 0 f t 1.25 Mites 4#2b 660 0 f t . East Ridge of Beaver Cr. Watershed to Mamm Creek Roads in Porcupine Creek Watershed NProposed New Roads 1 2 8 0 0 f t 2.42 Miles #8 4900 ft. Ridge Road Heading North ilr # 9 2500 ft. Spur to South II #8b 5400 ft. Spur to West tg.#45 EXISTING ROAD EXISTING ROAD PROPOSED ROAD LOCATION TYPICAL ROAD VIEWS 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 M ROAD CONSTRUCTION EXAMPLES Each step of the way, the excavator clears vegetation and grubs the slope surface in front of it before it excavates and extends Vie road bench. Excavated soil from the new segment of road bench Is placed and compacted on the grubbed slope below the new segment of road bench. Cleared vegetation placed along the base of the future filislope helps contain erosion from the exposed fill. Behind the excavator, a bulldozer is used to prepare the final subgrade, surface shape and width of the new road. New road constructed by excavator and bulldozer_ Logs harvested from the right-of- way have been placed on top of the filter windows and will be hauled away later. This will built permanent road is designed for year- round use. It is contoured to the natural topography, has no inboard ditch, is slightly autsloped, has no outside berm, is occasionally rolled to provide continous surface drainage and is rock surfaced for wet -weather lraffic.This self -maintaining design will provide years of uninterrupted use. Full bench road. The height of the cutbank, the slope of the natural hiflslope and the small amount of sidecast indicates that this road is full bench and cut entirely into native hilislope materials. Note that the road is outsloped with rolling dips and no inboard ditch. pg.# 47 TEPEE PARK FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN LEG ESV [J: ` 3 41 7/i/ // M*1R LE" EIV'D. Snow Pond • r r / Property r FMP Boundary: Seasonal: Seasanae=.11—. (Reconstruction) Catch Basins: Seasonal: Cabin; 8 ROAD DESIGNATION MAP ENLARGEMENT OF BEAVER CREEK WATERSHED AREA OF INFLUENECE PCP E U( IMule S P1CS GS: Quadrangle Map Consists at A Portion of the 4,464 Acre Timber Management Plan Map with Watercourses and Road Designations Class I. —II— Class -. Class II: --.1111— Class 111: 04/A Springs: IV Q r 0,220 • This map is an approximate representation of all features The accuracy of tapograph , boundaries and scale are reliable but not guaranteed. f ! IA_ ! Lex: r 15. mar 11. MOW IMF - i_ i -mow AMR Culvert Size Designation for Road Crossings Road # Location Culvert Culvert Sia la North Gate to Crossing o Location # Diameter Beaver Creek at Culvert la -1 1 a-2 1 2 " 1 2 " 1 a -3 1 2 " lb End la to Turn to Tepee Park Cabin 1 b-1 1 2 " 1 b-2 1 2" 1 b-3 1 8 1 b-4 1 b-5 12 2 24" lc South end of Existing Road above Beaver Creek ld le 1 c-1 1 2" 1 c-2 From Main road across Beaver Creek to Cabin Spur Road across Tepee Creek 2a 1 d -1 le -1 1 2" 2 24" 2 24" East Road towards Mamm Creek 2 a -1 2 36" 2 a -2 4a Bottom along rim of meadow 1 2 270 1 2 " 280 1 2 " 4 b Road to North Ridge Line 4d 614 1 8" 626 18" 631 1 8 " Lower Mid Slope road 4 e Upper Mid Slope Road 4f 5 4d-1 1 2 " 4d-2 4e -1 1 2" 1 2 " Spur to Ridge Bottom Extension south of Main Beaver Creek Road 73 4 f -1 1 2 " 6 1 2 " 9 1 2 " 1 Upper Mid Slope Road to South tributar Tepee Cr. b 15 1 2 " 16 1 2 " 17 20 1 2" 1 2" Mid Slope Road Across Tepee Creek 51 24" 52.8 24" 53.5 24" 64 1 8" 68 1 2" 67.3 1 8 68 1 8 " 73 1 811 74 18" 75 1 8 " 76 18" 77 78 7d 79 1 8 " 1 8 " 1 8" Connector Road to West Ridge Line 81 1 8" 7 d -1 7 d -2 1 2" 1 2" 7 d -3 1 2 " 7d-4 1 1 2 " pg.449 TEPEE PARK FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN 1 LES EN ID f• Y j , .......... / Numbers correspond to locations of road segments: a through Q Road segments are indicated by diamond -like marks: ti t1/ 1, s' L:EG IEIU D Properly / FMP Boundary; Snow Pond Seasonal: seasonal:..• 1 11,1••111••11 (Reconatrucllonj/7 Catch Eosins; II 11 Seasonal: Cabin_ .B, ROAD RESIGNATION & CULVERT REFERENCE MAP ENLARGEMENT OF BEAVER CREEK WATERSHED AREA OF INFLUENECE Random Examples of Culvert Reference Numbers: ® ® 16311 t Ed -ll i,a.,I f.>> ] Minks S `Rua rangfi Map Consists of: A Portion of the 4,464 Acre Timber Management Pan Map with Watercourses and Road Designations Class I. • Class 0: Class bl: —000— Springs: This map is an approximate representation of all features The accuracy of topograp , boundaries and scale are reliable but not guaranteed. I 11F' a1 RIF n I_ FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN Snow Pond CEG EMI JAI -1St!, Numbers correspond to locations of road segments: AD Through Q Road segments are indicated by diamond -like marks: 4 4 ilI r•1 r -t + • f 1 1 • • r t``'...." e e I Wirt LAND' IBA Q.7 DRY LAKE 25 Tepee 1 Property I FMP Boundary; Seasonal: (Recandruction) Catch Basins: Seasonal; Cabin:. r ROAD DESIGNATION & CULVERT REFERENCE MAP (PLANAMETRICT ENLARGEMENT OF BEAVER CREEK WATERSHED AREA OF INFLUENECE f •1 •111 1 ► k Map Consists a A Portion of the 4,464 Acre Timber Management Plan Map with Watercourses and Road designations This map is an approximate representation 01 all features. The accuracy of topography, boundaries and scale are reliable but not guaranteed. ® r Random Examples of Culvert Relerence Numbers: ® ® tall ® I7d-F laa:1J 110 Class I: - Glass Il: —040— Class —• •Class fil:�^ Springs: F� tm Q ilr�rae. Full bench road construction, in which all excavated material has been truck- endhauled from the she and deposited in a • stable storgage area. Multi -bench road construction. Single or °balanced bench" road construction, where the volume of cut material is balanced {equals? the volume of fill material that is placed on the outside of the road bench. In most instances, a bench is excavated at the base of the proposed fill slope and layers of fill are placed in lifts and compacted until the desired road level has been attained. TYPICAL ROAD CROSS SECTIONS FOR FULL BENCH, MULTI -BENCH, SINGLE BENCH AND FULL FILL Idealized diagrams depicting a full bench road (all material endhauled - no sidecasting) (top); a partial bench road (with both cut and sidecast)(center); and a full fill road (no -cut all fill placed and compacted in shallow layers)(bottom). pg.