Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

FY 2010 Manager’s Report

National Landscape Conservation System

Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of the Interior

I. Introduction

Name: Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM)

Address: Bureau of Land Management, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504

Phone: 541.681.2200

Email: howard_hunter@blm.gov

Website: http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/csnm/

Field Manager/Monument Manager: John Gerritsma

Assistant Monument Manager: Howard Hunter

Field, District and State Office: Ashland Resource Area, Medford District,

Oregon/Washington State Office

Establishing Authority: Presidential Proclamation 7318, June 9, 2000

Acreage: 53,838

Estimated Annual Visitation: 241,815

Executive Summary:

The monument team concentrated on several

key projects for 2010: the Soda Mountain

Wilderness Management Plan, the Interpretation

and Education project backlog, finalizing a

conservation easement protecting a segment of

the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, two

Congressional land exchanges, as well as the

beginning stages of the Monument

Transportation Plan. The primary focus for the

year was the launch of the inventory and scoping

efforts for the newly designated Soda Mountain

Wilderness.

Two public scoping meetings were held in the spring to gather comments and concerns. The wilderness planning

team completed an extensive inventory of roads, culverts, water sources, signage, and recreation use and

infrastructure. This included measuring and mapping established trails and social trails, off-road use, and camp site

locations in the wilderness. The interpretation team performed a thorough inventory of potential settings for

environmental education in the monument, taking into consideration bus access, all weather road conditions, and site

sensitivity and capacity. Archeologists surveyed the wilderness and coordinated with the State Historic Preservation

Office on potential sites of interest. The efforts resulted in a comprehensive inventory of wilderness features that will

provide a baseline for writing the wilderness plan and guiding restoration prescriptions. The crescendo for the year

was the “Rewilding the Wilderness and 10 Year Anniversary Party” held at the end of the fiscal year.

In addition to performing an extensive survey of potential education settings, interpretive staff worked on its

partnerships with Southern Oregon University and the monument Friends group. New templates were created for

numerous monument brochures and visitor bulletins. A new visitor-friendly map was rolled-out and a new brochure

featuring habitat diversity and recreation opportunities was completed. Visitor use bulletins addressing hunting, stock

use and local amenities were also completed.

Looking Northwest from Hobart Bluff

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II. Land Use Planning

a. Overview

Land management guidance is provided by the 2008 Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Record of

Decision (ROD) and Resource Management Plan. The monument incorporates other overlapping

designations including: the Scotch Creek Research Natural Area (RNA), the Oregon Gulch RNA, the Soda

Mountain Wilderness, the Mariposa Lily Botanical Area, and the Jenny Creek Tier 1 Key Watershed (in

Oregon). Recently, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 designated 24,100 acres in the

southern portion of the monument as the Soda Mountain Wilderness. The entirety of the monument is in

Jackson County and the Oregon-California state line serves as the monument’s southern boundary.

b. Implementation-Level Planning

Wilderness Stewardship Planning

The Soda Mountain Wilderness Stewardship Planning is moving forward. The Wilderness was established by Congress in March of 2009. In the spring of 2010, public scoping meetings were held in Ashland to gather planning input and solicit written comments from the public. The primary issues raised included; roads to trails, access for valid existing rights (lease holders, private property access), restoration of former travel routes and related

Looking South into Soda Mountain Wilderness facilities, hiking access points, and managing wildfire. The interdisciplinary team will use the public comments and the inventory data to develop the plan and Environmental Assessment. A draft plan will be available for public review during fiscal year 2011.

Transportation Planning

As part of a settlement agreement on an appeal of the

CSNM ROD/RMP, the BLM initiated transportation

planning in the CSNM in 2009. Significant progress

was made in 2010 as staff developed and adapted

road inventory protocol, a database, and a photo

directory for the project. Approximately one-third of

the road network within the CSNM was inventoried and

mapped during the field season. Inventories included

information on road condition, drainage features (e.g.,

culverts, ditches, and drain dips.), and any potential

erosion concerns. The transportation management

process will involve analysis pursuant to the National

Environmental Policy Act with a final plan

expected in 2013.

Land Acquisition

As funding has become available from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), BLM has

acquired additional parcels of land within the greater monument boundary. Willing sellers have

worked directly with several land trusts, primarily Pacific Forest Trust and the Conservation Fund, to

negotiate and manage the acquisitions. Thus far, the BLM has acquired approximately 2,000 acres.

Any newly acquired lands within the greater monument boundary become part of the monument and

fall under the provisions of the monument proclamation. The Conservation Fund is negotiating with

willing sellers to facilitate additional future LWCF acquisitions within the CSNM.

Field Survey of CSNM Road System

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Conservation Easement

In cooperation with the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) and the Pacific Forest Trust (PFT), the BLM completed a conservation easement on a 5,000-foot segment of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) on a 146.5-acre parcel of private land within the CSNM.

c. Land Use Plan Implementation

Signage and Road Barricading

In order to provide a consistent look and feel throughout the monument, a comprehensive sign inventory was conducted in 2010. The data will serve to ensure a cohesive sign program for the monument. Monument staff continued to protect resources, enforce proclamation restrictions and better sign the monument and the new wilderness. (Refer to Sec V.b. page 13 for more information.)

New CSNM and Wilderness Sign Created and Installed

Emigrant Creek Road Block and Closure

Pine Plantation Restoration

Planning analysis continues for pine plantation treatments

within the monument boundary, pursuant to the National

Environmental Policy Act. The BLM has contracted with a

fire ecologist to study and write a fire ecology report for

the treatment plan and Environmental Assessment.

Dense Pine Plantation near Chinquapin Mountain

Designing Treatments in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUIA)

A grant funded by the Secure Rural Schools Program

is developing a "User's Guide" to provide a dynamic

adaptive management database and strategy for the

WUI areas in the CSNM. It will include: 1) an

ecological overview of the area, 2) detailed

descriptions of the natural landscape, with interactive

maps with layers describing existing and historic

vegetation, ownership, terrain, sensitive resources,

and land use, and 3) a detailed vegetation model of the

interface area based on existing data.

Dog-Hair White Fir Stand in the Wildland Urban Interface 3 Immediately Below a Private Residence

WUIA continued:

It will include a number of derived models describing vegetation change under varying management

strategies and the related wildfire hazard and behavior models. The User's Guide will be used by

residents and friends of the community as an active adaptive management tool to plan, monitor and

communicate future vegetation management activities.

III. Protecting America's Natural Resources

a. Notable Natural Resources

Among the Monument’s notable natural resources are the Mariposa Botanical Area, Scotch Creek Research

Natural Area, the Oregon Gulch Research Natural Area, the Soda Mountain Wilderness, the Jenny Creek

Tier One Key Watershed and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. In addition, the monument contains

other sensitive and scenic features that require special attention. These include Pilot Rock, Boccard Point,

the former Box O Ranch, Parsnips Lakes, Hobart Bluff, Bean Cabin Springs, Keene Creek Ridge, and

Cathedral Cliffs. The monument contains two historic migration trails, the Applegate Trail and the

Oregon-California Wagon Trail. The Oregon spotted frog, the Franklin’s bumble bee, the fisher, and the

Mardon skipper continue to draw interest from biologists.

