Clarion River National Wild and Scenic River

Comprehensive River Management Plan

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Table Of Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2

Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 2 Location ...................................................................................................................................... 2 Designation ................................................................................................................................. 2 Authorities................................................................................................................................... 2

How This Plan Works ..................................................................................................................... 3 Who Will Implement This Plan .................................................................................................. 3

How This Plan Will Be Implemented ............................................................................................. 3 Agency Responsibilities and Authorities ........................................................................................ 3

US Government .......................................................................................................................... 3 State Agencies ............................................................................................................................. 4 Local Agencies............................................................................................................................ 4

Intergovernmental Coordination ..................................................................................................... 4 Other Interagency Coordination ................................................................................................. 5

Public Participation ......................................................................................................................... 5 How This Plan Will Be Changed .................................................................................................... 5 Relationship Of This Plan To Other Plans ...................................................................................... 5

Allegheny Forest Plan ................................................................................................................. 5 Headings for State Agency Plans… ............................................................................................ 6

Baseline Conditions ........................................................................................................................ 7 Description of the Clarion River Corridor .................................................................................. 7 Free Flow .................................................................................................................................... 7 Water Quality Conditions ........................................................................................................... 7 Protected Water Uses and Criteria Necessary to Protect Each Use ............................................ 8 Outstandingly Remarkable Values ............................................................................................. 9

Scenic: ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Recreation: .............................................................................................................................. 9

Wild and Scenic River Classifications ...................................................................................... 10 Management Direction.................................................................................................................. 12

Clarion River Corridor Boundary ............................................................................................. 12 Specific Management Direction ............................................................................................... 12

Criteria for Implementation Priorities ........................................................................................... 22 Monitoring .................................................................................................................................... 23

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Introduction Purpose This comprehensive management plan for the Clarion Wild and Scenic River corridor establishes programmatic management for the river corridor for the next decade. It has been developed to implement the direction of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA) of 1968 as amended on October 19, 1996 by Public Law 104-314 – An Act to designate 51.7 miles of the Clarion River, located in Pennsylvania, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The WSRA requires the Forest Service to develop a management plan for the Clarion River which will protect and enhance the free flow, water quality, and Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the river.

The Clarion River Management Plan guides all development, management, and restoration activities within the river corridor. It establishes management and development goals and objectives for the Clarion River. It defines desired characteristics of specific river segments and sets standards and guidelines for activities with these segments as well as for the river corridor as a whole. It outlines a monitoring program and identifies probable action. The goals, standards, and guidelines are a statement of the plan’s management direction, however the projected activities and rates of implementation are estimates and depend on site-specific analysis and the budgeting process.

This Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) for the Clarion Wild and Scenic River is being developed in cooperation by the USDA Forest Service, Pennsylvania State Parks, Game Commission, and Bureau of Forestry, and the Clarion River Municipal Partnership.

Location The Clarion Wild and Scenic River begins approximately 0.7 miles downstream of the Ridgway Borough limit and extends 51.7 miles downstream, ending at an unnamed tributary 0.6 miles below Blyson Run. The watershed for the river is approximately 807 square miles, and it empties into the Allegheny River at Allegheny River mile 84.6, approximately 2.5 miles below Foxburg.

Designation The Clarion River was designated as a Wild and Scenic River by Public Law 104-314, which amended Public Law 90-542, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The first section of the WSRA sets out the purpose for designating rivers as wild and scenic:

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. This designation is shown on the map in Appendix A.

Authorities The bed, banks, and waters of the Clarion River fall under the authority and/or jurisdiction of a variety of governmental bodies. The federal WSRA of 1968 as amended includes specific

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encouragement for the administering agencies to develop cooperative planning and administrative agreements (Sec. 3(d)1; Sec. 6(c); Sec. 10(e); Sec. 11(b); and Sec. 12(c)). In addition, because of the intermingling of jurisdictions and authorities, no one agency has sufficient authority to independently implement a comprehensive management plan for the Clarion River. Actions which may result from such a plan could affect downstream resources and authorities, and must be coordinated with those authorities to be successfully implemented.

Recognizing this need for interagency cooperation, the signing authorities (cooperators) have participated in a coordinated planning effort with the intent of having one management plan all authorities can adopt.

The Clarion River Comprehensive River Management Plan includes the final proposed rules for all sections of the river designated under the WSRA as amended. This plan will serve as the guiding management direction for all agencies within the river corridor.

How This Plan Works Who Will Implement This Plan The Clarion River Comprehensive River Management Plan was developed through intergovernmental collaboration. Implementation of this plan is the responsibility of all the cooperators. Ultimately, its overall success will depend on community commitment. The plan is focused on implementation through partnerships and cooperative efforts.

How This Plan Will Be Implemented This plan will be implemented through three primary mechanisms, including intergovernmental coordination, interagency action, and partnerships with the public.

• Individual agencies will continue to operate existing programs consistent with the goals of this plan. With the adoption of this plan, each of the cooperators will begin to implement the plan within their own regulatory authority.

• Intergovernmental coordination will provide an appropriate forum to develop budget and resource partnerships and to monitor the overall effectiveness of the plan’s goals and practices. Where authorities overlap or where the plan specifically notes, formal or informal interagency teams will develop, comment on, or assist in implementing specific projects.

• Partnerships with the public (community support and participation) will be needed for many of the actions called for in the plan.

The following sections describe these efforts in more detail.

