Recreation and Travel Management...

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United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Rocky Mountain Region

Submitted by: /s/ Diana McGinn 04/03/2017

Recreation and Travel Management Report – La Garita Hills Restoration Project Final Report

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Scope of Analysis This section addresses recreational and travel management within the LGH analysis area as shown in chapter 1, section 1.x. The LGH analysis area includes federal lands managed by both the Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Affected Environment Existing Condition Past activities include livestock grazing, timber harvest, road construction, and primarily dispersed recreation. The majority of the road system was developed to meet management needs; most of the roads in the project area are rated for high clearance vehicles. These activities are described in the Silviculture, Range Management, and Transportation sections in the document. Many of the roads on BLM lands are short spurs off system created by users for camping or other purposes or county roads. For BLM lands, the analysis area is located entirely within the Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA). Within ERMAs recreation management is custodial in nature. Custodial recreation management does not target specific recreation opportunities or beneficial outcomes. They also do not have prescriptions to maintain specific physical, social or operational recreation setting characteristics. BLM’s general recreation management responsibility in ERMA’s is to “take care of”: 1) dispersed recreation activities, 2) visitor safety, 3) use and user conflicts, and 4) resource protection issues. Specific management direction for the San Luis Resource Area (SLRA) ERMA is to “allow continued dispersed recreational opportunities on BLM-administered lands” (1-23 RMP, BLM 1991). On both the Forest and BLM lands, recreation is primarily dispersed use with the principle uses being fall big game hunting, firewood gathering, some fall aspen viewing, and OHV use. OHV use has probably been the fastest growing form of recreation over the past 10 to 15 years. For visitors familiar with the area, it is a popular, more remote area for hunting; visitor use increases dramatically in late August through November. Developed Recreation All developed recreation sites in the analysis area are located on NFS lands near Road 41G, the main road running north south through the area; this road is maintained for passenger vehicles. As shown in table 3.1, the average percent-occupied value is relatively low for the developed campgrounds and picnic grounds in the analysis area. The Carnero cabin can be rented year around; occupancy of the cabin is consistent, but it is still rented less than 50 percent of the time. There are no BLM developed recreation facilities (campground, picnic areas, or maintained trails), but there are dispersed-use sites.

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Table 3.1 Developed Recreation Sites, LGH Analysis Area, RGNF (Infra Data, August 2015)

Type Name Description Capacity Average percent

occupied

Primary Season of

Use

Travel Corridor

Campground Storm King 11 sites on 11 acres; currently a fee site, non-reservable

55 5 May thru October

Road 41G

Campground Poso 10 sites on 4 acres; currently a fee site, non-reservable; 1 host site


Road 41G & NFSR 675

Picnic site - group

Poso 1 site, 0.5 acres; non-fee 50 10 May thru October

Road 41G & NFSR 675

Picnic site - group

Big Springs 8 Picnic tables, on 8.7 acres; non-fee


NFSR 710

Rental Cabin

Carnero 1 cabin on 5 acres; fee site 12 43 Year around

Road 41G

Dispersed Recreation The level of dispersed recreation can be more difficult to capture based on the nature of the activities. While it is not possible to identify all the activities occurring in the analysis area, the most noticeable activities are related to fall hunting and OHV use. In most years, snowmobiling is not that common due to the low snow pack and poor snow conditions. High clearance vehicles are recommended for the majority of the roads, which may also limit casual visitors. There are also no major water bodies in the project area to draw visitors to the area. Trail System -There are currently all or parts of seven developed trails in the analysis area, all on NFS lands. As described in table 3.2, they are a mix of pedestrian/horse trails, one ATV trail, and one that is open to pedestrian/horse/motorcycle use. These trails are used from May until snowfall. Use is relatively light since the amount of visitors to the area is also relatively light. There are no developed trails on BLM lands. Table 3.2. Designated trails, LGH analysis area.

