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DECISION MEMO

SCE MICROWAVE TREE REMOVAL PROJECT

U.S. FOREST SERVICE, SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST

KERN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT

KERN COUNTY, CA

BACKGROUND

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The SCE Microwave Tree Removal Project will remove approximately 65 trees on about 50 acres which are causing interference with a microwave communications site on Breckenridge Mountain. The project is located off of Breckenridge Lookout Road (Forest Road No. 28S07) adjoining the Breckenridge Mountain Communications site, located northeast of Bakersfield in Kern County, on lands administered by Sequoia National Forest (see attached map). The site is within the northeast quarter of Section 36, Township 28 South, Range 31 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian.

The primary Communication Use Lease holder for the site is Kern County, who subleases space to Southern California Edison, Kern County Schools, local television station Channel 17 and others. The microwave system is important for transmission of information for the Southern California Edison (SCE) electric power distribution system and for Kern County Schools. SCE has identified a ~-mile corridor to the northwest of the Breckenridge Mountain Communications Site where trees have grown into the path of the existing microwave transmission. Kern County Schools has identified a single tree that is blocking all microwave transmission. In addition, Kern County and local Channel 17 have identified seven trees that will be blocking microwave transmissions within the next five years. Because of t he number and types of electronic users on the site and concerns over interference, Kern County has indicated that raising or moving the microwave system would be difficult and complex, as well as time-consuming, although this option is under consideration for the future.

DECISION

I have decided to authorize felling and removal of up to 65 trees, 17 of which exceed 30 inches, within these transmission pathways. In addition, trees posing a hazard to timber operations may be incidental ly removed for safety at landings, skid t ra ils and other operational areas. A small commercial timber sale will be used to remove the trees. The project area is comprised of Sierran mixed conifer with white fir, Jeffrey pine, ponderosa pine, and sugar pine, with some black oak, live oak and foothill pine. The majority of the trees identified for removal are white fir. Cut trees will be hauled to existing roads and landings for removal.

Fuels reduction will be completed following the timber sale to reduce fuel loading on the site which contains large amounts of down wood. Short-term effects may include soil disturbance associated with use of mechanical equipment and a temporary increase in surface fuels and smoke from burning slash. Pile burning will occur during periods approved by the air pollution control district to maximize dispersion of smoke and minimize effects on local residents.

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This action is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental impact statement (EIS) or an environmental assessment (EA). This project qualifies under FSH 1909.15 Chapter 32.2 Subsection 12:

"Harvest of live trees not to exceed 70 acres, requiring no more than Yi mile of temporary road construction. Do not use this category for even-aged regeneration harvest or vegetation type conversion. The proposed action may include incidental removal of trees for landings, skid trails, and road clearing."

This category of action is applicable because the proposed action will result in the harvest of live trees on approximately 50 acres. No road construction will occur. Existing roads in the area to be used for timber operations include Forest Roads 28S07 and 28S07C.

REVIEW OF EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES

In deciding whether a categorical exclusion may be used, the responsible official must assure there are no extraordinary circumstances related to the proposed action that would warrant further analysis and documentation in an EA or EIS. In accordance with FSH 1909.lS Section 31.2, I have considered the following resource conditions and have determined that no extraordinary circumstances related to the proposed action warrant further analysis or documentation in an EA or EIS:

1. Federally listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat, species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, or Forest Service sensitive species -A Biological Resources Report for the Pre-Construction Survey of the Microwave Path Clearing Project Between Breckenridge and Vestal Substations, Sequoia National Forest, Kern County, California (Biological Report, 2014) was completed by SWCA Environmental Consultants in December 2014. This report is based on a survey of 7 acres in the corridor containing the trees to be removed. It indicates that while golden eagles and spotted owls may be present in the vicinity, no nests were observed in the project area surveyed, which included the area containing the trees to be removed. However, reports from the Breckenridge Lookout indicate that there may be golden eagles roosting in the larger SO-acre project area. Therefore, if felling of trees occurs between March 1 and July 1, a biological monitor will be required during felling to reduce the risk of felling a tree with a nesting or roosting golden eagle.

This mountaintop location does not contain suitable habitat for mountain yellow legged frogs or slender salamanders. This area is outside of the Southern Sierra Fisher Conservation Area. The location of the project along a ridgetop in relatively open forest with no nearby water makes the area of low suitabi lity for nesting northern goshawks or spotted owls.

