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Laramie District North WUI Project Inventoried Roadless Areas: Roadless Characteristics Analysis

Compiled by Monique Nelson

With specialist input from:

Greg Eaglin, Air Quality Specialist

David Gloss, Hydrologist

Katherine Haynes, Botanist

Ingrid Mendoza, Archaeologist

William Munro, Wildlife Biologist

Mary Sanderson, Recreation Planner

Randy Tepler, Soil Scientist

Jeffrey Tupalo, Landscape Architect

Monique Nelson, Environmental Coordinator Date

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Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs)

Inventoried roadless areas are undeveloped lands, typically larger than 5,000 acres, that meet the

minimum requirement for wilderness and are managed primarily to maintain nine roadless area

characteristics (36 CFRR Part 294: Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation). The 2001 Roadless Rule

established prohibitions on road construction, reconstruction, and timber harvest in inventoried

roadless areas on National Forest System lands, with few exceptions (36 CFR 294.13). In addition, the

Medicine Bow National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) includes goals,

objectives, and desired conditions to maintain the nine roadless characteristics on 95% of roadless areas

on the forest.

The Final Proposed Action includes timber removal and prescribed burning in wildland-urban interface

areas of five IRAs (Table 1), and was approved for scoping by the Rocky Mountain Regional Office on

March 12, 2010 “to maintain or restore the characteristics of ecosystem composition and structure,

such as to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire effects, within the range of variability that would

be expected to occur under natural disturbance regimes of the current climatic period” (36 CFR

294.13(b)(ii)). The proposed treatments must undergo final analysis and approval through the regional

office before implementation. Treatments would impact less than 5% of forest roadless areas.

Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs)

Approximately 838 of the 6,413 acres proposed for treatment are located within five IRAs: Snowy Range,

Libby Flats, Middle Fork, Illinois Creek, and Sheep Mountain. Table 1 provides a breakdown of proposed

IRA treatment acres.

Table 1: IRAs, Proposed Treatments and Treatment Acres.

IRA

Original

Proposed Action

(Acres Treated)

2012 Final

Proposed Action

(Acres Treated)

Proposed Treatment

Snowy Range 10 10 Spruce-fir

Libby Flats

9 4 Spruce-fir

31 31 Sanitation/Salvage

74 74 Prescribed Burn

Middle Fork

8 8 Boundary

33 33 Boundary Maintenance


0 30 Salvage/Thin

287 287 Prescribed Burn

Rock Creek 48 0 Boundary

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Illinois Creek


79 254 Salvage/Thin

Sheep Mountain 767 107 Prescribed Burn

TOTAL ACRES 1,551 838* (48% reduction)

*The June 2012 Squirrel Creek Fire burned 419 acres in proposed prescribed burn treatment units in the Sheep

Mountain IRA. Other reductions in acreages on IRAs are a result of collaboration and response to public comment.

The IRA section includes discussion of existing conditions and direct, indirect, and cumulative effects for

nine roadless area characteristics.

1. High quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air

Existing Conditions

All five of the affected IRAs are in the same geological area and have similar soils: moderately coarse

textured soils with moderate development formed form a variety of geological material. They have a

variety of depths, textures, and percentage of rock fragments. Although some soil disturbance from

forest management has occurred in the IRAs, productivity and high soil quality have been maintained.

All five IRAs also share the same airshed and the same air-quality related values (AQRV): clear visibility

and healthy aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Occasionally, the airshed that encompasses the five

IRAs located within the project area experiences haze that reduces visibility; hazy conditions within the

IRAs are often caused by airborne-particulate matter associated with wildland fires burning to the west

of these areas. Otherwise, air-quality conditions within the IRAs are excellent and almost certainly meet

and maintain federal and state air-quality standards.

The existing condition for high quality water is as follows:

Middle Fork IRA: The Middle and South Forks of the Little Laramie River are the major

drainages in this IRA. Water resources in the Middle Fork Little Laramie drainage are

largely undisturbed, as the headwaters of this drainage lie almost entirely within the IRA

and few management activities have occurred within the watershed. Water resources

in the South Fork Little Laramie River are not as undisturbed, as a variety of

management activities in the headwaters of the drainage, outside of the IRA, have

affected the water resources in this drainage.

Sheep Mountain IRA: Headwater tributaries to the South Fork Little Laramie River (e.g.,

Buckeye, Hecht Creeks), and Laramie River (e.g., Dale Creek) comprise the drainage in

this IRA. Water resources within the IRA are largely undisturbed, as the headwater

drainages are almost entirely within the IRA and few management activities have

occurred within the watershed.

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Snowy Range IRA: Headwater tributaries to the North Platte (e.g., Brush Creek), Rock

Creek, and North Fork Little Laramie River are the major drainages in this IRA.

Numerous lakes and kettle ponds exist in this glaciated area and are unique. Water

resources within the IRA are affected by a variety of activities including recreation,

fishing, and water development.

Libby Flats IRA: Headwater tributaries to the North Fork Little Laramie River (e.g., Nash

Fork) are the major drainages in this IRA. Numerous lakes and kettle ponds exist in this

glaciated area and are unique. Water resources within the IRA are affected by a variety

of activities including recreation, fishing, and mining.

Illinois Creek IRA: Illinois Creek is the major drainage in this IRA. Water resources in the

Illinois drainage are largely undisturbed, as the headwaters of this drainage lie almost

entirely within the IRA and few management activities have occurred within the

watershed.

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects on Characteristic from the Proposed Project

No Action Alternative

There would be no changes to existing conditions under the No Action alternative.

Final Proposed Action

Where ground-disturbing activities are planned (Snowy Range, Libby Flats, Middle Fork, Illinois Creek),

this project would compact and displace soil, and some erosion may occur. In all five affected IRAs, soil

physical and chemical properties could be affected in areas with broadcast burning or pile burning.

Some of the disturbances will be detrimental to productivity and quality, but effects would be localized

and mitigated using design criteria and BMPs. Treatments are limited to small portions of IRAs within

the wildland-urban interface, so much of the total IRA area would remain undisturbed and soil quality

and productivity would be maintained. Treatments are not expected to decrease the productivity and

quality of soil in the long term.

