DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Forest Health and Restoration Project, National Forests in Alabama, Bankhead
National Forest, Winston, Lawrence and Franklin Counties, Alabama
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.
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SUMMARY: Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement on a proposal to emphasize forest health initiatives across the
Bankhead National Forest in a systematic five-year program involving:
1. Intermediate thinning of approximately 13,200 acres of
loblolly pine forest to favor conversion to native upland dry and very dry
(xeric) oak forest and woodland communities, reduce short-term risks to Southern
Pine Beetle (SPB) infestations, and reduce future forest fuel buildups.
2. Intermediate thinning of approximately 5,200 acres of
loblolly pine forest to favor conversation to native shortleaf/bluestem woodland
communities or very dry (xeric) pineoak forest and woodlands; reduce short-term
risks to SPB infestations; and reduce future forest fuel buildups.
3. Intermediated thinning of approximately 3,200 acres of
loblolly pine forest to favor conversion to native longleaf/bluestem woodland
communities; reduce short-term risks to SPB infestations; and reduce future
forest fuel buildups.
4. Natural reforestation and associated site preparation on
approximately 4,700 acres of areas impacted by SPB to restore these areas to
native upland dry and very dry (xeric) oak forest and woodland communities.
5. Artificial reforestation and associated site preparation on
approximately 2,200 acres of ares impacted by SPB to restore these areas to
native shortleaf/bluestem woodland communities.
6. Artificial reforestation and associated site preparation on
approximately 800 acres of areas impacted by SPB to restore these areas to
native longleaf/bluestem woodland communities.
DATES: Comments concerning this analysis should be received in
writing by July 6, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: District Ranger, Bankhead
NF, P.O. Box 278, Double Springs, AL 35553.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glen Gaines, District Ranger,
John Creed, EIS Team Leader, Kathy Wallace, Silviculturist, Tom Counts, Wildlife
Biologist, Telephone number: 205-489-5111, FAX Number: 205- 489-3427.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. The Proposal
The Forest Service proposes to implement a five-year schedule of
work to emphasize sustaining short- and long-term forest health and the
restoration of six (6) native upland forest community types, including all
associated plant and wildlife species, on the Bankhead National Forest located
in Winston, Lawrence, and Franklin Counties, Alabama. The proposed actions will
focus on (1) areas that are currently occupied by loblolly pine forest that are
between the ages of 15 and 45 years old and (2) areas 10 acres and larger
impacted by recent SPB infestations. The actions will include intermediate
thinning in loblolly pine forest, natural and artificial restoration to reforest
SPB impacted areas, and silvicultural site preparation of SPB impacted areas to
better insure successful reforestation efforts. Actions proposed include:
1. Intermediate thinning of approximately 13,200 acres of
loblolly pine forest to favor conversion to native upland dry and very dry
(xeric) oak forest and woodland communities, reduce short-term risks to SPB
infestations, and reduce future forest fuel buildups.
2. Intermediate thinning of approximately 5,200 acreas of
loblolly pine forest to favor conversion to native shortleaf/bluestem woodland
communities or very dry (xeric) pine-oak forest and woodlands, reduce short-term
risks to SPB infestations, and reduce future forest fuel buildups.
3. Intermediate thinning of approximately 3,200 acres of
loblolly pine forest to favor conversion to native longleaf/bluestem woodland
communities, reduce short-term risks to SPB infestations, and reduce future
forest fuel buildups.
4. Natural reforestation and site preparation with hand tools on
approximately 4,700 acres of areas impacted by SPB to restore these areas to
native upland dry and very dry (xeric) oak forest and woodland communities.
Prescribed firm may be used as a site preparation tool on some of these areas.
Site specific information is available at the Bankhead Ranger District office in
Double Springs, AL.
5. Artificial reforestation and site preparation by roller drum
chopping and prescribe fire on approximately 2,000 acres of areas impacted by
SPB to restore theses areas to native shortleaf/bluestem woodland communities.
Site specific information is available at the Bankhead Ranger District office in
Double Springs, AL.
6. Artificial reforestation and site preparation by roller drum
chopping and prescribe fire on approximately 800 acres of areas impacted by SPB
to restore these areas to native longleaf/bluestem woodland communities. Site
specific information is available at the Bankhead Ranger District office in
Double Springs, AL.
B. Needs for the Proposal
1. Begin the process of returning loblolly pine plantations to
longleaf/bluestem, shortleaf/bluestem, or upland hardwood ecosystems by
thinning.
2. Thinning will reduce the risk of SPB attack (Final
Environmental Impact Statement For the Suppression of the Southern Pine Beetle).
