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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIntegrated Resource Analysis Draft 2/09/94 km ASHLAND INTERFACE INTEGRATED RESOURCE ANALYSIS (IRA) INTRODUCTION ~ The Ashland Ranger District of the Rogue River National Forest (RRNF) is working jointly with the City of Ashland to complete an Integrated. Resource Analysis of the Ashland urban/forest interface. A little about the Ashland Interface Analysis Area... The project planning area located on both National Forest and City Lands represents the forest/urban interface between the Bear Creek Valley and the Ashland Creek Watershed. The Ashland Creek Watershed provides the majority of the municipal water supply for the City of Ashland. The Cooperative Agreement between the City of Ashland and the Department of Agriculture dealing with management of the Ashland Creek Watershed, states that the maintenance of water quality and production is the highest priority for resource management. . The greatest threat to the maintenance of water quality within the Ashland Creek Watershed is a large, high intensity wildfire. A large wildfire starting within the forest/urban Interface and burning into the watershed would be of high intensity, eliminating all layers of vegetation, resulting in mass erosion and degradation of water quality for years. The Analysis Area represents the "first line of defense" to stop a large fire from burning into the watershed. Fire exclusion and drought have created an unnatural build up of fuel within this analysis area Fire prevention (which includes vegetation management), community education, and use restrictions provide the means to help prevent human caused fires from occurring. What is Integrated Resource Analysis? It is not a process that results in a decision or land allocation. It is simply a tool that is used to identify special features about an area that should be considered during project planning. This process will identify an acceptable range of conditions, within the analysis area, that will meet the goals and objectives of the Forest Plan as well as address other resource concerns more specific to this area such as fire resistance, the management of recreation, and the protection of water quality and spotted owl habitat. As a result, a pool of future projects will be developed that will move this area towards the acceptable range of conditions. These projects can then be added to the activity schedules or action plans to be used for developing annual budgets or other alternative ways for funding (partnerships, grants, volunteer and educational programs, etc.). The City of Ashland Forest Plan... The City of Ashland owns 1,075 acres of forested lands within the urban/forest interface and the Ashland Creek Watershed. The Ashland Forest Plan was completed by Ron McCormick & Associates in May, 1992. This plan presents the goals and policies which provide guidance to the management of the City's forested lands, as well as documenting existing conditions, issues, and project recommendations which address these issues. Since the issues and goals outlined in the Ashland Forest Plan are those shared by the Forest Service concerning federal land within the interface area; both agencies recognized the opportunity to work together to complete this analysis process. By working together through this process, we are integrating the implementation of two separate plans with similar and compatible goals and objectives, in order to address common issues and to manage for a healthy ecosystem across ownership boundaries. Through the involvement of community members and other concerned individuals and groups we hope to increase the awareness of the issues surrounding this area, to those who live or recreate in the interface zone, use water produced from the Watershed, or view the interface from their homes in the Ashland area With increased awareness we can then work together as a community to meet the objectives of resource and home protection from wildfire, while exploring recreational opportunities. ISSUES The following issues were identified for the Ashland Interface Ana!ysis Area These issues were impo~ant to developing the Acceptable Range of Conditions for the Interface Area ECOSYSTEM HEALTH There are many factors which contribute to a healthy ecosystem. They include: plant survival and growth, stable and productive soils (good chemical and physical characteristics), clean water and a diversity of of both terrestrial and aquatic habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. The health of an ecosytem is critical to it's resistance and resiliency to epidemic and fire as well as to other natural or human caused disturbances. The dense overstocked stand conditions Is resulting in poor growth in conifer stands and the survival of these stands is at high risk to both fire and epidemic. FIRE RISK As determined by the presence of fire hazards and values at risk; there is a high fire risk in the Ashland Interface. If a catastrophic fire occurred the loss in value and benefits of resources would be great. The loss of homes and personal items of non-replaceable value. would affect many who live in the interface. WATER QUAUTY AND-QUANTITY The protection of watershed health both within the interface and the Ashland Creek Watershed is crucial for the protection of the City of Ashland's water supply. Human activity in the interface area is