APPENDIX I - a123.g.akamai.neta123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic... · 1 Proper...
Transcript of APPENDIX I - a123.g.akamai.neta123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic... · 1 Proper...
APPENDIX I
Proper Functioning Condition Surveys
1
Proper Functioning Condition Assessment
Standard Checklist and Evaluation
Name of Riparian-Wetland Area: Schurtz Creek, Van and Story-Fry Allotments, Reach 1,
Segment 1
Date: 11/15/04
Miles: Segment 1=2.24 mi. of Reach 1= 3.79 mi. (from confluence with Calamity Creek to the
enclosure on Schurtz Creek)
ID Team Observers: Zelley-Range specialist, Rick Vetter- Fisheries Biologist, Lori Bailey-
Planner/Botanist, and Barbara Howard and Alfred Dunten, permittees for the Van Allotment.
Acres: 7,834 acres Schurtz Creek Subwatershed
Stream Overview:
Schurtz Creek is a third order stream and a tributary to Calamity Creek located in the
Calamity Creek subwatershed within the Wolf Creek watershed of the Upper Malheur sub-
basin and lies entirely within the Malheur National Forest. (In 2003 the Schurtz Creek
watershed was incorporated into the Calamity Creek watershed) Segment 1 represents that
part of Reach 1, which is below the Schurtz Creek enclosure. This segment also includes the
portion of Schurtz Creek that is fenced into the Story-Fry allotment, as a water gap.
Yes No N/A HYDROLOGY
1) Floodplain above bankfull is inundated in “relatively frequent” events
This reach has a combination of short segments consisting of rocky steep gradients with
narrow channels and short wide areas with less gradient and wider floodplains. Overall the
gradient was about 2%. This answer pertains mostly to the unconfined channels with
relatively wide floodplains since parts of the floodplain in the steep narrow segments are
limited in size and function due to the natural character of the narrow rocky confined channel
and steep valley slopes.
Large infrequent events may enter the floodplain, but frequent events appear to be restricted
to the channel. The amount of channel deposition, bank erosion and debris jams, indicates a
lack of energy dissipation across the floodplain. There is a lack of interaction between the
channel and the floodplain. The lack of surface flow in the lower segment of this reach may
also indicate a lack of frequent flooding of the floodplain. Frequent flooding of the floodplain
allows riparian areas to be recharged, maintaining obligate riparian species with dense root
systems that retain soil moisture and slowly dissipate the water during the summer into the
channel. Down cutting and widening of the channel is limiting flood flows onto the floodplain,
reducing the interaction of the stream with the adjacent floodplain and limiting the natural
beneficial hydrologic functions that should be occurring in these areas.
2) Where beaver dams are present they are active and stable
3) Sinuosity, width/depth ratio, and gradient are in balance with the
landscape setting (i.e., landform, geology, and bio-climatic region)
Sinuosity and gradient are closer in balance with the natural landscape, but overhanging
banks are lacking. Width depth ratios are greater than 10.
4) Riparian-wetland area is widening or has achieved potential extent
There is an increase in shallow rooted grasses (bluegrass) and in some cases sagebrush, on the
2
floodplain which indicates the riparian wetland is narrowing and the water table is falling.
This usually occurs with the lack of floodplain development as described in question # 1. Parts
of the lower segment in the confined channel would be a NA since the landform dictates the
functionality, and there is no potential for wetland vegetation.
5) Upland watershed is not contributing to riparian-wetland degradation
There is evidence of cementing of the streams substrate and overloading of point bars which
indicate a no answer. However without further studies it is unclear what amounts of sediment,
and overland flows are being contributed from uplands or altered streambanks. The uplands
are overstocked with timber, and encroached with western juniper resulting in a degraded
understory of shrubs, forbs and grasses. Soils may be compacted beyond the normal range of
variability which would also affect runoff. Bulk density evaluations of soils and water
infiltration rates may also help determine if the uplands and or riparian floodplains are
contributing to the wetland degradation. It should be noted that this item pertains to whether
uplands are contributing to the degradation of riparian wetland areas, and not the condition
of the uplands.