Wildfire Management/Suppression

The BLM has a contract with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to provide fire prevention, detection and suppression services. This contract directs ODF to take immediate action to control and suppress all fires. Their primary objective is to minimize total acres burned while providing for fire fighter safety. ODF is required to be consistent with BLM resource management objectives in selecting suppression action alternatives, and when conducting suppression actions on BLM lands.

Although 2010 was a light year for wildfire in the northwest generally, a small lightning-caused wildfire occurred in the Beaver Creek area of the monument. The fire burned approximately two acres of ground-level fuels and scorched some large and small trees.

b. Land Health Assessments / Inventory

Aquatics/Fisheries

Jenny Creek Sucker - Fisheries biologists conducted follow up surveys of Jenny Creek Sucker

populations. Surveys documented an increase in relative sucker abundance coupled with a decline in

redband trout abundance. Information was used in the Jenny Creek Sucker conservation plan,

completed and submitted in 2010.

Redband Trout - Population surveys via electrofishing were conducted. Estimates show a depletion of

redband trout populations in Keene Creek. Surveys documented depressed numbers of trout relative to

expected densities. Survey results were incorporated into an application submitted to the State of Oregon

for a waiver from fish passage requirements over Little Hyatt Dam.

Beaver Creek Fire during Mop-Up Operations

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Mardon Skipper

Wildlife

Peregrine Falcons - Agency biologists continue annual monitoring of nesting peregrine falcons (Falco

peregrinus anatum) on Pilot Rock. Peregrine falcons were removed from the US Fish and Wildlife

Threatened and Endangered Species List in 1999 and are now in Recovery Status. These surveys are part

of a national post-delisting monitoring plan to ensure that peregrine falcon populations are remaining

stable. Seasonal climbing restrictions on Pilot Rock are in place during the breeding season from

February to March and July to August.

Mardon Skipper - In coordination the Xerces Society and the OR/WA BLM State

Office, a Site Management Plan was finalized for the protection of known

Mardon skipper (butterfly) sites in the CSNM and the Ashland Resource Area.

The monument wildlife biologist serves on the Interagency Sensitive and

Special Status Species Program (ISSSSP) working groups for the Oregon

spotted frog and the Mardon skipper.

Oregon Spotted Frogs – Dr. Michael Parker of Southern Oregon

University is assisting with the study of the Bureau Sensitive Oregon

spotted frog. Through Challenge Cost Share projects and his own

efforts, he is studying the effects of landscape heterogeneity and wetland

succession on spatial distribution, seasonal movements and long-term

viability of the Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) population within the

CSNM.

Parsnips Lake - Oregon Spotted Frog Habitat Study

Fisher – BLM has undertaken an intensive survey of fishers in the CSNM and the Medford District to document presence/absence, distribution and occupancy of this Bureau Sensitive and Federal Candidate Species. Hair snares, scat-sniffing dogs, and motion-sensitive cameras at bait stations are being used along with testing DNA to identify source populations.

Northwestern Pond Turtle

Fisher Capture on Motion Sensitive Camera in the CSNM

Northwestern Pond Turtle-BLM continues to monitor the known pond turtle sites. Population size and age structure data continues to be collected for this Bureau Sensitive Species.

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Beavers - In recent years, beaver activity in and around the

monument has been on the rise. In recognition of the

importance beaver play in creating and maintaining the diversity

of aquatic habitats, steps have been taken to help ensure that

beavers continue to thrive. A recent study examined the

potential for reintroduction of beaver in the CSNM aquatic

habitats that are currently lacking beaver. The initial phase of

this study helped identify several suitable locations. A second

effort is being pursued with the Oregon Department of Fish and

Wildlife (ODFW) to close the monument to beaver trapping.

Trapping is currently allowed during the fur-bearer trapping season,

regulated by the ODFW. These efforts would help ensure the health

of beaver populations within the monument, and the continued creation

and maintenance of high quality and diverse aquatic habitat.

Franklin’s Bumble bee – With the help of Dr. Robbin W. Thorp, Ph.D., UC Davis Professor Emeritus, Entomology, we continue to survey and monitor historic Franklin’s bumble bee sites in an attempt to determine critical parameters that effect this declining population and its persistence and viability.

New Beaver Dam on Jenny Creek

Plants

Gentner’s Fritillary – Selected populations of Genter’s fritilary (Fritillaria gentneri) in the CSNM are being monitored annually to track the long-term change (abundance and phenology) of this Federally Endangered Species. Also, to contribute to the recovery of the species, the BLM is growing Genter’s fritillary bulbets in greenhouses and out-planting them in an attempt to increase population sizes.

Research Natural Areas

Oregon Gulch Research Natural Area (OGRNA) Monitoring Plots Project - The OGRNA is part of a national network of monitoring sites. Adaptive management cycle monitoring is being utilized to provide feedback to managers about whether the resource objectives of the site are being achieved. Four vegetation types were be looked at:

Genter’s fritilaria

Douglas-fir-ponderosa pine forest with poison oak, hairy snowberry or Piper’s Oregon grape understory

White fir, moderately dry site forest with bald hip rose, hairy snowberry and starflower Open forest or woodland transitioning through a mosaic of Brewer’s Oregon white oak woodland, alternating with patches of native grassland.

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Hydrology

Precipitation Measurement - Monthly and annual summary of rainfall is collected near the stream gauging station on Jenny Creek.

Stream Gauging Station - Water levels (stream stage) are recorded at the stream gauging station on Jenny Creek. Long-term stream flow regimes are determined based on monthly and annual summary information for each water year.

Summer Stream Temperature Monitoring Program - Summer stream temperatures are recorded at 13 locations in the CSNM. This information is used to determine the long-term recovery of Clean Water Act, Section 303(d) Water Quality Limited Streams.

Storm Event Grab Sampling - Turbidity, conductivity, pH, water temperature, air temperature, snowpack and discharge is sampled during high stream flow events at 15 sites within the CSNM as opportunities arise.

Noxious Weeds/Invasive Plants

Noxious Weed Monitoring - Approximately 1,467 acres were surveyed for special status plants and

noxious weeds. Monitoring for noxious weeds continues in order to determine presence, absence and

extent of treatment effectiveness.

Invasive Plant Monitoring- Invasive annual grasses were surveyed/inventoried in proposed fuels

treatment units in the wildland-urban interface. Invasive annual grasses were generally found along

edges of units at previously disturbed property boundaries, and along roads and power lines. The

BLM assisted in the collection of vegetation data in monitoring plots for these proposed fuels

treatment units. These plots will be used to monitor/determine if invasive grasses expand into units

following treatments.