Agency Responsibilities and Authorities US Government The Department of Agriculture, through the Forest Service (USFS), manages all National Forest lands. The Forest Service is the agency charged with managing the Clarion Wild and Scenic

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River and provides the determination of effects to the free flow, water quality, and ORVs from any water resources project under Section 7 of the WSRA.

The Department of Defense, through the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE), issues and administers permits for water resources projects within the federally designated corridor.

The Department of Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), manages locatable mineral claims on federal lands.

State Agencies Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA-DEP) monitors and provides state permits for air quality, mining, oil and gas development, radiation, waste management, and water management.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA-DCNR) manages the following through their various departments. They are the primary coordinator of search and rescue on state forests and state parks.

Bureau of Forestry manages timber on state forest lands to provide for a healthy ecosystem and economic benefits for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They provide for a variety of recreational activities, technical guidance to private landowners wanting to manage their woodlots, public conservation education, and provide crews for fighting forest fires in the state and across the country.

State Parks provide opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation, serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental education, and conserve unique natural and historic areas.

Fish and Boat Commission protects, conserves, and enhances the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources, and provides fishing and boating opportunities.

Game Commission manages the state’s wildlife and their habitats to provide healthy populations of native species by monitoring wildlife populations, establishing laws and regulations, setting seasons and bag limits, making habitat improvements, providing outright protection, and informing and educating the public.

Local Agencies Clarion River Municipal Partnership: made up of Johnsonburg Borough; Ridgway Borough; Jones, Ridgway, Spring Creek, and Millstone townships in Elk County; Barnett township in Forest County; Barnett and Heath Townships in Jefferson County; and Millcreek township in Clarion County. This group works to protect the river’s health, celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Clarion River, and strengthen the regional economy.

others

Intergovernmental Coordination Representatives from the above groups will coordinate the overall implementation of this plan. The purpose of this coordination is to ensure that:

1. Opportunities for collaboration on upcoming projects are identified, and resources are combined and efficiently used to achieve the overall goals of the plan.

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2. Changes to the plan can be made as needed, consistent with the intent of the plan.

3. Progress is made toward achieving the goals of the plan.

4. Communication between cooperators and with the public and users of the Clarion River are enhanced.

The Forest Service, with the responsibility of managing the Wild and Scenic River, has the lead role in scheduling and arranging this coordination.

Other Interagency Coordination At some times or for some issues, other agencies than those listed above may need to be involved in issues that relate to management of the river. These agencies will be involved on an as needed basis and may become a part of the core group, listed above, if necessary or if they desire.

Public Participation Broad-based community support and understanding of the goals of the river management plan are essential for successful implementation of this plan. Active partnerships with various individuals, groups, and communities which focus on specific issues will be an integral part of plan implementation.

How This Plan Will Be Changed This plan was developed through the collaboration efforts of multiple agencies in order to provide a consistent approach to management of the Clarion River. As technologies, information, and conditions changes, the plan must be able to change in order to be effective. Each of the cooperators has their own process for accommodating changes to their rules and regulations. Most of these processes for change include an opportunity for the public to comment on proposed changes to rules or regulations.

If for any reason a change is needed to the plan, it will first be discussed with those members of the core group who have declared an interest in the issue. This will provide a forum for proposing change in a manner which is consistent with the original intent of the plan.

In this process, consensus will be sought but not mandated. If consensus is not reached, the lead agency (the agency with jurisdiction over the action) will make a final decision within its lawful authority. Following comment on the proposed change by the coordination group, the proposed change will go forward using the lead agency’s policy of public involvement in decisions.

Relationship Of This Plan To Other Plans Allegheny Forest Plan, rev. 2007 The National Forest Management Act of 1976 required the preparation of Forest Plans to direct management of each National Forest. The CRMP for the Clarion River Corridor will be incorporated as an amendment to the current Allegheny Land and Resource Management Plan (FLRMP or Forest Plan). It is a programmatic document that adds specific direction for the Clarion River National Wild and Scenic River Corridor.

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Headings for State Agency Plans… The PA agencies of State Parks, Gamelands, Fish and Boat, and Forestry also manage land along the Clarion River. Management directions for these lands are contained in their respective land management plans and are compatible with the goals of the CRMP.

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Baseline Conditions Description of the Clarion River Corridor The Clarion Wild and Scenic River begins approximately 0.7 miles downstream of the Ridgway Borough limit and extends 51.7 miles downstream, ending at an unnamed tributary 0.6 miles below Blyson Run. The watershed for the river is approximately 807 square miles, and it empties into the Allegheny River at Allegheny River mile 84.6, approximately 2.5 miles below Foxburg.

Free Flow Free-flowing, as defined in Section 16(b) of the WSRA, is applied to “any river or section of a river,” and means:

“...existing or flowing in natural condition without impoundment, diversion, straightening, rip-rapping, or other modification of the waterway. The existence, however, of low dams, diversion works, or other minor structures...shall not automatically bar its consideration for inclusion...”

The entire designated length of Clarion River, which contains no dams, diversion structures, significant channeling or other modifications, or excessive rip-rapping, is free-flowing.

Stream flow of the Clarion River has been regulated in the Clarion River as a whole, however, since December 1952 by the East Branch Dam, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE), and this has affected the amount and timing of flow since before designation. This dam is located northeast of Johnsonburg, PA (15 miles upstream from Ridgway) and controls the headwaters of the East Branch of the Clarion River. The annual outflow from this dam represents less than 10 percent of the flow of the Clarion River above Piney Dam. Average daily flow at the USGS Clarion River stream gauge in Cooksburg, PA is 298 cfs. This flow is sufficient to accommodate recreation uses such as canoeing, fishing, and swimming in the Clarion River year-round downstream from Ridgway to the backwater of Piney Dam, which is located below the designated section of the river.