3. Restore areas heavily impacted by SPB to longleaf/bluestem,
shortleaf/bluestem, or upland hardwood by site preparation and planting or by
natural regeneration with or without site preparation.
C. Nature and Scope of the Decision to be Made
The Bankhead National Forest is in a unique position to
implement natural resource management actions aimed at sustaining a
representation of nine (9) forest community types that are native to the
Southern Cumberland Plateau physiographic region. Emphasis will be placed on
maintaining forest and plant community types not abundant on private lands.
These communities include fire dependent upland pine/ bluestem and oak woodland
ecosystems, mid-to late-successional deciduous forests (including cove)
hardwood/eastern hemlock forests), old-growth representation of all nine (9)
forest community types, and eight (8) rare plant community types.
After the ice age receded approximately 10,000 years ago, the
composition of deciduous and pine forests in eastern North America prior to
European settlement was largely influenced by climate, natural events (both
large-scale and small-scale) and the use of fire by Native Americans. There is
increasing evidence that humans actively used woodland fires on a regular basis
for a variety of reasons and the forests European settlers first encountered
were a result of regular occurrence of fire. This included both upland hardwood
forests/ woodlands and pine woodlands.
Over the last 100-200 years, fire has been effectively excluded
from forests throughout the southern Cumberland Plateau, including the area that
is now the Bankhead National Forest. without fire, the range of native, fire
dependent forest communities has not been maintained and is now very uncommon
across the North Alabama landscape. These communities include the shortleaf/bluestem
woodlands, very dry (xeric) oak-pine woodlands, dry and very dry (xeric) oak
forest and woodlands, and the northern extent of longleaf/bluestem woodlands.
The absence of fire, in combination with major land use changes, has also
resulted in a decline of native grassland and shrub conditions that should be
common in some of the upland forests. In turn, a decline in native plant and
animal diversity across the region has occurred.
The Alabama National Forest (now the northern portion of the
Bankhead National Forest) was established in 1914 as a result of the Weeks Act,
for the primary purpose of helping to protect the nations watersheds and
streams. During the early years the emphasis of the Forest Service was land
acquisition and custodial responsibilities. Beginning in the 1930s, the Civilian
Conservation Corp provided the labor needed to reestablish forests on abandoned
farmland and previously cutover land, which was mostly in the uplands. The
primary species used to reestablish forest conditions was loblolly pine.
Beginning in the 1960s, the Forest Service initiated new efforts to improve
forest economic yields by replacing some upland hardwood forests with faster
growing loblolly pine. At the time, loblolly pine offered the best chance of
high survival and success in reforestation. These efforts, along with some
natural establishment of loblolly pine, have resulted in approximately 68,000
acres typed as loblolly pine on the Bankhead. While loblolly pine is a native
tree species, the dominance of pure stands of loblolly pine is probably not
typical of native, fire dependent woodlands occurring in the uplands.
Over the past decade, the Bankhead National Forest has been
experiencing Southern Pine Beetle infestations at epidemic levels, primarily in
loblolly pine forests. The epidemic peaked in the summer of 2000 and continued
at very high levels through 2001. An estimate 21,000 acres of pine forest have
been killed by this epidemic. Most of the mortality occurred within the Sipsey
Wilderness, Proposed Thompson Creek Back Country Area, Kinlock Study Area, High
Town Path Study Area, Indian Tomb Hollow Study Area, and Proposed Flint Creek
Botanical area where suppression efforts did not take place. The epidemic has
resulted in large acres of standing dead trees that are a public safety hazard
along trails/roads and these areas have increased forest fuel loads that
escalate the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the future.
Approximately 47,000 acres typed as loblolly pine remain on the
Bankhead. Of these acres, there are approximately 22,100 acres of loblolly pine
forest between the age of 15 and 45 years old with an immediate need for
intermediate thinning to reduce the risk of SPB attack (Final Environmental
Impact Statement for the Suppression of the Southern Pine Beetle).
This proposal will restore and sustain six (6) upland forest and
woodland communities on approximately 29,100 acres currently types as loblolly
pine. The restoration will be initiated with intermediate commercial thinning on
approximately 21,800 acres and reforestation actions on approximately 7,500
acres included within the scope of this decision.
