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Dirty Donovan ProjectEnvironmental Assessment
Missoula UnitSouthwest Land OfficeMontana Department of Natural Resources and ConservationFebruary 2016
Dirty Donovan ProjectEnvironmental Assessment
Table of Contents
Type and Purpose of Action..................................................................................................... 1 Project Development ................................................................................................................ 3 Impacts on the Physical Environment..................................................................................... 7 Impacts on the Human Population ........................................................................................16 Finding .....................................................................................................................................22 Attachment A - Maps ..............................................................................................................25 Attachment B – Vegetation Analysis .....................................................................................30 Attachment C – Soils Analysis...............................................................................................43 Attachment D – Water and Fisheries Analysis......................................................................56 Attachment E – Wildlife Analysis...........................................................................................79
Environmental Assessment Project Name: Dirty Donovan ProjectProposed Implementation Date: Fall, 2016Proponent: Missoula Unit, Southwest Land Office, Montana DNRCCounty: MissoulaDuration: 2016-2023
Type and Purpose of Action
Description of Proposed Action:
BeneficiaryLegal
DescriptionTotal Acres
TreatedAcres
Sections 2,4,10,12,13,24 T12N
R17W; Section 36 T13N R17W Section 6 T12N R 16W
3,590 2,217
Section 31 T13N R16WSection 6 T12N R 16W 933 152
Action QuantityProposed Harvest Activities
Total Treatment Acres 1, 989Proposed Forest Improvement Treatment
380343
Proposed Road Activities
Project Development
SCOPING:
oo
The areas scoped under the timber sales named; “Dirty Donovan TS” and “Game Changer TS” comprise the project area now named ”Dirty Donovan Project”.
o
o
o
o
o Confederated Salish and Kootenai“At this time we do not know of any cultural sites that will be
impacted by the undertaking. In the event that cultural materials or cultural modified tees (CMT) are inadvertently encountered during the implementation of this project, we would appreciate being notified”.
o Laurence Bonham
o Guy Bodfish
o Jim Bower
o Sharon Rose
o Kelsey Noack Myers of the Chippewa Cree Cultural Resource and Preservation Department
o
o
*See recreation section for additional information
Soils Analysis, Attachment D
Impacts on the Physical Environment Noise (see mitigations).
Wildlife Analysis, Attachment E.Impacts on the
Human Population RecreationWater and Fisheries
Analysis, Attachment C.
o
Water and Fisheries Analysis, Environmental Effects, Attachment C.
Aesthetics Section.
o Water and Fisheries Analysis, Attachment C.
o Water and Fisheries Analysis, Attachment C.
o
INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM (ID):
OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES WITH JURISDICTION, LIST OF PERMITS NEEDED: (Conservation Easements, Army Corps of Engineers, road use permits, etc.)
United States Fish & Wildlife Service-
Missoula Public Health, City-County Health Department
Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) -
Montana/Idaho Airshed Group-
Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (DFWP) -
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
No-Action:
Action Alternative:
Impacts on the Physical Environment
VEGETATION:
Issues and Concerns-
No-Action Alternative
Action Alternative:
Issues dismissed from further reviewThere is concern the proposed project could negatively impact populations of threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant species.
Recommended Mitigation Measures for Vegetation-
FOR COMPLETE VEGETATION ANALYSIS SEE ATTACHMENT B.
SOILS:
Issues and Concerns-
Recommended Mitigation Measures for Soils-
FOR COMPLETE SOILS ANALYSIS SEE ATTACHMENT C.
WATER AND FISHERIES RESOURCES ANALYSIS:
Issues and Concerns-
Recommended Mitigation Measures for Water & Fisheries Resources-
FOR COMPLETE WATER AND FISHERIES ANALYSIS SEE ATTACHMENT D.
WILDLIFE: (terrestrial & avian including unique, federally listed as threatened orendangered, sensitive, and/or species of special concern):
Issues and Concerns-
Recommended Mitigation Measures for Wildlife-
ARM 36.11.411 36.11.414
FOR COMPLETE WILDLIFE ANALYSIS SEE ATTACHMENT E.