The botanical section of this report indicated a low probability for sensitive plants in the 7 acres surveyed, including Palmer's mariposa lily, Kern Plateau bird's beak or Nine Mile Canyon phacelia. However, based on the surveys conducted for the Breckenridge Forest Health and Fuels Reduction Project in 2011, there are known populations of some RS sensitive plant species in the area including Palmer's Mariposa Lily, (Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri), Flax-Like Monardella (Monardella linoides ssp. oblonga) and Baja Navarretia, (Navarretia peninsularis). The areas proposed for skid trails outside of the 7 acres have not been surveyed for sensitive plants. Therefore no mechanical work should be completed outside of the 7 surveyed acres between July 15 and September 30, unless a botanical survey has been completed.

With this mitigation, the Forest Service biologist determined that there are no extraordinary circumstances that could preclude approval of this project under a category excluded from

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documentation in an EA or EIS.

2. Flood plains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds - This mountaintop project does not include flood plains or wetlands. Tributaries to Lucas Creek and other waterways in the project area will be protected from impacts by use of Best Management Practices (BM P's).

3. Congressionally designated areas - No wilderness, wilderness study areas, wild and scenic river segments or national recreation areas are within the area of potential effect.

4. Inventoried roadless areas or potential wilderness areas - No inventoried road less areas or potential wilderness areas are within the area of potential effect. The Mill Creek Road less Area is approximately two miles north of the project area.

5. Research natural areas - No research natural areas are present within the area of project effects.

6. American Indian and Alaska Native religious or cultural sites-No American Indian or Alaska Native religious or cultural sites will be impacted by this project.

7. Archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas -The District Archaeologist completed a review (R2015051354003) of the project area in 2015. There are no archeological sites within the project boundaries. No historic properties are located in the area.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

This action was listed on the second quarter 2015 Sequoia National Forest Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) on January 1, 2015. Public notification was completed on February 6, 2015 by electronic and paper format distribution of 57 scoping notices. Groups notified included those who have previously expressed environmental concerns, local tribes, residents, other governmental agencies, public officials, media, utilities, and the 1990 Mediated Settlement Agreement participants, and off-road enthusiasts.

No public comments were received.

OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS

National Historic Preservation Act. The project, as designed, will have no effect on cultural resources. This project complies with the Programmatic Agreement among the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5), California State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation regarding the Processes for Compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for Management of Historic Properties by the National Forests of the Pacific Southwest Region (2013)

• A report (R2015051354003) completed for the project area in 2015 identified no cultural or historical sites within the project boundaries.

• Endangered Species Act. No threatened, endangered, or candidate species will be affected by this project as designed, based on the findings of the Biological Report, 2014 incorporated by reference.

• Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This project will not negatively affect availability of adequate snags, recruitment snags, green tree retention, down wood, and diversity that provide for migratory bird habitat at the landsca pe scale.

• Clean Water Act. The project is in accordance with requirements of the California Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control board to ensure compliance with the California Water Code and the Federa l Clean Water Act. Best management practices (BM P's) will be incorporated into the project.

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• Clean Air Act. The project will be conducted in accordance with the Clean Air Act, the conformity provisions of the Clean Air Act, California' s Title 17 (Smoke Management for Agricultural and Prescribed Burning}, and local air pollution control district regulations.

• National Forest Management Act. This action is consistent with the goals, objectives, and management direction of the 1988 Sequoia National Forest land and Resource Management Plan, as amended. This decision is consistent with the 1990 Sequoia National Forest Land Management Plan Mediated Settlement Agreement. Direction in the 2004 Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (2004 SNFPA) specifically identifies (p. 11) that vegetation management standards and guidelines, such as canopy cover requirements, and diameter limits apply only to mechanical thinning, and not to special use projects.

This project is limited in scope in that the project removes less than 3 percent of the trees in the analysis area (50 acres); of the trees removed; 17 are greater than 30 inches in diameter. Due to the limited scope of the project, the old forest characteristics of large trees and down woody material will be retained within the analysis area. Other than the 7-acre corridor for SCE where 65 of the trees to be removed are located, there would be no measureable change in canopy cover. The relatively open canopy where the change would not be a substantive change and affects only a small proportion (less than 0.1 percent) of the available forested habitat in the Breckenridge area so cumulative effects are insignificant.

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW (APPEAL) OPPORTUNITIES

This decision is not subject to Forest Service Regulations at 36 CFR 218.

