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Wilderness Characteristics Evaluation

Interdisciplinary Team Signature Sheet

The following interdisciplinary (ID) team reviewed the citizen's wilderness proposal. The review included field inventory and an analysis of the routes within the proposed area, as well as an evaluation of the wilderness characteristics within the proposed area. This signature sheet documents the available ID Team members that participated in this wilderness evaluation process along with the member's agreement with the conclusions reached in the road analysis forms and wilderness character forms completed for the area. These forms are contained in this wilderness inventory file.

Proposed WSA: Spaulding Addition 1

Team Members: /'? " //

TheresaRomasko('~~ Date: s>J:z--s,L:20cJ'7 Associate Field Manager for Range, Fuels, Weeds, Botany, and Special Forest Products

Recreation, a,{~al

Paul Whitman~ LJ ~'\ctf/\. "8/:1!.( /~tJ01Date: Planning and Environmental Coordinator

Les Boothe tko flno~ Date: goh i /2-U(} f Range Management Specialist

~ I

Glenn Lorton ~~ Date: ~J) ~.btJoi Wildlife Biologist

Breanna 0'ConnorA1AMt!lYJ.-vyy?1 Date: 8 /J-'5 !c;oo'1'& (j 'e Recreation Technician

Todd Forbes

,'l /1 .--. /1

_~ Date: ij2$~ Associate Field/Manager for Wildlife, Fisheries, Riparian, Hydrology~Willierness,

1

Ownership Size

(historic

acres)

Natural

Condition?

Y/N

Outstanding

Solitude?

Y/N

Outstanding

Primitive &

Unconfined

Recreation?

Y/N

Supplemental

Values?

Y/N

BLM 4,640 NA NA NA NA

Year: 2009 Inventory Unit Number/Name: OR-015-139A/Spaulding Reservoir East

FORM 1

DOCUMENTATION OF BLM WILDERNESS INVENTORY

FINDINGS ON RECORD

1. Is there existing BLM wilderness inventory information on all or part of this area?

No __Yes _X_

a) Inventory Source: Wilderness Inventory: Oregon and Washington Final Intensive

Inventory Decisions, November 1980

b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s):_1-139A/Spaulding Reservoir

c) Map Name(s)/Number(s): U.S. Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land

Management Oregon: Intensive Wilderness Inventory Final Decisions November,

1980

d) BLM District(s)/Field Office(s):_Lakeview District, Lakeview Resource Area.

2. BLM Inventory Findings on Record:

Existing inventory information regarding wilderness characteristics (if more than one BLM

inventory unit is associated with the area, list each unit and answer each question individually for

each inventory unit):

2

FORM 2

DOCUMENTATION OF CURRENT WILDERNESS INVENTORY

CONDITIONS

a. Unit Number/Name: OR-015-139A/Spaulding Reservoir East

(1) Is the unit of sufficient size? Yes __X__ No _____

Citizen Information Received: In 2005, the BLM received a citizen proposal from the

Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) for the 38,953-acre Spaulding proposed

Wilderness Study Area (WSA) Addition 1 (Map 1). ONDA included in their information

a narrative report, maps, photos, photo and route logs, and GIS data with their route and

photo point data; all of these materials were considered during the BLM’s wilderness

inventory process for this BLM Unit. The photos submitted by ONDA were taken in

August of 2004. They identified the area as having no interior routes which met the

BLM wilderness inventory definition of a road (see p. 209-223 of ONDA, 2005).

Boundary Determination and Consideration of Citizen Information: In 2007 and 2008,

BLM conducted its own field inventory of the area to update its road and wilderness

inventory for the area and to gather additional information to supplement ONDA’s

information. This field work included photo documentation of the boundary routes and

some of the interior routes. Using both ONDA and BLM photos, field logs, and staff

field knowledge, a BLM inter-disciplinary (ID) team completed road analyses on the

main routes within the proposed area between April and June of 2008.

The results of the route analysis are documented in the road analysis forms and ID team

meeting notes contained in the wilderness evaluation file. The BLM ID team determined

that several of the routes ONDA identified as “ways” are, in fact, boundary roads. For

this reason, the BLM found the Spaulding proposed WSA Addition I is not one large

roadless unit, but is comprised of several smaller units (Map 2) that are fairly similar to

inventory units (or sub-units) identified during the previous inventory.

Further, the BLM found that BLM Roads 6116-00, 6116-A0, 6116-C0, and 6136-00 on

the north and west sides of the Spaulding Addition 1 proposal also meet the wilderness

inventory definition of a road. Therefore, the potential wilderness character within all of

the roadless units which the BLM identified must be evaluated separate from, rather than

contiguous with, the wilderness values associated with the existing Spaulding WSA.

That is, they must stand on their own merits rather than be added to the wilderness values

of the existing Spaulding WSA.

It is bounded on the west by BLM Road 6116-A0 and private lands, on the east by BLM

Road 6176-00 and private lands, and on the south by 6116-00 and an unnumbered road

(referred to as 6176 C in 1980 inventory) (Map 2). (Refer to the road analysis forms,

photos, photo logs, and BLM ID team minutes in the wilderness inventory file for

additional supporting information regarding these boundary determinations).

