In Casey’s absence, FS updates.€¦ · January 7, 2016 Name Affiliation Kirk Shimeall CPRCD Facilitator Johnny Sundstom Siuslaw Institute Christy Lewis Siuslaw NF/CCRD Dave Eisler

DRAFT Siuslaw Stewardship Group Meeting Notes

January 7, 2016

Name Affiliation

Kirk Shimeall CPRCD Facilitator

Johnny Sundstom Siuslaw Institute

Christy Lewis Siuslaw NF/CCRD

Dave Eisler SWC

Chandra LeGue Oregon Wild

Seth Mead SSWCD

Dan Carpenter SWC

Mike Kennedy Siletz Indian Tribe

Mike Korn BLM

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS The meeting began at approximately 1:00 pm. REVIEW NOTES AND AGENDA Agenda and October Notes were accepted as submitted. UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS USFS:

In Casey’s absence, Kirk read from the December notes of the Alsea Stewardship Group for FS updates.

Recent storms did not result in much damage on district; a portion of Amanda Trail in Yachats (located on private land) was washed out including the bridge. This portion of the trail was made possible through past Wyden funding.

District leadership will return to its original organization chart (chart forwarded via e-mail to participants) on January 11 when Michele Jones returns from her detail.

Zone engineering is the recipient of $100K in state grant funding (ODF federal forest health) for road maintenance prior to thinning restoration projects and sedimentation projects.

Wildlife Biologist has been selected vice Marty Bray. Forest Service Chief’s Honor Award was awarded to the Siuslaw National Forest. PARTNER UPDATES Chandra reported that Title 2 funds would be available for the Coastal RAC from BLM.

Applications due February 2nd. Johnny reported that the 5-Mile Bell taskforce will have their year-end meeting on January

14. Chandra reported on the film showing and visit from Jim Furnish on December 14, at City

Lights Cinema. The presentation was well received. There were about 80 people in attendance. The event was paid for using outreach funds.

Siuslaw Stewardship Group Meeting Notes January 7, 2016

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Mike Korn reported that there is a new state director, Janey Connell who will report to work at the end of the month.

CPRCD UPDATES

Kirk attended the Federal Forest workgroup – east side collaboratives wanted representation from the west side. That meeting was also attended by Chandra and Johnny.

Kirk also attended the Forest Collaboratives meeting at Eagle Crest attended by FS, BLM, and ODF.

There is an upcoming meeting of the R6 Forest Collaboratives in Hood River on March 30 – 31.

Kirk reported on the Federal Forest Health TA Grants that will be supplementing a portion of appropriated funds.

Kirk said of the two new areas considered for a joint, fifth Stewardship group (Smith River and the Dunes), the Dunes area will not contribute to the retained receipts. However, it has an intact working group (Dunes Restoration Strategy) that has been actively pursuing restoration ideas.

2015 SIUSLAW COLLABORATIVE WATERSHED RESTORATION FUNDING RESULTS

Wyden: Roundtable results were that 2 ASG projects were not successful due to the amount of funding requested, private land owners were not asked to contribute, and there would need to be more ecological benefit. Funding for the remaining projects totaled $387,000.

USFS Projects: Kirk read from the ASG notes from December 2015: “…the Forest

Service projects, totaling $580,500, to which project FS-117 was added (50K for Siuslaw Invasive Plant Control). Process overview: the Marys Peak meadow burning project (borne out of Meadow Thin) was removed from consideration after the forest botanist said the treatment wasn’t needed. FS representatives met to discuss all of the projects, priorities, reallocation of funds and the need for invasives treatment. After the meadow burning project was removed, Fivemile restoration funding increased and invasive plant control was added to address areas already approved in planning (large watershed restoration projects). Recommendation was forwarded to the SO and then the RO.

The Board of Directors reviewed Wyden Authority projects; all were accepted and approved. The board did have questions about the Big Elk Road and Stream Improvement project; Jeff Uebel/SO will follow-up and respond to their questions. Of concern, the project does not include wildlife friendly fencing. The SO will look into options. Aaron Duzik offered to assist with running down good information to add to the SO’s response.”

GENERAL DISCUSSION TOPICS/UPDATES

Biological Monitoring

Siuslaw Stewardship Group Meeting Notes January 7, 2016

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Dave and Chandra both voiced that there is no clarity about Forest Service monitoring and where it is heading. The Stewardship group has a desire to be part of the design process. GIS is not presently used as an informative tool. The question was asked if the Forest Service use a standard when planning decisions. Johnny suggested having a plan to be involved in those instances that will make an impact instead of the entire process. Chandra asked the question: Do we want to be involved in more than stewardship contracting? Johnny stated that the Forest Plan update should first find out the state of the current forest given that 21 years has passed since the original plan was enacted.

Discussion: group vision, purpose, objectives, structure, processes. Chandra commented that the questions that Kirk handed out did not address what we aren’t doing. Dave would like the discussion to be at the joint meeting. Kirk suggested having it as a table topic. Chandra said that there really needs to be a proposed outcome to make the presentation successful. Kirk said that focus groups could operate outside the individual stewardship groups. Johnny said in other instances, workgroups who issued papers, have been used to bring findings back to the whole. These groups are solution oriented and non-partisan in nature, and those findings would be either rejected or improved. Kirk summarized the discussion. There is a letter being circulated among some participants that will be sent to Jerry Ingersoll.