Type Name Description Travel Corridor System Trail/ Trailhead

North Carnero Trail #773 Pedestrian/Horse Trail Length – 5.7 miles

NFSR 680 or 623

System Trail/ Trailhead

Bear Creek Trail #778 Pedestrian/Horse Trail Length – 4.6 miles

NFSR 653


Perry Creek Trail #796 ATV trail Trail Length – 8.2 miles

NFSR 676


Trough Gulch Trail #902 Pedestrian/Horse Trail Length – 2.2 miles

NFSR 789


California Gulch Trail #906 Pedestrian/Horse Trail Length – 3.3 miles

NFSR 760


Bower’s Peak Trail #909 Pedestrian/Horse/ Motorcycle Trail Length – 3.0 miles

NFSR 675

National Scenic and Historic Trails - The West Branch of the North Fork of the Old Spanish Trail bisects the project area. This branch is currently being researched for inclusion into the Old Spanish National Historic Trail system, though it is currently undesignated by Congress. This trail is addressed in the Heritage Section.

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Recreation Special Uses - Recreation special uses offer additional opportunities for people to recreate on federal lands. Table 3.3 lists the current special use authorizations with activities currently in the analysis area. Table 3.3. Current recreation Special Uses within LGH analysis area.

Type Name Description

Season of Use

Outfitter Lobo Outfitters Permitted for approximately 20 service days for winter mountain lion hunting in Game Management Units 68 and 681.

winter

Outfitter Atkinson Expeditions

Big game hunting for 15 service days – GMU is only marginally in analysis area.

August through October

Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas There are no Wilderness Areas or Wilderness Study Areas within the analysis area. The east edge of the La Garita Wilderness is approximately 1.5 miles west of the analysis area boundary. Therefore, Wilderness will not be discussed further in this analysis. BLM Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Section 201 of FLPMA requires BLM to maintain an inventory of all public lands and their resources and other values, including wilderness characteristics. It also provides that the preparation and maintenance of the inventory shall not, in and of itself, change or prevent change of the management or use of public lands. In order for an area to qualify as lands with wilderness characteristics, the area must possess sufficient size, naturalness, and outstanding opportunities for either solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation. In addition, it may also possess supplemental values. No decisions related to the management of potential lands with wilderness characteristics would be made as part of this planning effort; since management activities have been proposed in this area, it will be addressed in the analysis. Wild and Scenic Rivers A section of Saguache Creek on NFS lands that is eligible for inclusion as a Wild River in the Wild and Scenic River System is located on the western edge of the analysis area and is within the Forest Plan MAP 1.5 – Eligible Wild Rivers. No management activities are proposed within MAP 1.5, so there would be no effect on Saguache Creek or its eligibility into the Wild and Scenic River System. Colorado Roadless, Inventoried Roadless, and Backcountry Areas The LGH analysis area does include all or parts of several areas on NFS lands that were included as Colorado Roadless Areas (CRAs), some of these acres were identified as Upper Tier and some were not. The CRAs overlapped with Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) and they still have both designations, until the RGNF land management plan is revised. Until then management will be guided by the CRA designation, which is the most restrictive designation. Several of these areas were also identified as Management Area Prescription (MAP) 3.3 Backcountry in the Forest Plan. One area within the analysis area has a MAP 3.3 Backcountry designation only. Table 3.4 outlines the total acreage for the CRAs, and MAP 3.3 areas in the analysis area.

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Table 3.4. RGNF, Colorado Roadless (CRA), and Backcountry Areas, LGH analysis area Area Name Total CRA

Acres Total CRA upper tier

Acres

CRA acres-analysis area -

CRA upper tier acres –

analysis area

MAP 3.3 only acres

Four Mile Creek 10,209 8,345 4,692 3,619 Deep Creek/Boot Mountain 27,626 12,147 3,459 1,491 Sawlog 10,458 8,788 10,458 8,788 La Garita 10.695 6,810 16 0 Backcountry only MAP 3.3 3,935

No management activities are being proposed in the Deep Creek/Boot Mountain or La Garita CRA for any of the action alternatives, so these units will not be discussed further. The Four Mile Creek, Sawlog, and MAP 3.3 only units do have prescribed burning proposed under alternatives 2 and 3, so effects on these areas will be discussed. Special Interest Area (SIA) – Management Area Prescription 3.1 -Big Springs The Big Springs SIA located on the RGNF is approximately 65 acres established to protect the uphill area above Big Springs, a unique high flow spring. The Big Springs picnic ground is located near Big Spring, adjacent to NFSR 720. No active management is proposed in this delineated Management Area under any of the action alternatives though the meadow portions in the management area may be used as a fuel break for any prescribed broadcast burns approved in adjacent areas. Project Design Criteria would ensure there would be no adverse effects to Big Springs. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is defined as a framework for defining classes of recreation settings, opportunities, and experiences. Recreation opportunities and experiences associated with each setting are linked to the physical landscape, remoteness and degree of human influences, social interaction, and managerial efforts. There are six classes of recreation settings. Three of the six settings fall within the LGH analysis area as shown in Table 3.5 for Forest Service and BLM lands. Table 3.5. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Setting acres, LGH analysis area