3

In the 1980 inventory, this subunit was split out from subunit 1-139B (Spaulding WSA)

based on the presence of BLM Road 6116-A0-A (referred to formerly as BLM Road

6176 B) dividing unit 1-139 into two subunits. The earlier inventory estimated this area

as encompassing approximately 4,640 acres of BLM-administered lands (BLM 1980b).

The unit was eliminated from further study in 1980 due to the size estimate being less

than 5,000 acres. However, the current size estimate for this unit is 5,410 acres.

Following this boundary determination, the BLM ID team subsequently evaluated the

wilderness characteristics within this unit. The results are contained in the following

section. Additional background on the process that the BLM ID team followed during

this evaluation is contained in the document, Wilderness Inventory Maintenance Process

for the Lakeview Resource Area, BLM, and the ID team meeting notes contained in the

wilderness inventory file.

DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT CONDITIONS:

The unit is located approximately 32 miles east of Adel, Oregon, and north of the

Sheldon National Antelope Refuge (Maps 1 and 2).

(2) Is the unit in a natural condition? Yes _X_ No __ __ N/A _____

1980 Unit Description: The 1980 inventory did not describe this sub-unit in detail due to

the initial finding of small size.

Current Condition Description: Elevation across the unit ranges from about 5,700 feet

to 6,200 feet and includes several small buttes and ridges. Based on a review of recent

ecological site inventory data, the vegetation within the sub-unit is dominated by a

mixture of low and big sagebrush and associated native grasses.

About 3 miles of BLM Road 6116-00 cuts across the southeast portion of the unit (Map

2). This route was found not to meet the wilderness definition of a road in 1980 or during

the current evaluation. In addition, a naturally reclaiming route about a mile in length is

located along the southern boundary.

One man-made reservoir, Rock Reservoir, exists along the southwestern boundary. One

undeveloped spring occurs near the northeast corner of the unit. One developed spring

exists in the northwestern portion of the unit (Map 2). Developed springs typically

include a small, fenced exclosure surrounding the spring site and a short piece of pipe

extending to one or more water troughs located outside of the exclosure. Reservoirs

typically involve construction of a small earthen dam across a drainage using heavy

machinery, and are designed to capture seasonal runoff. Reservoirs typically cover 0.5 to

2 surface acres. Most of these man-made developments are substantially noticeable

within close distances (up to a quarter mile) and less noticeable from farther distances.

4

The entire sub-unit falls within the Beatty Butte wild horse herd management area

(HMA) (see Map SMA-4, BLM 2003b). Wild horses were introduced into the west by

man starting in the 1500’s and are protected under the Wild Horse and Burro Act of

1971.

Despite the presence of human disturbances described above, the BLM ID team

concluded that overall, the majority of this unit is in a natural condition where the imprint

of man is substantially unnoticeable.

(3) Does the unit have outstanding opportunities for solitude?

Yes_____ No __X__ N/A _____

1980 Unit Description: The 1980 inventory did not evaluate the opportunities for

solitude within this sub-unit due to its failure to meet the minimum size criteria.

Current Condition Description: The unit has some rolling topography, including a

ridgeline running parallel to the northeast boundary, and some taller sagebrush that

provides some limited screening that would allow some opportunity to avoid the presence

of others within the northeastern half of the unit (Map 3). However, due to the relatively

small size of the unit, it is still not possible to avoid others within the flatter southwestern

half of the unit.

The most common visitors to the unit include livestock permittees, BLM staff,

researchers, and hunters. The continued presence of boundary roads and internal

motorized routes (BLM Road 6116-00; Map 2) provides motorized access to the entire

perimeter of the unit, as well as a substantial portion of the southeastern interior of the

unit. This motorized access increases the actual likelihood of encountering other people

visiting the unit. The noise level associated with motorized activity diminishes solitude

and the overall quality of the recreational experience for those visitors attempting to get

away from others.

For these reasons, the BLM ID team found that the opportunities for solitude within this

unit are not outstanding, nor is the area being managed specifically to provide an

outstanding opportunity for solitude.

(4) Does the unit have outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined

recreation? Yes _____ No __X___ N/A _____

1980 Unit Description: The 1980 inventory did not evaluate the opportunities for

primitive recreation within this sub-unit due to its failure to meet the minimum size

criteria.

Current Condition Description: ONDA’s inventory report (2005) identified the

surrounding area as having outstanding opportunities for hiking, horseback riding,

photography, wildlife viewing, hunting, and camping (page 213) based on the premise

5

that their proposed Spaulding WSA addition is one, large roadless area. As noted above,

this proposal is not one large, roadless area, but is in fact comprised of several smaller

roadless inventory units which must be evaluated individually.

The Lakeview RMP/ROD (Map R-7; BLM 2003b) shows that the entire unit is open to

off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, demonstrating that the area is being managed primarily

for motorized recreation opportunities. In 2008, the BLM ID Team considered the

primitive recreation opportunities identified by ONDA, and found that while this unit has

some limited potential for hunting, hiking, or horse-back riding, they are similar to those

opportunities available throughout much of the Lakeview Resource Area, and are not

unique or outstanding.