# 52 TYPICAL CULVERT INSTALLATION FOR LOGGING ROADS 4" layer of 314" base rock • • - (V -fes Rock `' ^ " pti Armor Culvert installation on a low grade Class 11 (non fish bearing) watercourse. Culvert Is set slightly into the original streambed and inlet is armored to prevent erosion. Roadbed dips into and out of the stream crossing and trash rack (not visible) has been installed just upstream from the culvert inlet. Seeded & Mulched SIDE VIEW OF TYPICAL CULVERT INSTALLATION Culverts and flumes carry high velocity stream flow and outlet areas often need to be protected against erosion by the use of rock riprap. The following specifications will apply to haul road construction on Tucker Frase property: a. Where a road section which is greater than 100 feet in length crosses slopes greater than 65%, placement of fill is prohibited and placement of sidecast shall be minimized to the degree feasible. b. On slopes greater than 50%, where the length of road section is greater than 100 ft, and the road is more than 15 ft. wide (as measured from the base of the cut slope to the outside of the berm or shoulder of the road) and the fill is more than 4 ft_ in vertical height at the road shoulder for the entire 100 feet, the road shall be constructed on a bench that is excavated at the proposed toe of the compacted fill and the fill shall be compacted. c. Roads shall he constructed so no break in grade, other than that needed to drain the fill, shall occur on through fill; breaks in grade shall be above or below the through fill, as appropriate. Where conditions do not allow the grade to break as required, through fills must be adequately protected by additional drainage structures or facilities. d. Through fills shall be constructed in approximately one foot lifts. e. On slopes greater than 35 percent, the organic layer of the soil shall be substantially disturbed or removed prior to fill placement. An exception may be proposed by the contractor where it is justified that the fill will be stabilized. f. Excess material from road construction and reconstruction shall be deposited and stabilized in a manner or in areas where downstream beneficial uses of water will not be adversely affected. g. Drainage structures and facilities shall be of sufficient size, number and location to carry runoff water off of roadbeds, landings and fill slopes. Drainage structures or facilities shall be installed so as to minimize erosion, to ensure proper functioning, and to maintain or restore the natural drainage pattern. Permanent watercourse crossings and associated fills and approaches shall be constructed where feasible to prevent diversion of stream overflow down the road and to minimize fill erosion should the drainage structure become plugged. h. Where there is evidence that soil and ether debris is likely to significantly reduce culvert capacity below design flow, oversize culverts, trash racks, or similar devices shall be installed in a manner that minimizes culvert blockage. 1. Waste organic material, such as uprooted stumps, cull fogs, accumulations of limbs and branches, and unmerchantable trees, shall not be buried in road fills. Wood debris or cull logs and chunks may be placed and stabilized at the toe of fills to restrain excavated soil from moving downslope. Tepee Pa* FMP 5 4 j. Logging roads shall be constructed without overhanging banks. k. Any tree over 12 in. d.b.h. with more than 25% of the root surface exposed by road construction, shall be felled concurrently with the timber operations. 1. Sidecast or fill material extending more than 20 ft. in slope distance from the outside edge of the roadbed which has access to a watercourse or lake which is protected by a WPZ shall be seeded, planted, mulched, removed, or treated as specified in the management plan, to adequately reduce soil erosion. m. All culverts at watercourse crossings in which water is flowing at the time of installation shall be installed with their necessary protective structures concurrently with the fill, construction and reconstruction of logging roads. Other permanent drainage structures shall be installed no later than October 15. For construction and reconstruction of roads after October 15, drainage structures shall be installed concurrently with the activity. n. Drainage structures and drainage facilities on logging roads shall not discharge on erodible fill or other erodible material unless suitable energy dissipaters are used o. Where roads do not have permanent and adequate drainage, the waterbreak specifications on page 62 shall be followed. p. Drainage facilities shall be in place and functional by October 15. An exception is that waterbreaks do not need to be constructed on roads in use after October 15 provided that all such waterbreaks are installed prior to the start of rain that generates overland flow. q. No road construction shall occur under saturated soil conditions (as defined on page 40), except that construction may occur on isolated wet spots arising from localized ground water such as springs, provided measures are taken to prevent material from significantly damaging water quality. r. Road construction not completed before October 15 shall be drained by outsloping, waterbreaks and/or cross -draining before the beginning of the winter period. If road construction does take place after October 15, roads shall be adequately drained concurrent with construction operations. s. During the winter period if seasonal seeps result in portions of a haul road becoming unstable, the forester shall be contacted to conduct an on site inspection. If it is of minor extent, that portion will be surfaced with rock in depth and quantity sufficient to maintain a stable road surface throughout the period of use. If the seep is of more serious nature, activity shall be suspended until a culvert is properly installed so the water can be adequately passed below the road. Tepee Park FMP 55 t. Slash and other debris from road construction shall not be bunched against residual trees which are required for silvicultural or wildlife purposes, nor shall it be placed in locations where it could be discharged into a watercourse. u. Road construction activities in the WPZ, except for stream crossings or as specified in the FMP, shall be prohibited. v. Where culverts have been installed over a class l (Perennial Stream)a gravel base (minimum 4") shall be installed on road surfaces for a minimum of 35 feet each side of culvert. Other crossing over class 11 watercourses may also require a similar treatment . w. On steep slopes over 50% with grass or non -tree vegetation where road construction is required, the use of hand dug intercept ditches shall be considered as a possibility for minimizing the loading of the slope to reduce the potential for road slippage or cut bank failure. Typically, these intercept ditches are located 20 feet to 50 feet above the cut bank and fun on the contour to an area of natural drainage. (See Page 58 Examples of Hand Dug Intercept Ditches.). Tepee Park FMP 55 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Revegetation Method: Road cuts and fills within 200 feet of a perennial watercourse will be seeded with the following seed mixture and the rate of 30 Ib./ac., (broadcast), fertilized at a rate of 150 lb. /ac. (16-20-0 Ammonium Phosphate Sulfate) and mulched with straw at a rate of 1.5 to 2 tons/ac. 6# Mountain Brame 2# Creeping Red Clover 6# Slender Wheat 4# Timothy 10# Winter Wheat 2# Alsike clover . 