APPENDIX D: MONITORING PLAN AND SAMPLE PIT …a123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic.download.akamai...APPENDIX D: MONITORING PLAN AND SAMPLE PIT MANAGEMENT ... Ensure that

Mesabi Project Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact

Superior National Forest 1 Appendix D

APPENDIX D: MONITORING PLAN AND SAMPLE PIT MANAGEMENT

PLANS Monitoring assesses whether the project was implemented as designed and if the project implementation direction (appendices a, b, and c) were effective in protecting natural resources and their beneficial uses. Two types of monitoring are conducted on the Superior National Forest:

1) Effectiveness monitoring

2) Implementation monitoring

Effectiveness Monitoring Effectiveness monitoring addresses how well management actions achieve desired outcomes or objectives that are identified in the forest plan. The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) requires that national forests monitor and evaluate their forest plans (36 CFR 219.11). Also, see chapter 4 of the forest plan. This kind of monitoring is conducted over the entire Forest on a periodic basis and monitoring results are used on future projects. Forest plan monitoring reports and other monitoring results can be found on the Superior National Forest web page at www.fs.usda.gov/superior, under land and resources management, and then planning.

Implementation Monitoring Implementation monitoring is tied to specific projects. The monitoring plan for the Mesabi Project is described in more detail below, along with some key implementation information such as actual contract provisions used in timber sale contracts.

Implementation monitoring assesses whether the project was implemented as designed, and whether project implementation complies with the decision made on this project. Implementation monitoring is designed to answer, “Did we do what we said we were going to do?” The following outline describes the kind of implementation monitoring that will be done for this project if an action alternative were selected for implementation.

In addition, the project interdisciplinary team will periodically review the project implementation as a whole during field trips and follow-up meetings. If monitoring indicates project implementation is not occurring as planned, measures will be taken immediately to correct the actions. For example, if timber sale layout does not correctly meet design features for a resource area, or mitigations have not been met, changes will be made prior to the sale being sold. Likewise, if a sale contractor was non-compliant during contract administration, operations will cease until compliance is assured.

The following monitoring measures would be implemented as part of the Mesabi Project.



A. Harvest Design and Operation (Timber Sale Contracts)Implementation 1. All timber sale harvest activities will be monitored for contract compliance by the timber

sale administrator with regular onsite inspections. Inspection reports are located at theForest Service district office.

2. All contract provisions will be reviewed with the timber sale operator prior to harvestactivities occurring.

3. Timber sale contract provision BT6.6– Erosion Prevention and Control is a standardprovision that will be monitored for compliance by the timber sale administrator withregular on-site inspections.

4. Timber sale contract provision BT6.34 – Sanitation and Servicing, requires timber salepurchasers to maintain all equipment operating on a sale area in good repair and free ofabnormal leakage of lubricants, fuel, coolants, and hydraulic fluid. Purchasers cannotservice tractors, trucks, or other equipment on National Forest System lands whereservicing is likely to result in pollution to soil or water. BT6.341 – Prevention of OilSpills requires a purchaser to take appropriate preventative measures to ensure that anyspill of oil or oil products does not enter any stream or other waters of the United Statesor any of the individual states. This provision also requires the purchaser to notify theForest Service and other appropriate agencies should any spills occur, and the purchasermust take whatever initial actions may be safely accomplished to contain all spills.BT6.342 – Hazardous Substances, requires the purchaser to notify the Forest Service andthe National Response Center of all releases of reportable quantities of hazardoussubstances on or in the vicinity of the sale area that are caused by the purchaser'soperations.

5. Timber sale contract special provision CT6.314# – Operation Requirements, will beincluded in the timber sale contract when harvest operations are restricted to a specificoperating season or specific ground conditions.

Monitoring Objective: Ensure that implementation direction (appendix a and c) identified for each treatment unit (such as for wildlife, riparian, recreation, and soils) are included in contracts and implemented according to plan.

Methods and Frequency: Review contracts to ensure implementation direction is included and visit units while activity is progressing. Harvest units will be monitored for contract compliance by the timber sale administrator with regular on-site inspections.

Responsibility: Sale administrator, Forest Service representative, or contracting officer’s representative.

B. Harvest PrescriptionsImplementation 1. A sampling of harvest units will be monitored to determine if units were treated as

planned and to determine if harvest and regeneration methods met planned objectives.



Monitoring Objective: Ensure that harvest units are implemented as planned and the type of treatment was appropriate for the site.

Methods: Review prescriptions of some treatment units to determine if it was implemented as planned. Determine if the harvest and regeneration methods met objectives.

Responsibility: District silviculturist

C. Non-native Invasive Plants (NNIP) and Native PlantsImplementation 1. Timber sale contract provision BT6.35–Equipment Cleaning, is a standard provision in

the timber sale contract. This provision will be administered in cutting units with knownlocations of NNIP. The timber sale administrator will monitor for compliance. Onsiteinspections are documented in inspection reports and filed at the Forest Service districtoffice.

Monitoring Objective: Minimal to no increase in the extent and rate of spread of non-native invasive plants in the project area.

Methods: Monitor a sample of harvest units and newly constructed roads after harvest, site preparation, or road construction to determine if invasive plants have colonized areas where management activities have occurred. Provide training to sale administrators and other Forest personnel to recognize invasive plants.