AESTHETICS:
Existing Conditions
Example of “hard edges” observed from Hwy 200No-Action Alternative
Direct, Secondary, and Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative
Direct, Secondary, and Cumulative Effects
NOISE:
Existing Conditions
No-Action Alternative:
Action Alternative
Direct, Secondary, and Cumulative Effects
Recommended Mitigation Measures for Noise-
HISTORICAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES:
DEMANDS ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES OF LAND, WATER, AIR, ANDENERGY:
.
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS PERTINENT TO THE AREA:
Impacts on the Human Population
HUMAN HEALTH AND SAFETY: Air Quality
Issues and Concerns-
Recommended Mitigation Measures for Air Quality-
SLASH BURNING:
No-Action Alternative
Action Alternative
Direct and Secondary Effects
Cumulative Effects
DUST:
No-Action Alternative
Action Alternative
Direct, Secondary, and Cumulative Effects
LOG HAULING TRAFFIC:
Recommended Mitigation Measures for Log Hauling Traffic-
No-Action Alternative
Action Alternative
Direct, Secondary, and Cumulative Effects
RECREATION: (including access to and quality of recreational and wilderness activities):
Issues and Concerns-
Recommended Mitigation Measures for Recreation-
No-Action Alternative
Action Alternative
Will Alternative result in potential impacts to:
Impact Can Impact Be Mitigated?
Comment NumberDirect Secondary Cumulative
No-Action
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
Action
X X X YES 1
X X X
X X X YES 2
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
Comment Number 1: Health and Human Safety
Impacts -
Mitigations -
Comment Number 2: Quantity and Distribution of Employment
Impacts –
Mitigations -
LOCALLY ADOPTED ENVIRONMENTAL PLANS AND GOALS (includes local MOUs, management plans, conservation easements, etc.):
OTHER APPROPRIATE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES:
Environmental Assessment Checklist Prepared By:
Name: Scott AllenTitle: Missoula Unit Management ForesterDate: February 19, 2016
Finding
Alternative Selected
For the following reasons, I have selected the Action Alternative without additional modifications:
net
SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS
Soils-
Water Quality-
Cumulative Watershed Effects-
Cold Water Fisheries
Air Quality-
Noxious Weeds
Forest Conditions and Forest Health-
Log Truck Use of Public Roads-
Visual Quality
Wildlife-
Recreation-
Economics-
Noise-
3. PRECEDENT SETTING AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS-
MCA 77-1-402
4. SHOULD DNRC PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)?
Need for Further Environmental Analysis
X
Environmental Assessment Checklist Approved By:
Name: Amy HelenaTitle: Missoula Forest Management SupervisorDate: February 19, 2016Signature: /s/ Amy Helena
Attachment A - Maps
DIRTY DONOVAN PROJECT VICINITY MAP
Name: Dirty Donovan Project Legal: Sections 2, 4, 10, 12, 13, 24 T12N R17W Section 6 T12N R16W Section 36 T12N R16W
Dirty Donovan Project Harvest Units
Dirty Donovan Project FI (Forest Improvement) Units
Attachment B – Vegetation Analysis
Dirty Donovan Project – Vegetation Analysis
Analysis Prepared By: Name: Scott Allen-Forest Vegetation & Jeff Collins-Noxious Weeds
Title: Management Forester, Missoula Unit & Hydrologist/Soil Scientist, SWLO DNRC
Introduction
Issues
No-Action Alternative:
Action Alternative:
Issues dismissed from further reviewThere is concern the proposed project could negatively impact populations of threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant species.
Regulatory Framework
State Forest Land Management Plan
DNRC Forest Management RulesARM 36.11.401 through 456
Montana Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Forestry
ARM 36.11.422
Montana DNRC Forested Trust Lands Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)
Noxious Weed Applicable Weed Management Requirements
Analysis Areas
Direct and Secondary Effects Analysis Area
Cumulative Effects Analysis Area
Noxious Weeds
Existing Conditions
Noxious Weeds
Standard Vegetative CommunityStand History/Past Management-
1977
197819801983198419851988
2003
2004
Current stand conditions
Table V-1 – Current and appropriate cover types for the Dirty Donovan Project Area.