ROS Designation (FS designation) Acres in analysis Area

Percent of agency acres in analysis area

Rio Grande National Forest (Forest Plan Designation) (145,746 ac) Primitive (Primitive) 0 0

Semi-Primitive non-motorized (Unroaded Backcounty) 8,885 6 Semi-Primitive, motorized (Backcountry Motorized) 12,005 9

Roaded Natural (Modified Roaded) 124,846 86 Rural (Rural) 0 0

Urban (Urban) 0 0 San Luis Valley BLM (33,308 acres)

Primitive 0 0 Semi-Primitive non-motorized 0 0

Semi-Primitive, motorized 31,775 95 Roaded Natural 2,551 5

Rural 0 0 Urban 0 0

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Table 3.6 includes the ROS setting descriptions that guide the management in particular areas. Table 3.6. ROS descriptions for settings in LGH analysis area. ROS Setting (FP Designation)

ROS Setting Description

Semi-Primitive non-motorized (Unroaded Backcounty)

Predominantly unmodified natural-appearing environment of moderate-to-large size (2,500 acres). Sights and sounds of humans are minimal. Low interaction between visitors. Minimum managerial restrictions and controls. Facilities/trails provided for resource protection or the safety and enjoyment of visitors are appropriate. Limited site modification for facilities; minimally to moderately developed trails; rustic or rudimentary on-site developments designed primarily for protection of the setting rather than visitor comfort or convenience. Access and travel emphasize non-motorized use on trails or cross country

Semi-Primitive, motorized (Backcountry Motorized)

Predominantly unmodified natural-appearing environment of moderate-to-large size (2,500). Sights and sounds of humans are moderate (due to motorized use). Low interaction between visitors. Minimum to moderate managerial restrictions and controls. Facilities/trails provided for resource protection or the safety and enjoyment of visitors are appropriate. Limited site modification for facilities; minimally to moderately developed trails; rustic or rudimentary on-site developments designed primarily for protection of the setting rather than visitor comfort or convenience. Access and travel emphasize off-highway motorized use on designated trails, routes or areas.

Roaded Natural (Modified Roaded)

Essentially modified natural-appearing environment of no size limit with environmental modification evident, but harmonizing with the natural appearing environment. Sights and sounds of humans are generally moderate. Interaction between visitors may be low to moderate. Managerial restrictions and controls may be evident. Facilities and trails for resource protection and intensified multiple uses, comfort, convenience and safety are appropriate. Moderate site modification for facilities; trails may be minimally to highly developed; contemporary or rustic on-site developments that harmonize with and protect the natural setting and provide some comfort and convenience for the visitor. Both motorized and non-motorized use often occurs on the same trails, routes or areas. Access and travel for motorized use is on designated trails, routes or areas. Access and travel for non-motorized use on trails or cross country.

Travel Management National Forest System roads (NFSRs) and BLM roads are open to the recreating public within the LGH analysis area is listed in Table 3.7. NFSRs are open to all motor vehicles (including OHVs) with a seasonal closure from mid-March to mid-May to protect the road surface during snow melt. Roads on BLM are open year around and also open to all motor vehicles. Table 3.7. National Forest System Roads and major BLM roads, LGH analysis area.

Route No. Name Level Length Route No.