IMPLEMENTATION DATE

Implementation may begin in March 2015, weather permitting.

CONTACT

For additional information concerning this decision, the Kernville District Office, 760-376-3781, extensi

ntact: Brian Block, District Ecosystem Manager at 670 or brianblock@fs.fed.us.

Date

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APPENDIX A: PROJECT AREA MAP R. 31 E. R32E

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// Kem River Dis1rict Vicin ity Sequoia National FoTnt Kem RP.'f!r Rcmga ~trict

SCE :Microwave Tree Removal Project

O Project .Amlysis Area • Lookout

• I'rees Ploposed for Removal ~

@ Microwave Tower A. Communication Tower

'Road o o.os 0.1 o.~ .......... llll:::::======:::::::::JM~

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APPENDIX 8: PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES

Biological Resources:

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• If felling of trees occurs between March 1 and July 1, a biological monitor will be required during felling to reduce the risk of felling a tree with a nesting or roosting golden eagle.

• To protect sensitive plant populations, no mechanical work should be completed July 15 and September 30 outside of the 7 surveyed acres, unless a botanical survey has been completed.

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APPENDIX C: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPS) AND EROSION CONTROL PLAN

Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been effective in protecting beneficial uses within affected watersheds. These practices have been applied in other projects within the Sequoia National Forest. Where proper implementation has occurred there have not been any substantive adverse impacts to cold water fisheries habitat conditions or primary contact recreation (etc.) use of the surface waters. The practices specified herein are expected to be equally effective in maintaining the identified beneficial uses. Stream condition inventory (SCI) plots have been established to monitor effectiveness of the prescribed BMPs.

The following management requirements are designed to address the watershed management concerns. Most are BMPs from the Forest Service publication "Water Quality Management for National Forest System Lands in California" (USDA Forest Service, 2011 ). All applicable water quality BMPs shall be implemented. The implementation phase of the BMPs occur after a project is completed, but before the winter season. BMP monitoring of the project is done one year later after the project experiences one rainy season. A list of BMPs to be used within project is as follows, along with a brief summary of what each entails:

Mechanical Treatments

1.3 Surface Erosion Hazard Determination for Unit Design

The objective of this BMP is to identify high erosion hazard areas in order to adjust treatment measures to prevent downstream water quality degradation. Lop and scatter of slash on treated units where appropriate will serve to reduce erosion hazard ratings (EHR) and reduce the potential for erosion. This would be applied to units having an EHR of high. No mechanical activity is planned on slopes greater than 35 percent. All other soils within the proposed mechanical thinning units have an EHR of moderate. Soil erosion hazard ratings should be used from the Sequoia National Forest Soil Survey (USDA, 1996).

1.4 Use of' Area Maps and /or Project Maps for Designating Water Quality Protection Needs.

The objective of this practice is to ensure recognition and protection of areas related to water quality protection delineation on project maps. Stream courses are to be protected under C6.5 (Plan of Operation) of the project contract. Additionally any other stream courses or wet areas not identified on the project area map and identified during operation are to be protected under C6.5 of the project contract.

1.5 Limiting Operating Period of Contract Activities

The objective of this practice is to ensure that contractors conduct their operations, including, erosion control work and so forth, in a timely manner, within the time specified in the Contract. Operations should be scheduled and conducted to minimize erosion and sedimentation when ground conditions are such that excessive rutting and soil compaction will not occur. June 1 to November 15 are normal operating periods for this project. Operations may be authorized pending field verification of ground conditions. Soil moisture conditions need to be appropriate in order to reduce the effects of operating in wet conditions.

1.8, 1.19 Streamside Management Zone Designation, Streamcourse and Aquatic Protection

The objectives of these measures are to designate a zone along riparian areas, streams, and wetlands that will minimize potential for adverse effects from adjacent management activities. Management activities in these zones are designated to improve habitat for riparian dependent species. Additionally, objectives of SMZ's are to provide for unobstructed passage of storm flows, control sediment and other

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pollutants from entering streamcourses, and restore the natural course of any stream as soon as practicable, where diversion of the stream has resulted from management activities.