The effects to air quality conditions within the five IRAs associated with implementing the proposed

action are expected to be transient and benign. Motorized vehicle exhausts from skidders, log trucks,

and other motorized equipment will emit some volume of nitrous oxides and other pollutants during

project operations, but these emissions should not be inclement to air-quality conditions because of

vehicle pollution-control equipment and the relatively short and intermittent duration of daily vehicle

activity. In addition, although it is inevitable that heavy-equipment operations associated with

implementing the proposed action will produce a certain volume of dust, the resultant dust will be

transient and of short, intermittent duration. It is likely that the most pronounced yet transient effect to

air-quality conditions (e.g., views) located within the five IRAs will be associated with burning slash.

Slash will be created due to implementing the proposed action and some of slash created will be piled

and burned. Smoke and haze created by burning slash piles within and adjacent to the IRAs may reduce

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visibility, at least for a while and on a site-specific scale, within these areas. Before piles are burned,

however, the Laramie Ranger District personnel in charge of burning the piles must submit an annual,

programmatic “burn plan” to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division

(WYDEQ, AQD). The “burn plan” must comport with all federal and state air-quality regulations and is

therefore likely to affect minimal and transient reductions in visibility during burning operations.

Potential effects to water resources:

Middle Fork IRA: Direct and indirect effects for timber harvest and prescribed fire

treatments, as described in the Laramie NWUI Watershed Specialist Report (Gloss,

2012) may occur on the fringes of this IRA where treatment units are proposed. Best

Management Practices are recommended to minimize potential effects.

Sheep Mountain IRA: Direct and indirect effects for prescribed fire treatments, as

described in the Laramie NWUI Watershed Specialist Report (Gloss 2012) may occur

with the Dale Creek drainage of this IRA where treatment units are proposed. Best

Management Practices are recommended to minimize potential effects.

Snowy Range IRA: Direct and indirect effects for timber harvest treatments, as

described in the Laramie NWUI Watershed Specialist Report (Gloss 2012) may occur

with on the fringes of this IRA where treatment units are proposed. Best Management

Practices are recommended to minimize potential effects.

Libby Flats IRA: Direct and indirect effects for timber harvest and prescribed fire

treatments, as described in the Laramie NWUI Watershed Specialist Report (Gloss 2012)

may occur on the fringes of this IRA where treatment units are proposed. BMPs are

recommended to minimize potential effects.

Illinois Creek IRA: Direct and indirect effects for timber harvest treatments, as

described in the Laramie NWUI Watershed Specialist Report (Gloss 2012) may occur on

the fringes of this IRA where treatment units are proposed. BMPs are recommended to

minimize potential effects.

2. Sources of Public Drinking Water

Existing Conditions

The North WUI project contains proposed treatments in four IRAs that include source water areas for

community water supplies: Middle Fork, Sheep Mountain, Snowy Range, and Illinois Creek.

Middle Fork IRA: A portion of the groundwater recharge zone for the Centennial public

drinking water supply is located within the Middle Fork IRA. There are 61 acres of

prescribed fire, 24 acres of boundary treatment and 2 acres of sanitation/salvage with

thinning proposed within the groundwater recharge zone in the Middle Fork IRA.

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Sheep Mountain IRA: A portion of the Sheep Mountain IRA drains into the Laramie

public drinking water supply watershed (diversion on Laramie River). There are 68 acres

of prescribed fire proposed within the watershed providing Laramie’s community water

supply in the Sheep Mountain IRA.

Snowy Range IRA: A portion of the Snowy Range IRA drains into the Nash Fork

Campground public drinking water system (spring). There are 9 acres of spruce-fir

treatments proposed within the watershed providing the Nash Fork Campground water

supply in the Snowy Range IRA.

Illinois Creek IRA: A portion of the Illinois Creek IRA drains into public water supply

watersheds for several entities downstream on the North Platte River. There are 254

acres of sanitation/salvage with thinning proposed within the watershed providing

these entities public drinking water supply in the Illinois Creek IRA.



Under the No Action alternative there would be no potential for increased sedimentation, turbidity, fuel

spills, or other changes to water quality.


Potential effects to public water supplies from the Final Proposed Action are described below for each

IRA:

Middle Fork IRA: Sedimentation and turbidity from proposed activities will have no

effect on the Centennial public water supply because the activities occur in a

groundwater recharge area. The proposed activities do increase the potential for

contamination of water supplies due to petroleum spills, although BMPs are

recommended to minimize that potential.

Sheep Mountain IRA: Soil burn severity is expected to be low or moderate for proposed

prescribed fire units in the Sheep Mountain IRA, which drain into the Laramie public

water supply. There is a slight, short term (<1 year) risk of increased sedimentation,

turbidity and ash from proposed activities reaching the City of Laramie water intake

diversion on the Laramie River. The intake is several miles downstream of the proposed

activities. The proposed activities do increase the potential for contamination of water

supplies due to petroleum spills, although BMPs are recommended to minimize that

potential.

Snowy Range IRA: There is a slight risk of increased sedimentation, turbidity and

petroleum spills from proposed activities reaching the Nash Fork Campground public

drinking water system (spring). BMPs are recommended to minimize potential effects.

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Illinois Creek IRA: There is a negligible risk of increased sedimentation, turbidity, and

petroleum spills from proposed activities reaching the community water supplies

downstream of this IRA. The closest downstream public water supply water intake is

located over 40 miles downstream at Fort Steele on the North Platte River.

3. Diversity of plant and animal communities

Plants

Existing Conditions

Plant diversity and vegetation within the project area: IRAs on the Medicine Bow National Forest are

ecologically and botanically diverse and support a large number of upland and wetland vegetation types

(Table 2). This includes known populations of several USFS Region 2 Sensitive Species and Species of

Local Concern, as well as suitable (but unoccupied) habitat for additional species (see the Laramie

District NWUI Biological Evaluation of Plant Species for species lists and additional habitat information).

Table 2: Vegetation types (cover by acres) in Inventoried Roadless Areas included in the Analysis Area.

Table shows values for the entire IRA, not just sections within the AA (USFS 2003).