Name Level Length

Rio Grande National Forest System Roads 710 Big Springs 3 0.69 651 Long Park 2 1.19 730 Squaw Creek 3 2.27 652.1A Lookout Mtn 2 1.12 729 Moon Creek 3 1.37 761 Lost Spring 2 0.77 727 California Moon 3 0.79 708 Lower South Park 2 2.56

690.2A Storm King Campground 3 0.09 621.1A Mill Basin 2 0.42 675 South Carnero 3 6.09 779 Mountain Lion Creek 2 1.88

671.1A Poso Campground 3 0.06 680.2A North Carnero 2 0.41 41G Carnero 3 5.96 680 North Carnero 2 1.93 760 Allen Creek 2 2.44 680.1A North Carnero Split 2 0.64 709 Antelope 2 0.88 680.1A North Carnero Split 2 0.55

720.2D Big Dry Gulch 2 0.10 706.3A Paradise 2 1.28 716 Big Spring Creek 2 0.51 671 Poso Creek 2 0.92 676 Bowers Peak 2 1.90 678 Raspberry 2 1.80

710.1A Browns Tie 2 0.30 680.2B Royal Park 2 0.86 673 Cave Creek 2 2.32 675.3P Saguache Tie 2 0.91

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Route No. Name Level Length Route No.

Name Level Length

685 Cecilia Creek 2 2.21 621 San Juan 2 3.02 672 Coolbroth 2 0.40 675 South Carnero 2 1.62

707.1C Fir Tree 2 0.26 707.1B South Park Basin 2 0.68 620 Fullerton Park 2 2.98 720.2B South Park Tie 2 0.27

620.1A Fullerton Park Tie 2 0.10 704 South Tracy 2 1.57 623 Fullerton Park Tie 2 0.38 652 Tower Mtn 2 0.78

760.2C Grouse Creek 2 1.15 705 Tracy 2 1.45 760.2B Grouse Creek Loop 2 1.52 704.3A Tracy Fork 2 0.47

759 Hat Springs 2 0.64 789 Trough Gulch 2 0.88 730.3A Hat Tie 2 0.71 667 Upper Poso 2 0.10

619 Lake Mtn 2 1.30 707 Upper South Park 2 1.80 706 Laughlin Gulch 2 2.31 726 West Park Creek 2 0.21

707.1A West South Park 2 0.83 BLM major roads SG 27,46,47, 5225 junction, bypass 2 0.40 North Tracy spurs 2 1.46

Private Alexander Peak 2 0.85 5230 North Tracy 2 0.72 Alexander Peak spurs 2 1.29 5225 Onion Springs 2 0.91

5235 Campos Santos + loops 2 0.96 Onion Springs spurs 2 1.1 5205 Coolbroth 2 1.23 5221 Red Rock Canyon 2 1.2

Coolbroth sprurs 2 0.75 San Juan Creek Bypass 2 1.08 Cottonwood Creek spurs 2 1.86 Sierra de La Lola 2 0.5 County Rd 42 spurs 2 1.46 Tracy Canyon spurs 2 2.0 County Rd M39 spurs 2 0.1 LM06 Zacky 2 0.35 County Rd P42 spurs 2 0.56

L18 Crystal Hill Mine 3 0.17 5210 Dry Gulch 2 1.5 5215 Lime Creek 2 0.86 680 North Carnero 2 0.39

National Forest System roads maintained for passenger vehicles total approximately 17.3 miles within the analysis area, which includes the short access spurs into the developed recreation sites. The majority of the open roads in the analysis area (about 74 miles) are not maintained for passenger vehicles and high clearance vehicles are recommended. The Coolbroth, San Juan Creek, and North Tracy Roads traverse both BLM and National Forest lands. Travel management on the NFS and BLM limits motorized travel to designated roads and motorized trails; BLM also limits mechanized travel to designated roads and trails. The Rio Grande National Forest currently has a Game Retrieval Policy that allows for use of ATV’s less than 50 inches wide to travel off some system roads and trails, outside of areas designated as Backcountry, and only in the afternoon to retrieve downed game. Figure 3.1 shows the locations of developed recreation facilities, Colorado Roadless Areas (CRAs), ROS designations, trails and other recreation features in the analysis area.

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Figure 3.1 Recreation sites, trails, special designation areas, ROS, LGH analysis area. Direct and Indirect Effects Alternative 1 – No Action Under this alternative, no new proposed management activities would be implemented and existing condition would continue mostly unchanged over most of the analysis area. The effects of the spruce beetle epidemic could result in some change in visitor use patterns, but the areas most affected by spruce beetles (spruce-fir and spruce-mixed conifer vegetation zones) only include about 25 percent of the analysis area, so overall effects on dispersed recreation would likely be minimal. The large numbers of dead trees could preclude the use of the spruce-fir and spruce-mixed conifer vegetation zones for some visitors, especially under windy conditions when safety hazards would increase. However, some firewood cutters are concentrating on these areas due to the increase in readily available dead trees. Motorized travel will remain restricted to designated roads and trails; however use of retrieving game by means of the game retrieval policy could be hampered as down trees accumulate in some areas. Effects Common to All Action Alternatives