Responsibility: District biologist, sale administrators, forestry technicians, and Forest plant ecologist.

D. Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife, Regional Forester Sensitive Species, and ManagementIndicator Species Implementation 1. See implementation direction (appendix a and b) and operational standards and

guidelines (appendix c) for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, regional forester sensitivespecies, and management indicator species.

Monitoring Objective: Determine the extent to which project design and implementation provided ecological conditions for maintaining viable populations of native and desired non-native species.

Methods: Visual inspections and surveys of sites within the project area.

Responsibility: Wildlife biologist/aquatic biologist



E. Heritage ResourcesImplementation 1. BT6.24 - Protection measures needed for plants, animals, cultural resources, and cave

resources, is a standard contract provision that relates protection standards for knownhistoric and cultural sites.

2. Also see implementation direction (appendix a) for heritage resources.

Monitoring Objective: Determine if known heritage resources have been protected and are not impacted by vegetation management or road activities.

Methods: Visual inspection of site and comparison to site maps by heritage resource or district personnel during and after project implementation.

Responsibility: Heritage resource program manager or other district personnel.

F. Watershed Health, Riparian Areas, and Soil ResourcesImplementation 1. Timber sale contract provision CT6.7– Slash Disposal, outlines specific slash disposal

requirements for each harvest unit. This provision will be included in the timber salecontract and administered on the ground by the timber sale administrator during harvestoperations. Onsite inspections are documented in inspection reports and filed at the ForestService district office.

2. Timber sale contract provision BT6.34 – Sanitation and Servicing, is a standard provisionfor preventing pollution of air, soil, and water by the purchaser's operations. Harvest unitswill be monitored for contract compliance by the timber sale administrator with regularonsite inspections. Inspection reports are located at the Forest Service district office.

3. Timber sale contract provisions BT 6.5 - Streamcourse Protection, BT6.6 - ErosionPrevention and Control, and BT6.62 - Wetlands Protection, are standard provisions thatwill be monitored for compliance by the timber sale administrator during harvestoperations. Onsite inspections are documented in inspection reports and filed at the ForestService district office.

4. Timber sale contract provision CT6.314# - Operating Requirements, will be included inthe timber sale contract when harvest operations are restricted to a specific operatingseason or specific ground conditions.

5. Timber sale contract provisions BT6.6 -Erosion Prevention and Control, and BT6.62 -Wetlands Protection, are standard provisions that will be monitored for compliance by thetimber sale administrator during harvest operations. Onsite inspections are documented ininspection reports and filed at the Forest Service district office.

6. Also see implementation direction (appendices a, b, and c) for watershed health, riparianareas, and soil resources.



Monitoring Objectives: Ensure that soil and water quality resource values are protected during and following harvest activities, closure of all temporary roads, decommissioning of existing roads, and other project activities.

Methods: Visual inspections and surveys of sample sites within the project area.

Responsibility: Soil scientist, silviculturist, hydrologist, and aquatics specialists.

G. Prescribed BurningImplementation 1. See implementation direction (appendices a, b, and c) for air quality and smokemanagement.

Monitoring Objective: Ensure that public safety considerations and mitigations are included in all burn plans and that burn plans are conducted according to plan.

Methods: Review prescribed burn plans. Conduct pre-treatment field visits to all prescribed burn treatment units to prepare fire control lines and examine fuel conditions. Monitor weather conditions before and during treatment periods. Alert adjacent landowners downwind of the treatment unit prior to implementation.

Responsibility: West Zone fire management officer

H. Scenic QualityImplementation 1. Timber sale contract provision CT6.7– Slash Disposal, outlines specific slash disposal

requirements for each harvest unit. This provision will be included in the timber salecontract and administered on the ground by the timber sale administrator during harvestoperations. Onsite inspections are documented in inspection reports and filed at theForest Service district office.

2. Also see implementation direction (appendices a, b, and c) for scenic resources.

Monitoring Objective: Ensure that design criteria and mitigation measures identified for high SIO Lake shoreline treatment units are implemented to reduce impacts to near shore scenic resources. Openings created by vegetation management activities in shoreline units should be subtle or not apparent. This would be accomplished by leaving a buffer of shoreline vegetation, the use of shaded fuel breaks, and the intentional avoidance of large openings near the shoreline unless other features such as rocks or dense stands of desirable trees are left on the unit to break up the appearance of a new opening.

Methods: See section A, “Harvest Design and Operation.” Visual inspections of units receiving treatment, particularly fuel reduction or other vegetation thinning/weeding/release projects. The scenery resource specialist will work with the vegetation implementation crews to agree upon



unit layout and final appearance after treatment to minimize visual effects to shoreline treatment units.

Responsibility: District scenic resource specialist, sale administrator, fuels planner, and fuels crews.

I. Recreation and Public SafetyImplementation 1. Timber sale contract provision BT6.33 – Safety, is a standard provision in the contract.

Sign locations will be depicted on the sale area map.

2. Timber sale contract provision CT6.314# – Operation Requirements, will be included inthe timber sale contract when harvest operations are restricted to a specific operatingseason or specific ground conditions.

Monitoring Objective: Ensure trail corridors are protected and dual use situations are clearly signed.