Tripartite Land Exchange Johnny brought up the issue of exchange taking away future valuable agricultural lands, wondering if there could be a swap. He suggested conservation easements vs. appropriated land. Therefore, if in some future time, if the agricultural land were needed, the easement would allow that land to be used as such.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND MEETING DATES

January 20th – Annual Joint Stewardship meeting at the Yachats Commons, time is tentatively set at 9:30 to 3:30.

Next SSG meeting will be on February 4th. Kirk asked if the group preferred conference calls over in-person meetings in the event of a cancellation of scheduled meetings. The group consensus was that they should be in person. Meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm.


February 4, 2016

Name Affiliation




Dave Eisler SWC


Seth Mead SSWCD

Dan Carpenter SWC


Michele Jones District Ranger, SNF

Carl Bauer Deputy District Ranger, SNF

Donni Vogel Natural Resources, SNF

Casey Hawes Timber Operations, SNF

Marty Stein Botanist, SNF

Shawn Smith Silviculturist, SNF

Rob Sanders Transportation Engineer, SNF

James Pettett Hydrologist, SNF

Rene Galindo Fisheries Biologist, SNF

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS The meeting began at approximately 1:00 pm. REVIEW NOTES AND AGENDA Agenda will be prioritized due to time constraints. Discussion regarding the Joint Stewardship meeting may be moved to the March meeting. UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS USFS: FS had a public meeting for the Indian Creek Land Management. There were more than 100

people who attended, which was unexpected. An additional meeting will be set up towards the end of February aimed to better engage the public. There will be a separate meeting for landowners prior to the public meeting. The scoping date will be adjusted to give enough time to get public input.

The new wildlife biologist is Jill Ortley. Her report date is February 22nd. Carl Bauer, Jeff Uebel, and Mike Northrop attended a meeting with the Smith River

Watershed Council a couple of weeks ago. The Board voted in favor of hosting the Smith River Stewardship Group. There have been no discussion regarding boundaries, but it will include the Dunes. Johnny Sundstrom remarked that the Dunes projects could have a dilution effect on the retained receipt amounts.

DRAFT Siuslaw Stewardship Group Meeting NotesFebruary 4, 2016

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Archie Knowles Campground is being rehabbed by Lane County – it is looking good. Michele reported that the Federal Forest Health funding from Oregon Department of

Forestry netted about $100,000 for projects (timber sale prep, road maintenance, corvid studies).

Casey is awaiting the approval of the retained receipt projects which is at the regional office.

Michele said the Siuslaw is looking to add a Youth Stewardship Group modelled after what Sweet Home Ranger District has developed. Ages will be middle school to high school. It will be located at Waldport and Angell Job Corp, since Mapleton and Florence already have some outstanding FS youth programs.

PARTNER UPDATES Mike Kennedy reported that the Siuslaw RAC proposals are out. Also, there are two job

openings: Shellfish Biologist and Wildlife Tech Dan Carpenter reported that the native plant distribution has 9200 plants committed to

landowners. Johnny Sundstrom reported Help Kirk: he said something about a survey???

CPRCD UPDATES Kirk reported that the Joint Meeting notes will be out tomorrow. Connie e-mailed to the stewardship group a web map. Mark Barnes added the Indian Creek layers into the map. INDIAN CREEK LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING – Presentation and Q&A Session Donni Vogel said that the stewardship groups have expressed an interest in having more input in the early-on planning of sales. The Indian Creek scoping includes input and identifies alternatives which are included in the planning process. The area is the watershed boundary in the Indian Creek drainage with a goal aimed towards restoration of both aquatic and terrestrial features. The target is trees that are less than 80 years old that will be thinned to encourage old growth characteristics in the area. The planning timelines are as follows:

Scoping (public input)

Effect analysis

Draft EA – 30 day process for comments

Finalize the EA based on input

Draft Decision Memo with 45 days to comment

Resolve objections – 45 days It was estimated that the Decision Notice would be completed by September, but Michele indicated that the scoping phase would be extended to get it right. Comments should be in writing directed to Donni by either e-mail or by mailing. Donni introduced each presenter.