Yes No N/A VEGETATION
6) There is diverse age-class distribution of riparian-wetland vegetation
(recruitment for maintenance/recovery)
There is a non-continuous pattern of sedges scattered along the banks and the mid age class of
shrubs is lacking. There are more old decadent alder and willow, and few young .
7) There is diverse composition of riparian-wetland vegetation (for
maintenance/recovery)
Due to the condition of the vegetation it was difficult to identify all plant species, but it was
evident that there were not sufficient numbers of the existing riparian plants for timely
recovery.
8) Species present indicate maintenance of riparian-wetland soil moisture
characteristics
The water table is not being maintained due to the lack of wetland species (sedges) and the
abundance of upland species (sagebrush, bluegrass) on the floodplain.
9) Streambank vegetation is comprised of those plants or plant
communities that have root masses capable of withstanding high-
streamflow events
Narrow steep reaches have older willows, alders and hawthorns that are providing some
stabilization (subsurface flow segments) but the majority of the streambanks associated with
surface flow are lacking plants that have root masses capable of withstanding high stream
flows thus the reason for the amount of altered banks observed along this reach segment. Bank
stability standards are not met in this reach.
10) Riparian-wetland plants exhibit high vigor
The size and shape of the riparian plants indicate that plants are not vigorous. There are
more high-lined and mushroom shaped plants than robust well rounded plants. Sedges tend to
occur in broken clumps rather than dense continuous mats, except at several small seeps
associated with springs.
11) Adequate riparian-wetland vegetative cover is present to protect banks
and dissipate energy during high flows
Streambanks associated with surface flows are dominated by upland plant species that do not
dissipate energy from high flows.
12) Plant communities are an adequate source of coarse and/or large
woody material (for maintenance/recovery)
There is an adequate source of LWD but it is not in the stream channel interacting with the
water flow and forming pools.
Yes No N/A EROSION/DEPOSITION
13) Floodplain and channel characteristics (i.e., rocks, overflow channels,
coarse and/or large woody material) are adequate to dissipate energy
Overall there is a lack of large woody debris that would help dissipate energy and create pools.
3
Where wood is interacting with the water flow, pools are being created and stream energy is
being dissipated. Rocks were stabilizing parts of the channel in the steeper gradients.
14) Point bars are re-vegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation
The majority of the point bars do not contain riparian wetland species with root masses
capable of withstanding high flow events. Some areas of vegetation may be limited by lack of
sunlight, due to the encroaching forest canopy.
15) Lateral stream movement is associated with natural sinuosity
Although there is some natural lateral movement the majority of the stream banks are eroded
and unstable. This reach does not meet bank stability standards.
16) System is vertically stable
No head cuts were observed
17) Stream is in balance with the water and sediment being supplied by the
watershed (i.e., no excessive erosion or deposition)
Unstable banks and excessive erosion indicate that this segment of the stream is out of
balance. This is partially due to the lack of riparian plants with deep root masses.
Remarks
This evaluation is for the entire length of Schurtz Creek, in reach 1, Segment 1, from Calamity
Creek to the downstream end of the enclosure at the upper end of the Van allotment. This
includes a small fenced portion of the Story-Fry allotment, in the center of the Van allotment on
Schurtz creek. The team noted less utilization of the riparian plants in the Story-Fry allotment
and more interaction between the stream channel and the riparian area.
Forty-seven photos were taken during this PFC evaluation on Schurtz and are noted as:
Set-A Van Allotment, Calamity Ck. to Story-Fry Allotment, 8 photos misc. #s 9930 thru 9937
Set-B Story-Fry Allotment water gap, 16 photos misc. #s 9938 thru #9956
Set-C Van Allotment, Story-Fry fence to enclosure fence, 23 photos misc. #s 9957 thru #9992
This portion of Schurtz Creek lacks the resiliency that allows a riparian wetland area to
withstand (hold together during) high water events. During high water flow events this stream
segment has a high probability of further degradation. Floodwater retention is minimal in this
segment. This reach segment failed to meet 5 of the six riparian management objectives in the
Forest Plan Amendment 29, dealing with water temperature, bank stability, large woody
debris, pool frequency, width/depth ratio. Canopy closure was met.