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Proposed management actions under all alternatives include some combination of: commercial timber harvest with associated timber/product removal primarily using National Forest System Roads (NFSRs); non-commercial tree thinning by either chainsaws or by mastication using mechanized equipment; and prescribed burning of piled slash and/or prescribed broadcast burning. It was assumed that active timber sales, other mechanized operations, and prescribed burn operations would not be occurring over large percentages of the analysis area simultaneously and prescribed burns and non-commercial tree thinning operations would be relatively short-term, lasting two to four weeks per project area. Potential direct and indirect effects to recreation from implementing the action alternatives include: An increase in large truck traffic (and forest worker traffic) along relatively narrow roads being

used for hauling forest products which could occur all year, except during spring snowmelt; Increase in noise from mechanized harvest, thinning, and hauling operations; Increase in dust primarily along NFS roads being used for hauling forest products; Increase in smoke during prescribed burning. Slash piles would generally be burned in the winter

when snow is on the ground which would likely have few effects in this area, prescribed broadcast burns would likely occur mostly in the spring or fall which may have some impacts to visitors;

Increased traffic, mechanized equipment disturbance, and fall prescribed burning operations may have short term effects to hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities adjacent to project areas;

Winter timber harvest operations could have some effects on Outfitter-Guides depending on where the project is occurring,

Popular dispersed camping sites may be impacted by forest management activities and some dispersed camping sites may become less attractive due to adjacent forest management activities such logging slash, burned vegetation, or other signs of management activities.

Developed Recreation All action alternatives have potential vegetation management activities adjacent to developed recreation sites. No vegetation management activities would occur within the developed sites unless recommended in an approved vegetation management plan. All developed recreation improvements would be protected from damage during all management activities. Noise, increased dust, or smoke from project activities could affect visitors using these sites. Any adverse effects would be short-term and would not likely affect all developed sites at the same time. Effects would be mitigated, to the extent possible, by notifying visitors of project activities prior to their arrival and having alternate camping options available. The Carnero Cabin is the only facility that currently takes advanced reservations; prior to project implementation if a project could affect the use or enjoyment of the cabin, reservations may not be taken for that time period and/or visitors should be notified prior to making their reservation. Noise and dust from the hauling operations would be a short-term impact to developed recreation, primarily occurring along and associated with Road 41G. Signs and public information would be used to increase awareness of activities prior to visitor arrival. At this time, dust abatement near campgrounds would not be included in Project Design Criteria (PDC) due to the relatively low amount of use and the opportunities to camp elsewhere, if notified ahead of time. The situation would be monitored over time, if dust levels were unacceptable, dust abatement could be implemented adjacent to the developed sites.

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Dispersed Recreation Since the primary uses in the analysis area are dispersed recreation, uses could be affected by several of the proposed management activities though impacts from proposed management activities would generally be short-term and only effect relatively small portions of the analysis area at a time. Outfitter Guide (O-G) Permittees – project activities may affect O-G operations, depending on the activity, location of the project, and the timing of the project. Efforts would be made to minimize disturbance to operators by notifying them in advance projects and working to minimize conflicts. Any adverse effects would be short-term. Developed Trails – all alternatives have management activities proposed in the vicinity of the trails. Alternative 2 could implement activities near all or parts of all the trails and alternative 3 would have the fewest potential treatment acres adjacent to the trails. Under all alternatives, the trail surface would be protected from damage. If a trail or trailhead area is adjacent to a vegetation management treatment area, trail safety would be incorporated into the management by closing the trail, if necessary during project implementation. If management activities are occurring immediately adjacent to the trail/trailhead, there could be an opportunity to improve or maintain safety by removing hazard or improving access. Dispersed camping sites – there are popular long-term dispersed campsites scattered throughout the analysis area. These areas are generally not mapped, but usually have rock-ring fire pits and flat areas under or near trees for parking. The use or appeal of these sites could be adversely affected by adjacent management activities; maintaining their characteristics would have to be considered on a project specific basis. If they were well located with minimal adverse effects, adjusting project activities to maintain the site would be desirable, as feasible. Travel Management Under all alternatives, travel management restrictions and regulations would not change. Motorized travel would remain restricted to designated open roads and trails. Open roads would be required to remain open, except for short-term closures, if needed and approved by the Responsible Official, for project implementation to maintain public safety. Closed roads and temporary roads would not be open to public motorized travel, except for a short period to allow for firewood removal, if approved by the Responsible Official. Decommissioning of roads should have no impact on public use of the area. Current non-motorized access and use would continue. Recreationists utilizing the game retrieval policy on NFS lands would likely benefit from the action alternatives, especially in the spruce beetle impacted areas, which would reduce the extent of down dead trees over time. All Action Alternatives would have temporary effects to recreation users, especially during active timber sales with heavy truck traffic on the roads leading into the sale areas. Increased efforts to inform visitors along with warning signs would be required on these roads to inform the public of the harvesting activities and heavy truck traffic; this would reduce, but not totally eliminate, the risk to the public when driving these roads. Project Design Criteria (PDC) would require dust abatement on Road 41G near private lands, if hauling occurs on that road, but additional dust abatement could be approved by the District Ranger, if concerns are identified during the life of this analysis.