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Silviculture – Shawn Smith Shawn talked about the purpose and need for the proposed thinning. The restoration is to allow the trees to grow to old growth structure. If there is a spotted owl presence, then the thinning would be directed away from that area. In the presence of marbled murrelet, they leave large trees and do some topping of trees. Dave Eisler wanted to know if the Forest Service follows “standard procedure”, or if studies of the effects of thinning to red tree voles and flying squirrels are taken into account. Shawn said they follow best practices. Michele said that Amy (wildlife biologist) did take into account flying squirrel into her model. The FS is open to looking at other things and is open to doing things differently. In response to a corvid study, there has been talk about thinning heavier vs feathering the edges. The FS have also dropped out stands for flying squirrel. Chandra commented that perhaps the FS needs to show the public the surrounding areas in relation to the planned area. Shawn presented maps showing different areas surrounding the planned areas. Dave wanted to know about the contractor’s role in setting corridors. Michele commented that the unit layouts are designed so that if the contractor buys the sale, they are able to log it. The more complex the practice, the more expensive it will cost. The FS Logging Systems Specialist sets the supplemental design, and the corridors are laid out by both the Sale Administrators and the purchaser. Johnny wanted to know about snag creation: is there a diameter criterion? Shawn said that it is identified by each unit and what is available for the use of the snags. Aquatic – Rene Galindo The aquatic function includes placing large wood into streams, planting of riparian species, conifers, and willows, and the removal of a concrete ford by excavator (ford is non-functional). Johnny commented about public concern of those large logs washing down stream and onto private land. Michele said she is not sure how to address the problem, since the function of a stream is to move objects downstream. Some of the debris is natural supplied by landslides. Dave suggested having field trips to enlighten the public. Dan suggested taking into account how to add the logs, such as contact to the substrate, species type (longevity), and size in an attempt to minimize movement – that will help to retain the wood in its intended area. Hydrology – James Pettett James presented a hand-out outlining the proposed actions which included under-sized culvert removal, 10.5 miles of road decommission in Indian Cr as well as decommissioning Mann Creek Road (FR 2116). The undersized or damaged culverts on forest roads which are in use would be replaced with new appropriately size culverts to protect the roads. Decommissioning roads would not only restore the creek flow to their original stream beds, but possibly avert landslides caused by the roads. Roads – Rob Sanders Rob presented a map showing all the transportation features and highlighted the roads that are proposed for decommissioning. The roads were built in the 1950s and are old. The bridges


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have approximately 15 – 20 years use left. The portion of the 32 road that has slumped will be repaired. Invasive Weeds – Marty Stein The intent is to keep the invasive plants on the road and not allow them to disperse into the units thereby displacing native plants with their aggressive growth. Marty identified 220 acres to pretreat. Marty handed out species lists with effective treatments. Marty’s handouts also listed the location and quantity of the invasive plants. There is approximately a 10-year window to complete the timber sales. Dave commented that a new method of controlling invasive plants is to use a barrier of a 6” depth of wood chips (created with woody debris on-site) along the road edges and suggested that perhaps now would be a good time to give it a try. Michele said there is some flexibility in the scope of the analysis, and Marty seemed available to discuss it further with Dave. At the end of the presentations, the attendees were directed to send specific comments to Donni. Donni said that once a month there is a wildlife meeting on the Forest that would be open to stewardship group members. Johnny had a question about the opening of the Klickitat Quarry for contractors. Michele said that there will be an opportunity, but the contract will be limited by the amount of rock needed for the timber sales and roads only. Next meeting date is March 3rd. Meeting adjourned at 3:03 pm.


March 3, 2016

Name Affiliation




Dave Eisler SWC

Dan Carpenter SWC




Cindy Glick Willamette NF/Sweet Home RD

Joanie Schmidgall Willamette NF/Sweet Home RD

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS The meeting began at approximately 1:00 pm. REVIEW NOTES AND AGENDA None UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS USFS: Casey Hawes reported: The new wildlife biologist for the Central Coast RD, Jill Ortley, is starting work this week. The second public meeting for the Indian Creek planning area will be March 10, 2016, 6:00

pm at the Mapleton High School.

Carl Bauer reported: Michele Jones has met with some of the landowners in the Indian Creek area and has

received questions that will be addressed at the public meeting. Brian Jenkins of the Smith River Watershed Council will be joining one of the SSG meetings

at a future date to get an idea of what the stewardship meetings are about. Snowy plover ropes are going up early due to tide activity. Nesting enforcement will not

begin until March 15th, regardless of when the ropes are placed in the areas. Lane County is still working at Archie Knowles Campground. Benton County has been issued a special use permit for the operation of the Alsea Guard

Station as a recreational rental. There will be a Dunes Restoration meeting on March 11, 2016 in Florence.

Siuslaw Stewardship Group Meeting Notes March 3, 2016

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PARTNER UPDATES Mike Kennedy reported that there is still a Forestry Tech opening. The position is a one year

appointment. Johnny Sundstom reported there will be a public meeting/symposium on April 28th, at OSU

honoring his son and his work. There will be delegates from Kenya as well as from around the west who will be attending.

CPRCD UPDATES The regional office has obligated the funds for a total of 19 Forest Service retained receipt

projects. There will be a conference call on Tuesday of next week about incorporating science into

the management plans of the Forest Service. YOUTH STEWARSHIP GROUP PRESENTATION BY CINDY GLICK Cindy Glick, District Ranger at the Sweet Home Ranger District, outlined a proposal for the group to consider organizing a youth stewardship group. Cindy cited reasons for the groups such as high unemployment and a means to get kids connected to nature. To get the needed funding, the effort would need organization to use a “YCC in an all lands approach.” Cindy suggested partnering with school district who have various funding resources. There are two model programs:

Tillamook Estuary Partnership Northern Oregon Restoration Program (NORP)

Joanie Schmitgall, Forestry Tech on the Sweet Home Ranger District, gave a background of her experience as Northwest Youth Corps member, listing the positive impacts working on forest projects with a crew of youth with diverse backgrounds. This experience was a foundation to her later studies and experience. Cindy listed the various benefits from a survey of participants from a youth group. She also described how Nestucca High School is incorporating a group into their program. There is also a hiring authority that the Forest Service can use to hire youth non-competitively upon completion of the Public Land Corp program. Cindy spoke about various funding sources (grant opportunities). Tillamook Estuary Partnership and NORP hires 90 youth per year. She outlined their program and its funding successes. Q&A:

Dan suggested showing a per day breakdown in the funding handout. Johnny asked if the work would be year round or seasonal. It can be both. Johnny commented that in the past, there was a program at Mapleton schools, but they

were eventually, due to teachers moving on, they were unable to use the school


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without certified teachers. Cindy agreed that due to teacher turnover, the program would need a coordinator to keep the program’s continuity.