Refer to Section IV. “Protecting America’s Heritage Resources” for extensive list of Inventory

Efforts related to Wilderness Planning

c. Restoration Efforts

Native Plant Program

The Medford District maintains a native plant seed inventory of approximately forty species appropriate for

restoration and rehabilitation projects in the CSNM. In 2010, thirty-eight native plant species were

collected in the CSNM for long-term native seed conservation. The National Center for Genetic Resources

Preservation in Fort Collins, Colorado, is managing storage of these collections, and the USDA-ARS

National Plant Germ-Plasm System is maintaining working collections for distribution to researchers for

native plant materials development. Approximately twenty species were collected and retained at the

Medford District for future seed production for rehabilitation and restoration projects. Approximately five

forb species are under production at the Plant Material Center, Corvallis, OR, and four species of grasses

(Romer's fescue, California brome, California oatgrass, California fescue) are contracted for seed

increase.

Jenny Creek Canyon

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Replant Efforts

Native plant restoration continues at the Hyatt Lake Special Recreation Area. The planting project involves

using native plants to provide screening at camp sites and along foot paths in the campground.

Noxious Weeds

Approximately 988 acres within the CSNM were treated for noxious weeds.

2010 CSNM Treatment Statistics

Species Acreage Treatment Locations

Canada Star Thistle 800 acres Sprayed Soda Mt., Parsnip

Lakes, Mill Creek

Yellow Star Thistle 150 acres Sprayed Mariposa Lily Preserve,

Emigrant Cr/Baldy Mt

Roads, Skookum Cr.,

Agate Flat,

Yellow Star Thistle 23 acres Pulled Mariposa Lily Preserve,

Emigrant Cr/Baldy Mt

Roads, Skookum Cr.,

Agate Flat,

Dyers Woad 15 acres Pulled Skookum Cr., Agate

Flat, Box O, Pokegama

Plateau

Total 988 acres treated

Lincoln Creek Road Decommissioning and

Channel Restoration

A project to restore Lincoln Creek to its historic

channel has been submitted to the state as

mitigation. It proposes to decommission

approximately one mile of riparian roads which

currently capture and route flow and sediment

directly to prime habitat in Lincoln and Keene

Creeks.

Lincoln Creek Restoration

Mardon Skipper Habitat Restoration

In coordination with the Xerces Society and the OR/WA State Office, a site management plan for the

Mardon skipper was completed during the year, clearing the way for implementing a $25,000 ISSSSP

project in 2011.

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IV. Protecting America's Heritage Resources

a. Notable Heritage Resources

The lands within the monument were formerly inhabited by the Takelma Indians. The Shasta Indians and the Klamath Tribe also utilized the area. While many of the historic and pre-historic sites within the monument are known, many of the physical characteristics, oral histories, and folklore of these sites remain largely undocumented.

National Historic Trails within the CSNM include the Applegate Branch of the California National Historic Trail, and the California/Oregon Wagon Trail, also recognized as the Ewing Young Route State Historic Trail.

Following the opening of the Applegate Trail in 1846, Euro-American settlements gradually developed in the area but few settlers inhabited the area until the 1870s. Homestead records show that claimants patented homesteads as early as 1882 in the Greensprings. Cattle and sheep grazing began in the 1860s and ranching was a major regional economic focus by the late 1800s. Logging and milling became important economic focuses in the Greensprings in the 1890s. As the ranching industry matured, the cattle ranchers of southern Oregon formed professional associations in the early 1950s. The importance of ranching declined sharply by the 1990s, when the Box O was one of only two ranches operating in Greensprings. The former Box O Ranch is now part of the Soda Mountain Wilderness.

An 18.8-mile portion of the National Scenic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is within the CSNM. Of those 18.8 miles in the monument, 12.9 miles are located on public land. Agreements with private landowners allow for access through adjacent private lands.

b. Inventory Efforts

Wilderness Inventory

As part of the Soda Mountain Wilderness planning effort, the monument team undertook a significant

road and culvert inventory of the wilderness. A detailed database has been constructed with photos

and descriptions of road features and culverts. The data will provide a foundation for restoration efforts

that will be considered for the wilderness.

Cultural Resources

The District archeology team performed

an extensive survey of cultural / heritage

resources within the Soda Mountain

Wilderness. The resulting documentation

will frame the interdisciplinary team’s

consideration of what notable features to

leave and what will be removed as part of

the larger restoration effort.

Consultation with the State Historic

Preservation Office and several field trips

have resulted in proposed actions that will

be aimed at enhancing the visitor

experience by allowing parts of the

human story to remain, while removing

structures that degrade wilderness

character. Box O Ranch Historic Structures

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Road and Culvert

Recreation Use Inventories

In 2010, the wilderness recreation team performed

an extensive inventory of existing signage,

campsites, and recreation use.

Social Trail to Boccard Point

Inventory of Roads and Culverts

The wilderness team performed an extensive inventory of

existing roads, culverts, chronic erosion features and range

infrastructure. A segment-by-segment database was

developed that includes maps and photos of the roads,

culverts and other infrastructure. Of the 78 road segments

documented, 15 percent had inboard ditches, while 19

percent had chronic erosional features. Approximately 3.5

miles are in riparian reserves or meadows.

Map of Soda Mountain Wilderness Road and Culvert Inventory

Old Road and Culvert within Soda Mountain Wilderness

Chronic Erosion Feature

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Chronic Erosion Feature

Water Sources Inventory

Field surveys of existing water developments

(springs, ponds, pump chances, stock tanks)

provided necessary data to evaluate the need to

restore natural hydrologic function.

Water Sources Inventory

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V. Providing Recreation and Visitor Experiences

a. Overview

The majority of visitors participate in dispersed types of recreation within the monument. Dispersed

recreation within the CSNM includes hiking, sightseeing, nature appreciation, bird watching, hunting,

cross-country skiing, and some snowmobiling. The most popular recreational activity is hiking.

Encompassing some nineteen miles, the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) is the main

designated trail within the CSNM. In addition, there are several visitor-created footpaths leading to

breathtaking overlooks. The most popular of these destinations are Pilot Rock, Hobart Bluff, Boccard

Point, and the former Box O Ranch on Jenny Creek. Other designated trails include several Nordic

trails that are located in the northern part of the monument.

Jenny Creek Canyon

Total visitation to the monument for

2010 was an estimated 241,815.

Included in the total are 41,376 visits

to the Hyatt Lake Recreation Area

which is the only developed

recreation area located within the

monument. Also included in the

total are 15,768 visits to the

monument portion of the PCT. The

majority of PCT users within the

monument are day hikers with the

balance being stock users and hikers on multi-day trips or “through hikers.”

Cathedral Cliffs

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b. Facilities, Construction, and Maintenance

Sign Inventory

As part of the Soda Mountain Wilderness planning process

an extensive inventory of trail and road signage throughout

the monument and the wilderness has been completed.