Methods: Visual inspections and surveys of trails within the project area.

Responsibility: Recreation staff

J. National Forest System RoadsImplementation 1. Timber sale contract provision CT6.314# – Operation Requirements, will be included in

the timber sale contract when harvest operations are restricted to a specific operatingseason or specific ground conditions.

2. Also see implementation direction (appendices a, b, and c) for transportation systems.

Monitoring Road Closures and Road Decommissioning Objective: Ensure that roads are closed in a manner that either fully decommissions the road or excludes specified motorized vehicle use. Ensure that soil and water quality resource values are protected following closure of all temporary and other closed roads.

Methods: Review contracts and permits. For recently closed temporary, decommissioned, and other closed roads, field surveys will be conducted at least once during the first five years following road closure to verify revegetation of the road corridor and stability of streambanks at former stream crossings. Field surveys will also be conducted periodically to determine the effectiveness of closures and identify additional work that may be required. Monitoring for illegal ATV use on closed roads, in closed areas, or near closed areas will occur where past problems have occurred. Enforcement will respond to reports of illegal use. Responsibility: Engineering staff and other district personnel.



K. Temporary RoadsImplementation 1. Temporary road locations will be agreed upon between the Forest Service and the timbersale purchaser prior to construction. The agreement will be documented in the timber saleinspection reports, filed at the district office.

2. Timber sale contract provision CT6.63# - Temporary Road Closure, will be included inthe contract to ensure the desired type and degree of road closure is achieved. The timber saleadministrator will monitor compliance during road closure activities. Onsite inspections aredocumented in inspection reports and filed at the Forest Service district office.

3. Also see implementation direction (appendices a, b, and c) for transportation systems.

MonitoringObjective: Ensure road closure activities are implemented according to plan.

Methods: See above “Monitoring Road Closures and Road Decommissioning” section.

Responsibility: Sale administrator and engineering staff

L. Special Use Road AuthorizationsImplementation 1. Special use permits will be issued for all special road use authorizations.

Monitoring Objectives: Ensure special use roads are maintained according to the special use authorization.

Methods: Administration of special use authorization. Responsibility: Special use resource specialist or other district personnel.

M. Reforestation and Site PreparationImplementation 1. Site Preparation activities will be implemented through a site preparation service contract

administered by a West Zone silviculture staff contracting officer representative(COR).

2. Planting activities will be implemented through a planting service contract administeredby a West Zone silviculture staff COR.

Monitoring Objective: Reforestation-ensure that harvested stands are reforested with full stocking to desired species within five years of treatment.

Methods and Frequency: All stands harvested using even-aged management techniques for natural regeneration will be monitored during the third and fifth years after harvest to determine if stands are adequately stocked. All stands harvested and converted to conifer stands will be



monitored during the first and third years after planting to determine survival and stocking success. The need for disease-control operations and treatments to release young stands from undesired competing species will be monitored at this time. Some non-harvested stands with diversity planting or underplanting will be monitored to determine if planted trees survived. Additional monitoring beyond five years may be needed.

Objective: Timber stand improvement-ensure plantings are producing healthy and vigorous regenerated stands of desired tree species. Determine if release and weed activities will be necessary (and to what intensity) to release desired tree species from competition with undesirable tree species.

Methods: Cut all undesirable tree species under four inches diameter and brush competitors from around the perimeter of the desired tree species.

Responsibility: West Zone silviculture staff

N. Biomass RemovalImplementation 1. Forest Plan Guidelines

2. Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines

Monitoring Objective: Retain sufficient amounts of coarse and fine woody debris for long-term nutrient retention and wildlife habitat to meet forest plan guidelines and voluntary site-level forest management guidelines.

Methods: Visual observations, plot data collect, photo plots, and analyzing existing data.

Responsibility: Sale administrator and/or district silviculturist, soil scientist, fuels technicians, and monitoring crew members.

O. Herbicide TreatmentImplementation 1. Minnesota Forest Resource Council Guidelines

2. FS Manual 2150, Pesticide Use Management and Coordination in Forest ServiceHandbook 2109.14, Pesticide Use Management and Coordination Handbook, and ForestService Health and Safety Code Handbook chapter 22.1

Monitoring Objective: Utilization of herbicide application as a tool to accomplish forest plan and project objectives.

Methods: Visual observations, plot data collect, photo plots, and analyzing existing data.

Responsibility: Sale administrator and/or district silviculturist, soil scientist, fuels technicians, and monitoring crew members.

Appendix D STIPULATIONS – Cross River North Gravel Pit

Contract No.

OPERATIONS

1. All operations authorized by permit or contract shall be done in accordance withthe operating plan that has been attached to the contract or permit as an exhibit.

2. Only front end loaders can be used for the mining of material. Mining with anexcavator is allowed only if approved by the authorized officer.

3. The minimum distance for clearing and grubbing is 10 feet beyond the workingpit face.

4. Timber will not be removed beyond the perimeter specified by the authorizedofficer.

5. A no-disturbance buffer of 10 feet from standing timber shall be maintained.6. Standing timber shall not be allowed to be ‘caved’ into the pit. If applicable, all

standing timber must be felled and removed prior to gravel removal.7. Timber is property of the United States and shall not be removed unless a proper

timber permit is obtained and the timber is located within the contract area.8. Topsoil shall be stripped a minimum of 10 feet beyond any working face and

stockpiled in areas indicated on project map, or as otherwise approved by theAuthorized Officer. Measures shall be taken to prevent erosion of stockpiledtopsoil such as use of native seed mix.