The construction of dams, both upstream and downstream of the WSR segments and in tributaries (i.e. Ridgway reservoir on Big Mill Creek), has also had lasting effects on the rivers, including altering flow regimes, channel morphology, and water temperature, among other things. These dams will likely persist for 100 or more years into the future because they provide for flood control and power generation.

Water Quality Conditions The water quality of the Clarion River above Piney Dam has been severely degraded in the past as a result of improper industrial and municipal waste disposal and the operations of a past mill in Johnsonburg and chemical plant on Elk Creek (a tributary in Ridgway). Continued efforts improve waste disposal and treatment and recent plant improvements in both operations have resulted in continuing, significant improvements in water quality of this section of the river (PDEP 1996).

As a result of coal strip mines in the area adjacent to Toby Creek, Henry Run, McGourvey Run, Mill Creek and the Clarion River below Piney Dam, there is considerable acid mine drainage (AMD) flowing into the Clarion from its tributaries. This is especially evident from Mill Creek

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area south, where there are several streams in non-attainment due to AMD and red staining on the river bottom material in the Clarion River. As of the 2004 PA Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, the WQN station at Cooksburg on Clarion River had a decreasing trend for nitrate (i.e. improving trend) and did not show any trends for any other monitored parameter (PDEP 2004).

Protected Water Uses and Criteria Necessary to Protect Each Use Protected water uses were designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the Clarion River, and are inclusive of the following: aquatic life; water supply for potable, industrial, livestock, wildlife and irrigation uses; and recreational uses for boating, fishing, water contact sports, and esthetics (PA DEP 2001). In addition to these statewide protected water uses, water quality is to be maintained and protected to promote cold-water fisheries (CWF) on the Clarion River for the entire 51.7 miles of the Wild and Scenic River sections, and the river is in attainment of these standards. In this 51.7 mile stretch of the Clarion River, there are many tributaries that enter into the Clarion River that include several high-quality cold water fisheries (HQ-CWF) and two exceptional value streams (Tom’s Run and Blyson Run).

There is one stream named Henry’s Run within the analysis area listed as “water quality limited” by the Pennsylvania DEP as of the latest 303(d) listing of stream channels impaired from meeting Commonwealth water quality standards (PA DEP 2006). Henry’s Run is listed for Abandoned Mine Drainage due to metals and pH. With the exception of Henry’s Run, all protected water uses are currently identified as “supported.”

There are several other streams which flow into the WSR section of the Clarion River that are listed as Impaired outside of the analysis area. These include Little Toby Creek for AMD. Tom’s Run, Gurgling Run, and sections of the East and West Branch of Millstone Creek are all listed for pH from natural sources (PDEP 2006). Streams that are impaired due to pH from natural sources are primarily impacted by geology and soils with low buffering capacity in combination with acid rain (USDA-FS 2007b, p. 3-27). The Elk County Freshwater Group has also identified the aquatic community of the headwater reaches of the Big Mill Creek as limited by pH (4.6 to 4.8su) and alkalinity (0 to 1 mg/l). This group is leading the Big Mill Creek alkalinity treatment project, which is anticipated to restore water quality and reestablish recruitment of brook trout within several miles of four acid precipitation impaired tributaries.

The Environmental Protection Agency regulations require each state to adopt an non-degradation policy as a component of its water quality standards. The non-degradation policy requires that at a minimum existing water uses and level of water quality necessary to protect existing uses shall be maintained and protected. The Pennsylvania DEP has developed water quality criteria for cold-water fisheries that should be applied to all water bodies within the analysis area to maintain protected uses (PA DEP 2001). General water quality criteria states, “Water may not contain substances attributable to point or non-point source discharge in concentrations or amounts sufficient to be inimical or harmful to the water uses to be protected …” The most sensitive protected use in the CE analysis area is that of aquatic life, specifically cold-water fisheries. Water quality criteria specific to cold-water fisheries includes water temperatures that shall not exceed the summer daily average temperature of 19 ºC (66 ºF) and dissolved oxygen concentrations that shall not fall below a minimum daily average of 6.0 mg/l, an instantaneous minimum of 5.0 mg/l and a minimum of 7.0 mg/l for high-quality cold-water fisheries.

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However, the aforementioned water temperature criteria apply to receiving water bodies affected by heated point sources and would not apply to natural forested environments.

As described in the 2007 LRMP, streams and rivers throughout much of the Forest were altered by late 1800 and early 1900 activities associated with logging. The Clarion River was used for log drives and effects from these activities persist today. The rivers also have less large woody debris than they had prior to the logging era and as a result, channel hydraulics are altered such that sediment is less able to be readily moved. The additional sediment and lack of wood affect channel morphology and the low gradient rivers segments are thought to be wider and shallower than what likely existed prior to the early logging. Wider and shallower rivers also tend to have higher water temperature due to the increased exposure to solar energy. Data collected from other water quality network (WQN) station 822 – Cooksburg between 1962 and 1991 show that CWF temperature criteria were exceeded 46.7% of the time (PDEP 2006).