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Colorado Roadless Areas and Backcountry Areas Under all action alternatives, prescribed broadcast burning is the only management activity proposed in the Colorado Roadless Areas (CRAs) and Backcountry (MAP 3.3) designated areas. Changes in vegetation types and topographic features would be used as fuel breaks to avoid or minimize the need for fireline construction. Minor amounts of trees could be cut in areas to create firelines. Vegetation in the portion of the Four Mile CRA proposed for treatment (east half) is primarily Douglas fir/mixed conifer with a high proportion of aspen. Vegetation in the Sawlog CRA is also primarily Douglas fir/mixed conifer with a high proportion of aspen with a minor amount of spruce-fir and spruce-mixed conifer interspersed with open grasslands. A portion of the Sawlog CRA is currently mapped as suitable lynx habitat though it has not been field verified. If these stands are field verified as suitable lynx habitat, they would not be broadcast burned. Vegetation in the Backcountry unit is a mix of P-J, Douglas fir/mixed conifer, some ponderosa pine, and open grasslands. As described under the Silviculture section, the intent of re-introducing fire into these sites is to increase aspen dominance by reducing conifers, re-invigorating grasses and forbs, and to patchiness in conifer stands. It is expected that burning operations would be done in stages over several years with the goal of affecting up to one third to one half of the areas over the life of the project. The Sawlog CRA also has adjacent private land in the middle and to the east and south and is part of the WUI influence zone. The use of prescribed fire in these areas would be consistent with the RGNFLRMP for MAP 3.3 and the Colorado Roadless Rule for the CRAs. Effects on the Nine Roadless Area Characteristics –

High quality or undisturbed soil, water, or air – proposed prescribed burn activities would have low potential to affect soils and water since PDC and site specific burn plans would be used to protect sensitive areas such as Water Influence Zones (WIZs). There would be short-term effects on local air quality over several years that would last during burn operations. However, to complete the burn fire crews would be required to obtain a smoke permit issued by the State of Colorado that would permit burning only under less adverse conditions. Sources of public drinking water – none of the watersheds in the CRAs are municipal watershed, so there would be no impacts to water quality from proposed prescribe burning operations. Diversity of plant and animal communities – the re-introduction of low to moderate intensity fires into these vegetation types would be consistent with past disturbance regimes and would be expected to increase diversity in both conifer and grassland dominated areas; this increase in diversity would likely benefit some of the animal communities. Habitat for TESP species or species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of land – approximately 32 percent of the Four Mile CRA (Four Mile to La Garita Lynx Analysis Unit (LAU)) and 93 percent of the Sawlog CRA (Carnero LAU) are currently mapped as lynx habitat. If field verification confirms the designation, no prescribed burning would occur in these stands. If the stands are not suitable lynx habitat, prescribe burning may occur following documentation of the change in the forest lynx habitat map. There would be no effect on the lynx. Effects on classes of dispersed recreation – Both the Sawlog and Four Mile CRAs areas are a mix of semi-primitive motorized and semi-primitive non-motorized ROS classes (figure 3.1). The California Gulch Trail and North Fork of Carnero Trails are both pedestrian/horse trails. There would be no effect on these uses or on dispersed recreation or ROS classes.