9. Topsoil shall not be stripped further than 10 feet beyond the ultimate pit face.The intent is to disturb as little as possible beyond 10 feet and only as much asneeded for reclamation activities.

10. Areas designated for material removal are outlined in attached map. Those areasare to be mined from the base elevation of the current pit face towards the centerof each designated area. Mining Details for each designated area are listed in thePit Management Plan.

11. Slash, brush, and non-merchantable timber cleared from the pit area shall bestockpiled near topsoil stockpile, or as otherwise approved by the AuthorizedOfficer.

12. No material from the pit area shall be dumped into standing timber.13. No material shall be buried in the pit area unless approved by the Authorized

Officer.14. Mining of materials from outside the approved materials extraction area, or

permit area, shall be considered trespass.15. During operations, trash shall be stored in suitable containers and removed from

the contract area for disposal in accordance with State and other local laws.16. Cultural surveys have been conducted in the project area, if during the course of

operations, any artifact, cultural features or other archeological items arediscovered, operations shall immediately cease and the Forest Service shall be

notified so that potential significance of the material can be assessed and a possible plan for mitigation can be prepared.

17. The operator shall take appropriate measures to prevent and protect soils fromerosion.

18. The operator shall take appropriate measures to prevent water pollution.19. No mining within 5 feet of the water table.20. Clean all heavy equipment and other vehicles before transporting them onto

National Forest System lands. Concentrate inspections and cleaning on theundercarriage, with special emphasis on axels, frame, cross-members, motormounts, underneath steps, running boards, and front bumper/brush guardassemblies. Sweep the vehicle cabs and deposit refuse in waste receptacles. Thecompany shall contact the Forest Service so we can verify that this action hasbeen completed before heavy equipment is transported onto National ForestSystem lands.

21. If any listed species or key habitat feature (wolf or lynx den, nest etc.) is found inthe project area at any time, the Forest Service project administrator shall becontacted immediately to determine the appropriate course of action.

22. If applicable, the Authorized Officer shall be notified in writing 6-12 months inadvance of any deviation from the operating plan. Any changes in operation shallbe submitted as an amendment to the operating plan and must be approved inwriting by the Authorized Officer before any such operations commence.Amendments shall include statements of the reason for the changes, detaileddescription of the proposed changes, maps and diagrams. Any and all operationsconducted in advance of approval of an original, revised, or amended operatingplan, or which are not in accord with an approved plan, constitute violations of theterms of the permit and are grounds for revocation of the permit.

23. If applicable, the operator shall provide copies of all permits obtained from Stateor federal agencies pertaining to operations prior to implementation.

24. No structures or facilities shall be built unless approved under contract.

SAFETY

1. All vehicles, heavy equipment, and chain saws shall have appropriate sparkarresters and be equipped with fire extinguishers.

2. No explosives or firearms are allowed in the contract area.3. The Authorized Officer shall be given advanced notification of any activity that

could involve hazards to public safety and suitable action will be taken to protectthe public.

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST GUNFLINT RANGER DISTRICT

Cross River North Gravel Pit Pit Management Plan

January 2014

Approved By: Date: .

Superior National Forest - Gunflint Ranger District Cross River North Gravel Pit Management Plan

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Table of Contents

1. Physical Description 2 A. Sand, Gravel, and Silt 2 B. Timber 3 C. Water 3 D. Aesthetics and Visual Resources 4 E. Size and Map 4 G. Heritage Resources 4 H. Access 4 I. Facilities 4

2. NEPA Direction 5

3. Forest Policy 5 A. Forest Manual 5 B. Authorized Officers 5 C. Monitoring 6 D. Bonding 6

4. Supply, Demand Estimates, and Appraisal 6 A. Supply 6 B. Demand 7 C. Appraisal 7

5. Operational Policies 7 A. Development Sequence 7 B. Waste Disposal 11 C. Methods of Processing 12 D. Storage 12 E. Use Restrictions 12 F. User Fees 12

6. Rehabilitation 13 A. Goal 13 B. Methods 13

7. Authority 14

Appendices

A: Cross River North Gravel Pit Management Map with 2 ft. contours B: Cross River North Gravel Pit Management Map without 2 ft. contours C: Cross River North Gravel Pit Management Map LIDAR D: Cross River North Gravel Pit Stipulations


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1. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The Cross River North gravel pit is located in the SW ¼ of the NE ¼, Section 26 of Township 65 North, Range 4 West, approximately 45 miles northwest of Grand Marais, Minnesota on Cook County Road 12 (Gunflint Trail). The gravel pit is located adjacent to FR1347, approximately 0.2 miles north of Cook County Road 12. The sand and gravel deposits that comprise the Cross River North pit arepart of a series of post-glacial fluvial deposits that lie on the Vermillion Morainedeposited by the Rainy Lobe of the Laurentide Ice Sheet.