Due to stubble heights of about 2-3 inches it was difficult to identify some riparian plants to
species, however we could identify broadleaf sedges, rushes and grasses as plant communities
and other key species with deep root masses such as Nebraska Sedge vs shallow rooted grass
like species as bluegrass. Identifying these key species allowed us to answer the vegetation
questions. Trend is often a difficult determination to make unless previous data exists. At this
time the trend is considered “Not Apparent”.
Alfred Dunten informed us that the lower part (the steeper gradient and partially confined
channel) of Schurtz Creek (starting at a point about ½ way between Calamity and Story Fry
allotment) is dry during the late summer.
Thinning selected conifers in the riparian area would provide more sunlight for riparian species
and shrubs. Felled trees could be positioned in the stream channel (and floodplain) to increase
the large woody debris component creating pools and dissipating stream energy.
4
Summary Determination
Functional Rating:
Proper Functioning Condition
Functional-At Risk
Nonfunctional
Unknown
X
Trend for Functional-At Risk:
Upward
Downward
Not Apparent
X
Are factors contributing to unacceptable conditions outside the control for the
manager?
Yes
No
X
If yes, what are those factors?
Flow regulations
Channelization
Augmented flows
Mining activities
Road encroachment
Other (specify)
Upstream channel conditions
Oil field water discharge
1
Proper Functioning Condition Assessment
Standard Checklist and Evaluation
Name of Riparian-Wetland Area: Schurtz Creek, Van Allotment, Reach 1, Segment 2
Date: 11/15/04
Miles: Segment 2=1.55 mi. of Reach 1= 3.79 mi.
ID Team Observers: Zelley-Range specialist, Rick Vetter- Fisheries Biologist, Lori Bailey-
Planner/Botanist, and Barbara Howard and Alfred Dunten, permittees for the Van Allotment
Acres: 7,834 acres Schurtz Creek subwatershed
Stream Overview:
Schurtz Creek is a third order stream and a tributary to Calamity Creek located in the
Calamity Creek subwatershed within the Wolf Creek watershed of the Upper Malheur
subbasin and lies entirely within the Malheur National Forest. (In 2003 the Schurtz Creek
watershed was incorporated into the Calamity Creek watershed) Segment 2 represents that
part of Reach 1, which is in the large fenced enclosure at the upper end of the pasture.
Yes No N/A HYDROLOGY
1)Floodplain above bankfull is inundated in “relatively frequent” events
The stream and riparian area are interacting.
2)Where beaver dams are present they are active and stable
3)Sinuosity, width/depth ratio, and gradient are in balance with the
landscape setting (i.e., landform, geology, and bioclimatic region)
Sinuosity and gradient are closer in balance with the natural landscape but overhanging banks
are lacking. Width depth ratios are greater than 10.
4)Riparian-wetland area is widening or has achieved potential extent
5)Upland watershed is not contributing to riparian-wetland degradation
Yes No N/A VEGETATION
6)There is diverse age-class distribution of riparian-wetland vegetation
(recruitment for maintenance/recovery)
7)There is diverse composition of riparian-wetland vegetation (for
maintenance/recovery)
8)Species present indicate maintenance of riparian-wetland soil moisture
characteristics
9)Streambank vegetation is comprised of those plants or plant communities
that have root masses capable of withstanding high-streamflow events
10)Riparian-wetland plants exhibit high vigor
2
11)Adequate riparian-wetland vegetative cover is present to protect banks
and dissipate energy during high flows
12)Plant communities are an adequate source of coarse and/or large woody
material (for maintenance/recovery)
This part of the reach contains large meadows thus large wood debris (LWD) is not as
important a factor in the formation of pools as meander scours.
Yes No N/A EROSION/DEPOSITION
13)Floodplain and channel characteristics (i.e., rocks, overflow channels,
coarse and/or large woody material) are adequate to dissipate energy
This part of the reach contains large meadows thus LWD is not as important a factor in the
formation of pools as meander scours. 14)Point bars are revegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation
15)Lateral stream movement is associated with natural sinuosity
16)System is vertically stable
No headcuts were observed
17)Stream is in balance with the water and sediment being supplied by the
watershed (i.e., no excessive erosion or deposition)
Remarks Due to stubble heights of less than 5 inches on the floodplain it was difficult to identify some
riparian plants to species, however we could identify sedges, rushes and grasses as plant
communities and other key species with deep root masses as Nebraska Sedge vs shallow rooted
grass like species as bluegrass.