Some 97 signs were photographed and catalogued. The

data will serve as a baseline for the wilderness management

plan and for future monument sign planning efforts. In order

to prevent sign clutter and mismatched standards, a

hierarchy of signage sizes will be established. The

Wilderness plan will propose signage guidance that is in

keeping with authorizing legislation and the monument

management plan.

Signage Efforts

Ongoing Soda Mountain Wilderness boundary

and road sign installation continued where the

2009 work left off.

Trailhead signs have been replaced where

necessary at PCT trailheads and along the trail.

Preliminary signage design has been

completed for new entrance signs to the Hyatt

Lake Special Recreation Management Area.

Signage in need of replacement at entrance to campground in Monument

New entrance signage design for campground

Facilities

Currently the monument does not have a staffed visitor center. However, the Friends of CSNM maintain a

300 square foot self-service information station in the community of Greensprings.

While the monument does not have an official portal or entrance area, there are three paved arteries that

travel through the monument. The roads are Interstate Highway 5, State Highway 66 and East Hyatt Lake

Road. In addition there are 148 miles of unpaved roads that provide access to the interior of the

monument. While some five million cars travel through the I-5 Siskiyou Pass Corridor annually, few realize

they are traveling through a national monument.

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains in the northern corner of the CSNM, the 745-acre Hyatt Lake

Recreation Area provides opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. The main campground

offers 54 campsites, showers, flush toilets, a playground, and two boat ramps and dock facilities. The

recreation area also includes walk-in tent camping sites, an eight-site shoreline primitive camping

experience, as well as a five-site camp area to accommodate equestrian users. The campground also

contains a group shelter and kitchen as well as a day-use picnic area. Hyatt Lake Recreation Area is open

from late April through October. During the rest of the season, the area provides groomed shared-use

trail opportunities open to motorized and non-motorized winter enthusiasts. Some seventy-five miles of

winter trails are adjacent to the Hyatt Lake Campground.

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Condition of Hyatt Lake Recreation Facilities

The Hyatt Lake Recreation Complex was established in 1969 and many of the facilities were built in the early

1970’s. While some of the facilities are showing their age, regular maintenance and larger rehabilitation

projects are attempting to keep the facilities functioning.

Recently Completed Projects

Replacement of portions of the campground boundary fence.

Updating of interior finishes in the park office and visitor area.

Renovating several restrooms and installing showers in the walk-in tenting section of the campground and new reservation signs.

New road signs, fencing and campsite barriers at Wildcat Campground.

Re-chip sealing the parking areas and campsites, replacement of all campsite grills and picnic tables in campground and some water system upgrades.

Tree replanting program to ensure replacement of older trees.

New snow shelter at the BLM’s Table Mountain Play Area adjacent to the monument.

New Table Mountain Snow Shelter

Ongoing Hyatt Lake Projects

Ongoing projects within the Hyatt Lake facility include replacing building siding, boat ramps and docks, the aging sewage treatment facility, and improving one of the parking areas.

Design, engineering, and contracting for the building siding replacement project have been completed and the project is funded for $150,000. Completion of siding on four of the buildings will take place during 2011.

Design and engineer drawings were completed for a boating facility and for parking improvements in 2010.

A grant to provide $220,000 for boating facility improvements was also completed and submitted to the Oregon State Marine Board. The project is planned to begin in 2012.

The historic/current sewage treatment facility for the recreation complex consists of two holding ponds, a chlorination injection unit, and a spray field. A new system with a leach field has been designed to replace the aging treatment facility. Permitting and redesign, as well as the NEPA requirements, for the new boat docking system were completed in 2010 and will be implemented in 2011.

Dock in need of replacement

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Annual, Operational, and Deferred Maintenance

Annual operations and maintenance for the Hyatt Lake Recreation Area include providing visitor services and maintaining the facilities at the complex.

Reservations and site information are provided by staff. Restrooms are cleaned and grounds are maintained on a daily basis. Facility projects such as painting, repairing plumbing, and fixing electrical problems are performed as needed.

Deferred Maintenance Backlog as Reflected in the Five-Year Plan

There are two deferred maintenance projects identified in the Five-Year Plan. The first is a siding project that will fund replacement of cedar siding on all facility buildings within the complex that are not scheduled to be replaced in 2011. The other is a project for $94,000 to take care of a host of needed repairs such as roof repairs, and repairs to fixtures and plumbing infrastructure.

c. Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management

Primary Modes of Recreational Travel

The most popular mode of recreational travel within the CSNM is hiking. Equestrian/stock use is also a popular mode of recreational travel. To a much lesser degree snowmobiles and cross-country skiing occur within the northern portion of the CSNM.

Comprehensive Transportation Planning Pacific Crest Trail

In 2010, an extensive roads inventory was completed for the Soda Mountain Wilderness. In 2011, the inventory will be completed for the balance of roads located in the CSNM. Field survey and inventory of OHV trails was also completed in 2010. This information is needed for completion of the CSNM Transportation Management Plan. It is expected that the Transportation Management Plan will be completed by 2013.

Roads and Trails Currently Available for Public Use in the CSNM

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail – 19 miles

Multi-use winter trails (snowmobile, cross country ski) – 17 miles

Nordic Ski Trails (non-motorized) – 2.3 miles

CSNM roads in greater CSNM boundary – 177 miles

Other trails include paths to Hobart Bluff, Boccard Point, Pilot Rock, and the former Box O Ranch Area at Jenny Creek

Nordic Ski Trail

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Opportunities and Challenges with Comprehensive Travel Planning

Travel management planning is expected to be completed in 2013. There is public debate over recreational snowmobile use within the CSNM. The multi-use (motorized

and non-motorized) routes in the CSNM serve as the only connector winter trail routes from the north to approximately 37 miles of trails in the Hyatt -Table Mountain area and an even greater amount of winter trails from the south.

While most road closures have been successful, “drive arounds” continue at certain gates on closed roads and, in 2011, enhanced gates and boulder placement have been scheduled.

Additionally there are several areas that continue to suffer from trash dumping. Cleanup of these areas

has been scheduled and mitigating measures have been taken to reduce the opportunities for dumping.

Recreation Fee Program

Hyatt Lake Recreation Area is the only recreation fee site located within the monument. Currently there are no Special Recreation Permits issued for activities taking place within the Hyatt Lake Recreation Complex. However, several community and educational organizations hold Event Authorizations and MOUs for activities at the Hyatt Lake Recreation Area. Two notable events are the United Hunters and Sportsmen, who host an annual free fishing event for youth, and the CAST for Kids event, which provides an opportunity for disabled children to go fishing. Both are held in partnership

with several community groups.

Business Plan / Fee Collection

A draft business plan for the Hyatt Lake Recreation Complex has been completed and is under review. It is expected to be finalized in 2011.

Fiscal Year 2010 Revenue Generated from Hyatt Lake Recreation Area

Fee collections for fiscal year 2010 were $52,659.