30 # total 20.0% 6.7% 20.0% 13.3% 33.3% 6.7% 100% During the fall of 1994 several trial areas were seeded with erosion mix purchased at the Silt feed store and covered with straw mulch. These were areas along the U.S.F.S. access road that is being replaced as well as disturbed areas adjacent to the existing road through the Tucker Frase Parcel. These were inspected during the summer of 1995 by both the U.S.F.S. representative Cindy Hockelberg as well as Tim Moore, Engineer for the City of Rifle. It was observed that the grass and vegetation mix has emerged through the mulch in a very successful and effective manner to revegetate the ground and provide excellent cover from erosion. Tepee Park FMP 57 EXAMPLES OF HAND DUG INTERECPTOR DITCHES Grass covered slopes & meadows PLANAMETRiC DIAGRAM OF HAND DUG INTERCEPTOR DITCH Slopes with medium vegetation and brush 1 1 1 PHOTOS OF VARIOUS TEPEE PARK DRAINAGES DRAINAGE FORMED FROM MINOR SEEP IN WET AREA ROCKY MID -SLOPE DRAINAGE SMALL DRAINAGE IN FLAT GRASSY MEADOW pg.# 59 Seeded and Mulched SIDE VIEW OF TYPICAL CULVERT INSTALLATION TOP VIEW OF EROSION CONTROL MEASURES DIAGRAM FOR INSTALLATION OF CULVERT (not to scale) 35 ---- 4" LAYER OF 3f4" BASE ROCK 0 CL th This diagram is an approximate representation of ail features. The accuracy of boundaries and scale are reliable but not guaranteed. ` fir- rrr111M1r` - - - Lucy sines Maps 1996 TYPICAL ROAD SECTION FOR LOGGING ROADS SIDE VIEW NATURAL GRADE IF> 50% THEN ON-SITE CONSTRUCTIN REVIEW WILL BE REQUIRED CUT SLOPES 10' MAX. IN DORMANT LANDSLIDE COMPLEX 10 20' MAX. IN ALL OTHER AREAS FILL TO BE COMPACTED TO 95% STANDARD PROCTOR DRAINAGE PIPES EVERY 300' MIN. & AT ALL NATURAL DRAINAGES FILL SLOPES 15' 15' MAX. IN DORMANT LANDSL 25' MAX. IN ALL OTHER AREA CLASS 6 ABC REQUIRED 35' IN AND OUT OF ALL NATURAL DRAINAGES RIPRAP AND SLOPE PROTECTION AT ALL NEW DRAINAGE LOCATIONS i ri IIA 'WM Aim Eme, .rj BENCHING SHALL BE REQUIRED WHERE NATURAL SLOPES EXCEED 20% 1 Soil Stabilization Measures 1. All waterbreaks shall be installed no later than October 15 of the current year of timber operations 2. Waterbreaks shall be constructed immediately upon the conclusion of the use of the tractor roads, roads, and landings which do not have permanent and adequate drainage facilities (rolling dips) or drainage structures(culverts) 3. Waterbreaks shall be maintained during the entire period of timber operations and shall be constructed and maintained in effective working condition to provide erosion protection for at least 1 year following the completion of harvest activities. 4. Waterbreaks shall be located to allow water to be discharged into some form of vegetative cover, slash, rocks or less erodible material and shall be constructed to provide for unrestricted discharge at the lower end of the waterbreak so that water will be discharged and spread in such a manner that erosion shall be minimized 5. Waterbreaks shall be cut diagonally a minimum of 6 inches into the firm roadbed or skid trail and shall have a continuous firm embankment of at least 6 inches in height at the lower edge of the waterbreak cut. Distances between waterbreaks shall be based on the Erosion Hazard Rating (EHR) of low, moderate, high or extreme (see Erosion Hazard Rating Map page 63). % gradient 10 or less 11-25 26-50 over 50% Low 300 200 150 100 Moderate High Extreme 200 150 100 75 150 100 75 50 100 75 50 50 Tepee Park FMA 62 TEPEE PARI{ FOREST MANAC,�EMENT PLAN Af '-,�,== fial 7-= l: EG E NI Wyk = W ar;10" Seasonal: i„ I Nil. (USFS Special Rd, Ferrell Required) Seasonal: Seasonal Reconslructionn ,..M..��..ur Road to be Abandoned: x x x x x Catch Basin: EHR, ROADS & WATERCOURSES MAP NOMMuMANN .PEAK &PRISM 7 5 Milt: USGS Quedraniges" (75°%Reduced) Sections 34 & 31 - T7S R93W Sedans 15,22, 23, 24,25,26,27,35&36 -VS RCM Sections 5, 5, 7 & 8 - TSS 1193W 4d Calcur I�ervaI ALi wilhr tltieBiPr�dplEMerkdan Gar5efdcaunty 4,464FNP Acres .c . `Ths map is an approx mate representation of ail features. -The accuracy of topography, boundaries and scale are reliable but nat_aquaranteed. A Winter Operating Period -October 15 to April 15 The use of tractors and other equipment over snow covered and frozen ground precludes compaction and lessens soil disturbance. The flatter area around Teepee Park can be harvested during the early winter depending on snow depth. Winter operations on landings and roads will comply with the following requirements: 1. Log loading and reconstruction of landings shall be done only during periods when soils are not saturated , Yarding and log loading will be allowed when the ground is covered with snow or is frozen. Saturated conditions are defined as: (a) Soil moisture conditions that result in Toss of traction by equipment used in used in ground skidding operations, as indicated by increased spinning or churning of wheels or tracks when compared to normal dry season performance; or adequate traction can not be achieved without blading wet soil off skid trails. (b) Soil moisture conditions that result in loss of road surface, puddling of fine materials on the road surface by trucks or other equipment, and which could adversely effect the beneficial uses of water. 2. Erosion control structures shall be installed on all constructed landings, skid trails. and tractor roads prior to the end of the day if the U.S. Weather Service forecast is a "Chance" (30% or more) of rain before the next day, and prior to weekend or other shut down periods. 3. The constructing or reconstruction of roads shall be confined to periods of dry weather when soils are not saturated (as defined in #1 above). 4. Log landings shall be sloped and ditched to prevent water from accumulating on the landings. Discharge points shall be located and designed to reduce erosion. 5. Use of haul roads shall be confined to periods when the road surface is not saturated (as defined in #1 above). 