Alfred Dunten mentioned that this the first time his cattle have grazed the enclosure since it was
established about 1990. However, when he moved his cattle in this year there were already
cattle present, and they utilized a significant portion of the riparian forage. Therefore, Alfred
did not leave his cattle in the enclosure as long as he anticipated. (18 photos, Van enclosure,
Photoset D misc. photo #s 9992-0020)
Summary Determination
Functional Rating:
Proper Functioning Condition
Functional-At Risk
Nonfunctional
Unknown
X
Trend for Functional-At Risk:
Upward
Downward
Not Apparent
X
3
Are factors contributing to unacceptable conditions outside the control for the
manager?
Yes
No
X
If yes, what are those factors?
Flow regulations
Channelization
Augmented flows
Mining activities
Road encroachment
Other (specify)
Upstream channel conditions
Oil field water discharge
1
Proper Functioning Condition Assessment
Standard Checklist and Evaluation
Name of Riparian-Wetland Area: Schurtz Creek, Wolf Allotment, Reach 1, Segment 3
Date: 11/15/04
Miles: Segment 3=.25 mi. Reach 1= 3.79 mi.
ID Team Observers: Zelley-Range specialist, Rick Vetter- Fisheries Biologist, Lori Bailey-
Planner/Botanist, and Barbara Howard and Alfred Dunten, permittees for the Van Allotment
Acres: 7,834 acres Schurtz Creek subwatershed
Stream Overview:
Schurtz Creek is a third order stream and a tributary to Calamity Creek located in the
Calamity Creek subwatershed within the Wolf Creek watershed of the Upper Malheur
subbasin and lies entirely within the Malheur National Forest. (In 2003 the Schurtz Creek
watershed was incorporated into the Calamity Creek watershed) Reach 1, Segment 3
represents that part of Reach 1, in the Wolf Creek allotment above the Van enclosure to FS
Road 17.
Yes No N/A HYDROLOGY
1)Floodplain above bankfull is inundated in “relatively frequent” events
The stream and riparian area are interacting.
2)Where beaver dams are present they are active and stable
3)Sinuosity, width/depth ratio, and gradient are in balance with the
landscape setting (i.e., landform, geology, and bioclimatic region)
4)Riparian-wetland area is widening or has achieved potential extent
5)Upland watershed is not contributing to riparian-wetland degradation
Yes No N/A VEGETATION
6)There is diverse age-class distribution of riparian-wetland vegetation
(recruitment for maintenance/recovery)
7)There is diverse composition of riparian-wetland vegetation (for
maintenance/recovery)
8)Species present indicate maintenance of riparian-wetland soil moisture
characteristics
9)Streambank vegetation is comprised of those plants or plant communities
that have root masses capable of withstanding high-streamflow events
10)Riparian-wetland plants exhibit high vigor
2
11)Adequate riparian-wetland vegetative cover is present to protect banks
and dissipate energy during high flows
12)Plant communities are an adequate source of coarse and/or large woody
material (for maintenance/recovery)
Yes No N/A EROSION/DEPOSITION
13)Floodplain and channel characteristics (i.e., rocks, overflow channels,
coarse and/or large woody material) are adequate to dissipate energy
14)Point bars are revegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation
15)Lateral stream movement is associated with natural sinuosity
16)System is vertically stable
No headcuts were observed
17)Stream is in balance with the water and sediment being supplied by the
watershed (i.e., no excessive erosion or deposition)
Remarks Good establishment of woody shrubs along the stream banks, improved bank stability, stream
channel narrows. Cottonwood were observed at waypoint 11T 0359354;4874870. (4 photos,
between Van/Wolf allotment fence and FS road 17, photoset E, misc. photo #s 0021- 0025)
Summary Determination
Functional Rating:
Proper Functioning Condition
Functional-At Risk
Nonfunctional
Unknown
X
Trend for Functional-At Risk:
Upward
Downward
Not Apparent
X
Are factors contributing to unacceptable conditions outside the control for the
manager?