Existing Forest Communities Not Within the Scope of This
Decision
1. Six (6) of the deciduous community types currently exist on
approximately 85,295 acres throughout the Bankhead National Forest and are not
within the scope of this decision. These areas will be characterized as mid- to
late-successional deciduous forests. These forests will have a continuous
dominant canopy of large trees, with occasional small gaps up to \1/2\ acre in
size. Fire has not significantly influenced the composition of these
communities, so most have a well-developed shrub and mid-story canopy. The
communities and approximate acres include:
Community type and Estimated existing acres
Northern Hardwood Forest -- 1,455
Mixed Mesophytic (Cove-Hemlock)Forest -- 14,365
Eastern Riverfornt Forest -- 4,381
Moderately moist (mesic) Oak Forest -- 46,131
Dry and Moderately moist (mesic) Oak-Pine Forest -- 15,041
Dry and Very dry (xeric) Oak Forest -- 3,922
These forests will contribute a range of habitat conditions that
vary from suitable to optimal for those species of plants and animals typically
found in association with forests of these successional stages. Some
representatives of the species typically found within this range of habitat
conditions in the mid to late successional stages of bottomland and other
deciduous forest include the hooded warbler, cerulean warbler, summer tanager,
wood thrush, Louisiana water thrush, Acadian flycatcher, white-tailed deer,
eastern wild turkey, Indiana bat and the eastern gray squirrel.
2. Additional pine community types currently exist on
approximately 61,532 acres throughout the Bankhead National Forest and are not
within the scope of this decision. The conditions of these areas range from
early successional (0-10 years of age) forests to mid- and late- successional
forests. The early successional pine forests are in grass/ shrub to
seedling/sapling conditions. Some of these grass/forb areas contain sparse
over-story pine. The mid-late successional forest have continuous dominant
canopy of medium to large-sized trees of moderate tree density. The frequency of
fire has not significantly influenced the composition of these communities so
most have a well-developed shrub and/or mid-story canopy. The communities and
approximate acres include:
Community type and Estimated existing acres
Longleaf Pine and Longleaf-Hardwood -- 1,549
Dry and very dry (xeric) Pine and Pine-Oak Forest -- 8,777
Loblolly Pine, Mixed Pine, and Loblolly-Hardwood -- 51,206
These forests will contribute suitable and optimal habitat for
southern pine plant and animal associates, mixed very dry (xeric) forest
associates, early successional plant and animal associates, game species, and
cave species (those requiring forest conditions for summer maternity/roosting).
D. Proposed Scoping Process
The scoping period associated with this Notice of Intent (NOI)
will be thirty (30) days in length, beginning the day after publication of this
notice. Preliminary scoping for this proposal began in November 2001 when
information was shared with the public on the proposal and plans to document the
analysis in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Public meetings will be
held on June 27, and June 29,2002, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss the proposal
and visit some selected areas that may be treated.
The Bankhead National Forest is seeking additional information,
comments, and assistance from Federal, State, and local agencies and other
individuals or organizations that may be interested in or affected by the
proposed action. This input will be used in preparation of the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The scoping process includes:
1. Identifying potential issues.
2. Identifying issues to be analyzed in depth.
3. Eliminating insignificant issues or those, which have been covered by a
relevant previous environmental analysis.
4. Exploring additional alternatives.
5. Identifying potential environmental effects of the proposed action and
alternatives.
E. Preliminary Issues Identified to Date Include
1. Protection of soil and water resources.
2. Impacts of the proposed treatments on Federally listed species of plants and
wildlife, which are defined by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended,
Forest Service Regional Forester's Sensitive Species list, and upon locally rate
species.
3. Short and long term impacts on recreational experiences on the Bankhead
National Forest.
4. Protection of cultural resources.
5. Effects on management indicator species.
F. Possible Alternatives Identified to Date Include
1. No Action: This alternative will serve as a baseline for
comparison of alternatives. Present management activities will continue but the
proposed project will not be done. This alternative will be fully developed and
analyzed.
2. Proposed Action:
Restoration Activities for Native Upland Deciduous Forests and
Woodlands
There will be intermediate thinning of approximately 13,200
acres of loblolly pine forest to favor conversion to dry and very dry (xeric)
oak forest and woodlands, moderately moist (mesic) oak forests, and dry and
moderately moist (mesic) oak-pine forests, reduce short-term risks to SPB
infestations, and reduce forest fuel buildups.
The loblolly pine thinning program will reduce basal area to
between 50 to 70 square feet per acre. Trees favored for retention in order of
priority in these areas will include (1) dominant hardwood trees, (2)
co-dominant hardwood trees, and (3) dominant/co-dominant pine. The favored
hardwood species will include a variety of oak and hickory species. Consultation
will be conducted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding coordination
of restoration activities with Recovery Plans for Federally listed species. The
top priority stands for thinning will be those between 15-45 years old, with
high tree densities. It is proposed that all timber sale harvest options be
available for this program.
The thinning will allow the development of young oak, hickory,
and other associated hardwood species in the understory that are intolerant of
shade. In some cases, the thinning will actually shift the forest condition from
predominantly pine forest to a predominatly deciduous forest condition.