Cindy mentioned that Hebo Ranger District will be having a public meeting regarding youth programs. Johnny suggested pairing youth with elders. SMITH/DUNES STEWARDSHIP GROUP Carl said there will be a meeting with the Smith River Watershed Group on April 28th to discuss the boundaries and develop a list of interested parties. Kirk said that the Dunes Restoration Strategy Group will have an agenda item to discuss different funding options other than retained receipts. The group will start slowly. Carl said that the boundaries of the Smith River/Dunes Stewardship Group will be up to the participants. Carl will bring in maps marked with potential boundaries as well as potential timber sales and the Dunes area for the next meeting of the SSG. LOCAL ECONOMIC AREA DISCUSSION Kirk revisited the Forest Service’s proposal (presented to the groups in January) to adjust the Local Economic Area definition. The proposal listed two alternatives. There was an email from Chandra where she stated that she likes the combination of the two USFS proposals - having two zones as defined in Alt A but then only considering woods workers in the local definition, though she doesn't feel strongly about limiting the consideration of local to woods workers. This retains the preference and local definition of each group, while standardizing things a bit better for the USFS. She would also like to see this topic revisited over time, and revised if deemed necessary by the groups.

Johnny said he didn’t want the requirements to be so rigid that the contractors will not bid. Dan also commented that he prefers flexibility to hard boundary lines. Johnny stated that, historically, the Siuslaw would go outside the boundaries with Georgia Pacific in North Bend, but GP was agreeable to hire local timber workers. He suggested that for Tier 1 -- the Siuslaw National Forest land (the east NF boundary to the ocean; the N&S boundaries in the watershed) within the Siuslaw Watershed; and Tier 2 -- 50 miles within the zone outside of that area. Dan agreed, but the miles could be negotiable. There was a consensus of the group. Casey will bring back maps to the next meeting showing the proposed areas along with information showing where mills and contractors are located. Johnny said they used to track where the workforce was from and their pay scale. He is not sure why that is no longer done. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND MEETING DATES


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Meeting Dates: March 11 – Dunes Restoration Strategy meeting in Florence (9 am – 3 pm) March 30 – 31: Region 6 Forest Collaboratives Workshop in Hood River Dave and Chandra will meet with the Indian Creek Planning Team – to be determined

Agenda Items:

Local Economic Area Discussion, 20-30 minutes Local Economic Area maps of proposed boundaries- Casey Maps of Smith River/Dunes Stewardship Areas –Carl Science and Management Conference Calls - Dave How Timber Sales are Developed - Casey Youth Stewardship Group follow-up

Next meeting date is April 7th (Jane Barth facilitates) Meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm.


April 14, 2016

Name Affiliation




Dave Eisler SWC

Dan Carpenter SWC

Mike Korn BLM


WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS The meeting began at approximately 1:00 pm. REVIEW NOTES AND AGENDA None UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS USFS: Carl Bauer reported: The new wildlife biologist for the Central Coast RD, Jill Ortley, is starting work this week. The second public meeting for the Indian Creek planning area will be March 10, 2016, 6:00

pm at the Mapleton High School. Office of Inspector General review April 26-28 on completed WFC projects, Paul Burns/Siuslaw WC

present North Fork culvert, log placement, and dispersed rec work Tripartite Land Exchange Priorities: Central Coast RD – Hamilton Property or other Yachats property,

Hebo RD – Beulah Property; want to complete these two before considering other priorities; may take nine months to complete. Going to do one exchange per District

Mary’s Peak field trip April 22,23 to look at parking lot safety, BPA radio tower permit, trail maintenance, etc. with MP trail Alliance

BPA Lane – Winston Line rebuild, USFS changing from simply providing information to providing direction/input on BPA’s NEPA and implementation, FS will now be issuing a permit. Johnny’s question: they are a Federal entity, so will need NEPA, correct? Answer: yes

Participated in Corvids meeting, discussed trash management, education strategies Forest Camp begins April 25th Re-Consultation with FWS continues The regional team (RAT) will be reviewing this project April 6th - 8th, went well. Draft Dunes Restoration Strategy document is on schedule to go out in late May. Our next

collaborative DRS group meeting will be in late June. STWD project proposal call letter will come out soon. This year there will also be a spatial

requirement when submitting the proposal

Siuslaw Stewardship Group Meeting Notes April 14, 2016

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Carl is going to the Ocalla NF in Florida- last day is 4/22. Mike Lang filling in detail behind Carl. Some discussion about whether group should send letter to Regional Office stressing the importance of hiring a collaborative individual; Carl says that’s wired into the SNF already. Kirk will ask Michele or Jerry if letter is necessary. USFS is hoping to fill the position asap.

PARTNER UPDATES Mike Korn:

o The proposed Resource Management Plan has been released, and is available online. 30 day protest period starts tomorrow. BLM is aiming for June/July decision record.

o BLM will be consolidated by October 1st- District staff makeup will be changed. o Entering another round of RAC project proposal review. Recruiting for NW RAC

Council; Chandra added that there are open positions on the Coastal Oregon RAC (she and Mike Kennedy both sit on that).