Yes
No
X
If yes, what are those factors?
Flow regulations
Channelization
Augmented flows Mining activities
Road encroachment
3
Other (specify) Upstream channel conditions
Oil field water discharge
Dry Creek
Schurtz Creek
15
22
9
23
14
10 11
16
27
21
2628
SCHURTZ CREEK
DRY CREEK
STORY-FRY
SCHURTZ CREEK
SHELLROCK
WADE CORNER
4600
4800
4400
5000
5200
5400
4200
4600
4600
4600
4400
4800
4800
4400
4800
4800
1700000
1780000
1700074
1700294
1700053
1710000
1700
533
1700795
1780068
1780072
1700933
1700055
1700773
1700783
1700057
1700785
1700789
1780
086
1550804
1700295
1700044
1710537
1550809
1700046
1780076
1700635
1700000
T. 18 S., R. 33 E.
Schurtz C
reek
Calamity Creek
Gabe Creek
Dry Creek
Start Reach 1 Segment 1
Story Fry AllotmentWater Gap
End Reach 1 Segment 1Start Reach 1 Segment 2Beginning of Riparian Enclosure
End Reach 1 Segment 2Start Reach 1 Segment 3End of Riparian Enclosure
End Reach 1 Segment 3Start Reach 2 Segment 1
Legend
str arcCAT
1
2
4
Main Forest Roads
Local Roads
contour 200
allotment fence
rhca
0 0.6 1.20.3Miles
Schurtz Creek PFC
C:\\Gis\projects\Van_PFC_8_11.mxd
Photo Set B
Photo Set A
Photo Set C
Photo S
et D
Photo S
et E
Name of Riparian-Wetland Area: Shurtz Creek
Date: August 16, 2005 Segment/Reach ID: Upper Reach
ID Team Observers: ORT, USFS, Permittees, ONDA
Yes No N/A HYDROLOGICAL
x 1) Floodplain above bankfull is inundated in "relatively frequent" events
It is small but will expect more
x 2) Where beaver dams are present are they active and stable
No Beavers or beaver dams
x 3) Sinuosity, width/depth ratio, and gradient are in balance with the landscape setting (i.e., landform,
geology, and bioclimatic region)
Too wide so width to depth wrong,
x 4) Riparian-wetland area is widening or has achieved potential extent
Is widening
x 5) Upland watershed is not contributing to riparian-wetland degradation
To dense of forest
Yes No N/A VEGETATION
x x 6) Diverse age-class distribution of riparian-wetland vegetation (recruitment for maintenance/recovery)
Herbaceous yes – woodies no. low to moderate recruitment for the most part. Where woodies exist not
much recruitment or development. Low energy of the system could be limiting woodies.
x 7) Diverse composition of riparian-wetland vegetation (for maintenance/recovery) (species present)
Several sedges, rushes, moist grasses spp. 2+ species of willows where they exist
x x 8) Species present indicate maintenance of riparian-wetland soil moisture characteristics
There is a transition from the upper end to the lower end with the upper end being dry. Rushes were
observed in the middle of the reach with sedges observed in the lower end.
x x 9) Streambank vegetation is comprised of those plants or plant communities that have root masses capable
of withstanding high streamflow events (community types present)
See above
x 10) Riparian-wetland plants exhibit high vigor
Mid to lower end responding well nothing above. Cattle off July 15
x 11) Adequate riparian-wetland vegetative cover present to protect banks and dissipate energy during high
flows (enough)
Nothing above – marginal at the lower end
x 12) Plant communities are an adequate source of coarse and/or large woody material (for
maintenance/recovery)
Not needed for physical function
Yes No N/A EROSION DEPOSITION
x 13) Floodplain and channel characteristics (i.e., rocks, overflow channels, coarse and/or large woody
material) adequate to dissipate energy
Few, small overflow channels and few rock. Too narrow of a floodplain
x 14) Point bars are revegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation
Few above, some below
x 15) Lateral stream movement is associated with natural sinuosity
Within C slope boundaries
x 16) System is vertically stable (not downcutting)
No incision
x 17) Stream is in balance with the water and sediment being supplied by the watershed (i.e., no excessive
erosion or deposition)
Some banks are breaking down in the upper section, item to monitor
Remarks
FAR lower end Range Specialist said that the area is improving
SUMMARY DETERMINATION
___ Proper Functioning Condition
__x_ Functional - At Risk
___ Nonfunctional
___ Unknown
Trend for Functional - At Risk:
_x__ Upward ___ Downward
___ Not Apparent
Are factors contributing to unacceptable
conditions outside the control of the manager?