Currently, there are about 3 miles of existing internal primitive motorized routes (Map 2)

that provide access to portions of the interior of the unit. This further limits the ability to

have a primitive (non-motorized) recreational experience. Field observations by BLM

staff have confirmed that people are, in fact, using motorized vehicles on and off of

existing roads to access the surrounding public lands for a variety of reasons including

recreation.

The unit does not provide a single, unique primitive recreational opportunity, nor does it

provide a unique diversity of primitive recreation opportunities. For these reasons, the

BLM ID team determined that primitive and unconfined recreation opportunities within

this unit are not outstanding.

(5) Does the unit have supplemental values? Yes _____ No ____ NA _X_

Description: Supplemental values were not evaluated as the unit does not meet the

minimum wilderness criteria.

Summary of Findings and Conclusion

Unit Name and Number: Spaulding Reservoir East/OR-OI5-139A

Results of Analysis:

1. Does the area meet the size requirements? X Yes No

2. Does the area appear to be natural? X Yes No

3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation? _Yes ~ No

4. Does the area have supplemental values? Yes No lNA

Conclusion (check one):

__ The area-or a portion of the area-has wilderness character.

~~The area does not have wilderness character.

ID Team Members (Names and Titles):

Todd Forbes, Associate Field Manager Natural Resources Paul Whitman, Planning and Environmental Coordinator Lucile Housley, Botanist Ken Siegrist, Park Ranger Glenn Lorton, Wildlife Biologist Kim McLean, Outdoor Recreation Planner/Wilderness Specialist Les Boothe, Range Management Specialist Breanna S. O'Connor, Park Ranger