Johnny Sundstom: o There will be a big upcoming work season ($300K) at Five Mile Bell, doubling of

contracts and equipment; he got good feedback on FMB from Johan Hogervorst (Willamette USFS Hydrologist). Short discussion on confusion surrounding different fire restrictions from different agencies/governing bodies.

o Public meeting/symposium on the future of Pastoralism on April 28th, at OSU honoring his son and his work. There will be delegates from Kenya as well as from around the west who will be attending. Johnny shared a motion that was read on the floor of the Senate in DC by Ron Wyden honoring Shiloh. Kirk will share out with all Stewardship Groups.

Dan Carpenter: o The Siuslaw WC was given an award for exemplary work in the watershed by the

Society for Ecological Research. o Youth for All Lands meeting on March 29th; among the topics was short and long

term vision of what this program will be. o Workshop at the SWC on April 27th: Understanding Beaver in the Beaver State-

looking at benefits and deficits of beaver activity o Restoration with McKenzie River trust…? (sorry, I missed this…)

Chandra LeGue:

o Oregon Wild will be leading hikes in the following areas: Sweet Creek, Kentucky Falls, Dunes area- please see their website for more information: http://www.oregonwild.org/explore-oregon

CPRCD UPDATES CPRCD is still waiting for the regional office to obligate the funds for Wyden projects. Draft

contracts have been sent out and will be signed after CPRCD receives signed agreement from RO.

Kirk attended the R6 Forest Collaboratives meeting in Hood River on March 30-31. Conference was hosted by Sustainable NW and had 3 tracks: science/policy/collaboration.

http://www.oregonwild.org/explore-oregon


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INDIAN CREEK FIELD TRIP The first Indian Creek field trip went well, and had some positive outcomes by the end of the day. There will be a second field trip Monday, focusing on Aquatics/Roads. SCIENCE WORKING GROUP The group met via phone on March 8th. Jeff Uebel will put together a presentation on the Forest’s monitoring efforts/plan, what they are currently doing and would like to do. The working group members will take information back to their individual groups. They will work on the list of monitoring questions that aren’t getting asked and should be. The group will consider if/how these questions fit with the multi-party monitoring contract. Some working group members (Dave, Marc) will participate in Indian Creek NEPA process.

SMITH/DUNES STEWARDSHIP GROUP Carl said there will be a meeting with the Smith River Watershed Group on April 28th to discuss the boundaries and develop a list of interested parties; the Dunes Restoration Strategy group is winding down now, and some participants might choose to become involved in the budding Stewardship group. Johnny wondered if there had been any outreach to Douglas County yet; A: not to anyone’s knowledge. He reminded the group about the positive effects from local employment and the spinoff dollars/multiplier effect in the community. He mentioned that the Umpqua SWCD could be a potential ally in support of Stewardship. Mike mentioned that the BLM Field Manager for that area is Max Yeager. OUTREACH The SSG still has a substantial amount of outreach funds. Kirk broached the idea that in the future, the outreach monies could be pooled, with projects prioritized and decided upon by first the Stewardship Groups, then the Round Table. LOCAL ECONOMIC AREA DISCUSSION Carl taped up five large maps with different Tier 1/Tier 2 boundaries. After much discussion, the group unanimously chose to make the current Siuslaw Stewardship area= tier 1, and Tier 2 will be a 50 mile zone outside that boundary (no more moveable 50 miles boundary based on the site/location of the sale itself). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND MEETING DATES Meeting Dates:

April 22- Science working group meeting, meet at District offices for VTC link May 5- SSG (Jane may run if Kirk is on river trip) Spring Round Table- still tbd

Agenda Items:

Local Economic Area maps of proposed boundaries for different groups- Casey Maps of Smith River/Dunes Stewardship Areas –Casey Science and Management Conference Calls - Dave


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How Timber Sales are Developed - Casey Next meeting date is May 5th Meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm.


May 5, 2016

Name Affiliation

Jane Brass Barth Facilitator

Casey Hawes Siuslaw NF/CCRD

Mike Lang Siuslaw NF/CCRD

Dan Carpenter SWC

Dave Eisler SWC

Seth Mead Siuslaw SWCD

Mariah Acton University of Oregon

The meeting began at approximately 1:00 pm with introductions and approval of the March meeting notes with one correction on page 2 (remove last bullet under Dan Carpenter’s update). USFS UPDATES: Casey Hawes and Mike Lang

Indian Creek EA:

o The FS held 2 public field trips, one focused on silviculture, wildlife and stand treatments and the other on roads, engineering and fisheries.

o Public comments received. IDT met this morning to start to identify alternatives to proposed actions to respond to comments.

o Planning additional field reconnaissance to consider alternatives in next week or so. Just for staff.

o Other next steps are effects analysis then draft decision out for 30-day comment period then decision written and put out for 90- day objection period.

o Dave Eisler shared that the new science working group will meet with IDT members and Michelle on May 24th to give input on alternatives before the IDT gets too far along

Position openings o Hydrologist o Fish biologist o Deputy District Ranger o Lands/Special Use position o Timber sale appraiser and contract writer open to FS employees and long-term seasonal

employees o OHV crew leader o Recreation

FS stewardship project proposals are due to Casey the end of May. They will include a new spatial component to make it possible to map areas where projects are done. Wyden project applications will have this new requirement, too.