6. On a case by case basis and when approved by the City Hydrologist, State Forester, ground based yarding equipment may be allowed within the EEZ , when the ground is covered with 24 inches or more of unpacked snow and slopes are less than 20%. However, no equipment will be allowed within the WPZ. Tepee Park FMP 64 D. Watercourse Protective Zones And Measures The property encompasses the upper portion of the Beaver Creek, West Mamm Creek and Porcupine Creek drainages and a small portion of the Spruce Creek drainage. Those stands which are to be harvested in the Spruce Creek area will be helicopter yarded. Porcupine Creek is a perennial watercourse with considerable down timber in the channel and along its banks. The majority of the timber will be flown out of the drainage by either helicopter or skyline (cable). The Beaver Creek drainage is comprised of two perennial watercourses: Teepee Creek and Beaver Creek. Teepee Creek flows from the west and joins Beaver Creek towards the north end of the property. This drainage is in proper functioning condition. The banks show a high degree of stability with excellent plant community development. The overstory is predominantly spruce with fir and aspen. The understory is composed primarily of brush species such as currant and wood rose, grasses and forbs with some conifer seedlings and advanced regeneration. The channels vary from 3 feet wide to up to 10 feet wide and portions of Teepee Creek have channels to 10 feet deep. There are many down logs in and across the channels. There is some braiding in the meadow areas. West Mamm Creek is a perennial watercourse but is very unstable due to its topography and geology. The upper portions of the drainage are nearly vertical with virtually no canopy to dispel the erosive energy of thunder storms. There is no ground cover or duff to help contain the sudden down -pours of summer and fall. Consequently the channel may be up to 40 feet wide in areas with much down timber along its banks. Portions of the area have been subject to mud slides or avalanches in the past. The water is cloudy much of the year due to the high amount of silt it contains. It has become common practice by states where timber harvesting is regulated by law to establish protective zones along the watercourses in areas where timber harvesting operations will occur. These zones are referred to as Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ) and Equipment Exclusion Zones (EEZ). WPZs assures that the integrity of the riparian zone will be maintained. The lack of harvesting will protect the zone from any soil disturbance as a result of timber falling or skidding as well as loss of overstory that may raise water temperature. The zone insures that riparian vegetation in conjunction with the watercourse itself will continue operate in a proper functioning condition. EEZs, which may vary in width, generally exclude equipment from operating within their zones thus protecting soil and vegetation from disturbance from machinery. EEZs may be employed to protect features other than watercourses such as archaeological sites or underground utility lines or pipes. Tepee Park FMP 65 The foresters for Tucker & Frase in conjunction with the Colorado State Forest Service and the Hydrologist for the City of Rifle require that the following watercourse protective measures be implemented: WATERCOURSE TYPE PROTECTION MEASURES Perennial Class 1 Ephemeral (Seasonal ) Class 1 and 11 Along both sides of perennial watercourse there will be no harvesting within 25 feet as measured horizontally from the top of the bank of the watercourse. In addition, along both sides of ephemeral watercourses there will be an Equipment Exclusion Zone (EEZ)* for a distance of 100 feet as measured horizontally from the top of the bank of the watercourse. Along both sides of ephemeral watercourse there will be an Equipment Exclusion Zone (EEZ)* for 50 feet as measured horizontally from the top of the bank of the watercourse. *EEZ: No heavy equipment will only be allowed within the zone except at designated road crossings or along roads located within the zone. Trees harvested outside the WPZ but within the EEZ will be felled to lead, away from the watercourse and end -lined out of the EEZ. The protective zones will be delineated with paint and flagging by a Tucker and Frase forester. Tepee Park PMP 66 DIAGRAMS OF EQUIPMENT EXCLUSION ZONE (EEZ) AND WATERCOURSE PROTECTION ZONE (WPZ) PERENIAL STREAMS TOP OF BANK WPZ: NO HARVESTING ALLOWED; NO TREES WILL BE CUT EEZ: NO GROUND BASED YARDING EQUIPMENT ALLOWED EXCEPT ON ROADS OR CROSSINGS WPZ 25' INTERMITTENT WATER COURSES WITH WELL DEFINED CHANNELS (Seasonal or Ephemeral) TOP OF BANK Special Measures For Protection of Beaver Creek Water Quality Due to the domestic use of Beaver Creek special measures will be required to protect Beaver Creek. On slopes over 30% along Beaver Creek and Teepee Creek any exposed soil due to end -lining a log or a tum of logs that is within 50 feet of the top of the bank of Beaver Creek or Teepee Creek the exposed soil shall be treated for reduction erosion the following will be required: • Treatment shall be by spreading slash or straw to a minimum depth of 4" over 85% of the exposed area with sufficient contact to the ground to help in the reduction or elimination of soil movement. • An additional treatment shall be to install hand dug waterbreaks to comply with requirements of the Soil Stabilization Measures on page 62. These will be placed in such a manner that water that may have channeled down the depression or disturbances will be instead diverted to areas of vegetation. • Treatment shall be done as soon after the completion of log removal in the area as possible and no later that the end of the week of occurrence. Tepee Park FMP 68 E. Snag Retention Within the harvest area all snags shall be retained to provide wildlife habitat except as follows: • Snags over 20 ft. in height and 16 in. dbh shall be felled in the following locations: 1. Within 100 ft. of main ridge tops that are suitable for fire suppression and delineated on a THP map. 2. For hazard reduction within 100 feet of all public easements, permanent roads, seasonal roads, landings. • Where federal and state safety laws and regulations require the felling of snags. • Merchantable snags in any location as provided for in the plan, or ■ Snags whose falling is required for insect or disease control. Tepee Park FMP 6 9 F. Fire Safety All sub -contractors) will be responsible for fire safety of his crew and equipment while operating on Tucker-Frase lands. The contractor(s) working on the property will be required to submit a fire plan to the Garfield County Sheriff when operating during fire season. During the fire season every contractor shall have a fire prevention and control plan for prevention and suppression of fires in logging areas and shall observe the following fire prevention rules: 1 . The contractor will prepare and file with the Garfield County Sheriff a Fire Suppression Resource Inventory that shall include, as a minimum, the following information: a. Name, address and 24-hour telephone number of an individual and an alternate who has authority to respond to the Sheriff's Department requests for resources to suppress fires. Number of individuals available for fire fighting duty and their skills. b. c. Equipment available for fire fighting. The Fire Suppression Resource Inventory shall be submitted to the headquarters office of the department having jurisdiction for the timber operation. 2. Timber operators shall keep all fogging truck roads in a passable condition during the dry season for fire truck travel until snag and slash disposal has been completed. 