Approved by:

~~~ ~Cd7 Tom Rasmussen, Field Manager 7 Date

This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not represent a formal land use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either 43 CFRpans 4 or 1610.5-2.

6

1

Ownership Size

(historic

acres)

Natural

Condition?

Y/N

Outstanding

Solitude?

Y/N

Outstanding

Primitive &

Unconfined

Recreation?

Y/N

Supplemental

Values?

Y/N

BLM 4,040 NA NA NA NA

Year: 2009 Inventory Unit Number/Name: OR-015-140A/Sagehen Spring South

FORM 1


FINDINGS ON RECORD


No __Yes _X_


Inventory Decisions November 1980

b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s):_1-140A/Sagehen Spring____________



1980_






2

FORM 2


CONDITIONS

a. Unit Number/Name: OR-015-140A/Sagehen Spring South_

(1) Is the unit of sufficient size? Yes ____ No __X__





























The unit is currently bounded on the west and north by BLM Road 6136-00 and private

land boundaries, on the east by BLM Road 6146-00, and on the south by Highway 140

(see Map 2 and photo log). Highway 140 is a state highway with a designated 200-foot

right-of-way on both sides of the centerline (400-foot total corridor width). For purposes

of this analysis, the southern boundary of the unit is defined as the northern edge of the

state right-of-way rather than the northern edge of the road disturbance. It currently

3

encompasses approximately 4,601 acres of BLM-administered lands. Due to the unit’s

small size (less than 5,000 acres) it was not evaluated further in 1980. The unit is still

less than 5,000 acres in size and does not meet the minimum size criteria or any

exceptions to the size criteria.

(Refer to the road analysis forms, photos, photo logs, and BLM ID team minutes in the

wilderness inventory file for additional supporting information regarding these boundary

determinations). Additional background on the process that the BLM ID team followed

during this evaluation is contained in the document, Wilderness Inventory Maintenance

Process for the Lakeview Resource Area, BLM, and the ID team meeting notes contained

in the wilderness inventory file.


This small, narrow unit and is located approximately 25 miles southeast of Adel, Oregon

(Maps 1 and 2).

(2) Is the unit in a natural condition? Yes ___ No __ __ N/A __X__

Description: Since the unit did not meet the minimum size criteria or any of the

exceptions to the size criteria, the natural quality was not evaluated.


Yes_____ No _____ N/A __X___


exceptions to the size criteria, the opportunities for solitude were not evaluated.


recreation? Yes _____ No _____ N/A __X___


exceptions to the size criteria, the recreation opportunities were not evaluated.



exceptions to the size criteria, the supplemental values were not evaluated.


Unit Name and Number: OR-015-140A/ Sagehen Spring South

Results ofAnalysis:

1. Does the area meet any of the size requirements? Yes -----.2LNo

2. Does the area appear to be natural? Yes No ~NA

3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation? __Yes _No ~NA

4. Does the area have supplemental values? Yes No ~NA



~The area does not have wilderness character.



Approved by:

Lc~ 5xfc(61' Tom Rasmussen, Field Manager 7Date

This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not represent a formal land use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either 43 CFRparts 4 or 1610.5-2.

4

1

Ownership Size

(historic

acres)

Natural

Condition?

Y/N

Outstanding

Solitude?

Y/N

Outstanding

Primitive &

Unconfined

Recreation?

Y/N

Supplemental

Values?

Y/N

BLM 9,400 Y N N NA

Year: 2009 Inventory Unit Number/Name: OR-015-140B/Sagehen Spring North

FORM 1


FINDINGS ON RECORD


No __Yes _X_



b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s):_1-140B/Sagehen Spring___________



1980_






2

FORM 2


CONDITIONS

a. Unit Number/Name: OR-015-140B/Sagehen Spring North






























Currently the unit is bounded on the west and north by BLM Road 6116-C0, on the east

by BLM Road 6116-00, and on the south by BLM Road 6136-00 and private lands (Map

2). It encompasses approximately 9,593 acres of BLM-administered lands. (Refer to the

road analysis forms, photos, photo logs, and BLM ID team minutes in the wilderness

inventory file for additional supporting information regarding these boundary

determinations).

3








The unit is located approximately 24 miles southeast of Adel, Oregon, and north of the



1980 Unit Description: The previous inventory (BLM 1980b) described this unit as

containing sagebrush flats and low, rolling terrain with minor drainages. On the (south)

east side of the unit a small canyon exists east of Sagehen Spring on private land.

Elevation ranges from about 5,900 feet to 6,200 feet.

In 1980, the unit contained two developed springs and one short way in the northwest

corner of the unit which were found to be substantially unnoticeable. The unit as a whole

was found to retain a generally natural condition where the imprints of man were

substantially unnoticeable (BLM 1980b).

Current Condition Description: The vegetation has not changed substantially since the

previous inventory.

The unit currently contains one undeveloped spring and five developed springs: Snake

Eyes Springs in the northwest, Crossroads Spring in the northeast, and Stud and

Sagebrush Springs in the southwest (Map 2 and photo log). Developed springs typically

include fenced exclosures surrounding the spring site and a short pipeline extending to

one or more water troughs located outside of the exclosure.

In addition, the interior of the unit currently contains about 6.8 miles of primitive,

motorized routes, and 1.3 miles of fence surrounding Sagehen Creek (Map 2). These

man-made disturbances are substantially noticeable within close distances (up to a

quarter mile) and less noticeable from farther distances.

The entire unit falls within the Beatty Butte wild horse herd management area (HMA)

(see Map SMA-4, BLM 2003b). Wild horses were introduced into the west by man

starting in the 1500’s and are protected under the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971.

Despite the increase in human disturbances since 1980, the BLM ID team concluded that