The pit is defined as a Continuous Use Pit – A large deposit that is continuously mined by many users over a long period of time. Disposals are by administrative use, free use or sales. Volumes are limited to: less than 100,000 cubic yards per sale for non-government entities; 200,000 cubic yards for public works; and unlimited for interstate or Federal aid highways. All users, including the Forest Service and cooperators, contribute to a reclamation and resource recovery fund. Reclamation of all or part of the pit can be substituted for a reclamation contribution if it achieves the final reclamation required by the pit management plan. All users and Forest Service contractors removing more than 5,000 cubic yards shall be bonded for performance. Material prices are established by appraisal and listed in the pit management plan or the plan refers to the price list found in paragraph 2850 of FSM Supplement No.: R9-Superior 2800-2003-1.

The following is a description of the resources involved:

A. Sand, Gravel, and Silt

The deposit the pit is located within is approximately 15.2 acres in size and is estimated, based on site visits and LIDAR, to contain approximately 130,000 cubic yards of material. As of the writing of this report, the type and quality of material within Area 5 of the deposit has not been verified. In addition to this, the depth to bedrock varies greatly across the sedimentary deposits in the area; without conducting a comprehensive exploration survey the precise amount of available material at the site is unknown. The deposit volume estimation was calculated based on the assumption the deposit could be mined from the elevation of the pit floor (1594 feet above sea level). A considerable level of caution, and continual volume estimations as the pit is developed, shall be taken when issuing large permits for material extraction at this site.

The composition of the deposit varies considerably both laterally and vertically across the gravel pit. Laterally, coarser material is generally present in the southern areas of the pit adjacent to the Cross River, while the finer materials are generally found in the north and western extents of the pit. Vertically the material composition ranges from a fine to medium sand to a coarse conglomerate exposed in independent lenses. These lenses can


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range in thickness from a few decimeters to many meters; typically the finer grained lenses are thicker than lenses containing coarser material. Across the entire site, the general composition of the material consists of less than 5% fines, 85% coarse-medium-fine sand, 5% 2mm to 2 inch diameter pebbles, and 10% 2-4 inch diameter cobble,. This composition can change depending on the location in the pit where the material is sampled.

Typical heterogeneous nature of the fluvial deposits found at the Cross River North Pit. Note the scour and fill sedimentary features.

B. Timber

The map in Appendix B shows the clearing limits of the pit. Thetimber overlying the gravel deposit consists of a mix of jack pine,black spruce, balsam fir, paper birch, and quaking aspen.

C. Water

The Cross River is located immediately to the south east of thegravel pit and trends southwest-northeast. Currently, a 75 footforested buffer lies between the south east edge of any disturbedareas within the pit and the Cross River. The management planproposes to remove additional crushable material from this bufferzone however, a general reclamation plan is listed below that will


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provide for a minimum of a 50 foot buffer and reclaimed slopes that will prevent the runoff of sediment into the Cross River. Wetlands adjacent to the Cross River North pit are connected with the Cross River flood plain. Gunflint Lake is located approximately 2 miles to the east of the pit. Impacts from material removal and processing on these resources are not expected due to either their distance from the gravel pit or the forested buffers between disturbed areas and the Cross River. The elevation of the pit floor is approximately 5 feet above the water table and 8 feet above the ordinary high level mark of the Cross River.

D. Aesthetics and Visual Resources

The entrance to the Cross River North pit is partially visible fromCook County Road 12 (CC12), but is mostly screened byvegetation and berms. Disturbed areas from past mining operationswithin the pit are not visible due to the presence of visual screensfrom CC12. These visual screens shall remain to block direct viewfrom adjacent roadways.

E. Size and Map

Refer to Appendices A, B, and C for maps of the area. Ownershipof all the lands within the pit is vested in the Forest Service. Thetotal gravel deposit encompasses an area covering approximately15.2 acres and the pit area covers approximately 10 acres.

F. Heritage Resources

The current disturbed area in the pit has been surveyed for heritageresources. No artifacts or resources were found; documentation ofthese results can be located in Cultural Resource ManagementReports CRRR# 0702004 and 0702015. If further disturbance isrequired during pit expansion, an additional heritage survey isrequired.

G. Access

Access to the south side of the Cross River North pit is from CookCounty 12 (45 miles from Grand Marais), and FR 1347 (.2 miles).No gate is present at the pit entrance. Refer to Appendix B for amap of gravel pit access route. `

H. Facilities

No permanent structures are located within or near the pit area.


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2. NEPA DIRECTION

At the time of the drafting of this pit management plan no environmental analysis [per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)] had been conducted for surface disturbing activities at the Cross River North Pit. If additional surface disturbance is required the appropriate level of environmental analysis shall be conducted.

3. FOREST POLICY

A. From Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2850.3:

1) This pit shall be managed as a Continuous Use pit and shall not bemanaged as multiple pit types. Converting from one pit type toanother requires approval of a new management plan.

2) An approved operating plan is required before removing more than1,000 cubic yards from this source during a calendar year. Theoperating plan shall describe the mining and processing activitiesassociated with a specific removal. The operating plan shall besubmitted to the authorized officer for approval prior to operationand must be consistent with this management plan.

3) Performance bonds are required for removals over 5,000 cubicyards. Bonding for removals of less than 5,000 cubic yards are atthe discretion of the District Ranger.

4) Contractors shall provide proof of liability insurance coveringoperations.