3. Subject to any law or ordinance prohibiting or otherwise regulating smoking, smoking by persons engaged in timber operations shall be limited to occasions where they are not moving about and are confined to cleared landings and areas of bare soil at least three feet in diameter. Burning material shall be extinguished in such areas of bare soil before discarding. The timber operator shall specify procedures to guide actions of his employees or other persons in his or her employment consistent with this requirement. 4. During the period when burning permits are required, all tail and side blocks on a cable setting shall be located in the center of an area that is either cleared to mineral soil or covered with a fireproof blanket that is at least 15 ft. in diameter. A shovel and an operational full five -gallon back pump or a fire extinguisher bearing a label showing at least a 4A rating must be located within 25 feet of each such block before yarding. Tepee Park FMP 70 5. Subject to any law or ordinance regulating or prohibiting fires, warming fires or other fires used for the comfort or convenience of employees or other persons engaged in timber operations shall be limited to the following condition: a. There shall be a clearance of 10 feet or rnore from the perimeter of such fires and flammable vegetation or other substances conducive to the spread of fire. b. Warming fire shall be built in a depression in the soil to hold the ash created by such fires. c. The timber operator shall establish procedures to guide actions of his employees or other persons in their employment regarding the setting, maintenance, or use of such fires that are consistent with (a) and (b) of this subsection. 6. Timber operators shall provide for a diligent fire watch service at the scene of any blasting or welding operations conducted on their logging areas to prevent and extinguish fires resulting from such operations. 7. The timber operator or his or her agent shall conduct a diligent aerial or ground inspection within the first two hours after cessation of felling, yarding, or loading operations each day during the dry period when fire is likely to spread. The person conducting the inspection shall have adequate communication available for prompt reporting of any fire that may be detected. 8. A brightly colored fire tool box will he required to be on each work site while work is being performed. This fire tool box will contain sufficient tools to equip ail persons engaged in Contractor's operation. Fire tools shall be used only for suppressing wildfires. Tools shall be stored in fireboxes provided by the Contractor and readily available to employees. Each tool box shall be marked, "Tools for Fire Only." The County Sheriff or other County approved designee will inspect the fire tool box and then seal the box. 9.The contractor shall be required to have a water truck or pumper of a minimum capacity of 150 gallons of water on site during periods when the fire danger is high or above as forecast by the USFS Rifle Ranger District. The truck or pumper must be in good working order and capable of supporting an initial attack on a fire as a result of the operation, fire entries from adjoining properties or natural causes. Minimum pump capacity: 90-100 gallons/min. @ 100 psi Minimum hose capacity: 1000 feet of 1.5 inch single-jacket/cotton 10. The Contractor shall be required to clean belly pans on bulldozers, skidders and loaders frequently and to make frequent inspections of exhaust systems on every piece of mechanized equipment for leaks and/or limbs or leaves jammed on or near them. Tepee Park FMP 71 11. The Contractor shall furnish the following: Vehicle/Equipment Fire fighting tools required in or near equipment personal vehicles trucks, graders, and tractors one size "0" shovel (38-1/2" handle minimum) or larger, and one ax, or pulaski with 28" handle or larger, and one 5 DC or larger rated pressurized fire extinguisher for each. Additionally, company pickups or crew vehicles to be equipped with one backpack pump each. welder one size "0" shovel and one backpack pump gasoline power tools (chainsaw, soil auger. etc.) one shovel (38-1/2" handle minimum) and one 8 -ounce or larger BC rated chemical -pressurized fire extinguisher* * The fire extinguisher will be located within 10 feet of the operating chainsaw, power auger or welder, 12. All internal combustion power equipment used by the Contractor on the project shall be equipped with an approved spark arrester. They shall be cleaned regularly and maintained in satisfactory working condition. Spark arresters must comply with all State and Federal fire requirements. The following are exempt from the requirements of the rule: a. Turbo -charged internal combustion engines in which 100 percent of the exhaust gasses pass through a turbo -charger; b. Engines of passenger carrying vehicles and light trucks equipped with a muffler with baffles that are kept in good repair (glass packs are not an approved muffler for wildland work) c. Water pumping equipment used in firefighting. Tepee Park FMP 72 G. Fuels Reduction The concentration of fuels in the form of logging slash is a major problem in harvest operations. In an effort to reduce the slash and minimize the fire danger the following practices will required: 1. Limbs will be removed on all harvest trees to the point on the bole where the diameter is 4 inches or less, 2. Limbs 4 inches or more in diameter will be lopped to within 3D inches of the ground; within 300 feet of haul roads and landings and 100 feet of secondary �:. roads and the Beaver Creek Trail (a public easement) they will be lopped to within 18 inches of the ground . '[1-111 3. All merchantable culls will be removed from the harvest area if there is an economy of removal and an environmental benefit. H. Administration The administration of the operation will be under the supervision of a Tucker and Frase forester. This includes the following: • All marking of the conifer stands. • The flagging and marking of the Watercourse Protection Zones (W PZ) and the Equipment Exclusion Zones (EEZ) • The final layouts of haul roads, cable roads (corridors), yarder sets and the landings will be flagged in conjunction with the Contractor's representative. • Any necessary skid trail crossings will be flagged by the forester in conjunction with the Contractor's representative. The monitoring of the road construction, falling, skidding, yarding and hauling operations as needed throughout the life of the operation. Tepee Park FMP 73 IX. Affected Environment A, Wildlife and Fisheries The timber harvest is expected to increase forage for deer and elk. The regeneration cuts are expected to increase forage to 400 pounds per acre within the aspen stands. The selective harvest within the spruce -fir stands is expected to increase forage by as much as 500% with an increase of 30% in deer use. The operation will aid in the reduction