overall, the majority of this unit is in a natural condition where the imprint of man is

substantially unnoticeable.

4


Yes_____ No __X__ N/A _____

1980 Unit Description: The 1980 inventory found the unit had only gently rolling

contours in limited areas of the unit that were capable of providing screening from the

sights and sounds of others in the unit. There is one extended (side) slope paralleling

BLM Road 6116-00 along the east side of the unit that drops off onto Sage Hen Flats to

the east. The topography and small unit size prevented the area from providing an

outstanding opportunity for solitude. In addition, the existing short sagebrush cover did

not provide significant screening.

Current Condition Description: The terrain and vegetation characteristics within the

unit have not changed since 1980. The topography and short vegetation continues to fail

to provide adequate screening from others within the unit (Map 3).

The most common visitors to the unit include livestock permittees, private land owners,

BLM staff, researchers, and hunters. The continued presence of boundary roads and

internal motorized routes (Map 2) provides motorized access to the entire perimeter of

the unit, as well as portions of the interior of the unit. This motorized access increases

the actual likelihood of encountering other people visiting the unit. The noise level

associated with motorized activity diminishes solitude and the overall quality of the

recreational experience for those visitors attempting to get away from others.


unit have not changed since 1980 and are not outstanding, nor is the area being managed

specifically to provide an outstanding opportunity for solitude.



1980 Unit Description: The 1980 inventory noted this unit had the potential for hunting

and trapping, along with limited hiking and horseback riding opportunities. However,

these opportunities were not found to be outstanding due to the unit’s size.









for motorized recreation opportunities. In 2008, the BLM ID Team considered primitive

5

recreation opportunities identified in 1980 and those identified by ONDA, but did not

find these opportunities to be unique or outstanding.

Currently, there are about 6.8 miles of existing internal primitive motorized routes (Map

2) that provide access to portions of the interior of the unit. This further limits the ability

to have a primitive (non-motorized) recreational experience. Field observations by BLM

staff have confirmed that people are, in fact, using motorized vehicles on and off of

existing roads to access the surrounding public lands for a variety of reasons including

recreation.

The recreation opportunities are similar other BLM lands within the Lakeview Resource

Area. The unit does not provide a single, unique primitive recreational opportunity, nor

does it provide a unique diversity of primitive recreation opportunities. For these

reasons, the BLM ID team determined that primitive and unconfined recreation

opportunities within this unit have not changed since 1980. The unit continues to lack an

outstanding opportunity for primitive and unconfined recreation.




JJ~ ~0r Tom Rasmussen, Field Manager te

This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not represent a formal land use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either 43 CFRparts 4 or 1610.5-2.


Unit Name and Number: OR-OI5-140B/ Sagehen Spring North


1. Does the area meet the size requirements? X Yes No

2. Does the area appear to be natural? X Yes No

3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation? _Yes l No

4. Does the area have supplemental values? Yes No X NA



.-K..-The area does not have wilderness character.



Approved by:

6

1

Year: 2009 Inventory Unit Number/Name: 1-145A/Sagehen Flat East__

FORM 1


FINDINGS ON RECORD


No __Yes _X_



b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s):_1-145A/Sagehen Flat____________



1980_






Ownership Size

(historic

acres)

Natural

Condition?

Y/N

Outstanding

Solitude?

Y/N

Outstanding

Primitive &

Unconfined

Recreation?

Y/N

Supplemental

Values?

Y/N

BLM 7,620 Y N N NA

2

FORM 2


CONDITIONS

a. Unit Number/Name: 1-145A/Sagehen Flat East_






























Currently the unit is bounded on the west by BLM Roads 6116-B0, on the north by BLM

Road 6116-00 and an unnumbered road (formerly referred to as 6176 C), and on the east

and south by BLM Roads 6176-00 and 6116-BA (formerly referred to as 6176 B) (Map

2). This unit currently encompasses approximately 7,605 acres of BLM-administered

lands. (Refer to the road analysis forms, photos, photo logs, and BLM ID team minutes

3

in the wilderness inventory file for additional supporting information regarding these

boundary determinations).











1980 Unit Description: The original inventory described the two sub-units as being

similar in character and described the unit as a whole, despite the presence of a road

dividing the unit into two sub-units. The area was described as a low, sagebrush flat

containing two large lakebed pits (waterholes) (BLM 1980b). The unit also contained

two shallow, ephermal lakebeds. The elevation ranged from about 5,850 feet to 6,135

feet.

One of the two waterholes (Dixon) was located along the road dividing the two sub-units.

The other waterhole (Dutch) was located in Section25 on the northeast portion of the sub-

unit. Because of the extremely flat nature of the unit, the large mound of material

resulting from digging Dixon waterhole is visible for a considerable distance. Dutch

waterhole was also very noticeable over a large area. The sub-unit as a whole was judged

to be primarily affected by the forces of nature where the imprints of man were

substantially unnoticeable (BLM 1980b).

Current Condition Description: The vegetation characteristics within the unit have not

changed substantially since the 1980 inventory was completed.

The unit currently contains two waterholes, not counting Dixon waterhole (see Map 2 and

photo log). Waterholes typically involve digging out a 5-10 foot deep hole covering a

small area (0.5 to 2.0 acres) in a playa flat and side-casting the material into a pile