Siuslaw Stewardship Group Meeting Notes June 5, 2014

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Mike Lang reported that he went on a field trip as part of the Office of the Inspector General’s audit visit. The focus of the audit was on how decisions are made and then what tangible and intangible outcomes are accomplished. They looked at road decommissioning, road bank improvements and old growth stand wildlife habitat projects. Good take away from getting to see results of collaborative work.

PARTNER UPDATES:

SWC Dan Carpenter o Summer Camp funded again by OWEB. Hiring environment/outdoor education staff to

fun 3 camps over 3 weeks for multiple age groups. o Annual meeting will be at Big Bear Camp on May 25th. Topics are fire prevention and

BLM restoration management plan. See the SWC website for more details. o Working on a Coho business plan and partnerships to do restoration work in watershed

Dave Eisler shared information about a group of landowners that he is part of and which is holding tours to help people think about how they can support healthy forests. He will have a tour on his property on June 22nd for academics, gardeners, foresters, cabinet makers, and community-supported agriculture folks. The tour will aim to connect urban people with health forests through discussion, problem-solving and learning together on the ground. If anyone is interested, send Dave your name. A catered meal will be provided at Big Bear Camp after the tour.

CPRCD UPDATES:

All retained receipt project contracts are prepared and ready to be signed, but CPRCD is waiting for funds to be obligated.

TIMBER SALE DEVELOPMENT

Casey circulated a handout listing timber sales planned for FY16 and 17. He explained:

They plan for current and “outyear.” Fiscal year is October – September.

They take all sales in EAs and look at road systems to figure out logical way to make sale packages that are commercially viable. They plan over a 10-year horizon for all sales.

Stewardship versus commercial sales are planned with a 50/50 ratio across the entire forest, not within a single stewardship area boundary. Aim for 40 MBF annually across the forest, with Central District averaging around 25 MBF.

They use a master spreadsheet that shows when sales will go on timeline and try to get one stewardship sale per stewardship group each year. Usually bring a couple choices to stewardship group for them to consider.

On stewardship sales, they use receipts from stumpage to pay for restoration projects in the same package. For commercial sales, have to do service projects with KV funds.

This year planning the following stewardship sales: Bear View Thin in ASG; South Lake in HSG; Russell Thin in SSG


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Dan inquired whether KV funds were collected on stewardship sales. Casey explained that KV funds were collected so that the FS could do follow-up treatments that are beyond the contract period.

KV can pay for FS salaries, but 3/4ths tends to go to contractors, for example seasonal workers to treat invasives. Retained receipts can only pay for prescribed burns. All other work must be done by contractors.

GENERAL DISCUSSION TOPICS:

Science Working Group (SWIG)- Dave explained that the new committee is creating a process for improved communication and information –sharing with the FS. Have been invited to attend biologists’ meetings, but have not yet received dates for those meetings. The SWIG thinks there is a lot of useful data out there and would like to see the FS increase use of it in their planning. At the recent meeting Jeff Uebel said that the FS is working on increasing its connection with OSU researchers. He also walked the SWIG through the updated monitoring plan and the group crafted some new questions for IRM to answer in its new multi-party monitoring contract. If anyone is interested, Kirk can send you a copy of the monitoring plan and questions. The SWIG anticipates inviting specialists to present at individual SG meetings in the future. For right now, it is focused on giving input to the Indian Creek EA.

Smith River/Dunes stewardship group – Casey circulated 2 maps of potential boundaries for this 5th SG. The convening of this new group has just started. SSG participants are encouraged to send Kirk names of stakeholders to invite to upcoming meetings.

Upcoming stewardship sales: Proposing Fence Thin for SSG area. Casey will bring maps to a SSG meeting in the Fall. Proposing 1 sale in MPSG, 2 in ASG and 1 in HSG for FY17.

Local Economic Area – Casey circulated map of zones that the SSG decided upon. After hearing the ASG’s similar plan, all meeting participants supported smoothing indentation on the map when the Spring Round Table discusses this issue.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND MEETING DATES:

Spring RT on May 16th – Dave will attend.

Science working group May 24th - Jane will work with Kirk on location. This meeting is open to

all.

Next SSG on June 2nd.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 2:45 pm.


June 2, 2016

Name Affiliation




Chandra LaGue Oregon Wild

Dan Carpenter SWC


WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS The meeting began at approximately 1:10 pm. REVIEW NOTES AND AGENDA Add FS update on the marbled Murrelet and spotted owl oversight. UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS USFS: Casey Hawes reported: Vacancies: Deputy District Ranger job announcement has closed and is in the selection

process. Mike Lang is detailed into that position until filled. The Assistant Fire Management Officer out of Waldport was filled. The GS-9 Fisheries position with a duty station at Reedsport is in the selection process. James Pettett, Hydrologist out of Waldport, is moving into Chuck Fisher’s position; therefore a GS-9 Hydrologist opening will be announced soon. There are two fisheries seasonal employees working at Five-mile Bell, as well as working on stream surveys. Dan commented that he would like to see a coordination effort to bring together all groups involved in Five-mile Bell. Johnny said that he believes that Paul Burns does have a schedule for all the projects. Dan would like to see access to that area controlled by the FS during the project period (a safety plan including a locked gate).