Yes ___
No __x_
If yes, what are those factors?
___ Flow regulations
___ Mining activities
___ Upstream channel conditions
___ Channelization
___ Road encroachment
___ Oil field water discharge
___ Augmented flows
___ Other (specify)
(Revised 1998) (7/12/04)
PFC
FAR
NF
Name of Riparian-Wetland Area: Shurtz Creek
Date: August 16, 2005 Segment/Reach ID: Water Gap
ID Team Observers: ORT, USFS, Permittees, ONDA
Yes No N/A HYDROLOGICAL
x 1) Floodplain above bankfull is inundated in "relatively frequent" events
x 2) Where beaver dams are present are they active and stable
No Beavers or beaver dams
x 3) Sinuosity, width/depth ratio, and gradient are in balance with the landscape setting (i.e., landform,
geology, and bioclimatic region)
Too wide
x 4) Riparian-wetland area is widening or has achieved potential extent
Variable from bend to bend
x 5) Upland watershed is not contributing to riparian-wetland degradation
To dense of forest
Yes No N/A VEGETATION
x x 6) Diverse age-class distribution of riparian-wetland vegetation (recruitment for maintenance/recovery)
No upper end transitioning to yes lower end. Herbaceous recruiting lower end – nearly bare on upper end
x x 7) Diverse composition of riparian-wetland vegetation (for maintenance/recovery) (species present)
Very little upper end, rush dominating middle, sedge dominating lower. Some islands of diversity
x x 8) Species present indicate maintenance of riparian-wetland soil moisture characteristics
There is a transition from the upper end to the lower end with the upper end being dry. Rushes were
observed in the middle of the reach with sedges observed in the lower end.
x x 9) Streambank vegetation is comprised of those plants or plant communities that have root masses capable
of withstanding high streamflow events (community types present)
See above
x 10) Riparian-wetland plants exhibit high vigor
Mid to lower end responding well nothing above. Cattle off July 15
x 11) Adequate riparian-wetland vegetative cover present to protect banks and dissipate energy during high
flows (enough)
Nothing above – marginal at the lower end
x 12) Plant communities are an adequate source of coarse and/or large woody material (for
maintenance/recovery)
Not needed for physical function
Yes No N/A EROSION DEPOSITION
x 13) Floodplain and channel characteristics (i.e., rocks, overflow channels, coarse and/or large woody
material) adequate to dissipate energy
Few, small overflow channels and few rock. Too narrow of a floodplain
x 14) Point bars are revegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation
Few above, some below
x 15) Lateral stream movement is associated with natural sinuosity
Within C slope boundaries
x 16) System is vertically stable (not downcutting)
No incision
x 17) Stream is in balance with the water and sediment being supplied by the watershed (i.e., no excessive
erosion or deposition)
Some banks are breaking down in the upper section, item to monitor
Remarks
FAR lower end Range Specialist said that the area is improving
SUMMARY DETERMINATION
___ Proper Functioning Condition
__x_ Functional - At Risk
___ Nonfunctional
___ Unknown
Trend for Functional - At Risk:
_x__ Upward ___ Downward
___ Not Apparent
Are factors contributing to unacceptable
conditions outside the control of the manager?
Yes ___
No __x_
If yes, what are those factors?
___ Flow regulations
___ Mining activities
___ Upstream channel conditions
___ Channelization
___ Road encroachment
___ Oil field water discharge
___ Augmented flows
___ Other (specify)
(Revised 1998) (7/12/04)
PFC
FAR
NF