affecting the quality of water within the tributaries of Bear Creek. The disturbance of highly erosive granitic soils on roads, trails, granite pits, etc., is producing sediment into streams. The chemistry of the water in these streams becomes unsuitable for fish as it enters residential zones. This is caused by fertilizers, pesticides, and gray water. RECREATION Access to the interface lands for recreation poses a planning challenge for the future. The need for 'Open Space' adjacent to the increasingly urban environment of the city will have to be considered in the context of a variety of other issues. Increased opportunities for public use must examine the kinds of activities and the potential values at risk (i.e, increased potential for human caused fire, soil stability, water quality, and conflicts between users). The lack of managed trail opportunities for mountain bikers and hikers places recreationists in the position of finding their own opportunities. Often these are in areas where use is not desireable due to resource degradation, safety concerns, or tresspass on private lands. Many connections between the city and the National Forest are not guaranteed rights of way; without planning, conflicts on these 'informal" connections will increase. Recreationists who use the area may not understand the need for area closures enforced during times of extreme fire danger (usually summer or early falQ. There is a need to "demystify" the Interface and Watershed lands through education and interpretation. SOCIAL How agencies work together with private landowners to gain an understanding of and how to address common issues may affect how well we are able to meet overall objectives and goals for the interface area The Hamilton Creek Coordinated Resource Managment Plan is one example of how agencies and private landowners success- fully worked together to accomplish resource objectives on a landscape level. ASHLANi> INTERFACE INTEGRATED RESOURCE ANALYSIS I 1-, - - - PJOJECT .UtU actlmWrY I I I LEGEND - - crrc BOO!IIWl:T r/ / / / /l em 0Wl0:D WlIl * >- I o lJ:) Eo< en ~ o :z. .'/ :I ( ~J ) -'-::- - -- , ( /; \) ~J 7 ~)) ASHLAND MUNICIP.u. \; WATERSHED / ..,#' ~ (r-~1, ~ ~ ~c 'lI -.!f>\ " ~ ~~ ~ I('!::- .... \ -"\ \1 j) -, 't ~~ ~ '\\ ('> = ~ _ If 1 J;..-Jl'" 1 'J) } // II) /( ~~ ~ \It '1t~ II JI :1 ~~~ :: ~ no ~I ~~.... u..=="''''', ~a L~ >>01 ~~ dJ~L ~~ ~ # li'i ~ ~ ~ ~ I ~ II 9 n ~ mDllft " 11 r -JI_ L tj '" n~~,:: lI..M\ ') -, ": ~i 1 \ 111) r '1-1""1 Il~~~! \ ~I Jill ... \\ ,I C'-f' ~ \~~ . I; \ll ll~ !' ~ ~7'=~jJ I f /I IJ ~ ~'='-,// t 1,,, ~..':I ;; iiJ CITY or .\.Si:IlJ.ND ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ,,/ l r_ (~/ ~J ~ \"/ ! \ '\ , \ \ .......... J ..-. ,/ jl ,'( ,{ r"''-.......'' II' " '(-I "-' '.y-t ,1\ ....J'~~.~. 9' ,{/ '\ ',I / '~ 1/2:5,.. :ma :/ '\, '.\, \ I I I '-- .,~ ...; .,~ ~ J I \ , .... , , '-~ SUMMARY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS WITHIN THE ASHLAND INTERFACE ECOSYSTEM: r ~ Vegetation Before organized fire suppression began in our area in the early 1900s, this area had a history of high fire frequency; typically fires were low intensity underburns. Because of this, excessive vegetative competition did not occur. Consequently, with ongoing fire suppression efforts, dense vegetative conditions creating extreme competi- tion in timber stands for moisture and nutrients, is causing a high mortality rate, especially in the larger tree component. In recent years, drought has contributed to this high mortality also. Ponderosa pine and sugar pine (which grow at lower stand densities than other species) are disappearing due to highly competitive stand conditions. Salvage operations have removed many dead and dying trees most of which are in the large tree component. Although this has reduced fire hazards in the area, the dense stand conditions which contribute to high mortality rates still exist Three vegetative zones exist for the analysis area: 1) interior valley zone (poncferosa pine series, 2) mixed conifer, mid elevation (Douglas-fir series), and 3) mixed conifer, high elevation (white fir series). Ecologically the interface is in poor condition. The reason for this is the lack of stand management to reduce competition in conifer stands and allow for increased growth rates. The Douglas-fir series is a major component of the inter-face area. Data collected throughout southern Oregon indicates that this plant series burned on an average of every 20 years prior to fire supression efforts. Except for areas where fire has recently occurred, current Stand ages in the interface area range from 80 to 250 years. Historically the type of burns occurring were lower intensity underburns. This type of burning acted to reduce dense ground vegetation and dead and down fuels; thus, reducing the competition in timber stands and creating open canopy forest. A large amount of downed woody debris in all size classes may not be natural or desirable within the lower elevations of the interface area as compared to the white fir vegetation zones at higher elevations. Fire Risk For a discussion of fire's influence to resources, fire risk is defined as: the chance of a fire starting within an area of valuable resources. The chance of a fire starting is determined by the hazards present. Elements of hazard include 1) firebrand source (Le. lightning or mancaused) 2) the probability of ignition from a firebrand source which is influenced