Cover Type Current Acres
Current Percent of Project Area
Desired Future Condition (DFC)
Acres PercentPP (Ponderosa pine)
DF (Douglas-fir)
WL/DF (Western larch/Douglas-fir)
LP (Lodgepole pine)
SUBALP (Sub-alpine fir)
NONFOR (Non-forested)
Mixed Conifer
Non Stocked
Total: 4,523 100 4,523 100
See map on following page
WL/DF (western larch/Douglas-fir) DFC-
PP (ponderosa pine) DFC-
DF (Douglas-fir) DFC-
LP (lodgepole pine) DFC
SAF (subalpine fir) DFC-
Non-Forested DFC-
Old Growth
Table V-2 – Old Growth in the Project Area.
Stand ID (as classified by DNRC Stand Level
Inventory)SLI Old Growth
Status Acres*Field
VerifiedOld Growth
Status
Old Growth
Type
Acres of verified Old
Growth
TOTAL 326.5 149.9
*The “field verified Old Growth status” column indicates Old Growth Status following field verification in which all the stands listed in the table were sampled.
Environmental Effects
No Action Alternative: Direct, Secondary and Cumulative Effects
Standard Vegetative Community
Noxious Weeds
Table WS-2 Summary Effects of the Alternatives on Noxious Weeds
Water Quality & Quantity
Impact Can Impact Be Mitigated
? Direct & Secondary Cumulative
No-ActionWeed Occurrence and spread X X NA
ActionWeed Occurrence and spread X X Y
Action Alternative: Direct, Secondary, and Cumulative Effects
Noxious Weeds
Standard Vegetative CommunityDirect, Secondary & Cumulative Effects
o
o
o
o
o
Old GrowthDirect, Secondary & Cumulative Effects
Table V-3 –Old Growth acres pre-harvest vs. post-harvest for the Dirty Donovan Project Area
Stand ID Project area current Old Growth acres
Post-harvest project area Old Growth
acres
TOTAL 149.9 149.9
Vegetation Mitigations
Recommended Mitigations and Adjustments of Treatments for the Benefit of Other Resources
ARM 36.11.41136.11.414
VEGETATION REFERENCES
Attachment C – Soils Analysis
Dirty-Donovan Timber Sale – Soils Analysis
Analysis Prepared By: Jeff Collins, Hydrologist/Soil Scientist DNRC 2/16/2016
Introduction
Issues
Regulatory Framework
Analysis Methods & Analysis Areas
Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis Areas:
Existing Conditions
Geology
Slope Stability-Debris flows
Soils
Effects of Past Management
Nutrient Cycling & Soil Productivity
Environmental Effects on Soils
No Action Alternative: Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects
Table S-2 Summary Effects of the Alternatives on Soil Resources
Impact
? Direct & In Direct Cumulative
No-Action
X X NA
X X NA
X X NA
X X NA
X X NA
Action
X X Y
X X Y
X X Y
X X X Y
X X Y
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects on Soils-
Harvest effects Slope Stability-Debris flow-
Soils-
Table ST-2 Estimated Detrimental Soil Disturbance for the Action Alternative
Area of Analysis Total Area (Acres) Disturbance Rate (%) Estimated Impacted Area (Acres)
*
*
Nutrient Cycling & Soil Productivity
Cumulative Effects of the Action Alternative on Soil productivity
Soils Mitigations
References
Soil Interpretations Table S1 Dirty Donovan Timber Sale Project Area
Map
#
Mapping Unit Name Soil Description Erosion
Potential
Displacement
Hazard
Compaction Hazard
Notes
Map
#
Mapping Unit Name Soil Description Erosion
Potential
Displacement
Hazard
Compaction Hazard
Notes
Attachment D – Water and Fisheries Analysis
Dirty Donovan Timber Sale – Water & Fisheries Resources Analysis
Analysis Prepared By: Jeff Collins, Hydrologist/Soil Scientist, DNRC 2/9/2016
Introduction
Water & Fisheries Resources Issues
Regulations, Laws, Rules & Agreements that Apply to Water & Fisheries Resources
Montana Surface Water Quality Regulations
Water Quality Limited Waterbodies and Beneficial Uses
Wallace Creek
West Fork Ashby Creek
Union Creek
Beneficial Uses
Montana Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) Law
DNRC Forest Management Rules and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)
Water Resources Analysis Methods and Areas
Sediment delivery
Water Yield