It is expected that development of RCA's (Riparian Conservation Areas) are included under these BMPs. RCA's include aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and lands adjacent to perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams, as well as around meadows. The purposes of RCA's are to protect these areas as well as dependent natural resources during site-specific project planning and implementation1. Forest Strategy also maintains or restores soil properties and productivity to ensure ecosystem health, soil hydrologic function and biological buffering capacity2. ·

Forest strategy provides direction to maintain or improve conditions for riparian dependent resources. Riparian dependent resources are those natural resources that owe their existence to the presence of surface or groundwater.

SMZ should not be considered replacement of RCA's, but a nested zone contained in the RCA developed for the filtering capability of the streamside zone. All stream courses will be protected and assigned SMZ's. The Project Area Map provides information for development of watercourse protection maps.

• Any material resulting from project activities causing obstruction of storm flows will be removed. • All channels have a designated SMZ's which is to be treated as an equipment exclusion zones. Material

may be removed from this zone however heavy equipment is excluded. • Ephemeral drainages will have a minimum SMZ's of 50 feet, intermittent and perennial streams as well as

springs and meadows will have a minimum SMZ's of 100 feet based on field investigations. Table 2 below provides a summary of SMZ by Stream Class.

• No Borax will be applied within RCAs and SMZs. • Within Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs) reduce as much as possible ground disturbing impacts (i.e.,

soil compaction, vegetation disturbance, etc.). • BM PEP form T01 will be utilized to evaluate implementation on those units with SMZ's and other aquatic

protection.

Table 2: Streamside Management Zones (SMZ) widths by Stream Class

Stream SMZ Width by % Slope Stream Class <30% >30% >40% >50% >70% Order Meadows 100 N/A N/A N/A N/A -Seeps Springs 100 N/A N/A N/A N/A -Bogs I 100 150 200 250 4+ II 100 100 150 200 1.5 times 3-4 Ill 50 100 100 150

the distance 2-3 IV s50 s50 75 100

to slope 1-2 IV s50 s50 s50 s50

break 1-0

Riparian Conservation Objectives provide direction for the RCA's and prescribe widths of 300 feet either side for perennial streams, 150 feet for seasonally flowing streams, and 150 feet for special aquatic features. Within this area all standards and guidelines for RCA's need to be meet. This area is a zone of closely managed activities and not a zone of equipment exclusion like SMZ's.

1.9 Determining Tractor Loggable Ground

The objective of this practice is to minimize erosion and sedimentation resulting from ground disturbance of tractor logging systems. Determination of tractor loggable ground considers the physical

1 Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment ROD, 2004, page 42 2 Sierra Nevada Forest Pl an Amendment ROD, 2004. page 42-43

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site such as steepness of slopes and soil properties.

Soils for each unit have been evaluated during soil analysis. The soils information can be found in the soils report. All tractor logging will be conducted on slopes that do not exceed 35 %. Both office evaluations of slope using OEM's and field investigations of sites to verify slope percentages have been performed. All haNest units identified for tractor logging meet slope requirements.

1.1 O Tractor Skidding Design

The objective of this practice is to design skidding patterns to best fit the terrain, the volume, velocity, concentration and direction of runoff water can be controlled in a manner that will minimize erosion and sedimentation.

Skidding will not occur in SMZ's. Skidding will occur on stable slopes not greater than 35%. Skidding will not occur down draws. Evidence of ruts associated or resulting from skidding pattern/path caused by the dragging of logs or otherwise will be water-bared and if ground cover disturbance was reduced to amounts less than preexisting levels, these areas will be slashed through lop and scatter to 18 inches. Rutting is characterized by the sunken tracks or grooves usually made when the ground is wet or soft. Ruts for the purposes of this analysis, are at least 2 inches in depth. All identified units have 1-end suspension prescribed to reduce the potential for erosion.

• BMPEP form T02 will be utilized to evaluate implementation on those units where skidding will occur.

1.12, 1.16 Log Landing Location, Log Landing Erosion Control

The objectives of this practice is to locate new landings or reuse old landings in such a way as to avoid watershed impacts and associated water quality degradation and reduce the impacts of erosion and subsequent sedimentation associated with log landings by mitigating measures.

All landings for this project will be associated with skid trails. Existing landings will be utilized. All landings will have proper drainage and erosion control measures applied.

• BMPEP form T04 will be utilized to evaluate implementation on those units with landings.

