Watershed Update, Kahler, ECF, 6/26/2014

The Kahler Challenge

Kahler RHCAs and Vegetation ConditionSOME NUMBERS*:• ~5000 Acres RHCA

ALL in planning area, majority (3700 ac) Cat 4 Intermittent,

• ~1200 ac RHCA in proposed units (most Cat 4),

• >1000 ac Dry Upland Forest Cat 4 RHCA in proposed units,

• >800 acres Cat 4 High density stands.

From March 8, 2013 public scoping letter: “Approximately 800 acres of dry upland, high density forest stands are within intermittent stream riparian habitat conservation areas (category 4 RHCAs) in proposed units and would be treated to maintain or restore riparian habitat and upland vegetation including improvement of channel function and floodplain connectivity using a variable width no-mechanical zone adjacent to the stream channels.”

*numbers are approximate and based on December, 2012 proposed units and veg data

The Kahler Proposal

• Active commercial thinning and fuel treatment over a 32,840 acre landscape, including approximately 1200 acres of PACFISH Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas.

Watershed Analysis Strategy

– Use GIS to identify mapped RHCA segments in 131 proposed units.

– Field reconnaissance of low risk segments where active vegetation treatments would be consistent with PACFISH objectives.

– Verify stream class, valley form, slope class, bank stability, existing disturbance , and vegetation.

– Locate restoration opportunities and other aquatic features.

Watershed Analysis Strategy

• After field surveys, 155 mapped miles of class 4 streams have changed to 110 miles class 4 and 41 miles ephemeral.

• Perennial streams increased from 30 to 38 miles.

• Three previously unmapped streams have been located.

• Mapped springs have more than doubled.

Unit 14 Springbrook

Water quality-sedimentation.

Kahler Water Quality

• The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model has been used to model sediment delivery to streams. Based on the analysis, unit slope and skid trail length are the important factors relating to delivery of sediment to streams.

low slope

steep slope

long slope

Design Elements

• In order to support harvest and burning in RHCAs, a balance must be achieved between mechanical equipment use and sediment delivery. Design elements need to protect streams from sediment, and need to be implementable on the ground.

• With lower slopes, heavy equipment trails may be longer. They would need to be shorter with steeper slopes. Harvest may occur close to streams when there is full suspension.

Design Elements Highlights

• Trees that support stream banks would be left.• All stream beds and banks are protected.• Heavy equipment exclusion zones are

assigned to all streams, springs, wetlands, and ponds.

• Stream crossings are limited.• Log hauling is limited to dry or frozen

conditions.

bank tree

Stable Crossing

Kahler Water Quality Benefits

• The big one is reducing the risk of high severity fire.

Remember the dense stand?

Open stand, more riparian vege.

Suppressed Aspen, Unit 3a

Aspen released by fire.

Needing some fire for release.

It’s a group effort. Thanks to all.