of the barriers that exist in the over -mature stands of conifer and aspen. The harvest will tend to break up these barriers. As skidders and dozers yard logs out of the stands they will tend to crush some of the smaller timber, the partially rotten timber and break up piles of larger material. Recently fallen timber that has salvage value will be removed from the woods. Snags which are not necessary to fall for safety reasons will continue to provide habitat for cavity nesters. An increase in openings and vertical diversity will meet the optimum cover and nesting requirements of many birds such as the Warbling Vireo and MacGillivary's Warbler that need mixed structural stages of aspen. There will be some loss or impact upon the habitat value for certain species such as the foss of tree cover in the thicker conifer pockets and noise from human activities. The magnitude of these impacts are predicted to be generally low and temporary while harvesting operations are occurring and is not expected to result in significant decreases in species populations. In contrast to the impacts, the harvesting will maintain some important wildlife habitat characteristics: • Leave a combination of multi -layered canopy with seedlings, intermediates, dominants, codominants and a few predominants for diversity and mixed habitat structure. • Retention of snags for cavity nesting species and standing green culls for the wildlife resource • Leave openings for improved growth within previously decadent stands. • Provide continuing cover and protection for other species using the forest. • Provide protection to the watercourses and wet areas which will protect the function of these riparian zones for migration and dispersal of wildlife. • Maintain brush species for browse animals and cover protection. • Retain hardwood species within and out of riparian zones to provide roost structures for bird species and forage for other mammals. Tepee Park FMP 74 Road construction and heavy use will adversely impact elk. This will be mitigated during the harvest operation by preserving travel corridors and concealment cover. Only one drainage at a time will be operational which will further mitigate any disruption the harvest may do to the elk herd. Upon the conclusion of harvest operations temporary roads will be put to bed and permanent roads will be gated and closed to public travel. Roads will not be open to the general public during logging activities. There exists within the surrounding area dense forest stands on the Bureau of Land Management and the U. S. Forest Service that will continue to provide additional suitable habitat. These thousands of acres of public lands will further mitigate any loss in habitat. B. Soli The primary factors influencing soil productivity are organic matter loss, surface soil loss, soil compaction, and growing space loss. Soil compaction and growing space loss will be virtually zero within the helicopter yarding units. Within the cable units soil compaction and growing area loss due to operation of heavy equipment on growing sites is very low. Proper layout and preflagging of skid trails greatly reduces compaction from operations. The most sensitive sites, along riparian zones in Beaver and Teepee Creek are to be yarded over snow or when the ground is frozen. Nutrient Toss from bole removal should not be significant. Most of the nutrients are concentrated in the forest floor and topsoil and decrease with depth . Nutrients are also in the foliage of the existing vegetation of the understory. Nutrients taken up by trees from the soil and forest floor accumulate in the leaves, limbs, trunk, and roots of the tree. Tree trunks usually contain lower concentrations of nutrients than do other parts of the tree and the forest floor. Consequently, removing the trunk has the least effect on soil fertility available to the site. Soil fertility it is not likely to be affected by the proposed operation. Road construction is generally through soils with moderate to moderately rapid permeability. Proper road design and mulching and seeding cuts and fills will greatly lessen the sedimentation produced from the new roads. Sedimentation will be further mitigated by the use of the aforementioned Soil Sedimentation Measures on skid trails. Tepee Park FMP 75 C. Water The beneficial uses of the watercourses include domestic use, fish and non -fish aquatic species habitat, wildlife habitat, limited recreational uses, and aesthetics. The Watercourse Protection Zone (WPZ) is essentially a "no -touch zone." There will be no ground based equipment allowed within it and no trees to be removed from it. There is added protection afforded by the Equipment Exclusion Zone (EEZ) where no ground based equipment will be allowed but selective harvesting will occur. The timber removed will be directional felled away from the streamcourse and yarded by helicopter, cable or endlined out of the EEZ with tractor. Both Beaver Creek and Teepee Creek will have special protective measures to preserve water quality. Any exposed soil within 50 feet of the top of stream bank on slopes over 30% will be mulched with straw or slash and have hand -dug waterbars installed. An added benefit is the relocation of the steepest portion of the Beaver Creek Road that is also within the riparian zone. This will greatly reduce the potential for sedimentation into Beaver Creek and thus into the Rifle water treatment plant downstream. Based on current conditions and knowledge of the impacts of similar past projects, proposed treatments and protective measures under this plan should provide adequate mitigation and are not expected to adversely affect the following: • sediment load ■ change the water temperature ■ increase the amount of organic debris • disturb the chemical composition • increase volume at peak flow for the existing stream conditions within this watershed. Tepee Park FMP 76 D. Recreation and Visual Resources The surrounding USFS lands provide for various types recreational opportunities such as horseback riding, mountain bike riding, and hunting. There are no organized recreational facilities on surrounding lands. The Tuoker-Frase property is not open to the public but horsemen and hikers are allowed to use the road along Beaver Creek through Teepee Park to pack trails over Battlement Mesa and USFS land to the south. The alteration of the viewshed will be mainly in the Teepee Park area as 60% of the harvest will be in this drainage. From 1-70 a small portion of the operation may be visible but the distance is over 6 miles and the visible portion will be mainly helicopter yarded. Because of the distance, height and angle from the highway in combination with the variation in silviculture and its resultant mosaic of leave stands the changes will not be noticeable to the casual observer. There will be no