1.13, 1.17 Erosion Prevention and Control Measures During Sale Operations,

Erosion Control on Skid Trails and Fuels Treatments

The objective of these practices is to ensure that the purchasers operation will be conducted reasonably to minimize soil erosion. Any evidence of ruts associated or resulting from skidding pattern/path caused by the dragging of logs or otherwise will be water-bared and if ground cover disturbance was reduce to amounts less than preexisting levels will be slashed through lop and scatter to 18 inches. Ruts for the purposes of this analysis , are at least 2 inches in depth. Skidding will occur on ridge tops and not within draws. Standard road maintenance practices will be implemented. Any fire-lines created during fuels management activities will be water barred to reduce concentration of water.

• BMPEP form T02 and T05 will be utilized to evaluate implementation on those units where skidding operations and where erosion prevention and control measures are expected to occur.

• BM PEP form F25 will be utilized to evaluate implementation of fuels management operations

Erosion control measures will be implemented on all skid trails, tractor roads, and temporary roads. Erosion control measures must include, but are not limited to, cross ditches (water bars), organic mulch, and ripping. Cross drains must be spaced according to the fo llowing table, maintained in a functioning condition, and placed in locations where drainage will naturally occur (i.e., swales)

Table 3. Cross Drain Requirements

% Slope Spacing 0 - 15 125 feet 15 - 35 45 feet

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1.20 Erosion Control Structure Maintenance

The objective of this practice is to ensure that constructed erosion control structures are stabil ized and working. Treatments adjacent to units where erosion control structures will be placed have to utilize skid trails, landings and temporary roads. Fuels treatment, specifically construction of fire lines has the potential to concentrate water and cause erosion and water quality concerns. All fire lines will be water barred in a fashion commensurate with skid trails and slashed if ground cover is below 50% of existing levels. It is important that all erosion control measures be in place and operational at the end of the project completion.

BMPEP form T05 will be utilized to evaluate implementation on those units with SMZ's and other aquatic protection.

Roads

2.4 Road Maintenance and Operations

The objective of this practice is to maintain roads in a manner which provides for water quality protection by minimizing rutting, failures, incorporation of slash into road fills, side-casting, and blockage of drainage facilities all of which can cause erosion and sedimentation and deteriorating water shed conditions. Engineering report provides details as to which road will be identified for use on the project in addition to pre-construction haul maintenance details.

2.5 Water Source Development and Utilization

The objective of this practice is to supply water for roads and fire protection while maintaining existing water quality. Water drafting will occur with screens on all pump intakes and will occur in streams with flows 3 CFS or greater. Locations identified for water drafting are to be determined.

• BM PEP form E16 will be utilized to evaluate implementation in areas identified for water source development.

2.11 Equipment Refueling and Servicing

The objective of this practice is to prevent pollutants such as fuels, lubricants, bitumens and other harmful materials from being discharged into or near rivers, streams and impoundments, or into natural or man-made channels. Service and refueling locations of all equipment will be located on landings or roads and will be located outside of the RCA. This includes the refueling of chainsaws. These refueling locations will follow forest spill plan direction. The forest will have a spill plan if the volume of fuel on site exceeds 660 gallons in a single container or a total storage at the site exceeds 1,320 gallons. It is not expected that any sites will exceed 660 gallons.

• BMPEP form E12 will be utilized to evaluate implementation in areas with requirements for servicing and refueling of equipment.

2.13 Erosion Control Plan

Implementation of this BMP effectively limits and mitigates erosion and sedimentation from ground­disturbing activities. On-the-ground implementation of erosion-control measures apply to the access road and the restoration site. As the restoration site is located in a riparian area greater than 50 square feet and wheeled or tracked equipment will be utilized for construction, an erosion control plan is required for this project. This plan wi ll include those elements identified under BMP 2.13 and include the following:

a. List of anticipated ground-disturbing actions associated with the project.

• Opening of previously used skid roads o Installation of water bars o Removal of debris and brush along the road bed for access o Add slash on access road to further prevent erosion

• Creation of two additional landings • Closing skid roads after project completion

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• Ground-based/ mechanized harvesting with possible equipment: o rubber tired skidders, cat skidders, water trucks, stoke delimbers, excavators, and feller

bunchers

b. Checklist which includes mitigation measures required by project NEPA, requirements to meet BMPs, project plans, specifications, and permits, if any. The selection of erosion and sedimentation control measures shall be based on assessments of site conditions and how storm events may contribute to erosion.