Vegetation Type Snowy Range Libby Flats Middle Fork

Sheep

Mountain

Illinois

Creek

Aspen 4 7 724 866 28

Forbs 819 508 817 ~ ~

Grassland 8,698 1,349 353 2,115 7

Limber pine ~ 20 179 ~ ~

Lodgepole pine 1,723 3,187 8,913 8,987 5,570

Shrubs 2,116 894 1,725 4,025 1,058

Spruce fir 13,228 5,116 513 172 43

Douglas fir ~ ~ ~ 198 ~

Ponderosa pine ~ ~ ~ 1,141 ~


Impacts to tracked plant species are expected under both alternatives and are described in detail in the

Biological Evaluation of Plant Species prepared for this project. Impacts to vegetation, cover types, and

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plant diversity will also occur under both alternatives and are expected to result in vegetation

type/stand replacement of lodgepole pine forests and net increases in understory plant diversity.


The ongoing mountain pine beetle epidemic is a stand-replacing event and is expected to continue to

cause 50-100% mid to late stage lodgepole pine tree mortality across the MBNF. Ponderosa pine

woodlands are also expected to incur some mortality from the mountain pine beetle. Under the No

Action Alternative no fuels reduction or thinning would take place, but forest canopy die-off from the

mountain pine beetle will still result in large-scale loss of canopy and cover. Increased solar radiation,

water, and light to the understory as a result of the beetle epidemic has been shown to increase

biomass and diversity of understory species (Stone and Wolfe 1996). Tree mortality will contribute to

fuel loading and lead to a greater potential for high intensity and high severity wildfire in the first years

of the epidemic (Lynch et al. 2006a, Jenkins et al. 2008). However, other research has shown that the

forest types affected by mountain pine beetle are naturally prone to severe, stand-replacing fire even in

the absence of insect outbreaks (Romme et al. 2007). Severe wildfire can lower plant diversity by

sterilizing soil and destroying propagules or cause shifts in vegetation communities by promoting a

hotter and drier environment (Lewis et al. 2006, Hall and Lombardozzi 2008, Ursino and Rulli 2010)

while non-severe wildfire commonly causes increased understory and tree diversity and has been shown

to increase the number of uncommon species (Coop et al. 2010).


The final proposed action contains treatment of 799 acres within the IRAs as listed in Table 2. The

majority of these treatments (53%) are prescibed burn activities in the Sheep Mountain, Libby Flats and

Middle Fork IRAs. These burns are intended to be low intensity and have the potential to promote plant

diversity (Coop et al. 2010) but also have the potential to spread invasive species, most noteably

cheatgrass (see Section IX in the Biological Evaluation of Plant Species for more information). Other

activities within IRAs include timber management within the Illinois Creek, Snowy Range, and Middle

Fork IRAs. Illinois Creek and Middle Fork are dominated by lodgepole pine that has already been

impacted by mountain pine beetle and treatment is focused around the private land boundary on the

periphery of the IRAs. Much of Snowy Range IRA is higher in elevation and dominated by old growth

spruce-fir forests. Widespread death of spruce trees has created conditions similar to those in mountain

pine beetle infested lodgepole pine stands. Timber management activies will include creating skid trails

which cause some substrate disturbance and burying or crushing of plants, but because of the low

treatment acreage that overlaps with IRA boundaries and focus on lands in the wild-urban interface

(frequently previously disturbed or high-use) these activities are not expected to impact plant diversity

on the IRAs. Much larger impacts have resulted from canopy die-off as a result of the mountain pine

beetle and spruce beetle epidemics. These timber projects may also have beneficial effects on plant

diveristy by lowering the probability of severe wildfire. Thinning and fuelbreaks may help lower the

severity of wildfire or keep severe wildfire contained, which may help promote and protect plant

diversity.

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Animals

Existing Condition

Illinois Creek: The Illinois Creek IRA is dominated by lodgepole pine stands of various

ages with two major riparian areas. Aerial flight data shows that the entire IRA has been

affected by mountain pine beetle to some extent. Wildlife species diversity within the

IRA is similar to other areas on the Laramie Ranger District that are predominately

lodgepole pine. In general, the IRA would have lower wildlife species diversity because

the IRA lacks the variety in habitat types that would support more species.

Libby Flats: The Libby Flats IRA is evenly split between lodgepole pine, spruce fir and

alpine habitat. It provides most of the habitat types present on the Snowy Range which

indicates higher levels of wildlife species diversity across the IRA compared to some of

the other IRA. Alpine areas provide habitat for American pika and brown-capped rosy-

finch which are restricted to rocky slopes and ice fields across the Snowy Range. These

species are listed as Species of Local Concern in the Medicine Bow National Forest Land

and Resource Management Plan. Lower elevations of the IRA provide habitat for

American marten and northern goshawk which are both management indicator species.

Aerial flight information indicates most of the forested habitat in the Libby Flats IRA has

been affected by mountain pine and spruce beetle at varying intensities.

Middle Fork: The Middle Fork IRA has a wide variety of forested habitat including

Douglas fir, aspen, lodgepole pine. There are small patches of spruce-fir at the higher

elevations. The Douglas fir component is relatively unique as this species typically

occurs at the margins of the Snowy Range. This habitat type increases potential wildlife

species diversity in the IRA but since there is a limited amount it is not expected to have

a large influence. Aerial flight data indicates that all but the lower elevations of the IRA

has been affected by mountain pine beetle with lesser amounts of spruce beetle

activity. The open areas along the National Forest System and private land boundary

provide elk winter range during less severe winters.

Sheep Mountain: The Sheep Mountain IRA provides habitat for big-game, mountain lion

and raptors. The IRA is a peninsula of shrubland and forested habitat that is surrounded

by private lands. The lower elevation slopes of the IRA provide big game winter range

while the higher elevations are lodgepole pine forest with sparse understory. There are

rock escarpments that provide nesting areas for golden eagle. The Sheep Mountain IRA

does not support a wide diversity of wildlife species because there are limited habitat

types available for species to occupy across the IRA and it is isolated from other forested

areas by private lands.

Snowy Range: The Snowy Range IRA is the largest roadless area analyzed for this

project. It is characterized by a mixture of high elevation spruce-fir and alpine habitats.