adjacent to the hole. In addition, the interior of the unit currently contains about 4.8

miles of primitive motorized routes (Map 2). These man-made developments are

substantially noticeable within close distances (up to a quarter mile) and less noticeable

from farther distances.


(see Map SMA-4 BLM 2003b). Wild horses were introduced into the west by man


4

Despite the increase in human disturbances since 1980, the BLM ID team concluded that


substantially unnoticeable.


Yes_____ No __X__ N/A _____

1980 Unit Description: The previous inventory found that the extremely flat terrain and

low sagebrush cover made it difficult to avoid the sights and sounds of others in the area.

The unit size was also deemed insufficient, in combination with the flat terrain, to

provide opportunities to escape the presence of others. The sub-unit did not offer an

outstanding opportunity for solitude (BLM 1980b).


unit have not changed since 1980. The unit continues to lack either topographic or

vegetative screening (Map 3) which makes it difficult to avoid the presence of others

within the unit.

The most common visitors to the unit include livestock permitees, BLM staff,

researchers, and hunters. The continued presence of boundary roads and internal

motorized routes (Map 2) provides motorized access to the perimeter and large portions

of the interior of the unit. This motorized access increases the actual likelihood of

encountering other people visiting the unit. The noise level associated with motorized

activity diminishes solitude and the overall quality of the recreational experience for

those visitors attempting to get away from others.






1980 Unit Description: The previous inventory found that the unit as a whole did not

offer any outstanding opportunity for hiking, hunting, or other primitive or unconfined

forms of recreation (BLM 1980b).







5



for motorized recreation opportunities. Currently, there are about 4.8 miles of existing

internal primitive motorized routes (Map 2) that provide access to substantial portions of

the interior of the unit. This further limits the ability to have a primitive (non-motorized)

recreational experience. Field observations by BLM staff have confirmed that people are,

in fact, using motorized vehicles on and off of existing roads to access the surrounding

public lands for a variety of reasons including recreation.

In 2008, the BLM ID Team considered primitive recreation opportunities identified in

1980 and those identified by ONDA, but did not find these opportunities to be unique or

outstanding. The recreation opportunities are similar other BLM lands within the

Lakeview Resource Area. The unit does not provide a single, unique primitive

recreational opportunity, nor does it provide a unique diversity of primitive recreation

opportunities. For these reasons, the BLM ID team determined that primitive and

unconfined recreation opportunities within this unit have not changed since 1980. The

unit continues to lack an outstanding opportunity for primitive and unconfined recreation.




~(~.~. 8A~r Tom Rasmussen, Field Manager

This form documents informatton that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not represent a formal land use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either 43 CFRpans 4 or 1610.5-2.


Unit Name and Number: 1-145A/Sagehen Flat East

Results ofAnalysis:

1. Does the area meet the size requirements? lYes No

2. Does the area appear to be natural? ~Yes No

3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation? Yes ~ No




l-The area does not have wilderness character.



Approved by:

6

1

Year: 2009 Inventory Unit Number/Name: OR-015-145B/Sagehen Flat West

FORM 1


FINDINGS ON RECORD


No __Yes _X_



b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s):_1-145B/Sagehen Flat___________



1980_






Ownership Size

(historic

acres)

Natural

Condition?

Y/N

Outstanding

Solitude?

Y/N

Outstanding

Primitive &

Unconfined

Recreation?

Y/N

Supplemental

Values?

Y/N

BLM 8,095 Y N N NA

2

FORM 2


CONDITIONS

a. Unit Number/Name: OR-015-145B/Sagehen Flat West_






























The unit is currently bounded on the west by BLM Roads 6116-00 and 6116-00, on the

north by BLM Road 6116-00 (formerly referred to as Road 6176 C), on the east by BLM

Roads 6116-B0 and 6116-BA (formerly referred to as 6176 B) and on the south by BLM

Roads 6176-00 and 6116-D0. This unit currently encompasses approximately 8,510

acres of BLM-administered lands. (Refer to the road analysis forms, photos, photo logs,

3

and BLM ID team minutes in the wilderness inventory file for additional supporting

information regarding these boundary determinations).











1980 Unit Description: The 1980 inventory described the two sub-units as being similar

in character and described the unit as a whole despite the presence of a road (6116-B0)

dividing the area into two sub-units. The area was described as a low sagebrush flat

containing two large lakebed pits (waterholes) (BLM 1980b). Elevation ranged from

about 5,820 feet to 5,975 feet.

Only one of the two waterholes (Dixon) was located along the road dividing the two

subunits. Because of the extremely flat nature of the sub-unit, the large mound of

material resulting from digging Dixon waterhole is visible for a considerable distance.

The sub-unit as a whole was judged to be primarily affected by the forces of nature where

the imprints of man were substantially unnoticeable (BLM 1980b).

Current Condition Description: The vegetation characteristics within the unit have not

changed substantially since the 1980 inventory was completed.

The unit currently contains one undeveloped spring and four waterholes (Map 2 and

photo log. Waterholes typically involve digging out a 5-10 foot deep hole covering a

small surface area (0.5 to 2.0 acres) in a playa flat and side-casting the material into a pile

adjacent to the hole. In addition, the interior of the unit currently contains about 0.2

miles of primitive motorized routes and about 2.8 miles of primitive reclaiming routes.

Most of these man-made disturbances are substantially noticeable within close distances