• Dust Abatement on access routes • Waterbars and grading of access routes • Use of developed draft sites • Use of developed landings • Location of all refueling sites a minimum of 100 feet from riparian features • Installation of berms and trenches around refueling sites • Development of SCC spill plan • Project implementation during dry conditions • Development of erosion control plan • Pre project monitoring to establish baseline conditions • Post project monitoring to evaluate project effectiveness

Illustrations of control practices designed to prevent erosion and sedimentation. Illustrations must show construction and installation details for control practices, and must be included in the erosion control plan. (for example, California Stormwater Quality Association BMP standard specifications CASQA at http://www.cabmphandbooks.com, or Ca/trans Stormwater and Water Pollution Control guides at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/construc/stormwater/stormwater1 .htm

• The access roads will have water bars to prevent erosion and sedimentation. The design procedures can be read in the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 7709.56 Chapter 40.

• Under the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan's Harvest Systems, ground-based systems will not operate on slopes greater than 40%. However, equipment operators on the Project will not operate on slopes over 35%.

d. Map/drawing(s) showing soil or water buffer zones, RCAs, RCHAs, SMZs or other soil or water protection areas to be protected from project activities. Project boundary extends beyond disturbance limits (see Hydrology Report).

e. A description of the color and/or pattern of flagging or marking for soil or water buffer zones, RCAs, RCHAs, SMZs or other soil or water protection areas for each unit.

• Blue/white stripe flagging will be used to mark buffers zones.

f. Relevant sections from the forest's WWOS that apply to activity/activities. The WWOS will provide guidance to prevent significant adverse impacts to water quality from wet weather operations on NFTS roads and trails.

• Wet weather operations are not anticipated as part of the Project.

g. Forest motor vehicle use map will be used to determine season closures for all NFTS routes that are not under permit or for administrative use only.

• A storm preparedness plan that describes additional control practices to be implemented when the National Weather Service predicts a 50 percent or greater chance of precipitation.

o Wet weather operations are not anticipated as part of the Project. • A winterization plan that describes additional control practices to be implemented to stabilize the site

during periods of seasonal inactivity. The dates vary by locality, and may be determined by the individual RWQCB (for example, October 15 through May 1 ). 'Winterized" means that the site is stabilized to prevent soil movement permanently if project activities are complete, or temporarily in a manner which will remain effective until end of the stabilization period.

o NIA. Wet weather operations are not anticipated as part of the Project.

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• If winter activity, including over-snow operation is proposed, specifications for snow/ice depth or soil operability conditions must be described.

o N/A.

h. Control practices to reduce the tracking of sediment onto paved roads. These roads will be inspected and cleaned as necessary.

• The Timber Sales Administrator or another qualified staff will routinely inspect that correct erosion control measures are being placed to avoid unwanted sediment in sensitive areas.

i. Control practices to reduce wind erosion and control dust.

• Dust abatement will be performed by watering the access roads and staging areas to reduce wind erosion and control dust.

j. A proposed sequential schedule to implement erosion and sediment control measures, in addition to the general construction schedule.

Project implementation will occur during the operational season (generally June 1-November 15). During project implementation, several Best Management Practices will be used within areas of the project. Several skid roads will be reopened for project use only and water bars will be installed in accordance with the Timber Sale Administration (TSA) Handbook 2409.15. RS supplement 2409.15-4.3.61.42d Skid Trail and Fire Lines Recommended Spacing Guidelines. Water bar spacing is expected to use the Soil Erosion Rating of High.

• Location information, including directions to access the project area. Include a scaled map, with road names/numbers.

Directions from Kernville, CA are as follows: Drive south on Kernville Road and turn onto Highway 155 south. Enter onto Highway 178 South. Exit at Bodfish and make a right onto Lake Isabella Boulevard South. Continue south until it turns into Havilah-Caliente Road. Follow road to 28S06 (Breckenridge Road) and take a right heading west. Head uphill on the paved road and make a left south onto the dirt road 28S07 (Breckenridge Lookout Road).