PARTNER UPDATES Dan Carpenter: There will be a General Meeting on June 29th at the Blachly Grange.

ODF&W will talk about corvids and predators as it relates to marbled murrelet. USGS will give an update on the barred owl removal. The SWC summer watershed camps will be held in three sessions beginning June 27th, with the 4th grade group. The other two sessions will be in July. The coho business plan is still in the works.

Johnny Sundstrom: He was unable to attend the round table, saying that his focus has shifted from western Oregon towards Montana, Colorado and Kenya. An endowment at OSU is being started by Shiloh’s friends that would provide for a stipend for a graduate


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student. Stitching the West author has awarded funding to the Institute to shift funding for Shiloh’s work.

Chandra LeGue: She attended an informational Coastal RAC meeting with BLM. Willamette National Forest collaborative groups are doing more stewardship contracting and will be meeting next week. Meetings are in progress to develop stewardship contract outlook projects on the Middle Fork. How long have the groups been in existence? South Santiam started 2 years ago (project based); North Santiam hasn’t been around as long; South Willamette, 1 year; and McKenzie started 2 ½ years ago.

Cascade Pacific – Kirk: The Wyden funds have been obligated. Seth and Tyler have contracts ready to go. The RFP is out for new applications with the deadline being September 1st. Kirk was invited to participate in a conference call with Senator Merkley concerning collaboratives and what the Senator can do to help. During that call, Kirk advocated for Stewardship as an effective tool, and also for getting funding for a report to see what the Stewardship groups’ affect has been on Counties. Johnny mentioned that RECC has a nice website with issue papers.

ROUND TABLE REVIEW AND TOPIC DISCUSSION Casey said that projected retained receipts is $361,000. There may be a reduction next year

due to contract modifications, although this year looks fine. Casey explained the impact for future sales as it concerns murrelet and spotted owl. Claim money would come from appropriated funds, depending on determinations. Casey explained the process for modifying contracts.

Smith River/Dunes Stewardship Group: There will be a meeting on Monday with the Smith River Watershed Council that will address how to move forward. There has been some delays due to key people being absent/transferring to other positions.

Science Work Group: This is an informational/advisory group open to anyone. They look at IRM monitoring scope to include invasive plants, snags, etc. So far, the consensus of the group is that the ID Team is looking outside the box and not following a rigid plan. Chandra said the group needs more transparency and Dan commented that the group needs a balanced view point. In future, the group may have a new name (perhaps the Adaptive Management group).

Local Area Decision by the USFS: Jerry Ingersoll attended the RT meeting. The decision was made that there would be two local area distinctions – one for Hebo and one for the Central Coast (Lane, Douglas and Coos County, from the Cascades to the ocean). There will no longer be tiers. FS is working on formalizing maps and a letter outlining these changes. There were various opinions expressed at the round table. Jerry said he would reassess the decision after a year. Chandra suggested that in a year, the FS assess if the change has been a reflection of the original purpose of local area. Johnny said that it is a loss of time and effort, adding there is a loss of foundation principles of the intent of the local area –it doesn’t help the economy of the local area. Johnny said that the decision would reinforce a perception that the FS has a lack of commitment to the local communities. There may be more competition, and more money, but a loss of care for local needs.


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Proposed Outreach Funds Process: Kirk led a discussion about pooling outreach funds of all the Siuslaw stewardship groups. One point made was the need for rapid response might be taken away if pooled. Another proposal was each group has one year to use the funds, the balance being added to a group fund if unused. Pooled money could be used to produce educational material to target commissioners, timber companies, etc. No decision is needed yet. A strategy is needed before pooling funds, addressing how money will be utilized and how the decisions would be made for those funds.

POTENTIAL WYDEN/USFS RETAINED RECEIPTS PROJECTS Casey handed out a list of ideas for potential projects such as fish barrier removal, revegetation on Marys Peak, Dunes restoration, treating invasive plants, snowy plover habitat enhancement, 2610 culvert replacement, etc. Kirk said there is a 25% match recommended for off-forest projects. Priority will be given to critical projects. These projects will be determined in October/November. FIELD TRIP DISCUSSION/POSSIBILITIES Ideas: Five-mile Bell Results of conservation easement thinning Site visits to off-forest projects FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AND MEETING DATES There will not be a meeting in July. Next meeting date is August 4th. Meeting adjourned at 3:05 pm.


August 4, 2016

Name Affiliation

Connie Barnes CPRCD Facilitator

Johnny Sundstrom Siuslaw Institute


Seth Mead Siuslaw SWCD

Dave Eisler SWC

Tyler Pedersen SWC

Dan Carpenter SWC

Mike Lang Acting Deputy DR, SNF


Mike Brinkley Sierra Club

Jen Haynes Sierra Club

1. Welcome and Introductions

Connie Barnes of Cascade Pacific facilitated the meeting. The meeting began an approximately 1 pm. Introductions were made noting visitors Mike and Jen, who were in attendance to gain insight into the Siuslaw Stewardship Group as a take-back to their own groups.

2. Review Notes & Agenda

Review June notes No changes

New business for agenda Connie noted that Cascade Pacific’s website will be updated to include the notes from previous meetings.