Fee Expenditures:

Funds from fee receipts are used to supplement the current level of annual maintenance needed to operate the recreation site. Fee receipts help with improving site accessibility, trails, and signing. While not adequate for the amount of maintenance backlog, fee receipts are used to augment critical deferred maintenance. Bringing these facilities into a more appropriate, appealing condition that is enjoyable for the public will enhance visitor experiences and provide for continued full operation of the site.

Camper at Wildcat Primitive Area on Hyatt Lake

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Trail Log out by youth crew

VI.Your Recovery Dollars at Work

A total of $28,700 in American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds was obligated to the

Medford BLM for trail work and related projects. The

funding provided for projects in the monument, the Soda

Mountain Wilderness, on the PCT and on adjacent BLM

lands in the Medford District. The money funded seven

crew members for three weeks of work. Projects within

the monument included logout work on the PCT and

bushing and marking winter recreation trails.

Other CSNM projects included six miles of

brushing and minor tread repair to prepare

trails for the summer hiking season. The

funding also provided for work on a 1.5 mile

reroute of the PCT adjacent to the monument

boundary.

Pacific Crest Trail Reroute

Clearing Trees from the Pacific Crest Trail

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CAST for Kids – Salmon Tent

VII. Engaging Youth in America's Great Outdoors

a. Youth Engagement

The BLM hosted the CAST for Kids event at the

monument’s Hyatt Lake Recreation Area. The

event engaged some 45 disabled and disadvantaged

youth and their families for a day of fishing, boat

rides, and T-shirt painting.

Some 175 youth participated in Free Fishing Day at

the Monument’s Hyatt Lake Recreation Area.

Monument staff and the United Sports and Hunters

Association were on hand to facilitate the

youth-oriented outdoor experience.

The CSNM Interpretive Specialist worked with the

Southern Oregon University’s Environmental

Education graduate class on various monument

related assignments. Activities included an in-class

presentation and a field trip to the monument outlining

the contrasts and similarities between front line

interpretation and environmental education. Other

activities with the class included resource

management presentations and review of wayside

exhibits the class designed for the monument. A

total of 13 university students participated in the

series of presentations and field trips.

Free Fishing Day - Salmon Shirt Painting Booth

c. Youth Employment

AmeriCorps crews (seven youth) spent three days completing light brushing and minor tread repair on six miles of trail within the CSNM during 2010. Funding source: ARRA.

AmeriCorps trail crews (seven youth) worked on the Pacific Crest Trail log out for three days. The same crew also worked two weeks on a Pacific Crest Trail reroute just outside the monument boundary. Funding source: ARRA.

Clearing Dead and Down Trees on the Pacific Crest Trail

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VIII. Partnership and Volunteer Efforts

a. Overview

Two overarching partnership goals for the monument for 2010 and the next several years include

re-energizing the Friends of CSNM and cementing a working partnership with Southern Oregon

University’s (SOU) Environmental Education Program to enhance monument programs.

Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

The Friends are currently working to re-purpose their mission with a focus on protecting the land

through education and community outreach activities. A new bridge is being built between SOU

biologists and educators, the BLM, and the Friends. We see enormous potential in this partnership

to enhance education in the Rogue Valley for elementary through adult learners. Community

events and education outreach have been deemed essential to building capacity and momentum

for the Friends group and promoting an appreciation of BLM public lands. An action plan has been

developed that lists key community events with opportunities for participation in 2011.

b. Volunteer Accomplishments .

In 2010, volunteers from local groups as well as individual volunteers contributed 1,551 hours on

behalf of monument-related projects. The labor dollar value amounted to approximately

$32,340.

National Public Lands Day / Monument 10th

Anniversary

“Re-wilding the Wilderness” was this year’stheme for National Public Lands Day. Volunteers removed posts, fencing and other range infrastructure at the Porcupine Gap area of the Soda Mountain Wilderness. The day concluded with a 10-Year Anniversary celebration of the monument’s establishment at the historic Buckhorn Springs Inn. A total of 12 individuals contributed approximately eight hours each as part of the “Rewilding the Wilderness” effort. The monetary value of this work is $2000.

Volunteers Pulling Old Fence Wire during “Re-wilding the Wilderness” Volunteer Day

Winter Trail Maintenance

The Rogue Snowmobilers, Klamath Snowdrifters, and

the Southern Oregon Nordic Club all work with the BLM

in providing maintenance and improving management

of the multi-use winter trails and Nordic trails within the

CSNM. The groups contributed approximately 25 hours

of volunteer time grooming, logging out, brushing, and

marking multi-use winter trails in the monument. The

monetary value of this work is $521.

Nordic Club Assisting with Pre-Season Trail Maintenance

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Pacific Crest Trail Maintenance

In 2010, the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association

assisted the BLM District trail crew in performing log out, trail brushing, light tread work, and

installing trail signage. Approximately 1,128 hours were spent working on the PCT by these two

groups, resulting in over $23,518 in labor contributions.

School Volunteers

The monument frequently hosts graduate school student volunteers seeking to fulfill internship

requirements with a natural resources agency. The District Office also performs outreach to high

school students. Last year a high school student volunteered during the summer to collect

recreational use data as well as install signs for the monument team. He contributed

approximately 90 hours of volunteer time for a monetary value of $1,876.50.

c. Partnership Accomplishments

Primary Partnerships:

Pacific Forest Trust Conservation Fund Pacific Crest Trail Association Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument National Park Service / U.S. Geological Survey Klamath Bird Observatory Southern Oregon University (Environmental Education Program)

Southern Oregon University Environmental Education Partnership

The BLM has been successful in laying the foundation

for a partnership with SOU’s Environmental Education

graduate program. The Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou

NM have come to the table with support for educational

materials. Developing a reciprocal relationship, the

agency has provided consultation to the EE program

on appropriate settings for field activities, provided

technical assistance and been invited as guest

lecturers to the program’s graduate classes.

SOU is building and piloting traveling education trunks for the monument that will be dispatched to area schools. SOU is also assisting the agency with environmental education expertise and development by offering the latest in academic theory and practice Orientation hike for university student volunteers

being used in the field.

See section X. c. for complete information on Environmental Education Partnerships.

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Contributions

Cascade-Siskiyou NM

Fiscal Year 2010 Major Partnership Accomplishments

Partner(s) Project Name and Description

Accomplishments Monetary and

In-Kind

BLM Partner

Pacific Crest Trail Assoc. Trail Construction and maintenance.

Weisler Conservation/ Scenic Easement along PCT.

Completed 14 miles of trail maintenance and monitoring. Approximately 50 signs installed.

Completed a 5,000-foot trail easement and a 146.5-acre conservation easement.