regeneration cuts visible from 1-70. These impacts have been mitigated by the following: • Use of Watercourse Protection Zones and Equipment Exclusion Zones leaving 100% of the vegetation along the perennial creeks and keeping equipment away from all riparian zones. • Marking the stands in such a manner that a multi -tiered stand is retained with wildlife travel corridors left intact. • Returning degenerating aspen stands to subclimax conditions thus retaining the colorful aspen component which is so associated with Colorado fo rests. • Completing the harvest within the each drainage over a relatively short time frame will concentrate timber operations, allowing access to the higher elevation areas in the early summer and the fall when use of those areas is fight. Lower elevation areas can be harvested during the early winter when use is minimal. This will lessen the disturbance from the operation to wildlife. • Reducing the fire danger to the watershed by removing dead and dying timber, returning the stand to a more productive, younger successional stage, installing a road system whereby wildfires can be fought successfully and safely. A wildfire would be catastrophic to the view shed. These mitigations will greatly minimize the effects of the timber harvest with respect to visuals and recreational uses. The silviculture will leave a considerable amount of stand structure in a variety of age and size classes over the majority of the area. In addition, this surrounding area is publicly -owned and may never be heavily harvested which would further dilute the effects of the proposed harvest. Recreational uses such as hunting elk and deer will likely be improved within the harvest area. Tepee Park FN!P 77 E. Endangered Species A preliminary draft report was prepared by Biologist Kim Potter of Rifle for the Special Use Road Permit along Beaver Creek. In that report she stated "No critical habitat for any Federally listed threatened or endangered species is known to occur within the White River National Forest." There are two sensitive species known that could be in the area. The Northern Goshawk, Accipiter gentilis, has been documented on West Mamm Creek. The Flammulated owl, Otis flammeolus, has been documented in the Rifle Ranger district on Mamm Creek. There is habitat for both these species in the management area. Ms Potter further reports; "The project may adversely impact individuals, but is not likely to result in a loss of viability on the planning area, nor cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of species viability rangewide." A biological survey of the project area was conducted in July thruough October of 1995 with no findings of rare,endangered, or species of special concern. If during any activity of the harvest plan any new evidence of rare, endangered, or species of special concern is discovered, activities will stop in those areas until further investigation can be conducted and adequate protection measures as suggested by wildlife biologists or mandated by law will be implemented. F. Cultural Resources The only known cultural resources are two cabins located on the property. One is in Teepee Park. The other is on the west side of the property in the Porcupine Creek drainage. Neither of these will be disturbed by the operations. There may be historic aspen carvings in the area. Any of these discovered during the marking phase of the operation will be documented with photos. Tepee Park FMP 78 Property / FMP Boundary: 21,‘ "'•itk.•-• --044, A • °.4P:45,' °,'A -40 Permanent: (Interstate. 70) Permanent: -,•.,.. \--oes;a9 'N' ..240)117 - •Sigh!, 6,14.49P— s., MTA •-/`1-11S, Nevirt:+" twAlftry , ,,.11‘) i # TA. i's(•••• _____ .e, .,-- /---•-,;:t.------, i/---tr-7.7-_-_,.'1,-,n4.-7--- '. ,.......,;____,..z_ --‘--• -"....-",7, • ,,,, _.„..,, Seasonal: 1•1.66.....=.1.1=MIMIIISIM (Reconstruction) Road to be Abandoned: Seasonal: Seasonal: vi: 6S 17 (USFS Special Road Permit Required) Road(s) to be used as Haul Route: AUL ROUTE MAP , - . . ,------. e viiiiit Yife - - ' ./ 1 1,e.,0.• -w -i%&,- I; , i , , flTREQULRED tl.. .7. -...:-._.:. m,•\..‘,..44,411;-,,,,,,,„....„,,,,,,-----,...7.1.71)W:1L-F5T., V. '60 It% L. riA6'4.4" IIIVI Itm (75%Rix Sections 30 & 31 - T7 S R93W Sews 15,22, 23, 24. 25, 26, 27, 35 & 36 - 17S R94V/ Sections 5, 6,7 & 8 - T8S R93W ALL the 6th Primip1e Meridian Garfield Coe* 4464 RAP Acres 4Ct Callous Interval PRI pg.# 79 G. Traffic and Haul Routes Log trucks will head north along the Beaver Creek Rd to the Rifle-Rulison Rd. (County Road 320) easterly to Centennial Ave to Taugenbaugh Rd and 1-70 (see Haul Route map, page 79). An alternative route, westerly along Road 320 to Rulison, would result in less direct impact upon homeowners along the route, but is considerably longer and would require much more maintenance of the County roads and is not likely. • Trucking is expected to average 10 to 12 loads per day during the working season. Logging operations will likely generate as many as 6 round-trip vehicle trips daily for transportation of crews and supplies. • There is potential for conflicts with existing traffic. Generally the most conflict would occur during peak hours of use: citizens traveling to and from their jobs and transporting children to and from school. • There is also potential for conflict with traffic exiting and entering 1-70 particularly due to expanded services that have been recently built. Vehicle traffic will be scheduled to assure that trucks are not hauling during times when children are boarding school buses or at other times deemed unsafe by the County or City. Trucks normally will leave early in the morning and return in late afternoon or the next morning. Tucker and Frase will work with the County and City to develop adequate scheduling of truck traffic. King Lloyd, County Engineer, was contacted. He said he would have more input when the project was further along. He did not feel that there was anything unusual about the operation that could not be mitigated prior to final approval. The noise from the 10 to 12 trips per day by log trucks through town can be mitigated by lower speeds and common courtesy by drivers. This route is commonly and frequently used by mining companies transporting heavy exploration and drilling equipment, personnel and supplies. Previous experience shows that much more onerous and potentially serious traffic conditions can be accomodated by the city and county. In the recent past it was necessary that trucks traverse the heart of the city day and night, seven days a week, in order to remove radioactive waste products. Surfaced Roads Log truck traffic will cause some damage to the roads leading to the work areas. Tucker and Frase is prepared to do improvement work before hauling begins, and to help maintain County and private roads while hauling is occurring. When the timber