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Reference landscapes – Fire is part the past disturbance regimes for these vegetation zones and the effects of the prescribed fires could be used for reference and monitoring. Natural appearing landscapes with high scenic quality – scenic quality would be maintained or improved over the life of the project; any noticeable changes would be gradual, occurring over several years. Prescribed burning may have short-term effects depending on the burn intensity, but the intent would to increase diversity over the long-term. Increase in diversity, especially in aspen dominance, could improve visual quality Traditional cultural properties and sacred sites – evidence of past Native American use in Sawlog CRA. Part of the goal of implementing prescribed fire would be to protect the known sites from the effects of future wildfires. Locally unique characteristics – No locally unique characteristics have been identified.

BLM Lands with Wilderness Characteristics The analysis area may include lands that could meet the requirements for this category pending further inventory and evaluation. However, under all proposed action alternatives, management activities for most of the BLM lands are limited to pre-commercial thinning and/or prescribed, low to mixed severity broadcast burning in piñon-juniper, ponderosa pine, and mountain shrub vegetation zones to meet resource objectives and to reduce potential wildfire behavior in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). No roads new would be constructed and the objective would to use topographic features, existing meadows, or other vegetation changes as firelines, to the extent feasible. There could be minor short-term changes to the character of activity areas, but the natural character would be maintained in the long-term for all action alternatives. At the project pre-implementation stage, there would also be an opportunity to defer or modify activities, as needed, if additional concerns are identified. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) The majority of the multiple use MAPs on the RGNF are located in the ROS – roaded natural while the majority of BLM lands are primarily semi-primitive motorized. Proposed management activities would have no effect on the level and types of recreational uses in the analysis area and would have no impact on ROS classification. Trails and other facilities would be protected and views adjacent to recreation facilities would be incorporated into individual projects, as appropriate. Vegetation management activities may change the appearance of the forested stands to some extent, in the short-term, but it would remain a natural appearing landscape. See the Scenery Section, for additional discussion. There would no effect to the ROS class. Cumulative Effects Common to all Action Alternatives Implementation of any of the action alternatives could result in short-term temporary impacts to visitors recreating near any timber harvest, thinning, or prescribed burning operation areas. Any adverse effects would be short-term and mitigated by project design criteria, to the extent feasible. Most of these activities would not affect large portions of the analysis area at one time, so overall impacts would remain small. There would be no changes to the existing road network under this project. Since one of the primary uses of the area is big game hunting, vegetation management activities that maintain or improve habitat for species will benefit this program. Vegetation management activities that increase aspen, especially in areas visible from the main roads would also improve the recreational experience for many fall visitors.

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There are no plans to add addition recreation facilities in the analysis area, since use rates are relatively low and numbers are not expected to increase substantially over the 15-year life of project implementation. However, any road maintenance activities needed for timber hauling operations may incrementally improve road conditions temporarily, improving access for the casual visitor. It is likely that future decisions regarding travel management may occur within the life of the project, but it is unknown how the transportation system in the analysis area may be changed. The major roads providing general access to the area will likely remain open since they have a high value. Any changes to the transportation system that would affect or change public motorized travel or access in the analysis area would be made in a separate decision, following additional analysis. Decommissioning roads that are currently closed to public motorized travel should have no effect on recreational use since the areas would remain open to hiking, horseback riding, and other forms of non-motorized uses. Cumulatively, based on the current uses in the analysis area, there is may be a small benefit to the recreation resource. Design Criteria The recreation/travel management project design criteria are feasible because they would be incorporated into the timber sale or other contracts to protect recreation improvements, warn visitors of hazards, and minimize impacts to forest users during periods of heaviest use. These Project Design Criteria have been effectively used on other timber sales and vegetation management project on NFS and BLM lands and would minimize negative impacts to visitors. References

USDA Forest Service. (1986). ROS User Guide. Washington, D.C. USDI Bureau of Land Management. (2005). BLM Travel Management Planning Recreational

Opportunity Spectrum Categories Map. Washington, DC. USDI Bureau of Land Management. (2012). H-8342-1, Travel and Transportation Handbook.

Washington, D.C. USDI Bureau of Land Management. (1991). Resource Management Plan. San Luis Resource Area.

Alamosa, Colorado.

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