Natural reforestation, with or without site preparation, as well
as the possibility of artificial reforestation, will be conducted on
approximately 4,700 acres of former loblolly pine forest impacted by SPB
infestations. Site preparation may include mechanical treatment, prescribed
burning or a combination of both. Some areas may be left to regenerate naturally
without site preparation. These activities will restore these sites to dry and
very dry (xeric) oak forest and woodlands, moderately moist (mesic) oak forests,
and dry and moderately moist (mesic) oak-pine forests.
Desired Outcome for Upland Deciduous forest Restoration Effort
1. Dry and Very dry (xeric) Oak Forest and Woodland Community
The dry and very dry (xeric) oak forest and woodland community
type will be restored on the northern portion of the Bankhead National Forest.
These areas will be characterized as mid- to late-successional forests. These
forests are characterized as having canopies ranging from closed forest
conditions to open woodland conditions, with occasional small gaps up to \1/2\
acre in size. Dominant over story trees will include white oak, black oak,
chestnut oak, scarlet oak, and post oak. The occurrence of dormant season fire
in these areas, 1 or 2 times per decade, will restrict tree density and promote
the growth of shade intolerant grasses, forbs, and shrubs in some areas and in
other areas these forests will have a well developed shrub and mid-story canopy.
These forests will contribute a range of habitat conditions that
vary from suitable to optimal for those species of plants and animals typically
found in association with forests of these successional stages. Some
representatives of the species typically found within this range of habitat
conditions in the mid to late successional stages of deciduous forest include
the hooded warbler, pileated woodpecker, cerulean warbler, white-tailed deer,
eastern wild turkey and the eastern gray squirrel.
2. Moderately Moist (Mesic) Oak Forest and Dry and Moderately
Moist (Mesic) Oak-Pine Forest Community
The moderately moist (mesic) oak forest and dry and moderately
moist (mesic) oak-pint forest community types will be restored on the northern
portion of the Bankhead National Forest. These areas will be characterized as
mid- to late-successional forests.
These forests will have a continuous dominant canopy of medium-
sized trees, with occasional small gaps up to \1/2\ acre in size. Dominant over
story trees will include northern hardwood, chestnut oak, black oak, scarlet
oak, pignut hickory, mockernut hickory, shagbark hickory, loblolly pine, and
shortleaf pine. American chestnut historically was a major species in this
forest community. On dry sites, the occurrence of low intensity fire in these
areas, 1 or 2 times per decade, will help maintain the oak component by
eliminating fire-sensitive competitors and stimulate oak regeneration. On
moderately moist (mesic) sites these forests will have a well-developed shrub
and mid-story canopy.
These forests will contribute a range of habitat conditions that
vary from suitable to optimal for those species of plants and animals typically
found in association with forests of these successional stages. Some
representatives of the species typically found within this range of habitat
conditions in the mid to late successional stages of deciduous forest include
the hooded warbler, pileated woodpecker, cerulean warbler, white-tailed deer,
eastern wild turkey and the eastern gray squirrel.
Restoration Activities for Native Shortleaf/Bluestem Woodlands
There will be intermediate thinning of approximately 5,200 acres
of loblolly pine forest to favor conversion to very dry (xeric) shortleaf/
bluestem woodlands and very dry (xeric) pine-oak forest and woodlands. This
action will also reduce short-term risks to SPB infestations and reduce forest
fuel buildups.
The loblolly pine thinning program will reduce basal area to
between 60 to 70 square feet per acre. Trees favored for retention in order of
priority in these areas will include (1) shortleaf pine, (2) longleaf pine, (3)
loblolly pine, and (4) dominant/codominant oaks/ hickory. The favored hardwood
species will include a variety of oak and hickory species. Consultation will be
conducted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding coordination of
restoration activities with Recovery Plans for Federally listed species. The top
priority stands for thinning will be those between 15-45 years old, with high
tree densities. It is proposed that all timber sale harvest options be available
for this program.
The thinning will lower tree densities that will allow the
development of understory, fire-dependent grasses and shrubs that are intolerant
of shade. This thinning will precede future restoration activities that will
gradually replace the existing loblolly pine with shortleaf pine as predominant
species.
Artificial reforestation and site preparation will be conducted
on approximately 2,000 acres of former loblolly pine forest impacted by SPB
infestations. Site preparation may include mechanical treatment, prescribed
burning or a combination of both. Shortleaf seedlings will be planted
artificially to assure adequate stocking. In addition, prescribed burning will
be utilized as an intermediate to help achieve the desired restoration. These
activities will restore these sites to very dry (xeric) shortleaf/bluestem
woodlands.