harvest is complete, the applicant will undertake such remedial work on the haul roads as is necessary to ensure that the roads are in at least as good after the project is complete as they were before the it started. The landowner wishes to be a "good neighbor" and does not want the condition of roads to the work areas to become a divisive issue in the community. Tepee Park PMP 8 0 Tucker and Frase understands that Garfield County closes county roads to heavy traffic during spring breakup, which usually occurs by June. This should not have a significant impact upon logging operations, because it is usually not possible to work in the high country because of snow and mud during that period. Unsurfaced County and Private Roads Traffic on the gravel roads will generate dust. The landowner is prepared to apply dust control agents (such as magnesium chloride) to county roads where dust is an issue for adjoining owners and users, and to all haul roads that pass within 500' of an occupied residence, on an as needed basis beginning with the first timber harvest and continuing until harvest operations cease. Water Trucks will be required to be available as needed to water the road system sufficiently to reduce dust levels during periods of log hauling. Tepee Park FMP 81 H. Conclusion It is our conclusion that this forest management plan accurately represents the facts and situation that were researched, evaluated, and verified in the field. The planned timber harvest plan can be conducted in a feasible manner as described. With the mitigations mentioned in the above impacts assessments there will be no significant cumulative impacts caused by this timber harvest on the concerns listed. This plan was prepared after consultation with representatives of the following public agencies or government offices: Garfield County City of Rifle Colorado Forest Service United States Forest Service Bureau of Land Management We have incorporated their recommendations and attempted to address all concerns that were brought to our attention. The proposed harvesting is a legitimate use of private forestland and will conform with the laws of Colorado and Garfield County. Jeff J. Calvert David E. Levy Professional Forester Professional Forester Tepee Park FMP 8 2 X. Other Pertinent Information Personnel Estimated total work force includes all personnel that may be working on the project during the life of the project. However the number of personnel employed at any given time may fluctuate substantially from the total below. No man -camp for workers will be allowed on the property. Crew Number of People* • Yarding • Loading • Falling ■ Log Truck Drivers • Marking ■ Road Construction ■ Slashing, piling, etc. • Administration 6 to 8 1 to 2 3to 5 12 10 15 3 to 4 3 to 4 3 to 4 1 to 2 Total 32 to 44 * includes foremen Equipment Log Trucks will be 5 axle with a maximum weight limit of 70,000 pounds. Hours Of Operation The hours of operation will be between 6AM and 6PM, Monday through Saturday. This will fluctuate slightly with the seasons. Season of Operation The working season is expected to be from late June or early July until snows prevent normal winter operations; expected to be in early December. Tepee Park FMP 83 XI. Bibliography Alexander, Robert R., 1986, Silvicultural Systems and Cutting Methods for Old - Growth Spruce -Fir Forests in the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains, General Technical Bulletin RM -126, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Alexander, Robert R., Chief Siiviculturist, 1987, Ecology, Silviculture and Management of the Engelmann Spruce -Subalpine Fir Type in the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains, Handbook # 659, U.S, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Baltzer, Edward M., 1993 Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment of 1,664 Acres of Vacant Land in Southern Garfield County, Walsh and Associates, Grand Junction, CO. Cagney, Jim, 1993 Riparian Area Management, Greenline Riparian -Wetland Monitoring, Technical Reference 1737-8, U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management California Dept. of Forestry, 1994, California Forest Practice Rules, Title 14, California Code of Regulations Colorado Dept. of Highways, 1978, Erosion Control Manual Colorado Division of Wildlife, 1987, Managing Forested Lands for Wildlife Gebhardt, Karl, et al, 1990 Riparian Area Management, Riparian and Wetland Classification Review., Technical Reference 1737-5, U.S. Department of the interior Bureau of Land Management Hoffman, George R. and Alexander, Robert R., 1983, Forest Vegetation of the White River National Forest in Western Colorado: A Habitat Type Classification, Research Paper RM -249, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Johnson, William N. & Fifer, R. Scott, Water Quality considerations for Highway Planning and Construction , 1-70 Vail Colorado, U.S. Forest Service, White River NF Kinch, Gene, 1989, Riparian Area Management, Grazing Management in Riparian Areas, Technical Reference 1737-4, U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Leonard, Steve, et al, 1992, Riparian Area Management, Procedures for Ecological Site Inventory -with Special Reference to Riparian -Wetland Sites, Technical Reference 1737-7, U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Meyers, Lewis H., 1989, Riparian Area Management, Inventory and Monitoring Riparian Areas, Technical Reference 1737-3, U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Tepee Park FMP 8 4 Prichard, Don, et al, 1993, Riparian Area Management, Process for Assessing Proper Functioning Condition ,Technical Reference 1737-9, U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Smith, Bruce, et al, 1992, Riparian Area Management, Management Techniques in Riparian Areas, Technical Reference 1737-6, U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Smith, David; The Practice of Silviculture; seventh edition, 1962 Soil Conservation Service, 1985, Soil Survey of Rifle Area, Colorado, U.S. Department of Agriculture Swanston, Douglas N., et al, 1985, Proceedings of a Workshop on Slope Stability: Problems and Solutions in Forest Management, General Technical Report PNW-189, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Versar, A & E, Inc., 1991, Phase 1 Site Assessment.' Pure Oil Property, Versar, Architects & Engineers, Inc., Grand Junction, CO, White River National Forest, 1990, Land and Resource Management Plan , U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service White River National Forest, 1994, Soil and Ecological Land Unit Survey: Holy Cross Area, Colorado, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service 1994-96, The Citizen Telegraph, Rifle, Colorado, Community Newspapers of Colorado , 1994-96, Glenwood Post, Stauffer Communications Inc. Tepee Park FMP 8 5