$20,000

$60,000

$23,518

$288,518

Pacific Forest Trust Land Acquisition Approximately 2,000 acres of Pacific Forest Trust Lands have been purchased as of 2010 and are now part of the CSNM

Contribution is great but difficult to quantify

Conservation Fund Land Acquisition The Conservation Fund is currently negotiating with willing sellers to facilitate further LWCF acquisitions

Contribution is great but difficult to quantify

Southern Oregon University

Traveling Education Trunk(s) for Rogue Valley Schools

$3,200.00 $7,200.00

Friends of CSNM Friends Newsletter and support of publishing new butterfly brochure and monument map, running CSNM Contact Station

$4,450.00 $2,300.00

Easter Seals, Lions Club, ARC of Jackson County, Klamath Bass Masters, Rogue Valley Bass

CAST for Kids Serving disadvantaged youth

$2,900 $1,955

United Sport and Hunters Association

Free Fishing Day Serving youth $1,000 $1,191

Totals ($) $91,550 $324,682

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IX. Science

a. Overview

In order to gain a better understanding of CSNM resources and landscapes and apply scientific understanding to management, education and outreach, the monument staff has developed a Science Plan. The BLM has had and continues to have numerous scientific partnerships with researchers in the region and numerous universities. The BLM regularly communicates with this group and receives study proposals that meet the CSNM research needs.

New Climate Change Study on Old-Growth Stands

An interesting new study was initiated in 2010 (Forest Dynamics Across The Klamath Region: Pattern, Pace And Mechanisms of Change). The CSNM is one of the science partners in a climate change monitoring project being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service. The study will target climate change’s effects on old-growth stands and their related species across the CSNM and throughout the Klamath network of national parks. The study includes the CSNM, Redwoods NP, Lassen Volcano NP, Crater Lake NP, and Oregon Caves NM.

This collaborative long-term research project is being led by Dr. Phil

Van Mantgem of the US Geological Survey (USGS) and will study

natural old-growth forest stands. A primary objective of the study is

to better understand the forests of the Klamath region and their

dynamics and susceptibility to stresses such as climate change.

The USGS research staff will establish and measure long-term forest

research plots in jointly selected study locations. All work will be conducted by the lead Principal

Investigator (PI) under the guidance of an interagency steering committee staffed by USGS, NPS,

and BLM. All sampling, tabular and spatial data, and geographic information will be managed

according to the standards in the NPS Klamath Network Inventory and Monitoring Program Data

Management Plan.

NLCS Science Grant 2010

The Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) received a 2010 NLCS Science Grant to continue their work to

monitor birds in the CSNM. The new study proposes repeating the bird monitoring efforts, originally

established in 2002 and annually surveying to gain information about the long-term population trends

of species and shifts in composition over time. They will complete point counts at 49 sites (each

containing approximately 12 survey stations) and associated vegetation surveys. Long-term

monitoring aligns with the CSNM Science Plan in providing both continued monitoring of birds, and

using birds to measure ecological function. This monitoring aligns with regional and national

Partners in Flight bird conservation and monitoring strategies (Altman 1999, Altman 2000, Rich 2004).

Through long-term bird monitoring, the CSNM will contribute to

national bird monitoring goals that include integrating bird

monitoring with management and conservation practices and

organizations across spatial scales (US NABCI 2007). Thus, the

CSNM would meet obligations to implement the Migratory Bird

Treaty Act. This proposed program fits within the Klamath Bird

Monitoring Network, a comprehensive network of standardized

bird monitoring stations throughout southern Oregon and northern

California that combined, will effectively inform regional decision

Old-Growth Douglas-fir Stand

Mountain Blue Bird making.

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Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Fiscal Year 2010 Science Efforts

Project Name and Description

Scientific Discipline

Research Contributor/ Collaborator

Land Management Applications

Products Monetary and In-kind Contributions

BLM Partner

Forest Dynamics Across The Klamath Region –

Established long-term forest research/ monitoring plots in four NPS units and CSNM

Wildland Urban

Interface Treatment

Study - Create a "User's

Guide" focused on the

CSNM Wildland Urban

Interface

Evaluation of oak woodland, shrubland and grassland composition /structure – Stand surveys of plant composition, hardwood structure

Oregon Gulch Research Natural Area (RNA) / Permanent Forest Plots – Install 4 permanent

forest and ecotonal plots according to regional RNA protocols. Measurements taken every 5 to 10 years.

Meeting Bird Conservation Objectives in the Klamath Siskiyou Bioregion

Greene's mariposa lily Study - Permanent exclosures paired with controls to assess the influence of herbivory on plant population dynamics of Calochortus greenei

Forest/ NPS, USGS, This project will complement 1) Plot data submitted $7,500 $28,000 Climate Southern ongoing efforts to to the NPS and BLM, Change/ Oregon understand changes 2) Semi-annual report, Biological University occurring in old-growth 3) Presentation of Diversity forests across the western results to managers.

United States.

Forest/ Cam "User's Guide" will include a 1) An ecological $2,000 $49,953 Wildfire/ Paterson, number of derived models overview describing Ecology Dr. Tom Atzet describing vegetation natural processes. (Funding

change under varying 2) Detailed descriptions provided management strategies and of the natural by Title II the related wildfire hazard landscape, with links to - Secure and behavior models for a geodatabase and Rural designing treatments in the interactive maps. Schools) CSNM WUI and adjacent 3) Detailed vegetation private lands. model of the WUI area.

Botany/ Darlene Will facilitate understanding 1) Analysis using $25,000 $4,000 Ecology Southworth, of past fire behavior on multi-variate

Ph.D. hardwood-dominated techniques within the Emeritus ecosystems of the statistical package SOU monument and create a called PCORD

geo-spatial database in GIS 2) Will be submitted for journal publication in 2011.

Forest/ Western Oregon Gulch RNA meets Baseline data recorded $5,000 $5,000 Botany/ Science Oregon Natural Heritage cell in regional database Climate Stewardship for rare vegetation (CCS) Change Institute communities in Oregon.

Designed to detect forest community changes in relation to climate change.

Wildlife John D. Klamath Bird Observatory Will produce a bird $24,000 $16,800 Ecology Alexander, (KBO) will use existing bird distribution model to

MS, PhD monitoring data, biotic, provide a baseline (NLCS Candidate abiotic, and climatic understanding of the Science

variables to model the status of birds in the Grant) Klamath Bird presence, absence, and monument Observatory distribution of birds within the

monument.

Botany/ Tom Kaye, To determine the effects of Results will include $12,000 $12,000 Ecology/ Ph.D., Inst. grazing on Greene's management Range For Applied mariposa lily (Calochortus guidelines and (CCS)

Ecology greenei) and develop conservation strategy management guidelines and for the species create future conservation strategies.

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Project Name and Description

Scientific Discipline

Research Contributor/ Collaborator

Land Management Applications

Products Monetary and In-kind Contributions

BLM Partner

BLM/USFS Inter-agency Current Vegetation Survey – Permanent, long-term forest stand plots.