Contact information of project personnel, including name and cell phone number (that is, sale administrator, contracting officer's representative, project manager, project supervisor, contractor, site superintendent, hydrologist, permit administrator and so forth)

John Gomez- Project Leader/ Forester- 760- 376-3781 x673

k. Maps requirements: Maps must be clear, legible, and of a scale such that depicted features are readily discernible. For example, sale area maps may be used to satisfy the mapping requirements outlined in b.ii, below, if they meet this intent

Acres and locations of usable roads, skid trails, storage and landings are discussed in the Timber Sales Contract.

a. As a means of determining BMPs and erosion control measures, a topographic map should be in the project file. The map should extend beyond the boundaries of the project site, showing the project site boundaries, and surface and subsurface water bodies (ephemeral and intermittent waters, springs, wells, and wetlands) that could be at risk of water-quality impacts from project activities.

b. For timber harvest activities, unit-specific map(s) shall be scaled no smaller than 1 inch equals 1,000 feet (1 :12,000). For all other activities, maps shall be scaled to provide legible interpretation of requirements shown above. All maps shall include:

1. Specific locations of storm water structures and controls used during project activities.

2. Erosion hazard ratings for each unit, specified down to 20 acres if different EH Rs exist within each unit.

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I. N/A

All units are within a moderate erosion hazard rating.

3. Locations of existing and proposed haul roads, watercourse crossings, skid trails, and landings.

4. Locations of post-project storm water structures and controls. 5. Equipment access, storage, and service areas.

m. Diversion of Live Streams: If the project involves stream diversions for crossing construction, the erosion control plan must include detailed plans for these activities, including storm contingencies. See BMP 2.8 - Stream Crossings.

NA

n. Non-Storm Water Management: The erosion control plan shall include provisions which eliminate or reduce the discharge of materials other than storm water to the storm sewer system and/or receiving waters. Such provisions shall ensure that discharged materials shall not have an adverse effect on receiving waters. Materials other than storm water that are discharged shall be listed, along with the estimated quantity of the discharged material.

The access road will be designed to reduce the potential for erosion through the installation of properly spaced water bars. Water bars will be installed in accordance with TSA Handbook 2409.15. RS Supplement 2409.15-4.3.61.42d Skid Trail and Fire Lines Recommended Spacing Guidelines. Water bar spacing is expected to use the Soil Erosion Rating of High.

Ground disturbance associated with the Project will occur under dry conditions, during period of operation (generally June 1- November 15).

o. Waste Management and Disposal: The erosion control plan shall describe waste management and disposal practices to be used at the project site. All wastes (including equipment and maintenance waste) removed from the site for disposal shall be disposed of in a manner that is in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances. Include plan for project-specific activities that produce waste products, such as concrete truck/chute/pump washout, equipment servicing, equipment washing, and so forth.

Under the Standard Provision for Scaled Timber Sales (Contract FS-2400-6), the Purchaser shall take reasonable precautions to prevent pollution of air, soil, and water by Purchaser's Operation. The Timber Sales Administrator (or another qualified staff) will routinely inspect the operations to make sure waste management and disposal practices are sanitary.

p. Maintenance, Inspection, and Repair: The erosion control plan shall include inspection, maintenance and repair procedures to ensure that all pollution-control devices identified in the erosion control plan are maintained in good and effective condition and are promptly repaired or restored. A qualified person shall be assigned the responsibility to conduct inspections. The name and telephone number of that person shall be listed in the erosion control plan. A tracking and follow-up procedure shall be described to ensure that all inspections are done by trained personnel and that adequate response and corrective actions have been taken in response to the inspection. This procedure may be in the form of a written checklist, with inspections signed and dated. Photo documentation is encouraged.

Under the Standard Provision for Scaled Timber Sales (Contract FS-2400-6), the Purchaser shall maintain all equipment operating on Sale Area in good repair and free of abnormal leakage of lubricants, fuel, coolants, and hydraulic fluid. Servicing of equipment will not take place on National Forest System lands. The Timber Sale Administrator (or another qualified staff) will routinely inspect the operations to make sure all pollution-control devices are working and in place.

q. Other Plans: This erosion control plan may incorporate, by reference, the appropriate elements of other plans required by local, State, or Federal agencies. A copy of any requirements incorporated by reference shall be kept in the project file.

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Substance Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan will be incorporated as described in BMP 7.4.

r. Post-Project Storm Water Management: The erosion control plan shall describe the storm water control structures and management practices that will be implemented to minimize pollutants in storm water discharges after project activity phases have been completed at the site. It shall also specify controls to be removed from the activity site(s) and methods for their removal. The discharger must consider site-specific factors and seasonal conditions when designing the control practices that will function after the project is complete.

The access roads will be designed to reduce the potential for erosion through the installation of properly spaced water bars. Water bars will be installed in accordance with TSA Handbook 2409.15. R5 supplement 2409.15-4.3.61.42d Skid Trail and Fire Lines Recommended Spacing Guidelines. Water bar spacing is expected to use the Soil Erosion Rating of High.