by weather and vegetative conditions, and 3) the probability of a fire spreading which considers topography, elevation, and vegetative conditions). The greater the values of the resources that are threatened by the hazards present; the higher the fire risk. Firebrand Sources: The most significant firebrand source for this area is human caused. Using State Forestry records (for the area outside of City limits) 53 fires have occurred since 1967. Only 7% of these fires were lightning caused. Sources for human caused fire include the railroad, smokers, children, arson, burning debris, logging operations, and campers. Probability for Ignition: Interior southwest Oregon has the highest average temperature, and the lowest annual precipitation for the west side of the Cascades. As discussed early under vegetation, aggresive fire suppression efforts since the early 1900s has resulted in heavy accumulations of dense vegetation and dead and down materials. The hot dry climate for the area combined with extreme fuel conditions creates a high probability for ignition to occur in the interface area Probability for fire to spread: Considering topography and up valley winds, a fire would carry fire rapidly from lower elevations into the watershed. Under present conditions how and where a fire will carry depends on the location of the fire start. Three major fires have occurred in the interface area (1910, 1959, and 1973). All three fires started at lower elevations outside of the Forest Boundary and were carried by upvalley winds into the Interface area; the 1910 fire burning large amount within the Ashland Creek Watershed. Because of dense vegetative conditions. if a fire occurred now it would be stand replacing and house replacing. The risk of a fire moving down slope from Forest Service to private is lower than the risk of moving upslope. Resource Values at Risk: The resource values at risk for this area are very high. The following is a list of valuable resources that are at risk if a catastrophic fire occurred: Homes and structures Reeder reservoir & Ashland's water supply northern spotted owl habitat Old-growth/Late Successional Reserves Wildlife habitat Recreation opportunities Fisheries/hydrology & downstream beneficial uses Visual qu~lity as seen from Ashland and 1-5 ~ In addition to the values and their benefits potentially lost, there would also be exhorbinant costs involved with the stabilization and restoration of resource damage. Because of the high fire risk for this area, the watershed is frequently closed during the summer or early fall months to all pedestrian and vehicle traffic. This occurs when the extreme summer temperatures and dry fuel conditions' push the fire hazards to extreme. There are two reasons for this fire closure: 1) to reduce the risk for fire ignition (catalytic converters on vehicles, nuissance activities, etc.) and 2) if a fire were to start in the interface, early containment of the fire is dependent on aggressive initial fire attack efforts. If there are persons in the watershed area, both on and off trails and roads, these initial attack efforts would be hampered. Valuable time would be spent evacuating persons and securing the area before air tankers could safely make fire retardent drops. Persons in the area would also be at higher risk of accidents or injuries. occurring as a result of heavy traffic transporting fire fighting equipment and personnel into the area, Other risks to the area are flood, geologic failures, and epidemic Onsects and disease). An epidemic may come close to fire for the risk of stand replacing incidents. Wildlife The most important role of the interface area in regards to wildlife, is to act as a buffer for protecting optimal northern spotted owl and other wildlife habitat which exists in the Ashland Creek watershed. The Interface area and the Ashland Creek Watershed is designated as a Late-Successional Reserve under all options of the Draft Supplemen- tal Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) on Management of Habitat for Late-SuccessionaJ and Old-Growth Forest Related Species wfthin the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. Under the Guidelines of the DSEIS, these areas would be managed to protect and enhance habitat for late-successional and old-growth related species including the northern spotted owl. If this large block of habitat were lost to fire, it could effect the long-term viability of northern spotted owl and other old-growth forest related species. The reason for this is the importance of this geographic area in maintaining the connectivity of the ~amath Mountain province to the Cascade Mountain province. This area is referred to by the scientific community as the 1-5 Corridor. Maintaining the connectivity of these provinces is important to continuing genentic interchange of the spotted owl as well as many other plant and animal species. Owl habitat within the interface area is marginal due to the lack of canopy closure in the large tree component. The dense multi-layered structure of stands which constitutes this marginal habitat is also a condition which adds to the high fire risk and the potential loss of large blocks of habitat in the watershed. Other wildlife which utilize the interface area and the Ashland Watershed include blacktail deer, cougars, black bear, osprey, goshawks and many other small animal species. Big game habitat for resident and transitory deer