Desired Outcome of Shortleaf/Bluestem Woodland Community
Restoration Effort
The very dry (xeric) shortleaf/bluestem woodland and very dry
(xeric) pine-oak forest and woodland community types will be restored on the
central portion of the Bankhead National Forest. These areas will be
characterized as mid- to late-successional forests. These forests are
characterized as having open woodland conditions, with occasional small gaps up
to \1/2\ acre in size. The dominant over story tree will be shortleaf pine.
Other trees species that will be found at lower densities are: Virginia pine,
loblolly pine, scarlet oak, chestnut oak, southern red oak, white oak, blackjack
oak, and pignut hickory. The occurrence of dormant and growing season fire in
these areas, 2 or 3 times per decade, will restrict tree density and promote the
growth of shade intolerant native grasses, forbs, and shrubs.
If maintained by fire, this portion of the forest will
contribute a range of habitat conditions that vary from suitable to optimal for
those species of plants and animals typically found in association with forests
of these open conditions. Some representatives of the species typically within
this range of habitat conditions in the native shortleaf and bluestem woodland
include the prairie warbler, orchard oriole, northern bobwhite quail,
white-tailed deer, and eastern wild turkey.
Restoration Activities for Native Longleaf/Bluestem Woodlands
There will be intermediate thinning of approximately 3,200 acres
of loblolly pine forest to favor conversion to longleaf/bluestem woodlands, to
reduce short-terms risks to SPB infestations, and to reduce forest fuel
buildups.
The loblolly pine thinning program will reduce basal area to
between 60 to 70 square feet per acre. These favored for retention in order of
priority in these areas will include (1) longleaf pine, (2) shortleaf or
loblolly pine, and (3) dominant/codominant oaks/hickory. The favored hardwood
species will include a variety of oak and hickory species. Consultation will be
conducted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding coordination of
restoration activities with Recovery Plans for Federally listed species. The top
priority stands for thinning will be those between 15-45 years old, with high
tree densities. It is proposed that all timber sale harvest options be available
for this program.
The thinning will lower tree densities that will allow the
development of understory, fire-dependent grasses and shrubs that are intolerant
of shade. This thinning will precede future restoration activities that will
gradually replace the existing loblolly pine with longleaf pine as predominant
species.
Artificial reforestation and site preparation will be conducted
on approximately 800 acres of former loblolly pine forest impacted by SPB
infestations. Site preparation may include mechanical treatment, prescribed
burning or a combination of both. Longleaf seedlings will be planted
artificially to assure adequate stocking. In addition, prescribed burning will
be utilized as an intermediate treatment to help achieve the desired future
conditions. These activities will restore these sites to very dry (xeric)
longleaf/bluestem woodlands.
Desired Outcome of Longleaf/Bluestem Woodland Community
Restoration Effort
The longleaf/bluestem woodland community types will be restored
on the southern portion of the Bankhead National Forest. These areas will be
characterized as mid- to late-successional forests. These forests are
characterized as having open woodland conditions, with occasional small gaps up
to \1/2\ acre in size. The dominant over story tree will be longleaf pine. Other
trees species that will be found at lower densities are: Virginia pine, loblolly
pine, scarlet oak, chestnut oak, southern red oak, white oak, blackjack oak, and
pignut hickory. The occurrence of dormant and growing season fire in these
areas, 2 or 3 times per decade, will restrict tree density and promote the
growth of shade intolerant native grasses, forbs, and shrubs.
These areas of the forest will contribute a range of habitat
conditions for native species of plants and wildlife. This range of conditions
will vary from suitable to optimal for those species of plants and animals
typically found in association with forests of these open conditions.
Maintenance by prescribed fire is necessary to have the optimal conditions. Some
representatives of the wildlife species typically found within this range of
habitat conditions in the native longleaf pine and bluestem woodlands include
the prairie warbler, brown-headed nuthatch, red-cockaded woodpecker, northern
bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer and eastern wild turkey.
G. Special Permit Needs
There are no special permits required from any State or Federal
agencies in order to implement this project. Consultation with U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service as required by section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973,
as amended, will be conducted for all needed activities.
H. Lead Agency
The USDA Forest Service is the lead agency for this project. The
Bankhead Ranger District requests that comments be as specific as possible for
this proposal, and be sent to: District Ranger Glen Gaines, USDA, Forest
Service, P.O. Box 278, Double Springs, AL 35553.
It is estimated that the draft EIS will be available for public
comment by July 31, 2003. It is very important that those interested in this
proposed action participate at this time. To be helpful, comments on the DEIS
should be as specific as possible and may address the adequacy of the statement
or the merits of the alternatives discussed (see the Council on Environmental
quality Regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the National
Environmental Policy Act at 40 CFR 1503.3)
In addition, Federal court decisions have established that
reviewers of DEIS's must structure their participation in the environmental
review of the proposal so that it is meaningful and alerts the agency to the
reviewers' position and contentions: Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC,
435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Environmental objections that could have been raised
at the draft stage may be waived if not raised until after completion of the
final environmental impact statement (FEIS). City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d
1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F.Supp.