(up to a quarter mile) and less noticeable from farther distances.


(see Map SMA-4, BLM 2003b). Wild horses were introduced into the west by man


4

Despite the continued presence of human disturbances, the BLM ID team concluded that


substantially unnoticeable (Map 2).


Yes_____ No __X__ N/A _____

1980 Unit Description: The 1980 inventory found that the extremely flat terrain and low

sagebrush cover in the entire unit made it difficult to avoid the sights and sounds of

others in the area. The entire unit size was also deemed insufficient, in combination with

the flat terrain, to provide opportunities to escape the presence of others. The sub-unit

did not offer an outstanding opportunity for solitude (BLM 1980b).


unit have not changed since the 1980 inventory was completed. The unit continues to

lack adequate topographic or vegetative screening (Map 3) which makes it difficult to

avoid the presence of others within the unit.

The most common visitors to the unit include livestock permitees, BLM staff,

researchers, and hunters. The continued presence of boundary roads (Map 2) provides

motorized access to the perimeter of the unit. This motorized access increases the actual

likelihood of encountering other people visiting the unit. The noise level associated with

motorized activity diminishes solitude and the overall quality of the recreational

experience for those visitors attempting to get away from others.






1980 Unit Description: The 1980 inventory found that the unit as a whole did not offer

any outstanding opportunity for hiking, hunting, or other primitive or unconfined forms

of recreation (BLM 1980b).









5

for motorized recreation opportunities. Field observations by BLM staff have confirmed

that people are, in fact, using motorized vehicles on and off of existing roads to access the

surrounding public lands for a variety of reasons including recreation.

In 2008, the BLM ID Team considered primitive recreation opportunities identified in

1980 and those identified by ONDA, but did not find these opportunities to be unique or

outstanding. The recreation opportunities are similar other BLM lands within the

Lakeview Resource Area. The unit does not provide a single, unique primitive

recreational opportunity, nor does it provide a unique diversity of primitive recreation

opportunities. For these reasons, the BLM ID team determined that primitive and

unconfined recreation opportunities within this unit have not changed since 1980. The

unit continues to lack an outstanding opportunity for primitive and unconfined recreation.




~~? Uate

This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not represent a formal land use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either 43 CFRparls 4 or 1610.5-2.


Unit Name and Number: OR-015-145B/Sagehen Flat West

Results ofAnalysis:

1. Does the area meet the size requirements? lYes No

2. Does the area appear to be natural? ----.1LYes No

3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation? _Yes ----.1L No




--.X-The area does not have wilderness character.



Approved by:

6

1

Year: 2009 Inventory Unit Number/Name: OR-015-145C/Sagehen Flat South

FORM 1


FINDINGS ON RECORD


No __ Yes _X__



b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s):_This area was part of Sagehen Flat, unit 1-145B

during the 1980 inventory_



1980_






Ownership Size

(historic

acres)

Natural

Condition?

Y/N

Outstanding

Solitude?

Y/N

Outstanding

Primitive &

Unconfined

Recreation?

Y/N

Supplemental

Values?

Y/N

BLM 8,095 Y N N NA

2

FORM 2


CONDITIONS

a. Unit Number/Name: OR-015-145C/Sagehen Flat South










Boundary Determination and Consideration of Citizen Information: In 2008, BLM

conducted its own field inventory of the area to update its road and wilderness inventory

and to gather additional information to supplement the information provided by ONDA.

This field work included photo documentation of the boundary routes and some of the

interior routes. Using both ONDA and BLM photos, field logs, and staff field

knowledge, a BLM inter-disciplinary (ID) team completed road analyses on the main

routes within the proposed area between April and June of 2008.

The results of the road analysis are documented in the road analysis forms and the ID

team meeting notes contained in the wilderness evaluation file. The BLM ID team

determined that several of the routes ONDA identified as “ways” are still, in fact,

boundary roads. For this reason, the BLM found the Spaulding Proposed WSA Addition

I is not one large roadless unit, but is comprised of several smaller units (Map 2).

The ID team found that the boundary for this unit has changed since the previous

inventory was completed in 1980. This area was previously evaluated as part of unit 1-

145B during the 1980 inventory. However, the south end of BLM Road 6116-B0 has

been maintained within the recent past and now qualifies as a boundary road. The unit is

currently bounded on the west by BLM Road 6116-B0, on the north by BLM Road 6116-

BA, on the southeast by BLM Road 6176-00.

Currently the unit is bounded on the west by BLM Roads 6116-B0, on the north by BLM

Road 6116-BA, and on the southeast by BLM Road 6176-00 (Map 2). The unit currently

encompasses approximately 425 acres of BLM-administered lands and does not meet the

size criteria or any of the exceptions to the size criteria. (Refer to the road analysis

forms, photos, photo logs, and BLM ID team minutes in the wilderness inventory file for

additional supporting information regarding these boundary determinations). Additional

background on the process that the BLM ID team followed during this evaluation is

contained in the document, Wilderness Inventory Maintenance Process for the Lakeview

3

Resource Area, BLM, and the ID team meeting notes contained in the wilderness

inventory file.


This small, triangular shaped unit is located approximately 30 miles east of Adel, Oregon

(Maps 1 and 2).





Yes_____ No _____ N/A __X___










~(~ ~ Tom Rasmussen, Field Manager Date

This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not represent a formal land use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either 43 CFRparls 4 or 1610.5-2.