Undersized culverts also have negative affects on stream channels. Several tributaries to the Clarion River are crossed by roads and railways that parallel the river. These culverts can act like dams and prevent the migration of fish upstream. They also scour stream channels downstream and cause the channel to be aggraded upstream. An example of poorly placed culverts exists on the historic tramway that crosses Irvine Run. A 48” pipe under the tramway just upstream of the State Route 3002 bridge is a fish barrier and potential flooding concern.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values For inclusion in the National System a river must possess one or more Outstandingly Remarkable Values important to the region or nation. The diversity and distribution of Outstandingly Remarkable Values throughout the Clarion River corridor and its high water quality create an overall high quality river environment of local and regional significance. In order for a value to be considered “Outstandingly Remarkable,” it must meet the criteria for the Class A—Distinctive category (See Appendix B). The following values are those considered Outstandingly Remarkable for Clarion River:

Scenic: The Clarion River valley has a unique, visual quality with its diverse and mature vegetation, steep slopes, sinuous channel and varying water conditions. The river, meandering through this mostly undeveloped scene, provides recreationists with spectacular views and a sense of isolation. The changing character of the water, from smooth to riffling, as the river flows over and around large boulders scattered along the river, adds to the visual quality.

Most development has occurred where small floodplains exist. Seasonal and year-round residential development is usually found in these areas, with minor development found on the upland slopes. This provides the visual contrast of open spaces to the closed-in feeling created by the undeveloped, steep meandering valleys. (Wingate, 1995).

Recreation: The Clarion River has a high regional draw for floating (canoeing, kayaking, and tubing) for several reasons: it has a longer season than other rivers in the area, it is relatively accessible to the public, and it is considered a Class I river. The river gets a high amount of use in the summer during times of low flows. People are willing to traverse the river even knowing that they will have to drag their canoes in extremely shallow areas. There is an opportunity for a variety of

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float trips available to people with their own canoes as well as through a livery service. Day trips are common as well as overnighters. Class I rivers are flat flowing rivers with fast moving water with riffles and small waves; few or no obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training; risk to swimmers is slight; and self rescue is easy. This makes it attractive to users of all skill levels.

The Clarion River attracts more than canoeists; it is also an attraction for picnicking, sightseeing, camping, watching wildlife, birding, fishing, and hiking. A variety of recreational facilities in the Allegheny National Forest, the Borough of Ridgway, and at Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Parks support the river-based recreation. The river may be the focal point, but would it not attract as many people if the support facilities did not exist.

The scenery, the feeling of remoteness, accessibility, the variety of recreation activities possible, and ease of canoeing of the Clarion River for novices combine to provide a significant recreation experience in this region. In addition, the wealth of historic resources (logging, railroads, tanning and chemical wood) within the river corridor provide an opportunity for interpretation and education.

Wild and Scenic River Classifications There are three classifications of rivers or river segments, in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System—Wild, Scenic, and Recreational. Classification is based on the condition of the river and the adjacent lands at the time of designation. Clarion River qualifies for two alternating classifications from its beginning at the ANF/State Gamelands 44 boundary below Ridgway.

1. Wild River. The river should be free of impoundments. The shoreline should be essentially primitive with little or no evidence of human activity; however, the presence of a few inconspicuous structures is acceptable. There should be little or no evidence of past timber harvest and no ongoing timber harvest. The river area should be generally inaccessible except by trail. There should be no roads, railroads or other provision for vehicular travel; however, a few existing roads leading to the boundary of the river area are acceptable. Water quality meets or exceeds criteria of federally approved State standards for aesthetics, propagation of fish and wildlife normally adapted to the river, and primary contact recreation.

The Clarion River does not qualify for this classification.

2. Scenic River. The river should be free of impoundments. The shoreline should be largely primitive and undeveloped with no substantial evidence of human activity; however, the presence of small communities, dispersed dwellings or farm structures is acceptable. Evidence of past or ongoing timber harvest is acceptable if the forest appears natural from the riverbank. The river area may be accessible in places by roads and roads may occasionally reach or bridge the river. The existence of short stretches of conspicuous or longer stretches of inconspicuous roads or railroads is acceptable. No criteria for water quality is prescribed in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Poor water quality does not preclude classification provided a water quality improvement plan exists or is being developed.

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Clarion River Scenic Classification begins at Portland Mills and runs 8 miles to the Allegheny National Forest boundary approximately 0.8 miles downstream of Irwin Run. This is Section 2 of the river and contains the town of Portland Mills and a road crossing at historic Arroyo and its few remaining houses. Otherwise, this section is a relatively undisturbed hardwood forest. This segment of the river contains many large boulders, sinuous curves, and steep, forested hillsides.

Section 4 of the river is also classified as scenic. It starts at the State Gamelands 283 boundary, located approximately 0.9 miles downstream of the Cooksburg Bridge to an unnamed tributary at the backwaters of Piney Dam, located approximately 0.6 miles downstream of Blyson Run. This section is the least developed portion of the river, with only one boat access at Gravel Lick and no parallel roads. The North Country National Scenic Trail follows the riverbank for approximately 6 miles in this section. It contains the historic town of Gravel Lick, old mill site on Hemlock Island, and Blyson’s Run Cut Stone Raft historic site. The steep, forested hillsides of this section and lack of roads or development lend a remote feel to this section of the river.

3. Recreational River. The river may have some development with substantial evidence of human activity. The presence of extensive residential developments and a few commercial structures is acceptable. Lands may have been developed for a full range of agricultural or forestry uses and may show evidence of past or ongoing timber harvest. The river area may be readily accessible by roads or railroads. The existence of parallel roads or railroads on one or both banks and bridge crossings is acceptable. No criteria for water quality is prescribed in the Act. Poor water quality does not preclude classification provided a water quality improvement plan exists or is being developed.