5) Special use permits are required for secondary processingoperations (asphalt plants, etc.) except for those established underForest Service contracts.

6) Mining shall be done by front-end-loaders from the floor of the pitunless other methods are approved in an operating plan (this is abonding item.)

7) Standing timber shall not be caved into the pit (this is a bondingitem.)

8) No material from the pit shall be dumped into standing timber (thisis a bonding item.)

9) No material shall be buried in the pit area unless specificallyapproved in an operating plan (this is a bonding item)

B. Authorized Officers (FSM 2850.43)

1. The Forest Supervisor has responsibility for; (1) issuing allcontracts for over 15,000 cubic yards, (2) conducting all competitivesales; and (3) issuing free use permits over 5 cubic yards and up to5,000 cubic yards per year to nonprofit entities which are notgovernment agencies.


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2. The District Ranger has authority for; (1) issuing contracts up to15,000 cubic yards, (2) issuing free use permits for up to 5 yards ofhand-loaded material to private individuals or nonprofit entities and(3) issuing free use permits for highway purposes to public roadagencies without limit on quantity. The District Ranger is herebydelegated the authority and responsibility for administering allcontracts issued by the Forest Supervisor. The District Rangershall approve all administrative uses on the district.

C. Monitoring (FSM 2850.8)

1) As a minimum this pit shall be monitored once a year for generalcondition, safety hazards, trespasses and need for inventory.

2) Additional monitoring requirements for operator compliance andproduction verification shall be based on the following volumes orremoval:

a) For disposals between 100 and 1,000 cubic yards: AtRanger discretion.b) For disposals between 1,000 and 5,000 cubic yards: Afterremovalc) For disposals between 5,000 and 10,000 cubic yards: Beforeand after removal.d) For disposals over 10,000 cubic yards: Before, monthlyduring removal, and after removal.

3) Monitoring reports must be filed in the case folder.

D. Bonding (FSM 2857)

Performance bonds are required for removals over 5,000 cubic yards, unless the Forest or other government agency is doing the removal on their behalf. Contractor removing more than 5,000 cubic yards shall be bonded for compliance to management and operating plans.

4. SUPPLY, DEMAND ESTIMATES, AND APPRAISAL

A. Supply

1) Sand/Gravel: Based on GIS and GPS work completed by JonVan Alstine in October of 2013, there is in excess of 130,000cubic yards of gravel and sand in the deposit. Refer toAppendices A, B, and C for area locations:


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Area 1: Approximately 4,200 cyds Area 2: Approximately 3,500 cyds Area 3: Approximately 37,000 cyds Area 4: Approximately 38,000 cyds Area 5: Approximately 50,000 cyds

132,700 Total cubic yards*.

At an average extraction rate of 8,000 cubic yards per** year, the pit has an expected life span of approximately 17 years.

*Depth to bedrock is unknown; a base of 1594 feet above sea levelwas used for volume estimations.

**Average use derived from NRM database information from FY2006-FY2013.

2) Binder Material: The deposit, as a whole, contains less than 5%fines. The material does not contain sufficient binder for pit runmaterial.

B. Demand

Cook County uses the relative majority of the material mined fromthe Cross River North pit followed by material sales for localcontractors, local use/free use, and Forest Service administrativeuse.

C. Appraisal

The highest and best use for the material in the Cross River Northpit is screened or crushable aggregate. Based on Forest policy, asuggested minimum charge of $1.20 per cubic yard will beassessed unless otherwise appraised.

5. OPERATIONAL POLICIES

A. Development Sequence

All timber and slash will be removed a minimum of ten feet back from the pit face edge prior to material extraction. Exception: timber may not be removed 10 feet from the southern limits of AREA 1. No timber or vegetation will be allowed to cave into the pit. Once an area has been cleared of vegetation, the topsoil (approximately the top 2”-12”) will be stripped and stockpiled for reclamation. Refer to the Pit Management Map in Appendices A, B, and C for a map of the areas described.


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COARSE REJECTS AND SLASH AREAS:

This area of the pit is mostly depleted and shall be used for storage of slash, woody debris, coarse rejects, and topsoil in the areas specified on the pit management map. Stockpiles of topsoil and coarse rejects shall remain separate from those of slash and woody debris.

PIT FLOOR:

This area of the pit shall be used for stockpiles of processed material. Stockpiles shall be organized to facilitate ease of operation within the pit and allow easy access to working faces and storage areas.

AREA 1:

The mining of material from AREA 1 shall not occur without prior approval by the authorized officer. If approved by the authorized officer, only the uppermost 10 feet of material within AREA 1 shall be mined. Mining shall not occur outside the flagging on the southern edge of AREA 1. AREA 1 shall be flagged by the authorized officer. Reclamation of AREA 1 shall occur concurrently with the mining of material from this area. Reclaimed slopes shall not be greater than 2:1 and the slope direction shall be towards the north, or center of the gravel pit to prevent runoff and sediment from entering the Cross River. A detailed reclamation plan shall be drafted and discussed with the authorized officer and the Forest Hydrologist prior to operations in AREA 1.