Forest/ Botany

Interagency To describe and model forest growth, species and demographic composition, fuels, forest legacy, disturbance/changes over time.

Stand and vegetation models.

$10,000 N/A

A study of ectomycorrhizae associated with Cercocarpus ledifolius and Quercus garryana var. brewerii in Southern Oregon.

Botany/ Ecology

Darlene Southworth, Ph.D. emeritus SOU

Survey the diversity and abundance of ectomycorrhizae associated with Cercocarpus ledifolius and Quercus garryana var brewerii.

Final study results: 1) Eighteen species of ectomycorrhizal fungi have been identified on roots of Cercocarpus,

the first such information anywhere 2) Five of these are shared with Q. garryana var. brewerii suggesting a mycorrhizal network linking the shrubs. 3) New species described in journal.

$0 $20,000

(National Science Foundation grant & McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program)

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X. Outreach, Environmental Education, and Interpretation Efforts

a. Overview

With the hiring of an Interpretive Specialist in 2010, the Monument’s 2006 Comprehensive Interpretive Plan (CIP) was able to take on focus and gain traction. The CIP was operationalized into a measurable road map of projects and action items.

Visitor Services

The monument staff continues to refine how visitor services are delivered. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the majority of the visitors to the monument are within a one-and-a-half hour drive. There is also a small but noticeable contingent who visits on their way to other parks or monuments in the region. Based on the national significance of the monument, this group expects services and interpretive materials more similar to a developed National Park. Monument staff continue to balance visitor expectations for improved facilities and services with the goal of allowing visitors to explore the landscape on their own terms.

Visitor Contacts

During the summer, the wilderness recreation team took advantage of its field time to conduct visitor contacts during their survey work. Wilderness Rangers provided maps and answered questions from visitors they encountered during their field surveys. During the Fall hunting and hiking season, monument staff worked on high visitation weekends conducting trail roves. Agency staff d istributed maps and hunting bulletins and answered various regulatory and resource questions.

Law Enforcement

To encourage visitor safety and resource protection, agency law enforcement personnel camped at the monument on several high visitation weekends during the fall hunting season. The local community was glad to have the support of law enforcement and appreciative of the interaction with the rangers.

b. Visitor Centers

The self-serve CSNM Information Center continues to be cooperatively managed under a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CSNM Friends group and provides visitors with

brochures; maps; planning documents; educational displays on the area’s natural and cultural

history; information regarding multiple-use activities; hiking/recreational opportunities; awareness of

private property issues; and prohibited activities/road closures. Annual visitation to the self-service

contact station was approximately 5,225 for 2010. To a lesser extent, interpretive information is

disseminated from the BLM District Office in Medford and from a U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station

in Ashland.

Visitor focused services for citizen benefit

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c. Environmental Education

The agency is receiving increasing requests from local schools and interested community members to

provide environmental education on the monument and in local schools or nature centers. With

widespread community support for outdoor environmental education, monument staff continue to

experiment with the appropriate mix of educational opportunities that strike a balance between access

issues and protecting the objects of biological interest.

Inventory of Environmental Education Settings and Access

In order to evaluate and implement

appropriate on-site education

experiences, interpretation

conducted and completed a settings

and access inventory of potential

environmental education sites on the

monument. The inventory contains

analysis of appropriate audience

types and ages, transportation

factors and potential topics based on

the setting. Given the rural nature of

monument roads the team looked at

school bus access, turn around, and

the safety issues that could arise

from various weather conditions.

Interviews and tours with the

transportation manager of the local

school district were also conducted to

gain feedback on bus access issues. Because of the fragile nature of some monument features and the

limited access available to larger types of transportation, the inventory will serve as a valuable tool making

informed decisions that insure public safety while protecting monument features.

Settings Inventory and Evaluation

Southern Oregon University Partnership

Probably the most exciting development for 2010 is the budding

partnership with the SOU Environmental Education graduate

program. The University is assisting the agency on two

significant fronts. One is the development of

monument-themed traveling education trunks, and the second is

the piloting of field-based environmental education

programming on the monument. The Friends of the CSNM

have also supported the partnership by purchasing education

and interpretive materials for the partnership.

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Orientation Activity

Teacher lead field trip

Curriculum-Based Programming Field Activity with SOU Graduate Students

In partnership with the monument, SOU Environmental Education students are in the early stages of

designing an environmental education curriculum that will be delivered on the monument and in

classrooms. Access is limited for traditional field trips into the monument via school buses, and areas of

biological interest must also be protected. The SOU Environmental Education Department shares the

values for which the monument was set aside and understands the need to balance protection with access

where it can be accommodated. The monument provides a working laboratory for outdoor education and

supports the university’s requirement for live program delivery by its graduate students. Significant time

has been spent between agency staff and university professors and students putting together a

sustainable foundation for the partnership. Careful consideration has gone into crafting reasonable

expectations for the project and the partnership. Program outreach to local schools is scheduled for 2011.

Orientation Activity

Traveling Education Trunks

The SOU, the Friends of CSNM and the BLM are partnering

to develop education materials for the monument. Students

in SOU’s Environmental Education graduate program are

developing traveling education kits, which will provide

offsite curriculum and teaching aids to teachers in

Josephine, Jackson, and Klamath counties.

School and Educational Group Visits

Some six separate classes, totaling more than 200 children, participated in agency-led hikes on the monument. While there are a number of schools that visit on non-agency led hikes, the exact number can only be estimated. Currently the monument is not always notified and does not always receive permit requests from visiting schools or educational groups. Based on interviews with local citizens and journal caches discovered in the field, about a dozen schools probably visit the monument annually. These usually involve experienced teachers who are comfortable with the rugged nature of the roads and the lack of facilities. There are also numerous fee-based non-profit environmental education groups in the valley. Anecdotal evidence suggests many of these groups visit the monument on an annual basis. Generally these groups visit the few locations that will accommodate school buses.

Ashland School District

This year the monument provided a pilot series of outdoor environmental

education programs for the 6th

grade class of Ashland Middle School.

Field Activity with School Group

Field Activity with Students

The programming was delivered in concert with a local partner

(Greensprings Inn) who supplied the meeting space and outdoor space for field activities. The programs

involved a healthy dose of hiking, habitat identification activities, and curriculum-based assignments.

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Pinehurst School

The BLM and the Pinehurst School created a science teaching partnership where the BLM provides natural resource specialists to present a lesson from their discipline, followed by a hands-on, field exercise where the students can use what they had learned in the classroom. Lessons presented by the BLM were designed to

th th integrate with the Pinehurst School teacher’s 4 through 8 grade curriculum.

Pinehurst School Riparian Areas Study

The Biological Monitoring study unit is a course on macroinvertebrates. The first day is a macroinvertebrate identification class. Students learned how to identify bugs and their pollution tolerance. This was followed by a field day to the former Box-O Ranch where students collected and preserved macroinvertebrates. On the final day of the course, the students identified and assigned a numerical value to the macroinvertebrates which allowed them to make an assessment of the water quality in Jenny Creek.