Clarion River Recreational Classification begins at the Allegheny National Forest-State Gamelands 44 boundary approximately 0.7 miles downstream from the Ridgway Borough limit to Portland Mills (8.6 miles). This is Section 1 of the river. This section contains an active railroad, a rail trail, State Highway 949, and the ghost town of Carman. Water features include Idlewild Cut rapids under the railroad trestle, riffles at the Little Toby Creek confluence, and numerous boulders and several small islands. Access is via Love’s Canoe Livery in Ridgway, and the Portland Mills launch. Section 1 is primarily forested, with the highway on river left and the railroad on river right until it crosses at approximately river mile 87.7.

Section 3 of the river is also classified as Recreational. This 26 mile section runs from the National Forest boundary 0.8 miles downstream from Irwin Run to the State Gamelands 283 boundary approximately 0.9 miles downstream of the Cooksburg Bridge. This section contains historic Irwintown, Hallton, Belltown, historic Millstone, Clarington, and Cooksburg, and River Road parallels the river in this section, following it very closely. Segments of Clear Creek and Cook Forest State Parks border the river in the lower part of the segment. Section 3 is the widest section of river valley, with sections of floodplains interspersed with steep, forested hillsides down to the water. Development is more noticeable and of a higher degree here, lending a settled, pastoral look to most of the views. Boulders are common in the river and the river is generally shallow with deeper channels and potholes. Access is via Irwin Run Canoe Launch, Hallton, Heath, Clear Creek, Barnett Twp., and Cook Forest launches.

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Management Direction Clarion River Corridor Boundary The Clarion National Wild and Scenic River Corridor consists of the lands within description of river corridor. It contains an average of less than 320 acres per mile including both public and private land. The surveyed boundary will be fully described in the map of record.

The USDA Forest Service has responsibility for administering the Clarion River Corridor under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to ensure protection of water quality, free-flowing character, and protection and enhancement of the outstandingly remarkable values. However, the Forest Service does not have authority over state or private lands within the corridor boundary. State lands are managed by cooperative agreement to conform to the Clarion River CRM Plan, and only the existing laws and regulations affecting private lands apply to those lands.

Specific Management Direction Management direction for the Clarion River National Wild and Scenic River Corridor consists of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the designation legislation for Clarion River, the Allegheny Forest Plan, the Clarion River Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP), and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and plans. The Clarion River CRMP consists of goals, objectives, and standards intended to guide the overall management of the National Forest portion of the Clarion River National Wild and Scenic River Corridor. Management of the state agency lands will be guided by the agencies’ respective Management Plans in cooperation with this CRMP.

Goals Scenic Segment

Management of the scenic segment of the river corridor will be focused on maintaining and enhancing the near-natural environment. The riverbanks will be largely undeveloped and primitive, but may be accessible in places by roads. Recreation management will be designed to provide a natural-appearing setting with limited improvements. Recreational Segment

Management of the recreational segment of the river corridor will be focused on providing river-oriented recreation in natural-appearing or culturally-influenced settings. The river may be readily accessible by roads and trails. Recreational improvements such as trailheads and river access points will be available in some locations.

Non-native Invasive Species Both Segments

Guideline Activities and facilities required for the control of aquatic invasives (plants and animals) are allowed within the WSR corridor; as long as such activities and facilities are necessary for their control and do not adversely affect the identified river values. Coordination with agencies that have jurisdiction over and/or may be affected by activities and facilities such as the PA Fish and Boat Commission and the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources will occur.

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Recreation Setting, Experience and Social Interaction Standards and Guidelines: Both Segments

Standards Management of the river and upland river corridor within the established boundary shall be consistent with the desired condition and Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classification. ROS is explained in Appendix C. A ROS for Rivers, also in Appendix C, is used for further refinement of conditions.

The PA Bureau of Forestry follows a modified version of ROS, so their stated version of ROS may appear different, but the goals will be compatible with goals on the rest of the river.

Scenic Segment

Standards Management of the scenic segments (except Irwin Run access site) shall be consistent with a Semi-primitive motorized ROS class.

Recreational Segment

Standards Management of the recreational river segment shall be consistent with a Roaded Natural ROS class.

Developed Recreation and Access Standards and Guidelines Both Segments

Standards ROS shall be utilized to guide the design and development level of on-site facilities and access sites.

New construction or reconstruction of recreational facilities shall be consistent with the “FS-710 Built Environment Image Guide” and the PA Wilds Design Guide, and shall be accessible to people with disabilities to the extent feasible.

Scenic Segment

Standards No additional facilities or boat access sites shall be constructed (except below Cooksburg). New facilities or boat access may be created if a currently existing site in poor condition and the location is closed and rehabilitated. There will be no net accumulation of boat access sites. New facilities must be consistent with Development Level (DL) 2. New sites shall be screened from the river to make facilities visually inconspicuous in summer months.

Existing access sites and facilities between Portland Mills and Irwin Run may be maintained, enhanced, and/or reconstructed, as long as the design is consistent with a semi-primitive motorized ROS and the development level does not exceed DL2.

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Existing access sites and facilities at and below Irwin Run may be maintained, enhanced, and/or reconstructed, as long as the design is consistent with a roaded natural ROS and the development level does not exceed DL3.

Development Levels are explained in Appendix D.