herds lacks optimal thermal cover due to the lack of mature and old-growth timber stand component The thermal cover is adequate but is at a minimal canopy height for providing quality thermal cover. The area provides winter range for transitory and resident urban deer. Due to the dense vegetative conditions, the amount of high quality big game forage areas may also be a concern. Geology/Solis This Analysis Area is located in the complex terrain of the Klamath Mountain Geologic Province. The area is situated mostly in dissected and weathered granitic slopes. The major rock type of the area is quartz diorite which forms some outcrops mainly on the upper elevations. Granitic soils are highly unstable within the Ashland Interface. Many debris landslides have been mapped within the Analysis Area Many of these landslides probably occurred in 1974 when a very heavy rainstorm flooded the area Active landslides and areas with a high probability of becoming active landslides (hazard zones 1. and 2) are found mainly on steep slopes, in, or near drainag, and wetlands. The area has highly erosive granitic soils and slopes are subject to mass wasting. 11 'a stand replacing fire were to occur, the risk for mass wasting would be greatly increased. High loads of sediment, would have significant effects on Reeder Reservoir, downstream water quality and beneficial uses, and home owners in interface slopes. If large sediment loadS were delivered to streams from debris landslide and erosion, the material would cover stream gravels that are essential for fISh rearing. The larger landslides that are close to the City of Ashland would have the potential to destroy homes on the fringes of the forest. Slopes in the range of 75-90 percent are of great concern for slope failures. Hydrology, Watershed, and Fisheries The Ashland Interface Area is located within the Bear Creek Drainage. Bear Cre~k has been identified by the State of Oregon as a high priority for water quality rehabilitation. The management of activities and processes occurring within this analysis area is important to the maintenance of water quality in Bear Creek. Since logging activities in the area concentrated mainly on salvaging, the majority of forest lands in the analysis area remain in a heavily vegetated condition. From a standpoint of soil and slope stabilization this is good. However, due to the dense vegetative conditions there is a high probability for a large stand replacing fire to occur that would be devestating to watershed condition. ' , The quality of water in streams located in the interface area becomes unsuitable for fish populations as it courses through residential areas. This is caused in by fertilizers, pestisides, sediment, and residential drain water which runs off into waterways. When the roads were originally constructed in the area, the outsloped design prevented drainage problems. Because of public safety concerns, roads were later insloped and ditched; drainage and erosion problems began occurring. Roads in the interface are a major source for erosion and sediment production. During fall, winter, and spring wet weather conditions, vehicle access is restricted on many roads for erosion control. The Strawberry Lane area is producing a large amount of sediment. In some cases paving consentrates road drainage and can carry sediment faster. Spot rocking reduces sedimentation. Recreation The Ashland Interface is an area of high intensity recreation due to the proximity to town. Management of the area emphasizes watershed protection, fire prevention and fuels .management. No camping or fires are allowed in the Ashland Watershed portion of the interface lands,' and much of that area is closed to motor vehicle access November-May. The watershed lands are also frequently closed to all entry during periods of high fire danger and to vehicle traffic during periods of wet weather. Off road vehicle (including bicycle) travel is prohibited except on trails designated for biycle use. Traditionally, little emphasis has been placed on managing the recreation setting other than actions implemented to attempt to resolve conflicts with the resource emphasis areas previously mentioned. The only recreation developments in existence are the recently completed Eastview Mountin Bike Trail, and the "unofficial. Toothpick Trail. Current recreation uses include: Mountain biking, hiking/walking/jogging, some horseback riding, recreational driving, hunting, camping (illegal in Ashland Watershed), and organized events such as foot and bicyle races. Mountain biking, pedestrian activities, and driving for pleasure, are by far the most predominant uses. Mountain bike use off of roads and trails (particularly on shaded fuel-breaks and private land adjacent the National Forest) is contributing to soil erosion and conflicts with private landowners. A safety hazard is posed when automobile traffic and fast descending mountain bikes share narrow winding roads in the interface such as the 2060 and the 2080 road. Nuisance activities not necessarily classified as "recreation., but generally associated with public use of the area are: dumping of trash; illegal overnight camping; homeless encampments; night-time use of the area for parties which involves illegal bon fires, consumption of alcohol by minors, and vandalism. Tolman Creek road (2080 rd) up to Mt. Ashland and the Siskiyou Gap area Is a popular route traveled by sightseers. This area Is viewed from the 1-5 corridor as well as being the scenic backdrop for most of Ashland. The Forest at Ashland's Doorstep: A Study of VISitation to the Ashland Creek Watershed.