It provides habitat for American pika, brown-capped rosy-finch, brown creeper, golden-

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crowned kinglet and American marten. Aerial flight data indicates that most of the

spruce-fir has been affected by spruce beetle and this is expected to increase as beetle

activity continues.


Illinois Creek:

No Action: The loss of lodgepole pine canopy cover is expected to negatively affect

species such as red squirrel and goshawk that depend on more mature stands for cone

production or nesting habitat. Insect activity has created a short-term increase in

woodpecker habitat as they respond to increased prey availability associated with heavy

tree mortality. Insect availability is expected to decrease in the near future since

mountain pine beetle activity in this area peaked around 2008. Big game security areas

are expected to be less effective as much of the hiding cover is affected by mountain

pine beetle and as these trees fall down they are likely to impede big game movement.

Mountain pine beetle activity is expected to reduce the available habitat for many

wildlife species in the IRA but it is not expected to eliminate all habitat for these species

and overall wildlife diversity is expected to be similar to levels prior to the mountain

pine beetle.

Final Proposed Action: Changes to wildlife species diversity in the Illinois Creek IRA from

the Final Proposed Action would be similar to the No-action Alternative as the units

identified for treatment are predominantly lodgepole pine stands that have already

been affected by mountain pine beetle. Since the units are at the periphery of the IRA

and are similar to the remaining habitat available in the remaining IRA there will be no

noticeable reduction in the overall wildlife species diversity within the IRA.

Libby Flats:

No Action: Ongoing insect activity within the IRA is expected to reduce the quality and

quantity of forest habitat available to American marten and goshawk. Habitat will still

be available as these species can utilize secondary habitats such as aspen stands. If

these species begin to colonize aspen stands they will persist in the IRA but at lower

population levels. American pika and brown-capped rosy-finch are not likely to be

impacted as these species do not occupy forested habitat. Over the long-term there will

be an abundance of early to mid-seral lodgepole pine as these stands regenerate which

will provide potential winter habitat for snowshoe hare. Overall wildlife species

diversity is expected to remain similar to pre-beetle levels but many species are

expected to occur at lower population levels.

Final Proposed Action: This alternative proposes treatment of 109 acres in five units

within the Libby Flats IRA. Three of the five units are prescribed burns at the eastern

edge of the IRA and another unit treats dead lodgepole pine near Barber Lake at the

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edge of the IRA. Spruce-fir treatments are at the higher elevations near Wyoming

Highway 130 are at the periphery of unit 132. Prescribed burns are not expected to

permanently reduce wildlife species diversity as these units will recover quickly from

treatment activities. Treatment of dead lodgepole and spruce will not reduce the

overall wildlife diversity as these units are already impacted from the insect activity and

at the periphery of the IRA boundary.

Middle Fork:

No Action: Mountain pine beetle has affected most of the lodgepole pine stands in the

IRA. Stands of Douglas fir and aspen are still intact and will continue to provide habitat

for species dependent on these forest types. Lodgepole pine will continue to persist

within the IRA but not at previously established levels. There are historic observations

of northern goshawk in this IRA but this species can use aspen as secondary nesting

habitat so the availability of aspen and Douglas fir will continue to provide nesting

opportunities. Lower elevation shrub and grassland habitat has not been affected by

the insect outbreak and these areas will continue to provide additional winter range

forage. Wildlife diversity in the IRA is expected to remain similar to pre-beetle levels,

but populations are expected to be smaller than previously thought because of declines

in habitat availability and quality.

Final Proposed Action: The Final Proposed Action identifies prescribed burn treatments

at the lower elevations of the IRA along the National Forest System and private land

boundary. Prescribed burn will not prevent elk from using the area in the future as

forage resources are expected to recover quickly from the burn, but loss of shrubs will

reduce the potential for deer to use these areas. Wildlife diversity will remain similar to

the No Action Alternative as deer and elk will continue to use the available winter range

in the near future.

Sheep Mountain:

No Action: Approximately 4000 acres of the Sheep Mountain IRA were consumed during

the Squirrel Creek wildfire in July 2012. The fire was concentrated on the southern and

eastern portions of the IRA with fire activity being low to moderate intensity. A major

concern from the wildfire is the potential for cheatgrass to expand into big game winter

range that was previously native vegetation, which would reduce the quality of forage

available for wintering animals. Mountain pine beetle has been active on the upper

slopes of Sheep Mountain in the lodgepole pine which has reduced the potential for

species that occupy mature lodgepole pine stands, such as northern goshawk and red

squirrel. Wildlife species diversity will continue to be relatively low under this

alternative because of limited habitat types available and the reduce habitat quality

from wildfire and mountain pine beetle.

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Final Proposed Action: The project would not substantially change the characteristics of

the Sheep Mountain IRA. There is one prescribed burn treatment unit that has private

land surrounding three sides of the unit. Prescribed fire in this unit would not further

reduce the wildlife species diversity in the Sheep Mountain IRA as it is a small unit near

areas that were recently burned during the Squirrel Creek Fire.

Snowy Range:

No Action: High elevation spruce-fir that has been affected by spruce beetle has

reduced habitat potential for species like golden-crowned kinglet and brown creeper

that forage in unfragemented stands and consume insects from needles or bark.

American marten also prefer mature spruce-fir habitat and the Snowy Range IRA

provides the highest quality habitat on the district. Marten habitat is expected to

decrease as canopy cover decreases and marten prey is reduced. The reduction of

spruce-fir forest type is not expected to eliminate this habitat but may limit where these

species occur. Alpine habitats will continue to provide habitat for American pika and

brown-capped rosy-finch as these species are not affected by changes to forested areas.

Final Proposed Action: The Final Proposed Action identifies 6 acres of treatment in the

Snowy Range IRA and these are fragments of spruce fir treatment units that are

primarily outside of the IRA boundary. These fragments are at the edge of the IRA

boundary and are near developed features such as recreation residences and lodges.

Treatment of these units will not reduce wildlife diversity throughout the IRA as the

proposed treatment is minimal and at the periphery of the IRA boundary.

4. Habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, and sensitive species (TESP), and those

species dependent on large undisturbed areas of land

Plants

Existing Condition

There are several TESP plant species with known populations and/or suitable habitat in the analysis area

and a few occur within IRAs. These species and habitats are discussed in detail in the Biological

Evaluation of Plant Species. However, none of these species rely on large undisturbed areas of land.

Rare, uncommon, and otherwise tracked plant species are typically habitat specialists and are found in

small, infrequent pockets with ideal conditions (thus the reason they are rare). These pockets of habitat

may occur anywhere, depending on climate, topography, and elevation, and although more protected,

are not necessarily more common in IRAs. Rare plant species known from each IRA in the project area

are listed below.

Snowy Range: Sensitive species known: Carex diandra (lesser panicled sedge). Species

of local concern known: Juncus triglumis var. albescens (northern white rush), Besseya

alpina (alpine kittentails), Ligularia bigelovii var. hallii (Hall’s ragwort), Cypripedium

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fasiculatum (clustered lady’s slipper), Athyrium distentifolium var. americanum (alpine

ladyfern), Menyanthes trifoliata (bog buckbean), Listera cordata (heartleaf twayblade).

Libby Flats: Sensitive species known: Salix candida (silver willow), Utricularia minor

(lesser bladderpod). Species of local concern known: Lomatogonium rotatum (marsh

felwort), Juncus triglumis var. albescens (northern white rush), Besseya alpina (alpine

kittentails), Potamogeton praelongus (whitestem pondweed), Listera convallarioides

(broadlipped twayblade).

Middle Fork: Sensitive species known: Salix candida (silver willow), Utricularia minor

(lesser bladderpod). Species of local concern known: Lomatogonium rotatum (marsh

felwort), Penstemon laricifolis var. exilifolius (larchleaf penstemon), Listera

convallarioides (broadlipped twayblade).

Illinois Creek: Sensitive species known: none. Species of local concern known: Viburnum

edule (highbush cranberry).

Sheep Mountain: Sensitive species known: Salix candida (silver willow), Eriophorum

gracile (slender cottongrass), Machaeranthera coloradoensis (Colorado tansyaster).

Species of local concern known: Lomatogonium rotatum (marsh felwort), Carex leptalea

(bristlestalk sedge), Phacelia alba (white scorpion weed), Phacelia denticulata (Rocky

Mountain phacelia), Penstemon laricifolis var. exilifolius (larchleaf penstemon).


There are no TESP plant species dependent on large undisturbed areas of land and effects to species in

IRAs are discussed below. Effects to suitable but unoccupied habitat are discussed in detail in the

Biological Evaluation of Plant Species.

No Action: The mountain pine and spruce beetle epidemics will disrupt and disturb the conifer forests in

the IRAs by creating high levels of mortality in the lodgepole pine and spruce stands. Ecological changes

that result are expected to impact TESP plants by altering habitats, hydrology, and temperatures on the

MBNF and possibly increasing the chance of severe wildfire.

Final Proposed Action: Impacts to IRAs due to the mountain pine and spruce beetle epidemics will still

occur under the Final Proposed Action. TESP plants and habitats within the IRAs will experience

additional impacts from North WUI fuels reduction activities. Effects to rare plant species in each IRA are

described below. For effects to suitable but unoccupied rare plant habitat please see the Biological

Evaluation of Plant Species.

Snowy Range: No sensitive species or Species of Local Concern are known to occur

within or adjacent to treatment areas in the IRA and no impacts to rare plants in the

Snowy Range IRA are expected.

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Libby Flats: No sensitive species or Species of Local Concern are known to occur within

or adjacent to treatment areas in the IRA and no impacts to rare plant species in the

Libby Flats IRA are expected.

Middle Fork: No sensitive species are known to occur within or adjacent to treatment

areas in the IRA and no impacts to sensitive species in the Middle Fork IRA are expected.

Two Species of Local Concern are known to occur within treatment areas in the IRA;

Penstemon laricifolis var. exilifolius (larchleaf penstemon) and Listera convallarioides

(broadlipped twayblade). Larchleaf penstemon occurs in several prescribed burn units

within the IRA and will not be avoided (will be burned) during management activities.

Prescribed fire does not typically negatively impact this species because larchleaf

penstemon sparsely vegetated habitat is maintained by periodic fire. Cheatgrass

(Bromus tectorum) is also promoted by fire and increased cheatgrass populations as a

result of prescribed burning poses a risk to larchleaf penstemon where the two species

are burned within the same areas. Cheatgrass can out-compete larchleaf penstemon

during post-fire revegetation and is currently considered the greatest threat to larchleaf

penstemon persistence (Heidel and Handley 2007). Populations of cheatgrass in

prescribed burn units in the Middle Fork IRA are very small and confined to road and

private land edges. Although burning these areas may increase cheatgrass cover in the

IRA and reduce the population size of larchleaf penstemon, it is not expected to result in

significant impact to existing populations (see Section IX in the Biological Evaluation of

Plant Species for more information). The broadlipped twayblade population (one

population with approximately 50 individuals) lies within a timber treatment unit. This

population has been identified and flagged for avoidance during timber treatment

activities. No heavy equipment will operate within 30 feet of the population and ground

disturbance on the population will be avoided. As a result of avoidance criteria, no

effects are expected to this broadlipped twayblade population in the Middle Fork IRA.

Illinois Creek: No sensitive species or Species of Local Concern are known to occur

within or adjacent to treatment areas in the IRA and no impacts to rare plant species in

the Illinois Creek IRA are expected.

Sheep Mountain: No sensitive species are known to occur within or adjacent to

treatment areas in the IRA and no impacts to sensitive species in the Sheep Mountain

IRA are expected. One Species of Local Concern is known to occur within treatment

areas in the IRA; Penstemon laricifolis var. exilifolius (larchleaf penstemon). Larchleaf

penstemon occurs in several prescribed burn units within the IRA and will not be

avoided (will be burned) during management activities (similar to population in Middle

Fork IRA). These burns will also be conducted in the presence of existing cheatgrass

populations. Cheatgrass populations in the treatment units of the Sheep Mountain IRA

are more abundant than in other prescribed burn units, as a result the threat of

cheatgrass spread and damage to or reduction in population size of larchleaf penstemon

14

is also greater. Please see the Middle Fork IRA section above and Section IX in the

Biological Evaluation of Plant Species for more information.