1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). The reason for this is to ensure that substantive
comments and objections are made available to the Forest Service at a time when
it can meaningful consider them and respond to them in the FEIS.
I. Estimated date for FEIS
After the comment period ends on the DEIS, the comments will be
analyzed, considered, and responded to by the Forest Service in preparing the
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). The FEIS is scheduled to be
completed by November 17, 2003. The responsible official will consider the
comments, responses, environmental consequences discussed in the final
supplement, applicable laws, regulations, and policies in making a decision
regarding this proposal. The responsible official will document the decision and
reasons for the decision in the Record of Decision. That decision will be
subject to appeal under 36 CFR 215. The responsible official for this project
will be Glen Gaines, District Ranger for the Bankhead Ranger District, National
Forests in Alabama at: P.O. Box 278, Double Springs, AL 35553.
Dated: May 17, 2002.
Glen D. Gaines,
District Ranger.
[FR Doc. 02-13069 Filed 5-23-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Forest Health and RCW Initiative, National Forests in Alabama, Talladega
National Forest, Talladega and Shoal Creek Ranger Districts, Calhoun, Cherokee,
Clay, Cleburne, and Talladega Counties, AL
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.
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SUMMARY: The Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement on a proposal to emphasize forest health initiatives across the
Talladega and Shoal Creek Ranger Districts in a systematic five- year program
involving:
1. Removal of offsite, high-risk stands, on approximately 9,136
acres of declining loblolly and Virginia pine. This includes 500 acres of
non-commercial treatments in longleaf stands that need restoration activities.
This forest health treatment will restore the areas to longleaf pine and will
include both artificial and natural regeneration. Treatments will range from
complete removal of all species except favored hardwoods and longleaf pine, to
intense thinning with enough longleaf pine left to naturally reestablish itself.
Favored hardwoods species will include a variety of oak and hickory species.
The site preparation methods associated with these treatments
will range from, or include a combination of prescribe burning, mechanical, and
chemical treatment of competing vegetation. Chemical treatment of restoration
stands will include directed folair spray of a 3% solution of Garlon 4, \1/2\%
Arsonal, and \1/2\% Sidekick. For injection, a 50% solution of Garlon 3a will be
used.
2. Intermediate thinning on approximately 3,047 acres of red-
cockaded woodpecker (RCW) habitat inside the RCW Habitat Management Area (HMA).
3. Intermediate thinning of approximately 6,534 acres of 20-45
year old loblolly pine stands to increase vigor and growth, reduce short- term
risk of Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) infestation, and begin the restoration
process of longleaf pine. Site specific information is available at the
Talladega Ranger District Office in Talladega, AL. and the Shoal Creek Ranger
office in Heflin, AL.
DATES: Comments concerning this analysis should be received in
writing by July 10, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: EIS Team Leader, Talladega
Ranger District, 1001 North Street, Talladega, AL 35160.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tony Tooke, Talladega District
Ranger, Earl Stewart, Shoal Creek District Ranger, Jeff Seefeldt, EIS Team
Leader, Telephone number: (256) 362-2909, FAX number: (256) 362-0823.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. The Proposal
The Forest Service proposes to implement a five-year schedule of
work to address declining forest health and improve red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW)
habitat. The goal is to create and restore natural conditions that historically
withstand SPB and premature die-off or decline.
Additionally, the restoration and forest health initiative will
enhance habitat for a viable RCW recovery population on the Talladega National
Forest located in Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, and Talladega Counties,
Alabama.
The proposed action will focus on (1) Areas that are currently
occupied by loblolly pine between the ages of 20-45 years old, (2) areas within
the RCW HMA, and (3) areas of offsite, high risk stands of loblolly/Virginia
pine.
The actions will include intermediate thinning in loblolly pine
forests, intermediate thinning in RCW HMA's for habitat improvement, and
restoration treatments (restoration cuts, thinning, etc.) to restore longleaf
pine through artificial and natural regeneration.
Actions proposed include:
(1) Intermediate thinning of approximately 6,534 acres of 20-45 year old
loblolly pine stands to increase vigor and growth, reduce short-term risk of SPB
infestation, and as the first step towards longleaf restoration.
(2) Intermediate thinning of approximately 3,047 acres of red-
cockaded woodpecker (RCW) habitat inside the RCW Habitat Management Area (HMA).
(3) Removal of offsite, high-risk stands on approximately 9,136
acres of declining loblolly and Virginia pine. This includes 500 acres of
non-commercial treatments. This forest health treatment will restore the areas
to longleaf and will include both include artificial and natural regeneration.