3. Updates and Announcements USFS Casey reported the following new hires:

o Deputy District Ranger, Garrit Craig, who will begin early September at Reedsport

o Fisheries Biologist, Ana Hernandez, who will begin August 15th at Reedsport

There are job vacancies: o GS-9 Hydrologist at Waldport

o GS-5/6/7 Timber Sale Appraiser at Waldport

o GS-6/7 OHV Crew Leader at Reedsport

o GS-5 OHV Work Leader at Reedsport

o GS-9 Recreation Planner at Waldport

The Indian Creek Project: Casey said the public comment period is now closed.

Siuslaw Stewardship Group Meeting Notes August 4, 2016

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Partner organizations/general announcements Johnny outlined the progress at 5-Mile Bell landscape restoration in cooperation with the SWC, FS, Siuslaw Institute, and contractors. The project, a former ranch, is in its third year, destined to be a ten year project. Johnny outlined the processes that are needed for the restoration project. Dave Eisler said that he talked to Jeff Ubel concerning wildlife meetings. The FS is currently dealing with wildlife issues, but those meetings will resume soon. Dave said they should know the next meeting date at the September stewardship group meeting. Casey added that he would email the next wildlife meeting notification to Kirk.

CPRCD updates Connie reported that there is an interactive map on the CP website that outlines the stewardship sales. It can be accessed at: http://www.cascadepacificstewardship.org/smartlist_41/meetings-publications/meetings-publications.

o Off-Forest application Technical Specialist sign-offs: There are eight projects in the pre-

application stage. Full applications are due September 1st.

o The Smith-Dunes Stewardship Group (SDSG) formation meeting that was on July 21st had

over 100 invites, with approximately 15 people attending. At that meeting, the group was

officially formed. The next meeting will be August 31st, 3-5pm, at the Reedsport office.

There will not be any stewardship proposals from the Smith-Dunes Stewardship Group this

year. There was great interest by BLM, Smith River Watershed Council, the Dunes

Collaborative (formerly the Dunes Restoration Strategy) and others.

o The SNF and CPRCD have been working closely with the existing Dunes collaborative

groups (SDSG and DRS). CPRCD submitted a Letter of Interest for a Pulling Together

Initiative (PTI) grant that if acquired would be used in part to form a sand-centric

Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA). Efforts will be made to combine groups

where applicable and avoid duplication between the groups. The end goal is to increase

efforts in battling invasive plants and threatened wildlife species. CPRCD will report more

on this as it develops.

4. Discuss Off-forest (aka Wyden) Project proposals for upcoming funding cycle

Siuslaw SWCD: Bear Creek Habitat Enhancement Phase 1 Seth gave a presentation to the group.

o Dave wanted to know how much it would cost to exclude the cattle grazing in that

area. Seth said he could ask.

Siuslaw WC: Cleveland Creek Hwy 36 Culvert Replacement Tyler gave a presentation to the group. o Johnny suggested having ODOT schedule the highway closures in ½ hour increments for

traffic. Perhaps an automated system?

o Johnny had suggested securing letters of intent from other grant providers to assure the

http://www.cascadepacificstewardship.org/smartlist_41/meetings-publications/meetings-publications

http://www.cascadepacificstewardship.org/smartlist_41/meetings-publications/meetings-publications

Siuslaw Stewardship Group Meeting Notes August 4, 2016

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different funding components of the project.

There was a discussion of how projects are funded. Dave asked Casey if there were examples of delayed projects because of a lapse of funding. Casey said it has happened in the past. Connie said that funding can be delayed for five years. Each year that the funds are not expended, they are rolled over. Johnny explained how roundtable makes decision selections of projects. This year there isn’t competition for funds as in recent years.

5. USFS retained receipts projects – Casey said there was no change. 6. Field trip discussion/possibilities

Connie and Casey presented the two field trip options that had been discussed at the last meeting: an Indian Creek tour or NSO field trip. Dave discussed having a follow-up marbled murrelet field trip from the MAMU field trip last year and proposed the possibility of a Norther spotted owl all stewardship group field trip and/or an outreach-funded event/field tour with legislative decision makers sometime after the next joint annual meeting. The group would like the SNF wildlife biologists to make a presentation on the status of the Northern spotted owl, management efforts, and successes and failures at the 2017 joint meeting. Casey said he would bring that up with the biologists. The group discussed activities what are permitted under the outreach funds. Casey added that food purchases are not permitted. Connie will work with Dave and Chandra - who will come up with a proposal for the Outreach Event/Trip and then circulate it among the group for a date in the early spring. Dave liked the idea of IC (I can’t remember what this was in reference to??? Dave can you help?) – to look at issues and plug in different people to promote the SSG. Although the interest was limited, the group agreed on September 19 for an Indian Creek project area field trip for the SSG. This was one of three dates the SNF biologists were available.

7. Future agenda items and meeting dates:

September 1- regular SSG meeting September 19 – SSG Indian Creek Field Trip (details TBD) August 31st - Smith-Dunes SG 2nd meeting, 3-5 pm @ ODNRA in Reedsport

Late October to early November - Fall Round Table (details TBD) 8. Adjourned at 2:45 pm.

Documents

In Casey’s absence, FS updates.€¦ · January 7, 2016 Name Affiliation Kirk Shimeall CPRCD Facilitator Johnny Sundstom Siuslaw Institute Christy Lewis Siuslaw NF/CCRD Dave Eisler