Recreational Segment

Standards As facilities are repaired, replaced, or added, emphasis on site protection and comfort of the user is equal. The design emphasis shall be a rustic style which enhances the river corridor’s natural appearing character.

Existing access sites and facilities may be constructed, maintained, enhanced and/or reconstructed, as long as the design is consistent with a roaded natural ROS and development level does not exceed DL3.

Guideline New sites shall be screened from the river to make facilities visually inconspicuous in summer months.

Primitive Camping Standards and Guidelines Both Segments

Standards Primitive camping shall be allowed at designated sites only.

Designated primitive campsites shall be marked on the ground with appropriate markers or signs consistent with ROS and included on maps for use by visitors. Sites will be marked from the river and from local access roads, such as River Road, as applicable.

Primitive sites shall be allowed as long as the impacts from this use are within acceptable social, biological, and physical limits.

Standards Primitive camping sites shall not dominate the landscape.

Guidelines Disturbed or existing sites shall be emphasized for management and designation rather than creation of new sites on undisturbed ground.

Sites measured under David Cole’s Wilderness Campsite Parameters and Ratings (Appendix E) will have the following actions taken:

• If no barren core, impact area is < 1300 ft2, mineral soil increase and vegetation loss ratings are 1, overall score is 13 or less:

o Close the site and allow to revegetated naturally.

• If barren core is <300 ft2, impact area is < 2500 ft2, mineral soil increase and vegetation loss ratings are 2, overall score is 14-20:

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o Manage the site and monitor.

• If barren core is >300 ft2, impact area is >2500 ft2, mineral soil increase and vegetation loss ratings are 3, overall score is 18 or more:

o Rehabilitate the site to bring it within the “manage” range.

Scenic Segment

Standards The quantity and location of primitive sites shall be regulated to ensure low density visitation and to protect remote characteristics and outstanding scenery.

• Campsites shall not be within sight or sound of another campsite.

• No more than 3 campsites per river mile, average.

• Parties shall be limited to 10 people per site at one time, and no more than 6 watercraft per site at one time, except by permit or letter of authorization by the land managing agency.

Guidelines Minor modification of primitive sites is allowed. Sites may be subtly hardened to minimize resource impacts and may include permanent fire rings.

Parties on the river should be responsible for human waste disposal and Leave no Trace camping practices.

Sites should be subordinate to the scenery and generally hidden from the watercourse view.

Recreational Segment

Standards The quantity and location of primitive sites shall be regulated to ensure moderate density visitation and to provide both solitary and social settings in predominantly natural scenery.

Campsites shall be both clustered and dispersed to provide a range of social settings.

No more than 5 campsites per river mile, average.

Parties shall be limited to 12 people per site at one time. The number of vehicles for land access camping will be limited by the capacity of the designated parking for that site, and no more than 8 watercraft per site at one time for river access camping.

Guidelines Site hardening may be dominant but in harmony with the environment.

Campsites may be within sight or sound of another campsite.

Trails Both Segments

Standards

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Equestrian and bicycle use shall be limited to trails designated for that use.

No ATV/OHM and/or snowmobile use within the corridor.

Guidelines Trail planning and development should be guided by an integrated multi-jurisdictional trail plan.

All trails that traverse public lands should have a cooperative management agreement.

All trail connections across private lands should have a recorded easement from the landowner, or at least signed permission.

Scenic Segment

Standards No new river access trails shall be constructed (except below Cooksburg).

Guidelines The quantity and location of trails should be limited to ensure low density visitation and to protect remote characteristics and outstanding scenery.

Trails are maintained and/or constructed primarily for resource protection. Hand tools, chainsaws, and brush-clearing power tools may be used.

Trails should not dominate the landscape. Trails should be subordinate to the scenery along the river and generally hidden from view.

Until defined in a subsequent trail plan, trail densities should not exceed 2 miles of trail per square mile.

Recreational Segment

Guidelines Some trails may be highly developed, including hardened trails for a high level of accessibility of persons of all abilities.

Until defined in a subsequent trail plan, trail densities should not exceed 5 miles of trail per square mile.

Signing, Regulation and Safety Standards and Guidelines Both Segments

Standards As approved by federal, state, or local governments, signs which are necessary for public health and safety shall be allowed. Signs may also be allowed that indicate areas available or not available for public use.

Guidelines Signing of the river should be guided by an integrated multi-jurisdictional sign plan.

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An integrated summary of rules and regulations for all public lands shall be posted at all information sites.

Scenic Segment

Standards Visitor management controls or regulations shall be subtle and limited to those needed to protect river resources.

Guidelines Signs should be visually inconspicuous in summer months as viewed from the river.

Outfitters and Guides Standards and Guidelines Both Segments

Standards Permits from the appropriate agency shall be required for both commercial and non-commercial outfitters and guides who use public lands and/or facilities. Non-commercial groups include schools, universities, churches, or non-profit organizations who lead trips on public lands.

Outfitters/guides shall use designated boat launch or day use sites only, and in a manner consistent with their purpose.

Permits from one agency will be honored by all other agencies.

Permits shall be managed to protect the characteristics of the river set forth in the desired condition and consistent with ROS.

Existing uses that are not compatible with desired conditions shall be brought into compliance upon issuance or renewal of permits.

Guidelines Cost recovery should be included in the issuance/administration of commercial special use permits.

Visitor Information, Conservation Education and Interpretation Standards and Guidelines Both Segments

Standards Conservation, education and interpretation programs shall be consistent with the desired condition and ROS class.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers logo shall appear on all conservation, education, and interpretation products related to the Clarion River.