Affected Watersheds
Existing Conditions- Water Resources
Existing Conditions- Water Quality and Sediment Delivery
Sediments
Table WS-1 Comparison of Existing Road density within Analysis Areas
Estimates of road miles were based field reviews and ARC database files
Donovan Creek
Wallace Creek
Ashby Creek/Arkansas Creek
Lower Union Creek/Game Creek
Avalanche hazard
Water Yield
Groundwater Wells in Wallace Creek
Environmental Effects
No Action Alternative: Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects on Water Quality and Quantity
Avalanche hazard-
Surface water recharge to domestic wells-
Direct and Indirect Effects of the Action Alternative on Water Quality and Quantity
Sediments
Table WS-2 Summary Effects of the No- Action Alternative on Water Quality and Quantity
Water Quality & Quantity
Impact Can Impact Be Mitigated
? Direct & Secondary Cumulative
No-ActionWater Quality-Quantity Sediments X X NA
Water Quantity X X NA
ActionWater Quality- Quantity Sediment Delivery X X Y
X X Y
Table WS-4 Proposed Riparian Management Zone Harvest
Legal Stream Name Fish Presence Lineal feetRMZ Harvest
Acres RMZ Harvest
Roads-
Table WS-5 Comparison of Changes in Road density with Action AlternativeAnalysis Area Drainages Clark Fork
River Donovan Creek
Clark Fork River Wallace Creek
Ashby Creek-Arkansas Creek
Lower Union Creek- Game Creek
Estimates of road miles were based field reviews and ARC database files
Harvest Effects to Avalanche hazard-
Harvest effects to Surface water recharge to domestic wells-
Cumulative Effects & Water Yield
Fisheries Analysis Methods and Areas
Sediment delivery
Riparian Large Woody Debris and Stream Shading-
Fish Habitat Connectivity-
Cumulative impacts-
Regulatory Framework
DNRC Forest Management Rules and Habitat Conservation Plan
Existing Conditions- Fisheries
Fish Presence/Absence
Table Fish-1 Current & Historic Fish Species Distribution within the Watershed Analysis Areas
Donovan Creek0-3.9 miles
Dirty Ike Creek0-3.0 miles.
Game Creek 0-3.6 miles
Arkansas Creek 0-5.4 miles
Species Name Abundance Abundance Abundance Abundance
Sediment
Riparian Large Woody Debris and Stream Shading-
Fish Habitat Connectivity-
Table FS-2 Road Crossings of Fisheries Streams that restrict habitat connectivity
Stream Name Number of Haul Road Crossings
Fish Connectivity Restriction Sediment Source
Riparian Large Woody Debris and Stream Shading-
Fishery Resources - Environmental Effects
No Action Alternative: Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects
Water Quality & Quantity
Impact Can Impact Be Mitigated
? Direct & Secondary Cumulative
No-ActionWater Quality-Quantity Sediments X X
Large Woody debris & Stream Shading X X
Fish Habitat Connectivity X X
ActionWater Quality- Quantity Sediment Delivery X X Y
Large Woody debris & Stream Shading X X Y
Fish Habitat Connectivity X X Y
Action Alternative: Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects
Sediment Delivery
Riparian Large Woody Debris and Stream Shading-
Fish Habitat Connectivity- Effects
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Water Quality & Fishery Resource Mitigations
Water & Fishery References
Attachment E – Wildlife Analysis
Dirty Donovan – Wildlife Analysis
Analysis Prepared By:Name: Garrett Schairer Title: Wildlife Biologist, Montana DNRC
Introduction
Issues
Regulatory Framework
Analysis Areas
Analysis Methods
Coarse Filter Wildlife Analysis
Issue
Introduction
Martes americanaAccipter gentilis Troglodytes troglodytes
Analysis Area
Affected Environment
Environmental Effects- Mature Forested Habitats and Landscape Connectivity
No Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
No Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Fine Filter Wildlife Analysis
Table WI-1 –Anticipated Effects of the Dirty Donovan Project on wildlife species
Species/Habitat Potential for Impacts and Rationale
Grizzly bear
(Ursus arctos)