If mining operations in AREA 1 are approved, processed material, coarse rejects, topsoil, and slash may be established on the pit floor at, or near, locations labeled in appendix A, or in an area approved by the authorizing officer. Stockpile locations should be located appropriately to allow uncompleted reclamation activities to occur in the Reclamation Area, and to facilitate the ease of operations in areas 2 and 3. AREA 1 will be depleted after approximately 0.5 years at an average extraction rate of 8,000 cubic yards per year.

If, during the excavation of this area, clay or silt is encountered, a re-evaluation of the development sequence may be necessary. These fines may be used in processing material and may be sold separately at the Forest established price


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AREA 2 (large contract only):

The mining of material from AREA 2 shall not occur without prior approval by the authorized officer. In the event that a relatively large contract is issued for material extraction at the Cross River North pit, the aggregate in AREA 2 shall be mined in conjunction with the re-routing of FR1347. Currently FR1347 is routed across the center of the pit to the north and follows the northern limits of the gravel pit. Refer to Appendices A, B, and C for the new location of FR1347; consultation with the authorized officer shall also occur prior to re-routing the road. Excavation of material from AREA 2 will subsequently lower the roadway and provide a ramp of adequate slope for trucks and equipment to travel from the pit floor to CC12 via the access road (FR1347). The magnitude of lowering FR1347 shall be included in the operating plan and subject to review by the authorized officer prior to the start of operations. All road design, stockpile locations, and processing operation areas shall be discussed with the authorized officer.

In addition to this, the area labeled as Reclamation Area shall be reclaimed by removing the existing road bed on the northern edge of the gravel pit and sloping of the walls of the pit no greater than a 2:1 slope. Excess material from sloping the pit walls, and removal of the existing road bed, shall be pushed into the low area located at the eastern most extent of the gravel pit to allow for the expansion of the pit floor and to provide more area for stockpiles and processing operations. The finished elevation of the Reclaimed Area shall be at the same elevation as the pit floor. A detailed reclamation plan shall be drafted and discussed with the authorized officer.

If, during the excavation of this area, clay or silt is encountered, a re-evaluation of the development sequence may be necessary. These fines may be used in processing material and may be sold separately at the Forest established price

Area 3:

AREA 3 shall be the primary area of mining activities for smaller sales however; the order and location of operations shall be determined by the authorized officer on a case by case basis. Depending on the size of the material sale, material may be mined from AREA 2 and/or AREA 3 simultaneously and possibly in conjunction with AREA 1 depending on the size of the sale. AREA 3 currently has multiple pit faces and has been subject to ‘cherry picking’ of materials to suit the needs of the contractor. Selecting the most desirable materials and creating multiple pit faces is prohibited and addresses in Appendix D. Not only does this create


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difficulty for subsequent mining operations by other contractors but it poses a safety hazard and creates an aesthetically unpleasant area at the pit site.

If FR1347 has been re-routed, the north-south trending pit face adjacent to the western edge of the pit floor shall be evenly mined to the west at the base elevation of the pit floor (1594 feet). The southern limit of the mining shall be bordered by FR1347 while the northern limit shall be mined until bedrock is reached. If FR1347 has not been re-routed, the authorized officer will determine where, and how, mining within AREA 3 will occur. Processed material, coarse rejects, topsoil, and slash stockpiles may be established within the pit floor, or reclamation area, proximal to locations labeled “Future Stockpiles” in appendix A, or in an area approved by the authorizing officer. Stockpile locations should be located appropriately to allow uncompleted reclamation activities to take place in the Reclamation Area, and to facilitate the ease of operations in areas 1, 2, and 3. AREA 3 will be depleted after approximately 5.5 years at an average extraction rate of 8,000 cubic yards per year.

If, during the excavation of this area, clay or silt is encountered, a re-evaluation of the development sequence may be necessary. These fines may be used in processing material and may be sold separately at the Forest established.

AREA 4:

AREA 4 contains material that is generally coarser in nature. This area could be mined concurrently with AREA 3 depending on the desired material, and if AREA 3 has been developed to the west where both areas can be mined in a safe manner. The order and locations of mining activities shall be approved by the authorized officer. In general, the east-west trending pit face shall be mined evenly to the south. The southern extent on mining will be identified by flagging; a visual screen of approximately 50 feet shall remain between AREA 4 and CC12.

Once the pit has progressed to the point of mining Area 4, processed material, coarse rejects, topsoil, and slash stockpiles may be established within the Pit Floor, or AREA 3, proximal to locations labeled “Future Stockpiles” in appendix A, or in an area approved by the authorizing officer. These stockpiles may only be established in AREA 3 where it has been depleted of material and facilitates ease of operation in other parts of areas 3 and 4. This area will be depleted after approximately 5.5 years at an average extraction rate of 8,000 cubic yards per year.


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AREA 5:

This area of the deposit shall be mined last. The north-south trending pit face shall be mined evenly to the west, to the western limit of the deposit outlined in Appendix A. The western, southern, and northern, extents of AREA 5 will be identified by flagging; a minimum of a 50 foot visual screen shall remain between the mining area and CC 12. Once mining in AREA 5 has begun, processed material, coarse rejects, topsoil, and slash stockpiles may be established in areas 3 or 4, at locations identified as “Future Stockpiles” in appendix A, or in other areas approved by the authorized officer. These stockpiles may only be established once Areas 3 and 4 have been depleted of material and facilitates ease of operation in Area 5. Once mining has begun in AREA 5, portions of areas 3 and 4 shall be evaluated for rehabilitation. This area will be depleted after approximately 6.5 years at an average extraction rate of 8,000 cubic yards per year.