Slash will be added to the access roads to prevent erosion in the form of rilling or gullying. Skid roads will be put to bed (ripped and slashed) and will be blocked to prevent people from further access following project completion.

Effectiveness monitoring through Best Management Practices will be completed as directed by the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2509.22, Chapter 10, as amended on December 5, 2011.

s. Preparer: The erosion control plan shall include the title and signature of the person responsible for preparation of the erosion control plan, the date of initial preparation, and the person and date responsible for any amendments to the erosion control plan.

Vegetation Manipulation

5.12 Streamside Wet Area Protection during Pesticide Spraying

The objective of this BMP is to minimize the risk of pesticide inadvertently entering waters, or unintentionally altering the riparian area, SMZ, or wetland.

When spraying pesticides for the purpose of meeting non-riparian area land management objectives, an untreated strip of land and vegetation will be left alongside surface waters, wetlands, riparian areas, or SMZ. The interdisciplinary team will establish strip width and, when county permits are required, in consultation with the county agricultural commissioner. When spraying pesticides for purposes of meeting riparian-area land management objectives, localized buffers around target species will be established and only hand application will be used.

Factors considered in establishing buffer strip widths are beneficial water uses, adjacent land uses, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction, terrain, slope, soils, and geology. The persistence, mobility, acute toxicity, bio-accumulation, and formulation of the pesticide are also considered. Equipment used, spray pattern, droplet size, and application height and past experience are other important factors.

Fire Suppression and Fuels Management

6.2 Consideration of Water Quality in Formulating Fire Prescriptions

This BMP provides for water quality protection while achieving management objectives through the use of prescribed fire.

Fuel prescription elements shall include, but not limited to, such factors such as:

• fire weather, • slope, aspect, • soil moisture, and • fuel moisture.

These elements influence fire intensity, and thus have a direct effect on whether or not an amount of

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desired ground cover remains after burning. These elements also determine whether or not a water­repellent layer is formed in the soil (hydrophobic soils). The amount of remaining ground cover and the extent of hydrophobic soils can substantially accelerate erosion rates.

Field investigations shall be conducted as required to identify site-specific conditions which may affect fire prescriptions. Site-specific objectives to consider water quality are identified in the Prescribed Burn Plan. The Fuels Officer or Burn Boss will be in charge of implementation of this BMP. This BMP applies to the entire project area.

6.3 Protection of Water Quality from Prescribed Burning Effects

The purpose of this BMP is to maintain soil productivity; minimize erosion; and minimize ash, sediment, nutrients, and debris from entering water bodies.

Some of the techniques used to prevent water quality degradation are:

• 1. Constructing water bars in fire lines, • 2. Reducing fuel loading in drainage channels, • 3. Maintaining the integrity of the SMZ within the limits of the burn plan, • 4. Planning prescribed fires for burn intensities so that when water-repellant soils are formed, they are

within the limits and at locations described in the burn plan, and • 5. Retaining or re-establishing ground cover as needed to keep erosion of the burned site within the

limits of the burn plan. The Fuels Officer and Burn Boss will be responsible for following this BMP during prescribed burning activities. This BMP applies to the project areas proposed for piling and burning.

Watershed Management

7.4 Oil I Hazardous Substance Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan

The objective of this BMP is to prevent contamination of waters from accidental spills. The forest has a SPCC spill plan designed to guide the emergency response to spi lls during construction of the staging area. Even though BMP 7.4 is a preventative BMP and used to insure a spill does not occur, it is used to make management aware of a possible spill. In the event of a hazardous spill, i.e. pesticides (borax) or refueling of machinery) BMP 7.4 will assist in documenting where the spill occurred and how th e problem was resolved. Please refer to the SPCC for further information regarding pollutants and their associated spill plan design for this project.

7.6 Water Quality Monitoring:

T he objective of this BMP is to collect representative water data to determine base line conditions for comparison to established water quality standards, which are related to beneficial uses tor that particular watershed. T his BMP is implemented through establishment of Stream Condition Inventory site prior to project implementation to establish a pre-project condition.

7.8 Cumulative Watershed Effects

The objective of this practice is to protect the identified beneficial uses of water from the combined effects of multiple management activities when individually may not create unacceptable effects but collectively may result in degraded water quality conditions.

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