Canada lynx
Felix lynx)
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo
Coccyzus americanus)
Sensitive Species
Bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Species/Habitat Potential for Impacts and Rationale
Black-backed woodpecker
(Picoides arcticus)
Coeur d'Alene salamander
(Plethodon idahoensis)
Columbian sharp-tailed grouse
(Tympanuchus Phasianellus columbianus)
Common loon
(Gavia immer)
Fisher
(Pekania pennanti)
Flammulated owl
(Otus flammeolus)
Gray Wolf
(Canis lupus)
Harlequin duck
(Histrionicus histrionicus)
Species/Habitat Potential for Impacts and Rationale
Mountain plover
Charadrius montanus
Northern bog lemming
(Synaptomys borealis)
Peregrine falcon
(Falco peregrinus)
Pileated woodpecker
(Dryocopus pileatus)
Townsend's big-eared bat
(Plecotus townsendii)
Wolverine
(Gulo gulo)
Species/Habitat Potential for Impacts and Rationale
Big Game Species
Threatened and Endangered SpeciesGRIZZLY BEARIssue
Introduction
Analysis Area
Existing Environment
Environmental Effects- Grizzly Bears
No Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
No Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
CANADA LYNXIssue
Introduction
Analysis Area
Existing Environment
Environmental Effects- Canada LynxNo Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
.
No Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
Table WI-2 –Acres of Canada lynx habitats and anticipated changes to existing lynx habitats under both alternatives of the Dirty Donovan Project
Lynx Habitat Element
Exiting Condition and No-Action
Alternative
Proposed Changes Under Action Alternative
Action Alternative
Individual Tree
Selection (ITS)*
Old Growth Maintenance* Seed Tree*
Pre-Commercial Thinning**
Winter/Mature ForagingSummer/Young ForagingOther Suitable
Temporary Non-SuitableTotal
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Sensitive Species
BALD EAGLE
Issue
Introduction
Analysis Area
Existing Environment
Environmental Effects-Bald EagleNo Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
No Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
FISHER
Issue
Introduction
Analysis Area
Existing Environment
Environmental Effects-FisherNo Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
No Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
FLAMMULATED OWLSIssue
Introduction
Analysis Area
Existing Environment
Environmental Effects-Flammulated OwlNo Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
No Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
GRAY WOLFIssue
Introduction
Analysis Area
Existing Environment
Environmental Effects-Gray WolfNo Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
No Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
PILEATED WOODPECKERSIssue
Introduction
Analysis Area
Existing Environment
Environmental Effects-Pileated WoodpeckerNo Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
No Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
BIG GAMEBIG GAME WINTER RANGEIssue
Introduction
Analysis Area
Existing Environment
Environmental Effects-Big Game Winter RangeNo Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
No Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
BIG GAME SECURITY HABITATIssue
Introduction
Analysis Area
Existing Environment
Environmental Effects-Big Game Security HabitatNo Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
No Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Action Alternative: Direct and Indirect Effects
Action Alternative: Cumulative Effects
Wildlife Mitigations
ARM 36.11.41136.11.414
Wildlife References
2009. Priority Linkage Assessment: The Hub Conservation Area.
in
Gulo gulo
in
in
in
Missoula Unit
3206 Maverick Lane Missoula, MT 59804
Persons with disabilities who need an alternative, accessible format of this document should contact the DNRC at the above address.
10 copies of this document were published at an estimated cost of $10.33 per copy.