B. Waste Disposal

1) Rock: Oversized rock and boulders that are not suitable forcrushing or fill will be stockpiled in the area shown in AppendixA, labeled “Coarse rejects,” or in an area approved by theauthorized officer. This material may be sold as rip rap orlandscape rock at the Forest price of $3.15 per cubic yard.

2) Timber and Slash: Timber and slash left from clearing andgrubbing the top of the pit face shall be stockpiled in the areashown in Appendix A, labeled as “slash,” or in an area approvedby the authorized officer. This material shall be used forrehabilitation of depleted areas of the pit. No timber or slash willbe burned or buried in the pit without District Ranger consent.

During the development of the pit, stockpile locations may be re-evaluated. More than one stock pile may be created in order to facilitate ease of operation within the pit. If, at any point during the pit development, new stockpile locations are required, a


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supplement describing the location and use of the stockpiles will need to be submitted and made part of this management plan.

C. Methods of Processing (HIGHEST AND BEST USE)

1) Gravel: The highest and best use of the material in the pit isscreened or crushed aggregate. During the gravel crushingprocess, all rocks 6-8 inches in diameter and less will be utilizedin making aggregate.

2) Binder: less than 5%

3) Topsoil: Topsoil will be stripped, if present, from the top of thedeposit at least 10 feet back from the edge of the pit face.Topsoil will then be stockpiled as described below.

D. Storage

1) All stockpiles of processed material shall be labeled with signsor stakes for ownership.

2) Topsoil: Topsoil shall be stored in an area in, or adjacent to, thepit floor shown in Appendix A. This area has been depleted ofmaterial and storage here facilitates the ease of materialextraction from other areas of the deposit. Topsoil will not besold and will be used in rehabilitation of the pit once an area hasbeen depleted of useable material.

E. Use Restrictions

All users of this pit shall be required to follow the guidelines set forth inthis plan, as well as adhere to specific clauses in their respective usepermits or contracts. This plan is to be made part of any sale contractor free use permit. Special Stipulations required for each sale contractor free use permit are attached as Appendix D.

The pit will be open to use during the frost- free period

F. User Fees

1) Free Use: Permits may be issued for up to 5 cubic yards of handloaded material to private individuals or nonprofit entities at nocharge.

The District Ranger may grant free use for 25 cubic yards of hand-loaded material to individuals, nonprofit corporations or nonprofitorganizations during any consecutive 12-month period. Terms ofthe permit are not to exceed 30 days.


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The District Ranger may grant free use of material to public agencies for highway purposes without volume limitation. For non-highway purposes, the maximum volume is 200,000 cubic yards per calendar year. Do not grant free use to agencies that charge the Forest Service for like materials.

The Forest Supervisor may grant free use for up to 5,000 cubic yards per calendar year to nonprofit corporations or nonprofit organizations.

2) Permits and contracts: A Forest standard of $1.20 per cubic yardwill be charged for all crushable material. Coarse rejects may besold at the price of $3.15 per cubic yard. Appraised rates will beupdated when and if necessary.

3) Local Government Users: State and County user fees will bedetermined on a case-by-case basis or through the development ofa reciprocal agreement between Federal and local agencies.

4) Forest Service contracts and administrative use will be at nocharge.

6. REHABILITATION

A. Goal

Both the short-term management and long-range rehabilitation workwill emphasize the visual resource and will be designed to maintain thenatural appearing landscape. The long-term objective is to re-vegetatethe pit area; bringing as much as possible into timber production, whileconsidering wildlife, recreation, and other resource concerns.

B. Methods

Total rehabilitation will involve sloping the pit walls (2 to 1 slope),spreading remaining topsoil, slash, seeding, fertilizing, and mulching.Only faces determined to be finished will be treated as above.

Any operations removing more than 1,000 cubic yards that require anoperating plan will include a section on rehabilitation. Operators havethe option to contribute to the Forest pit rehabilitation fund or completethe work in lieu of payment.

As one area of the pit is depleted of material and operations move tothe next area, rehabilitation may be completed on the depleted areas.


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Rehabilitation should take place where the area is no longer used or needed for the operations of the pit, i.e. an area used for stockpiles.

7. AUTHORITY

Authority and direction for the development, use and sale of the mineralmaterials is contained in the Acts of July 31, 1947 (61 Stat. 681), asamended (30 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), March 4, 1917 (16 U.S.C. 520), andJune 11, 1960 (74 Stat. 205), the regulations set forth in 36 CFR 228Subpart C, and policy established in Superior National Forest SupplementNo. 2800-2003-1 to Forest Service Manual 2850 (May 2003).

APPENDICES

A: Cross River North Gravel Pit Management Map with 2 ft. contours B: Cross River North Gravel Pit Management Map without 2 ft. contours C: Cross River North Gravel Pit Management Map LIDAR D: Cross River North Gravel Pit Stipulations

Documents

APPENDIX D: MONITORING PLAN AND SAMPLE PIT …a123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic.download.akamai...APPENDIX D: MONITORING PLAN AND SAMPLE PIT MANAGEMENT ... Ensure that