Unit Name and Number: Sagehen Flat South/OR-OI5-145C


1. Does the area meet the size requirements? Yes~No

2. Does the area appear to be natural? Yes No X NA

3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation? Yes _ No ~NA







Approved by:

4

1

Year: 2009 Inventory Unit Number/Name: None/Sagehen Spring Southeast

FORM 1


FINDINGS ON RECORD


No __ Yes _X__



b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s):_This area was not assigned an inventory number or

name during the 1980 inventory_



1980_






Ownership Size

(historic

acres)

Natural

Condition?

Y/N

Outstanding

Solitude?

Y/N

Outstanding

Primitive &

Unconfined

Recreation?

Y/N

Supplemental

Values?

Y/N

BLM <5,000 NA NA NA NA

2

FORM 2


CONDITIONS

a. Unit Number/Name: No Number/Sagehen Spring_Southeast























The ID team found that the boundary for this unit has changed little since the previous

inventory was completed in 1980. It is currently bounded on the west by BLM Road

6146-00, on the north by private property and BLM Road 6116-D0, on the east by BLM

Road 6176-00, and on the south by the Highway 140 corridor. Highway 140 is a state

highway with a designated 200-foot right-of-way on both sides of the centerline (400-foot

total corridor width). For purposes of this analysis, the southern boundary of the unit is

defined as the northern edge of the state right-of-way rather than the northern edge of the

road disturbance. (Refer to the road analysis forms, photos, photo logs, and BLM ID

team minutes in the wilderness inventory file for additional supporting information

regarding these boundary determinations).

This area was not previously evaluated in detail during the 1980 inventory due to its

small (less than 5,000 acre) size. It currently encompasses approximately 2,724 acres of

3

BLM-administered lands and 280 acres of developed private lands and does not meet the

size criteria or any of the exceptions to the size criteria.

Additional background on the process that the BLM ID team followed during this

evaluation is contained in the document, Wilderness Inventory Maintenance Process for

the Lakeview Resource Area, BLM, and the ID team meeting notes contained in the



This unit is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Adel, Oregon, north of Highway

140, near the Oregon/Nevada State line (Maps 1 and 2).





Yes___ No __ N/A __X___










~~ ~., Tom Rasmussen, Field Manager

Thisform documentsinformation that constitutesan inventoryfinding on wilderness characteristics. It does not representaformal land use allocation or afinal agencydecision subject to administrative remediesunder either43 CFRparts 4 or 1610.5-2.


Unit Name and Number: Sagehen Spring SoutheastlUnnumbered


1. Does the area meet the size requirements? Yes~No

2. Does the area appear to be natural? Yes No ~NA

3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation? Yes _No ~NA







Approved by:

4

Adel

Plush

Paisley

Lakeview

Westside

Fort Rock

Silver Lake

Alkali LakeSummer Lake

Valley Falls

New Pine Creek

Christmas Valley

LegendLakeview Resource AreaCities Beaty Butte Loop RoadMajor RoadsWilderness Character Evaluation Area

Map 1 - Wilderness Character Evaluation Area

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual or aggregate use with other data. Original data were compiled from various sources. This information may not meet National Map Accuracy Standards. This product was developed through digital means and may be updated without notification.

0 8 164 Miles

Lake

Cou

nty

Klam

ath C

ounty

Lake County

Spaulding WSA

Hawk Mountain WSA

Sage Hen Hills WSA

Basque Hills WSA

6136-00

6176-A0

6116-0

0

6176-00

6116-C0

6116-B

0

6126-0

0

6116-A0

6126-B0

6136-A0

6116-C

B

6176-D0

6146

-00

6176-E0

6116-BA

6116-D0

6116-CA

6176-AA

6126-A0

6176-D

B

Wagonslide Road

6176-00

6176-00

Dixon_WH

Shelby_WH

Sheldon_WH

SEEP SPRING

Bone_Spring

Stallion_WH

Stud_Spring

Pork_Chop_WH

WAGONSIDE WH

B_LANE_SPRING

West_Dixon_WH

BENCH_TOP_WH_3PHANTOM_SPRING

Snip Waterhole

Field_Waterhole

East_Sagehen_WH

Mahogany_Spring

SLIDE_WATERHOLE

SAGEBRUSH SPRING

West_Stallion_WH

Wagonslide_WH_#2

North_Sagehen_WH

SNAKE EYES SPRINGSNAKE EYES SPRING

CROSSROADS SPRING

Sunrise_Waterhole

Sage_Hen_Butte_WH

Weed_Lake_East_WH

Halfway_Reservoir

North_140_Waterhole

South_140_Waterhole

HIGH_LAKE_WATERHOLE

East_Dixon_WaterholeSage Butte Waterhole

NI

NI

OR-015-140B

OR-015-145B

OR-015-145A

NI

OR-015-139A

OR-015-140A

NI

OR-015-145C

Map 2 - Wilderness Character Inventory Units

0.9 0 0.90.45 Miles

LegendWilderness Inventory Units

Water DevelopmentsDEVELOPED SPRINGRESERVOIRSTORAGE TANKWATER TROUGHWATERHOLEWELLGuzzlersFencesHighwayReclaiming RoutesExisting Motorized RoutesExisting WSA

Land StatusOtherBureau of Land ManagementState Agency

6176-00

6176-A0

6136-A0

6126-B06116-00

6136-00

6176-AA

6116-CB

6116

-A0

6116-C0

Wagonslide Road

6176

-DB

6116-D0

6116-CA

6116

-B0

6126-00

6146

-00

6116-BA

6176-E0

6176-A0

6176-00

6176-00

6146-0

0

6116-C0

6116-A0

6176-0

0

6176-A0

6116-00

6176-0

0

6116-A

0

6176-00

6136-00

6176-A

0

6136-00

6176-00

6116

-C0

6116-C

0

6136-00

6136-00

6116-B

06116-00

6126-B0

6176-00

6176-0

0

6116-00 6116-00

6116-00

6116-00

6116

-00

6176-0

0

6116-C0

6176-00

6176-E0

6176-A0

6176-00

6136-00

6176-AA

6176

-00

6116-C

06176-00

6176-00

6116-A0

6176-00

6116-00

6116-C

0

6126-00

6116-CB

6116-B0

6116-00

6116-C

0

6116

-B0

6116-0

0

6176

-00

6116-00

6136-00

6116-D0

6136-00

6176-A0

6136-A0

6116-C

B

6136-0

0

NI

OR-015-140B

OR-015-145B

OR-015-145A

NI

OR-015-139A

OR-015-140A

NI

NI

Map 3 - Vegetative Screening Based on Juniper Density Classes

LegendWilderness Inventory Unit BoundariesMotorized Routes

Juniper Density ClassHighMediumLow

2 0 21 Miles

Download - Wilderness Character Evaluation in Spaulding … · These forms are contained in this wilderness inventory file. Proposed WSA: Spaulding ... in fact, boundary roads. For ... primitive

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