Treatments will range from complete removal of all species except favored
hardwoods and longleaf; to intense thinning with enough longleaf left to
naturally reestablish itself. The site preparation associated with these
treatments will include prescribe burning and/or chemical treatment of competing
vegetation as stated on page 2. Site-specific information is available at the
Talladega Ranger office in Talladega, AL. and the Shoal Creek Ranger office in
Heflin, AL.
B. Needs for the Proposal
1. Begin the process of improving forest health and vigor by
thinning loblolly pine stands as the first step toward restoring a longleaf pine
ecosystem and reducing short-term risk of SPB infestation and other risks
associated with insect/disease infestations.
2. Reduce tree spacing to create, maintain, and improve RCW
habitat.
3. Restore longleaf pine ecosystem to areas occupied by loblolly
and Virginia pine that are of poor health, offsite, and have a high risk of
insect/disease infestation and to improve existing longleaf stands through
non-commercial treatments.
C. Nature and Scope of the Decision To Be Made
Whether to, and to what extent, implement a 5 year schedule of
work that will improve forest health by thinning overstocked pine stands
impacted by decline, disease and SPB; remove trees in over-crowded RCW area's to
create and maintain, or improve suitable habitat; and use of restoration cuts to
restore longleaf pine on historic longleaf pine sites. There are forest health
issues that are common to the Talladega and Shoal Creek Ranger Districts. These
issues, as with most forest health issues, are the end results of the following
history of events:
Pre-settlement forests, prior to 1830, were predominantly
longleaf pine and fire adapted species of oaks and hickories. The bottom were
predominantly hardwood communities. A mix of hardwoods, loblolly pine, shortleaf
pine, and some longleaf pine were in transition zones between the uplands and
bottoms.
Natural fires (along with the influences of fuels, climate and
moisture) maintained this ecosystem and species composition through time.
Wildlife species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, that depended on this
natural ecosystem were widespread.
The fire dependent longleaf pine ecosystem was the most
prevalent forest type in the south during pre-settlement times. Forests were
cleared for farming and charcoal production to furnish the iron industry. Based
on early journals, the original ecosystem was maintained with frequent natural
fires. The natural, upland forest community was primarily longleaf pine with
associated shrubs and fire tolerant hardwoods. From 1908-1929 there was
large-scale removal of longleaf pine for lumber and to fuel the iron industry.
Federal acquisition, relocation of farm families and
establishment of National Forests took place from 1935-1940. During this time
period there were large-scale soil stabilization projects completed through
reforestation efforts. The primary species planted was loblolly pine due to
availability of seed and early success establishing stands of loblolly. From
1940-1950 there was intensive fire suppression along with continued
reforestation efforts and loss of natural shortleaf pine stands due to
littleleaf disease. During the 1960's the first signs of loblolly decline were
reported and research results from the 1990's show littleleaf disease as one
pathogen causing loblolly decline.
Over the past decade, the Talladega and Shoal Creek Ranger
District's has been experiencing Southern Pine Beetle infestations at epidemic
levels, primarily in loblolly pine and Virginia pine stands. The epidemic peaked
in the summer of 2000 and continued at very high levels through through 2001.
These infestations have contributed to the immediate need for intermediate
thinning to reduce the risk of SPB attack (Final Environmental Impact Statement
For the Suppression of the Southern Pine Bettle).
Continued loss of imperiled longleaf pine communities, declining
forest health, and the loss of red-cockaded woodpeaker habitat due to over
stocking are our primary concerns or reason for initiating this project.
As a result of initial field examinations we propose to thin, as
the first phase of longleaf restoration and to also improve stand health, 6,534
acres of loblolly/Virginia pine, thin 3,047 acres of RCW habitat, and convert
9,136 acres back to longleaf.
D. Proposed Scoping Process
The scoping period associated with this Notice of Intent (NOI)
will be thirty (30) days in length, beginning the day after publication.
Preliminary scoping for this proposal began in February, 2002, when information
was shared with the public on the proposal and plans to document the analysis in
an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A public meeting at the Talladega
Ranger District office will be held on June 13, and June 15, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
to discuss the proposal and visit some selected areas that may be treated.
The Talladega National Forest, Talladega and Shoal Creek Ranger
Districts, is seeking additional information, comments, and assistance from
Federal, State, and local agencies and other individuals or organizations that
may be interested in or affected by the proposed action. This input will be used
in preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The scoping
process includes:
1. Identifying potential issues.
2. Identify issues to be analyzed in depth.
3. Eliminating insignificant issues or those, which have been covered by a
relevant previous environmental analysis.