Pinehurst School Wildlife and Habitat Study

Wildlife management and identification were taught in the classroom followed by a field trip to the woods. The CSNM wildlife biologist performed a wildlife viewing camera demonstration and installation to assist the school with part of their biology curriculum. BLM’s Interpretive Specialist and an education assistant hosted a field trip where they performed field-based activities depicting the effects habitat changes can have on wildlife populations.

Pinehurst School Students- Riparian Activity

Wildlife Activity

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Hiking out to Wildlife Camera Site

New Interim visitor map and brochure

d. Interpretation Overview

While the monument has several interpretive themes, two are consistently utilized:

1. The unique biodiversity of the area driven by the geology of several diverse eco-regions coming together in a small area and

2. CSNM is the first monument set aside solely for its biodiversity in order to protect its diverse habitats.

Interpretive Products

Currently, interpretive products are primarily delivered via non-personal media in the form of exhibits in the self-service contact station, and via brochures, site bulletins and the website. Given the audience make-up and the types of activities they pursue on the monument, non-personal media is currently the most effective means of delivering interpretive messages about the monument.

New Map / Interim Brochure

Working with the Oregon State Office’s Mapping and Sciences Division, a new visitor-friendly map was

produced along with an interim monument brochure.

New Interim Map and Brochure

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Rollout of New Brochures and Bulletins

In 2010, the design and set up of new Site Bulletin and Brochure templates for the monument were

completed.

Site Bulletins

Addressing visitor use first, a new black and white series of Site Bulletins addressing equestrian use, local

services and hunting were made available to the public.

New Site Bulletins for 2010

Brochures:

A completely redesigned monument campground brochure and a new Butterflies of Cascade-Siskiyou

National Monument brochure were published in 2010.

New Brochures for 2010 81/2 x 11 Visitor Mailer and Map (backside)

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Specialty Outreach Materials

In celebration of the NLCS and CSNM’s 10th anniversary, a library quality poster was

designed and produced. In concert with the poster rollout, an NLCS and CSNM brand

cancellation stamp program was initiated after numerous visitor requests.

10th

Anniversary Poster

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XI. Manager's Corner

Strategic Planning

Following Secretary Salazar’s announcement of the revision to the DOI Strategic Plan identifying

Treasured Landscapes as one of the DOI’s seven priorities, the OR/WA BLM State Leadership Team

initiated the development of a 2015 Strategic Plan to address new priorities and emerging issues.

Additionally, the Medford District Office developed a specific local-level Strategic Plan and addressed the

vision, goals, strategies, and tactics for implementing the Director’s priorities. The Medford District’s 2015

Strategic Plan for NLCS includes the following tactics:

Secure funding through internal processes, marketing, external partnerships, and leveraging of funds

through creative funding sources.

Develop and communicate each NLCS unit’s mission, priorities, organization and roles, and integrate

priorities among units across the district.

Establish science and monitoring programs to meet individual NLCS unit needs.

Provide quality education, visitor services, and recreation opportunities, where appropriate, to

enhance the public’s experience with and appreciation for the NLCS units. Complete management

plans as needed.

Develop partnership strategy and public participation plans. Use branding and interpretive materials in

educational outreach for each NLCS unit.

Successes

Staffing - With the addition of several new staff (full-time Interpretive Specialist and Recreation Planner)

significant progress has occurred on several fronts.

Wilderness Inventory - One of the most significant accomplishments for the year was the data collection for the Soda Mountain Wilderness Stewardship Plan. Under the leadership of the CSNM Recreation Planner (Nicholas Schade) and NEPA Planner (Kathy Minor), the monument team performed a comprehensive wilderness inventory. Field data documented roads, culverts, water sources, backcountry campsite location and condition assessments, cultural resources, trails, and all levels of signage. The Interdisciplinary Team has performed a preliminary analysis on much of the data, which is providing a thorough foundation for writing the proposed wilderness stewardship plan.

Interpretation/Environmental Education - The new full-time CSNM Interpretive Specialist (Justin Glasgow) made significant progress this year in creating a suite of visitor information brochures; accurate, user-friendly maps; and interpretive materials for the use and enjoyment of CSNM visitors. He is developing new partnerships and enhancing existing partnerships with local schools and community groups. The new partnership with the Environmental Education program at Southern Oregon University is developing site-appropriate environmental education curricula and outdoor education opportunities. Justin continues to look for opportunities to develop and strengthen community partnerships and ways to showcase the unique diversity within the CSNM.

Pacific Crest Trail Association - In 2010 the partnership between the CSNM and Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) was extremely productive. Working together we were able to record a conservation easement that expanded the previous easement from 20 feet to 200 feet along 5,000 lineal feet of a critical portion of the PCT and fully protect this trail segment. We also completed a 1.5 mile trail relocation of the PCT in response to the Optimal Location Review, and cooperatively completed several trail maintenance and signing projects.

Science / Monitoring – A great deal of the science and monitoring workload is being accomplished under partnership with local and regional researchers. At present, there are three separate NLCS Science Grants and numerous agreements, Challenge Cost Share projects and other efforts helping the BLM study the tangible and intangible “objects of biological interest.” A Science Network (group) cooperates with the

32

BLM to develop and submit study proposals and complete important monitoring outlined in the CSNM Science Plan.

Challenges/Opportunities

Authorization/Permitting Challenges - The number of hikes, tours, and commercial uses that are occurring, without permits or authorization, is coming into focus. Monument staff frequently discover announcements regarding commercial and non-profit groups leading hikes and other events without prior notification or authorization. While there are a number of schools that visit on non-agency led hikes, the exact number is not known. Based on interviews with local citizens and discovery of journal caches, about a dozen schools probably visit the monument annually. In the future, the staff will be looking at better ways to bring all such uses into conformance with Monument and BLM plans and policies.

Law Enforcement - Due to law enforcement staffing reductions in the District, other workload, and reductions in funding overall, the law enforcement exposure and efforts in the CSNM were down for the year. Illegal off-road travel, trash dumping, mud bogging, and typical campground issues continue to present challenges.

CSNM Resource Management Plan (RMP) Implementation – Funding will continue to be needed to

implement the CSNM RMP. Projects in need of funding include: forest restoration (pine plantations

restoration / fuels reduction), road restoration / obliteration (as per the outcome of the current

transportation planning effort), and noxious weed treatments. Other future funding priorities include

support for youth-oriented environmental education (Southern Oregon University/CSNM Environmental

Education partnership), providing quality family-oriented visitor services, and evaluation and treatment of

newly acquired private lands (hydrological restoration, etc.).

Wilderness Stewardship Plan Implementation - Funding will eventually be needed to implement the

wilderness stewardship plan including converting roads to trails and removing range infrastructure that is

no longer needed (fences, stock tanks, cattle guards, etc.).

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