Animals

Existing Condition

Illinois Creek: Most of this IRA is part of the larger Snowy Range Lynx Linkage Area,

which provides a connective travel corridor between Canada lynx habitat in Wyoming

and Colorado. The linkage area was recently expanded to almost triple the previous size,

which dramatically improved lynx movement potential. The area had substantially more

lynx habitat prior to the mountain pine beetle outbreak, which has reduced the amount

of lodgepole pine that provides habitat for alternate prey such as red squirrel.

Vegetation cover information identified 1,626 acres of mapped lynx habitat in the

Illinois Creek IRA before the mountain pine beetle outbreak.

Libby Flats: The entire Libby Flats IRA is part of Snowy Range East Lynx Analysis Unit.

The middle elevations of the IRA are mature spruce-fir stands that provide quality lynx

denning and foraging habitat. Lower elevations have lodgepole pine that supports

alternate prey such as red squirrel and grouse. Aerial survey information indicates that

most of the Libby Flats IRA has been affected by mountain pine and spruce beetle at

varying levels. Prior to the mountain pine beetle outbreak there was 8,085 acres of

mapped lynx habitat in the Libby Flats IRA.

Middle Fork: The higher elevations of the Middle Fork IRA are within the Douglas Creek

Lynx Analysis Unit with a small extension into the Snowy Range East Lynx Analysis Unit.

Prior to the mountain pine and spruce beetle outbreak the Middle Fork IRA provided

6,369 acres of mapped lynx habitat. Lynx habitat was at that higher elevations of the

IRA and almost exclusively in the lodgepole pine cover type with very little spruce-fir.

Aerial flight data shows that most of the mapped lynx habitat has been affected by

mountain pine beetle.

Sheep Mountain: No proposed, threatened, or endangered wildlife species occur on

Sheep Mountain. There are no records of sensitive wildlife species in the Sheep

Mountain IRA. Big game and mountain lions are present and require large undisturbed

areas of land. Mountain lion densities in the Sheep Mountain IRA are considered some

of the highest in Wyoming. Big game use of the Sheep Mountain IRA is considered to be

declining because of easily available forage on adjacent private lands and avoidance of

the area associated with the increased predation risk.

Snowy Range: The Snowy Range IRA has portions of five LAUs (Brush Creeks, French

Creek, Kettle Ponds, Morgan and Snowy Range East). Prior to the mountain pine and

spruce beetle outbreaks there were 19,170 acres of mapped lynx habitat in the Snowy

Range IRA. This has historically been some of the highest quality lynx habitat on the

15

Snowy Range due to mature spruce-fir stands that provided denning and foraging

opportunities. Aerial flight information indicates spruce beetle activity across much of

the lynx habitat in the Snowy Range IRA.


Illinois Creek:

No Action: The current estimate is 256 acres of mapped lynx habitat in the IRA, which is

15% of what was previously identified. Most of the remaining lynx habitat is within

riparian areas and isolated spruce-fir stands. The Illinois Creek IRA still provides for lynx

movement between Wyoming and Colorado, but the current habitat conditions are not

likely to produce sufficient prey for lynx to remain in any area for an extended period.

Final Proposed Action: Proposed treatments in the Illinois Creek Roadless Area would

impact less than 10 acres of currently mapped lynx habitat. The areas that would be

impacted are generally at the margin of units in unsuitable habitat or a wetter area

within a larger unit. The final proposed action will not noticeably reduce the potential

for the Illinois Creek IRA to allow lynx movement between Wyoming and Colorado.

Libby Flats:

No Action: Once habitat changes associated with mountain pine beetle are considered

there are 6,491 acres of mapped lynx habitat in the Libby Flats IRA. This is an

overestimation as the predictive model did not account for spruce beetle activity.

Review of aerial flight information indicated that most of the spruce-fir forest type has

been affected by spruce beetle and is not likely to provide the same quality Canada lynx

habitat. It is expected that there will be less denning habitat but there will still be

snowshoe hare habitat in the unaffected understory. The Libby Flats IRA will continue

to provide lynx habitat even as insect activity continues, although the quality of lynx

habitat is expected to decline.

Final Proposed Action: Prescribed fire treatments will not reduce lynx habitat in the IRA

as these units do not currently provide lynx habitat. Treatment of 29 acres of dead

lodgepole pine adjacent to Barber Lake will not alter lynx habitat as the stand is

currently mapped as unsuitable lynx habitat. Spruce-fir treatments are focused on

removal of dead and dying trees near the edge of the IRA. The Libby Flats IRA will

provide similar habitat for Canada lynx under this alternative as the No Action

Alternative as proposed treatments are not focused on lynx habitat and will not reduce

lynx habitat below current levels.

Middle Fork:

No Action: Current mapping indicates 1,793 acres of lynx habitat within the IRA, which

is 28% of what was previously available. Suitable habitat still remains at the highest

16

elevations of the IRA, but lower elevation lodgepole pine is not expected to provide

habitat. The lower elevation lodgepole pine habitat was foraging habitat where lynx

could prey on snowshoe hare, red squirrel and grouse. These areas were unlikely to

provide denning opportunities for lynx because of the lack of down woody material.

The Middle Fork IRA still provides lynx habitat but there is less habitat available and

reduced prey availability will shorten the time lynx remain in an area.

Final Proposed Action: None of the treatment units under the Final Proposed Action in

the Middle Fork IRA are in lynx habitat, so the impacts under this alternative are the

same as the No Action Alternative.

Sheep Mountain:

No Action: Big game winter range that was consumed during the Squirrel Creek fire is

expected to recover in the near future but with less of a shrub component to support

mule deer. Cheatgrass expansion is being addressed as part of the BAER process

through application of herbicide combined with supplemental seeding with native

grasses. This action should dramatically reduce potential for winter range conversion

from native grass to cheatgrass. Mountain pine beetle activity in the lodgepole pine

stands is not likely to noticeably reduce big game or mountain lion use at the higher

elevations. Big game use at the upper elevations of Sheep Mountain is limited as the

forage availability is low. The Sheep Mountain IRA will continue to provide habitat for

big game and mountain lion under this alternative.