4. Exploring additional alternatives.
5. Identifying potential environmental effects of the proposed action and
alternatives.
E. Preliminary Issues Identified to Date Include
1. Protection of soil and water resources.
2. Impacts of the proposed treatments on Federally listed species of plants and
wildlife, which are defined by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended,
Forest Service Regional Forester's Sensitive Species list, and upon locally rare
species.
3. Protection of cultural resources.
4. Potential effects to management indicator species.
F. Possible Alternatives Identified to Date Include
1. No Action: This alternative will serve as a baseline for
comparison of alternatives. Present management activities will continue but the
proposed project will not be done. This alternative will be fully developed and
analyzed.
2. Proposed Action: Intermediate thinning of approximately 6,534
acres of 20-45 year old loblolly pine stands will be an initial step to
improving forest health, reducing short-term SPB infestation risks, and
restoring these areas to a longleaf pine ecosystem. Thinning will take place in
stands that are over crowded, and it is proposed to allow the remaining trees
more room to grow and increase tree vigor and health. It is anticipated that
approximately 70 square feet of basal area per acre will remain in thinned
areas.
This proposal also includes thinning of 3,047 acres to enhance
and/ or create existing or potential RCW habitat. Current areas providing RCW
habitat are overstocked. Thinning these areas will create optimal conditions for
RCW recruitment/replacement stands and foraging habitat.
The restoration treatments in the proposed action will encompass
9,136 acres. The types of tree removal, site preparation, and regeneration will
vary according to site conditions and whether longleaf is present to provide a
seed source. Restoration cuts will include complete removal of off-site species
(excluding longleaf and favored hardwoods such as oaks and hickories), and
thinning of existing off-site species. Site preparation methods associated with
these treatments will range from or include a combination of prescribed burning,
mechanical, and chemical treatment of competing vegetation. Chemical treatment
of restoration stands will include directed foliar spray of a 3% solution of
Garlon 4, \1/2\% Arsonal, and \1/2\% Sidekick. For injection, a 50% solution of
Garlon 3 will be used. Regeneration of longleaf pine will depend on residual
longleaf in the areas to be restored. Planted containerized longleaf, natural
regeneration, or a combination of both will be the options for the restoration
proposal.
3. Modified Proposed Action: This alternative would include a
five- year program of thinning and restoration cuts. Site preparation would be
done using mechanized equipment. Release of seedlings would be with hand tools.
No herbicides would be used.
G. Special Permit Needs
There are no special permits required from any State or Federal
agencies in order to implement this project.
H. Lead Agency
The USDA Forest Service is the lead agency for this project.
The Talladega and Shoal Creek Ranger Districts requests that
comments be as specific as possible for this proposal and be sent to: EIS Team
Leader Jeff Seefeldt, USDA Forest Service, 101 North Street, Talladega, AL
35160.
It is estimated that the draft EIS (DEIS) will be available for
public comment by July 31, 2003. It is very important that those interested in
this proposed action participate at this time.
To be helpful, comments on the DEIS should be as specific as
possible and may address the adequacy of the statement of the merits of the
alternative discussed (see the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for
implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act
at 4 CFR 1503.3).
In addition, Federal court decisions have established that
reviewers of DEIS's must structure their participation in the environmental
review of the proposal so that it is meaningful and alerts the agency to the
reviewers' position and contentions: Vermon Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NROC,
435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Environmental objections that could have been raised
at the draft stage may be waived if not raised until after completion of the
final environmental impact statement FEIS). City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d
1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp.
1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). The reason for this is to ensure that substantive
comments and objections are made available to the Forest Service at a time when
it can meaningfully consider them and respond to them in the FEIS.
I. Estimated Date for FEIS
After the comment period ends on the DEIS, the comments will be
analyzed, considered, and responded to by the Forest Service in preparing the
final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). The FEIS is scheduled to be
completed by November 17, 2003. The responsible officials will consider the
comments, responses, environmental consequences discussed in the final
supplement, applicable laws, regulations, and policies in making a decision
regarding this proposal. The responsible officials will document the decision
and reasons for the decision in the Record of Decision. That decision will be
subject to appeal under 3 CFR, part 215.
The responsible officials for this project will be Tony Tooke,
District Ranger for the Talladega Ranger District, National Forests in Alabama
at: 1001 North Street, Talladega, AL 35160 and Earl Stewart, District Ranger,
Shoal Creek Ranger District, National Forests in Alabama at : 2390 Hwy. 46,
Heflin, AL 36264.
Dated: May 28, 2002.
Tony Tooke,
District Ranger. Dated: May 30, 2002.
Earl Stewart,
District Ranger.
[FR Doc. 02-14014 Filed 6-04-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M