{JurgeJA. Hess), lists driving for pleasure as the #2 recreational activity in the area:" ". , " On Going Activities: Hamilton Creek Coordinated Resource Management Plan (CRMP): The upper Hamilton Creek Water- shed is a 750 acre area located within the Ashland Interface analysis area During 1991 and 1992, the eight landowners in the area met to formulate 'a Coordinated Resource Management plan to address issues common to all landowners within the watershed. Through this process a list of projects was put together which addressed and mitigated the issues identified such as fire protection, fuels reduction, soil and slope stabilization, and. managing recreation to alleviate conflicts such as tresspass and resource degradation. As a result of this process a strong community bond was fostered among the landowners within this drainage. Each landowner began to realize how actions or non-action on their land affected their neighbor, and by working together how problems could be resolved. An example of working together to resolve an issue is the fundraiser led by Southern Oregon land Conservancy, which was successful in leading to the purchase of 100 acres of land within this drainage. At times this community effort involved the sacrafice of personal values of one landowner in order to achieve goals such as ecosytem health that were common to all landowners within this drainage. In partnership with the Jackson County Job Council the CRMP landowners received a grant to fund a Phoenix High student work crew. These students learned about natural resource management through the actual experience of implementating projects identified through the CRMP. This provided these students with an opportunity for employment. to learn team and job skills, and to earn school credits; all of which will help them to become productive members of our community. Ashland Ranger District Fuels Reduction, Fuel break construction and maintenance: In the 1990 Fuels Reduction Environmental Analysis projects were identified and analyzed for protection from wildfire in the Ashland Interface and Watershed. Some of these projects have been implemented others will be implement- ed within the next 2 years. Projects identified through this IRA process are in addition to projects which have already been planned. The City of Ashland Fuels Reduction, Fuel Break construction and maintenance: The City of Ashland Forest plan identified projects for fire hazard reduction, watershed restoration (erosion controQ, and to enhance recreation opportunities. Fire hazards will be reduced through vegetation management. the reduction of dead and down fuels, and fuel break networks. Stand health will be managed through santitation/salvage operations and precommercial thinnings. These projects are being implemented or are planned for implementation. Projects identified through this IRA process are in addition to these projects. ACCEPTABLE RANGE OF CONDITIONS. DRAFT ACCEPTABLE RANGE OF cONbmONS DEFINED: ~ In order to define an acceptable range of conditions for an area, one must first understand what range of conditions or trends exist. The ecosystem is dynamic. Over a period of time vegetation grows and dies, populations of plants and animals f1ucuate from over abundant to sparse. Both managed and natural disturbances affect these trends in the ecosystem. Once you .have defined the trends (or range of conditions) the issues or values one places on the resources within an area will begin to set side boards on what range of conditions would be acceptable. Ecosystem Heahh - We will strive to have a healthy ecosystem. Components of a healthy ecosystem include bvt are not limited to: clean water, no epidemics, aesthetically pleasing, diversity of habitat for aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal species, stabile and productive soils (good physical and chemical characteristics). Fire Risk - Vegetative conditions are managed to reduce the risk of stand replacing fires; fires that do occur will generally be limited to 500 acres or less. - Fuelbreak networks will minimize the spread of fire into the watershed and residential areas. - Areas within 300 feet of a tuelbreak will be managed intensely to ensure the effectiveness of tuelbreaks in reducing or stopping the spread of fire. These areas are referred to as tuelbreak flanks. - The area considered to have the highest fire risk within the interface area (the northern most portion of the project area) is the highest priority for density management within the mattrix areas (non-fuelbreak or fuel break flank areas). This would increase the health and vigor of stands, reduce excessive fuel loading, thus, reducing the potential rate of spread if fire occurs. - Duplicate natural disturbance to the extent possible to re-create historic conditions of vegetative stand structures ~ncluding levels of dead and down materials) found prior to when fire suppression began. - Allow low intensity prescribed fire to be used as one tool to accomplish this. - Allow for manual manipulation of vegetation (chainsaws, weedeaters, etc.) - Acceptable Range of vegetative conditions will be developed by vegetation zone (3 zones). Will have a complete inventory of plant associations present in the interface to use as