Guidelines Interpretative planning and development should be guided by an integrated multi-jurisdictional interpretive plan and include such themes as social, ecological, economic, and land use history,

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protection of ORVs and other resources, recreation and cultural interest opportunities, available goods and services, distribution, roles and differences of land owners and agencies found in the Clarion River Corridor.

Nationally adopted conservation and education programs, such as Leave No Trace, should be promoted to river visitors to create a better understanding of the river environment and to reduce impacts to river resources.

Conservation, education and interpretation should utilize a wide range of technologies to provide a range of media for the dissemination of information related to the health, safety, education, preservation, and enjoyment of the river.

Internal or external partner development of new conservation, education, and interpretation products related to the river should be reviewed by appropriate resource groups for consistency and quality of messages prior to being finalized.

Scenery Both Segments

Guideline Native materials (sandstone, siltstone, conglomerate, etc.) and natural colors currently found within the WSR corridor shall be used in construction/restoration work. Limestone should be limited to road surfacing within the corridor unless not visible from the river or is used as fill material and covered over with soil and revegetated.

Scenic Segment

Standard Scenic Integrity Level is high.

Recreational Segment

Standard Scenic Integrity Level is high.

Heritage Guideline Archaeological excavations should be permitted only when they will not alter the scenic integrity of the area. Excavation sites should be restored to natural conditions.

Vegetation Both Segments

Standards Timber harvest associated with forest vegetation management shall be limited to address recreation and scenery management activities, user safety, wildlife concerns, forest health, or catastrophic events such as wind or ice storms. Changes resulting from timber management activities shall be kept as naturally appearing as possible. Timber management is generally infrequent and may take place for any of the following reasons:

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• To improve habitat for species with viability concerns; restore terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem composition and structural characteristics; or maintain existing unique or important wildlife features or plant communities.

• Maintenance and/or expansion of existing facilities, trails, vistas, and overlooks.

• Conservation, research, and/or interpretive purposes on or around heritage sites.

• Appropriate administrative use.

• Timber salvage and associated reforestation techniques.

• The cutting, sale, or removal of timber is incidental to the implementation of another suitable management activity (e.g. removal of timber for trail construction).

Even-aged or uneven-aged management is acceptable, depending on management objectives and forest types involved. The choice of system should be based on individual site analysis in conjunction with landscape level objectives and the desired condition for this MA.

For salvage harvest, utilize existing roads. Where existing roads do not provide adequate access, utilize aerial harvest methods. Salvage harvest and associated reforestation activities are allowed within these areas as long as the immediate river environment, water quality, scenic, fish, wildlife, plants or other outstandingly remarkable values for which the river was designated; is protected.

Current management activities, such as those used to provide wildlife habitat, shall continue under the authority and guidelines of the associated agency.

Prior to ground disturbing or vegetation management activities, sites should be surveyed for plant species with viability concerns to determine habitat suitability and/or occupancy.

Scenic Segment

Guideline Vistas and permanent or temporary openings created by timber management activities should be no larger than one-half acre.

Wildlife Species of Special Concern Both Segments

Standard Management of species of special concern will follow the regulations of the agency in which the species or its habitat occurs.

Minerals and Geology Both Segments

Standard For all state and federally owned minerals, no surface occupancy shall be allowed in the river corridor.

Guidelines

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For privately owned minerals under public land, there shall be no waivers for setbacks on perennial streams within the river corridor.

Fire Scenic Segment

Standard Wildfire shall be suppressed.

Guidelines Utilize low impact techniques for suppression activities.

Prescribed fire may be used to help restore or maintain fire dependent ecosystems.

Transportation System Both Segments

Standards Mitigate or decommission roads that are unnecessary or are causing environmental damage, degrading outstandingly remarkable values, or to manage visitor use and access.

Scenic Segment

Standard No new roads will be built within the river corridor..

Recreational Segment

Standard A transportation system will be planned as an integral part of the recreation development, and be designed and constructed to safely and comfortably accommodate both specialized recreation vehicles and associated service vehicles.

New road construction shall be limited to that required for designated special uses or by law to provide access to private land or valid existing mineral rights.

Summary of Activities Suitable(S) or Unsuitable (U) Uses for MA 8.1.1

Activity Suitability

Timber Harvest

Timber Production U

Harvest for Other Resource Purposes S

Salvage/Sanitation Harvest S

Road Management

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Existing Forest Service Road (Reconstruction or Maintenance)

S

New Road Construction

Scenic U

Recreational S

Pit Development or Expansion U

Gathering of Special Forest Products

Commercial U

Personal S

Firewood Collection U

Special Use Permits

New Communication Towers U

New Road Rights of Way, Pipelines, and Utility Lines

S

Fire Activities

Wildland Fire Use S

Prescribed Fire S

Trail Use or Activity

Hiking, snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing S

Interpretive Trails S

Snowmobiling U

ATV/OHM U

Bicycling

On Trails S

Cross-country U

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S = Suitable and U = Unsuitable

Criteria for Implementation Priorities This section contains the criteria to guide subsequent site-specific agency decisions and a description of the types of probable management actions, including the objectives/intent of an action that may occur within the Clarion River corridor.

Because the amounts and types of funds are not always predictable and it be necessary to adjust priorities from year to year, it is not possible to set rigorous priorities for expenditures over the long term.