Final Proposed Action: The Final Proposed Action is very similar to the No Action

Alternative as there is only one prescribed burn unit at approximately 100 acres. This

unit is isolated at the edge of Sheep Mountain and is surrounded by private land on

three sides. Treatment of this unit will not noticeably reduce the potential for Sheep

Mountain to support big game or mountain lions.

Snowy Range:

No Action: There are currently 17,563 acres of mapped lynx habitat in the Snowy Range

IRA. This is an overestimation of the actual lynx habitat in the IRA because the lynx

habitat modeling did not account for changes to lynx habitat from spruce beetle. The

higher elevations of the Snowy Range have been affected by spruce beetle, which is

currently increasing. Spruce beetle can reduce lynx habitat quality but does not mean

these stands are unsuitable. These stands may not provide denning habitat, but

understory conditions can still provide snowshoe hare habitat. The Snowy Range IRA

will continue to provide lynx habitat under the No Action Alternative.

Final Proposed Action: The six acres of proposed spruce fir treatment will not noticeably

reduce the potential for the Snowy Range IRA to provide habitat for lynx. These areas

17

are at the periphery of the IRA boundary and lynx tend to utilize areas with less human

disturbance than would be expected near recreation residences and lodges.

5. Primitive, semi-primitive non-motorized, and semi-primitive motorized classes of dispersed

recreation

Existing Conditions

Roadless acres within the analysis area are distributed among various Management Areas and

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Classes. Of the total IRA treatment area, 26 percent currently

supports IRA characteristic #5 and is mapped as the semi-primitive non-motorized (SPNM) ROS Class.

There are no primitive or semi-primitive motorized acres. Of the remaining area, 49 percent is mapped

as the Roaded Modified ROS Class; 17 percent is mapped as the Roaded Natural ROS Class, and 8

percent is mapped as the Rural ROS Class (Snowy Range Scenic Byway) (Table 3).

Table 3 – Roadless Acres by ROS Class Proposed for Treatment

Roadless Area RM RN R SPNM SPM Total

Illinois Creek (6,707 Ac) 254.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 254.40

Percent of Total Roadless Acres

Proposed for Treatment

3.79% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3.79%

Libby Flats (11,082 Ac) 0.00 45.26 63.21 0.76 0.00 109.23



0.00% 0.41% 0.57% 0.01% 0.00% 0.99%

Middle Fork (13,232 Ac) 154.45 93.53 0.00 109.86 0.00 358.15



1.17% 0.71% 0.00% 0.83% 0.00% 2.71%

Sheep Mountain (17,614 Ac) 0.00 0.00 0.00 107.00 0.00 107.00



0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.39% 0.00% 0.39%

Snowy Range (29, 637 Ac) 0.00 1.61 7.71 0.00 0.22 9.54



0.00% 0.01% 0.03% 0.00% 0.00% 0.03%

18

Total Treatment Acres

Proposed

408.90 140.41 70.92 218.13 0.22 838.58



48.77% 16.75% 8.46% 26.02% 0.03% 100.00%



The effect of not implementing the proposed action inside the Roadless Areas is that natural processes

will continue to run their course. This is not in conflict with the Roadless Area direction.


Of the 218 acres proposed for treatment within the SPNM ROS Class, 85 percent (185 acres) would be

prescribed burning in the Sheep Mountain and Middle Fork IRAs. Due to the short-term nature of the

effects, this treatment is consistent with the SPNM class. Recreationists and the general public will be

concerned over smoke, given the recent effects of the Squirrel Creek Fire. In the long term, the

improved habitat would benefit recreationists’ wildlife viewing opportunities.

Other SPNM ROS Class units proposed for treatment inside IRAs are 32 acres of boundary maintenance

treatment near Centennial in the Middle Fork IRA, and less than an acre of spruce-fir treatment around

Brooklyn Lake in the Libby Flats IRA, The purpose of this treatment is to provide a fuelbreak for nearby

private property. These acreages represent 15% of SPNM and less than 4% of the total treatment inside

IRAs.

6. Reference landscapes

Existing Conditions

Reference landscapes are generally undisturbed or “least” disturbed areas or ecosystems that provide a

natural condition to reference during management activities. They are often the basis for developing

management strategies and gaining an understanding of how undisturbed landscapes look and function.

Providing reference landscapes and reference conditions for multiple ecosystems is one purpose of

Inventoried Roadless Areas. The IRAs under consideration contain large scale reference landscapes such

as lodgepole pine and spruce-fir forests and the sagebrush steppe as well as smaller scale ecosystems

such as wetlands, aspen stands, meadows, mountain lakes, and tundra (Swetnam et al. 1999).

The Snowy Range, Middle Fork, Sheep Mountain, Illinois Creek, and Libby Flats IRAs all contain both

large and small-scale reference landscapes, as described above. However, the amount of area in the

IRAs that will be affected by project activities is relatively small, 799 acres total in all five impacted IRAs.

The sections of treatments areas within IRAs include lodgepole pine forest, spruce-fir forests, mixed

conifer forests, aspen stands, sagebrush steppe, and meadows. There are no tundra ecosystems or

19

mountain lakes in treatment areas within IRAs. Types of reference landscapes within treatment areas in

each IRA are listed below.

Snowy Range: Snowy Range IRA contains 10 treated acres comprised almost exclusively

of spruce-fir forests with some small areas of forb-dominated mountain meadow.

Libby Flats: : Libby Flats IRA contains a total of 109 treated acres that are primarily

lodgepole pine forest with some spruce, mixed stands of aspen and lodgepole pine and

small grassy meadows.

Middle Fork: Middle Fork IRA has the most treated area, 358 acres. These acres

represent several different vegetation types including aspen stands, lodgepole pine

forests, spruce-fir forests, areas of mixed conifers, grasslands and sagebrush steppe.

Illinois Creek: Illinois Creek has 254 treated acres that are all lodgepole pine forest.

Sheep Mountain: The 68 acres of treated area in the Sheep Mountain IRA are all

sagebrush steppe, grassland, and forb-dominated meadows (no forested or treed

areas).