a guide for site capabilities and expected response to various management techniques. Fire resistant species will be used where appropriate to reduce the rate of fire spread. - The ,risk for structure replacing fires will be greatly reduced through: - vegetation management ~ncluding use of fire resistant species) - agencies to provide technical assistance to private landowners in a cooperative effort to reduce fire hazards (organize more CRMP efforts, individual asst., etc.) - changes in building codes, City Ordinances, etc., to reduce fire hazards - The Forest Service, City, and Private land owners are prepared for emergency response if and when wildfire occurs. Vegetation - In addition to vegetation management discussed under fire risk, areas in medium or low fire risk areas will be monitored. Vegetation Management would be proposed as needed to maintain stand health and vigor, thus, reducing the risk for epidemic levels of disease or insects. - Under the guidelines of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) on Management of Habitat for Late-SuccessionaJ and Old-Growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl, vegetation in this area would be managed to protect and enhance habitat for late-successional and old-growth related species including the northern spotted owl. ~_...".-"...._-._-- - The management of existing reforestation plantations will continue. This is important to ensuring the survival and growth of these plantations to maturity. Hydrology/Fisheries ~ Riparian and Aquatic Habitat The elements selected are broad indicators of the processes that provide for fully functioning aquatic systems, Salmonld habitat (aquatic ecosystems) variables which can be measured, have ecological signifi- cance, are influenced by management activities and natural processes. These parameters were discussed in a report by the PacifIC Northwest (PNW) Research Lab, "Region 6 Columbia River Basin Forests Anadromous Fish Habitat Desired Future Conditions". The values were determined by extensive research in watersheds located in Alaska, Washington and Oregon. Researchers found very few aquatic habitats without human disturbance, with the exception of road lass areas which approached these criterias. - Stream channels will have less than 20 percent of banks in a disturbed raveling condition. - Streambed substrate contains an average of 30 percent fines or less (fines defined as: less than 0.2 cm) by water surface area - Streambeds will contain 7Q-80 pieces per mile of large woody material. fNoody material is classified as: diameter is greater than 24", length is greater than 50 ft. If the woody material does not meet the length criteria, but is 2 times longer than the bankful width, then it is recorded. Note that the diameter listed is minimum diameter). - Water temperature will be below 68 degrees during summer high temperature. - Vegetation in and around stream channels will be managed to maintain riparian conditions. No increase in existing stream temperature. Active riparian restoration is necessary in streams with temperature greater than approximately 68 degrees. - Activities and education programs will strive to educate the public about attributes of a healthy riparian habitat and aquatic ecosystem. Emphasize the importance of watershed basins anc;1 our effect on the basins by our various activities. Watershed Condition Functioning hydrologic processes are very important to the water quality and stability of watersheds. - The road prism will have the top of the cutbank to bottom of the fill slope in a stable condition. Data collected from ecology plots will be used to prescribe the planting of vegetative species that would be the most successful in becoming established on cutbanks and fill slopes. Proper road drainage is very important to the water quality and slope stability in the Interface. Roads will be largely free of gullies and culverts and culvert outlets will be maintained. Recreation use will be managed in the interface to be compatable with watershed values. Vegetation within the interface will be managed to maintain slope and soil stability and productivity; hydrologic function. Vegetation will be managed to maintain watershed conditions in conjunction with fire hazard reduction. Wildlife - Under the guidelines of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) on Management of Habitat for Late-Successional and Old-Growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl, this area would be managed to protect and enhance habitat for late-successional and old-growth related species including the northern spotted owl. - This area will continue to provide quality dispersal habitat for the northern spotted owl. - Vegetative structure and composition will be diverse to enhance and allow for wildlife diversity. - Utilize keystone arthropods to measure ecosystem health. - Large woody material will be maintained at desired levels where not in conflict with fire management objectives such as riparian areas and higher elevation vegetation zones (white fir series). - Agencies will provide technical assistance to private landowners that will help to achieve the objectives of providing for diverse habitats and would help landowners in reducing animal pest problel'Ms. Recreation ~ - Recreation use is managed in a manner that compliments or is compatible with fire management and other watershed and resource values. - Opportunities for