Guidelines have been established to help determine prioritization and allocation of funding and staff time. Priority of actions will be addressed in the following order:

• Public safety considerations

• Actions required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act such as protection of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values (including WSRA Section 7 Determinations)

• Improvements or actions within the corridor that meet the direction of the CRMP

• Improvements or actions within the Watershed that enhance the corridor and meet the direction of the CRMP

Priority actions are listed in Appendix F. Priorities will be determined in cooperation with state and local government. The list can be updated as needed without amending the Comprehensive River Management Plan.

Equestrian Use

On Trails S

Cross-country U

Other Recreational Use or Activity

Dispersed Camping S

Developed Camping

Scenic U

Recreational S

Vista Management S

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Monitoring This section has three purposes: to determine the extent to which the plan is being implemented; to help the USDA Forest Service understand how management of the river corridor is affecting Outstandingly Remarkable Values; and to help identify conditions needing corrective actions to protect and enhance river values. Monitoring will be defined on two scales -- long-term trends and effectiveness of specific activities.

Monitoring and evaluation criteria are based upon the Limits of Acceptable Change framework (LAC) which follows the premise that change to the ecological and social conditions of an area will occur as a result of natural and human factors. The goal of management is to keep the character and rate of change due to human factors within acceptable levels that are consistent with plan standards. These limits tie closely with protection and enhancement of Clarion River’s Outstandingly Remarkable Values.

The LAC system places its primary emphasis on the desired resource condition, rather than solely on how much use an area can tolerate. The management challenge with this approach is one of deciding what changes should occur, how much change will be allowed, what management actions are needed to guide and control it, and how managers will know when the established limits are being reached. Therefore, this emphasis does not aim to prevent all human-caused change in the corridors, but rather it focuses on specific indicators that reflect the carrying capacity in more practical terms.

For each river value to be monitored, one or more key indicators are selected that will allow managers to keep attuned to changes in the ecosystem or social setting. For each key indicator, a threshold is set. This is the value that determines the amount of change that is either desired or that will be accepted before river management objectives are no longer being met. In this manner, indicators and thresholds provide managers with information to determine if the resource values and opportunities they are managing are actually being provided. The standards serve as triggers that cause predetermined management actions to be implemented when the limit is being reached.

For each indicator and standard, an “Action” column lists the actions that could be triggered if a particular threshold is reached. Additional monitoring is identified in this section that provides resource inventories or baseline data that is necessary to establish thresholds. The CRMP implementation will include the final development of these thresholds where none yet exist.

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Monitoring Indicators and Actions

ORV Indicator Standard Section Action

Free flow, Water quality, Recreation, Habitat

Rock groins in river at campsite

None

No more than 1; less than 15 feet long.

Scenic

Recreational

Disassemble when noted

Decrease length during season; disassemble at end of season

Free flow, Recreation, Habitat

Water quantity No more than state allowed de minimis withdraw

both Deny permits for new or increased withdraw.

Water quality Fecal coliform, dissolved nutrients, petroleum hydrocarbons

No more than state-allowed minimum

both Close sections of river temporarily or permanently.

Post signs restricting access and providing water quality information.

Educate users and local residents regarding impacts of activities on water quality.

Restore riverbank and buffer areas to river, or provide information to local landowners on how to protect banks and buffer zones.

Restrict or re-distribute specific uses.

Expand infrastructure (restrooms, etc)

Water quality, Scenery,

Increased sedimentation and erosion

Non-degradation from time of designation (1996)

Both Restore riverbanks/buffer zones.

Provide hardened access from access

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Habitat, Archeological resources

(day use or camping) to river.

Close and rehabilitate site.

Recreation (social), Scenery, Archeological resources, Habitat

Designated campsites only

No more than 3 sites per river mile, average

Sites will be screened from the river.

Sites will not be within sight or sound of each other.

No more than 5 sites per river mile, average

Sites may be seen from the river.

Sites may be within site/sound of each other

Scenic

Recreational

Existing sites will be designated or closed based on location, screening, and amount of impact.

Sites may have subtle site engineering to contain site spread.

New sites after designation of campsites will be closed.

Campers in undesignated sites will be cited.

Some existing sites may be closed after NEPA analysis based on resource concerns.

New sites will undergo appropriate level of agency planning and review before construction.

Site hardening may occur to contain site spread.

Campers in undesignated sites will be cited.

Recreation (social), Scenery

Group size No more than 10 People At One Time (PAOT), no more than 6 watercraft.

Scenic

Larger groups will be requested to divide to within the standard.

Groups unwilling to divide will be cited.

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No more than 12 PAOT, no more than 8 watercraft or 2 6-passenger vans.

Vehicles of land-based camping must be parked in defined parking area so that they do not impede the flow of traffic on the road.

Recreational

Larger groups will be requested to divide to within the standard.

Land-based groups larger than standard may be asked to move to an area outside the river corridor.

Groups unwilling to divide or move will be cited.

Vehicles that impede flow of traffic must be moved.

Recreation, Habitat, Public Safety

Day use sites Number of vehicles at any activity area does not exceed designed parking capacity.

Both Educate users regarding traffic congestion.

Make public contacts encouraging people to visit during less popular or crowded time periods.

Temporarily divert traffic away from areas where standard is violated.

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Appendices Appendix A – Maps

Appendix B – Outstandingly Remarkable Values Criteria

Appendix C – Recreation Opportunity Spectrum and ROS for Rivers

Appendix D – Development Levels

Appendix E – David Cole’s Research and Parameters

Appendix F – Priority Actions for Implementation

Appendix G – References