compatible uses will be developed and expanded to provide alternatives to present unmanaged and non-conforming uses. - User awareness of fire prevention and watershed issues will be increased through interactions with visitors and user groups, signing, education and interpretation. - Potential interpretive opportunities include viewpoints, the RNA off of Lamb Mine Trail, fuel breaks and the role of fire, watershed protection and the City drinking water supply, historical features such as old mines, and probably alot more. Environmental Education programs involving local schools and guided loop tours is another opportunity. - By providing managed trails that deliver the desired experience, illegal and conflicting uses can be discouraged. - work with the mountain bike community to better understand the desired experience levels and connections that, if managed properly, will reduce tresspasses and riding on problem areas such as steep shaded fuel breaks. Emphasize and provide the greatest variety/density of loops/connections in the areas closest to town. - Increased patrols, community involvement and education should strive to further reduce vandalism, dumping and illegal camping on public and private lands. - Forest Road 2080 is currently the best for scenic drives and will require less maintenance. It offers the best views of the valley, Emigrant Lake and the distant CasCades. Fire risk with regard to watershed values is much lower because of prevailirlg wind direction and topography.s- Identify roads for the interface to be considered for closure or conversion to non-motorized trails to reduce road maintenance costs and erosion, and decrease illegal dumping, camping, and the risk of fire. ~ MANAGEMENT AREA APPUCATiON National Forest Land within the Rogue River National Forest has been divided into management areas, each with an accompanying management strategy. Each strategy has different resource goals, opportunities, and standards and guidelines for management, as Identified in the Forest Plan. The Ashland Interface Analysis Area contains several management strategies, as allocated by the Forest Plan, signed in July of 1990. The following land allocations will guide- project planning and implementation. Praiect Acres ManaQement Strat9QV Description 150 Mlmlmum Management (MS 1): To maintain National Forest lands in Federal ownership, protect resources, and life, health and safety of incidental users. 7 Foreground Retention (MS 6): Maintain and/or enhance scenery in Foreground Reten- tion areas. 1,632 Foreground Partial Retention (MS 7): Manage scenic resources to meet Partial Retention in the foreground. 712 Mlddleground Partial RetentIon (MS 9): Manage scenic resources to meet Partial Reten- tion in the Middleground. 351 Timber Suitable 1 (MS 20): Manage the land emphasizing the production of timber volume on acres suitable for timber management. 199 51 Timber Suitable 2 (MS 21): Manage lands emphasizing the production of timber volume. This management strategy applies to extremely sensitive lands which require special management intensity to maintain long-term productive capability. RestrIcted RiparIan (MS 26): Protect, maintain, or enhance streams, lakes, or other bodies of water from detrimental changes in water temperature, blockages of water courses, and deposits of sediment. For more detailed information regarding the development of strategies and a detailed description of each strategy, refer to the Rogue River National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. The Ashland Interface area is located within a Late-Successional Reserve as designated under Alternative 9 (The Presidents Plan) of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) on Management of Habitat for Late-Successional and Old-Growth Forest Related Species with the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. It is Forest Service direction to manage these areas in a way that will not jepardize our options to implement this plan. All management activities are currently being conducted in a manner not inconsistent with the Interagency Scientific Committee (ISC) report, which became effective on October 2. 1990. ~ ASHLAND FOREST PLAN City of Ashland Jackson County, Oregon The Ashland Forest Plan completed by Ron McCormick and ~iates specifies overall goals for managing 1,075 acres of forest lands owned by the City of Ashland. The following is a list of these goals. ECOSYSTEM: Promote biological diversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecostems.. VEGETATION: Plan and manage forest land vegetation and other resources in a mannerthat emulates natural processes. RECREATION: Plan and manage recreation use in a manner that compliments or is compatible with other watershed and forest values. FIRE: Reduce fuels In a manner that enhances biological diversity and long-term soil productivity. FISH AND W1LDUFE: Improve the aquatic habitat in Ashland Creek Below Reeder Reservoir for both anadromous and resident fish. COMMUNITY: Utilize the interest, enthusiasm and knowledge of Ashland residents through cooperative projects and volunteer organizations. STEWARDSHIP: Provide the organizational structure and define the responsibilities that will ensure careful protec- tion and thoughtful management of the City's Forest Lands and natural resources. More detailed information concerning goals, policies, and implementation strategies is contained in the Ashland Forest Plan.