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects on Characteristic from the Proposed Project:


Reference ecosystems in IRAs will be altered by the ongoing mountain pine and spruce beetle epidemics

in all five IRAs. These epidemics will have cascading ecological effects on temperatures, hydrology,

understory vegetation, habitat, soil and erosion (Stone and Wolfe 1996). It may also increase the risk of

high severity fire (Lynch et al. 2006b, Jenkins et al. 2008). However, mountain pine and spruce beetles

are native, naturally occurring insects and thus impacts to reference ecosystems as a result of these

epidemics are also natural. This changes the condition of the reference ecosystem, but does not alter

our ability to use these areas as reference landscapes.


Changes to reference ecosystems in IRAs due to the mountain pine beetle and spruce epidemics will still

occur under the Final Proposed Action. Proposed actions may have additional, adverse effects on

reference landscapes or ecosystems. Reference landscapes are intended to be undisturbed or least-

disturbed and conducting timber projects such as thinning and sanitation/salvage will create substantial

human-caused disturbance. Logging or timber cutting in IRAs is contrary to the spirit and intent of

maintaining reference landscapes and will negatively impact the quantity and quality of references

landscape in affected IRAs. Prescribed fire is less likely to impact reference landscapes because

prescribed fire can mimic natural lightning-caused wildfire and many plant species are adapted to

surviving periodic burns. In the instance that prescribed fire increases the range and abundance of non-

native invasive species, such as cheatgrass, it will have a negative impact and degrade reference

landscapes. Timber activities and prescribed burning in the presence of fire-promoted non-native

20

invasive weeds will damage reference landscapes, hindering our ability to use these areas to reference

undisturbed or least-disturbed ecological conditions in the future. Effects to reference landscapes within

treatments areas by IRA are listed below.

Snowy Range: Spruce-fir treatments are planned for all 10 acres in the Snowy Range

IRA. This is a thinning timber treatment designed to remove all dead and dying trees,

thin ladder fuels (cut living trees), and remove dead and downed wood. Timber

treatments within IRAs negatively impact our ability to use these areas as reference

landscapes by significantly increasing human-caused ecological disturbance onsite. In

the Snowy Range IRA this is of less concern because a very small acreage is affected and

many of the affected areas are adjacent to private land and residences (which tend to

cause ecological disturbance as well).

Libby Flats: Spruce-fir and sanitation/salvage timber treatments are planned for 35

acres in the Libby Flats IRA. Sanitation/salvage is designed to remove all dead, dying,

and weakened trees affected by disease or epidemic in stands, similar to the spruce-fir

treatment but without ladder fuel or downed wood removal. Again, these timber

treatments will lower our ability to use the Libby Flats IRA as a reference landscape.

Widespread tree death has already inhibited our ability to use these (and other) areas as

reference landscapes for living tree stands and healthy forests, but they still have value

as reference landscapes for mountain pine and spruce beetle epidemics, associated

natural processes, and eventual recovery. Prescribed burning is planned for 74 acres in

the Libby Flats IRA. As stated above in effects of the Final Proposed Action, well-

executed prescribed burning does not typically negatively affect reference condition.

There are very few non-native invasive species known in these treatment areas, so this

prescribed burn is not expected to spread noxious weeds or have any other negative

effects on reference condition.

Middle Fork: Sanitation/salvage, boundary and boundary maintenance treatments are

planned for 71 acres of the Middle Fork IRA. Sanitation/salvage treatments are

described above, boundary treatments include removing all dead and dying trees, some

live trees, and some downed woody material on site. Boundary treatments also include

the mastication and/or piling of woody material to re-arrange fuels. Boundary

maintenance treatments are a continuation of these treatments in order to maintain

boundary conditions. Timber treatments would, as in other IRAs, lower our ability to

use these areas as reference landscapes. Boundary treatments and maintenance

treatments in the Middle Fork IRA would have the additional element of woody debris

piling and mastication. Piled and masticated woody debris has a long residence life in

our forest ecosystems, it will be noticeable on the ground and change understory

vegetation for several decades. This is an additional source of human-caused long-term

ecosystem disturbance to this IRA and would further decrease or eliminate our ability to

use treated acres as reference landscapes. Prescribed burns are planned for 287 acres of

the Middle Fork IRA. Many acres of the prescribed burn units are free of non-native

21

invasive plants and the burns are expected to mimic natural wildfires. However, areas

along roadsides, near residences, and other structures cheatgrass, Canada thistle

(Cirsium arvense), and toadflax (Linaria spp.) are present and the burns are expected to

increase the range and abundance of these weeds. In the presence of non-native

invasive plants that are promoted by fire, prescribed burning is expected to reduce the

quality of reference landscapes and inhibit our ability to use these areas to reference

landscape condition.

Illinois Creek: 254 acres of the Illinois Creek IRA are planned for sanitation/salvage and

salvage/thin timber activities. Sanitation/salvage treatment is described above and

salvage/thin differs in that more living trees would be left in the landscape than with

sanitation/salvage. These timber treatments will have adverse effects to reference

landscapes, as described previously, and will damage our ability to use these areas to

reference an undisturbed or least-disturbed condition in the future. Salvage/thin

activities would leave more living trees and would create slightly less disturbance than

sanitation/salvage and some other timber treatments.

Sheep Mountain: All 68 treated acres in the Sheep Mountain IRA are planned for

prescribed burning. The Sheep Mountain IRA has known infestations of cheatgrass and

it is expected that prescribed burning in these conditions will increase the range and

abundance of this non-native invasive plant. Increasing cheatgrass populations in the

Sheep Mountain IRA will degrade vegetation communities, impact wildlife, increase fire

regime and move the IRA away from a reference condition, inhibiting our ability to use

this area as a reference landscape in the future.

7. Natural appearing landscapes with high scenic quality

Scenic integrity levels are a set of measurable goals for management of grassland and forest scenic

resources. The levels include:

Very High: A scenic integrity level that generally provides for ecological change only.

High: A scenic integrity level that means human activities are not scenically evident.

Moderate: A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued landscape

character “appears slightly altered.”

Low: A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued landscape

character “appears moderately altered.”

Very Low: A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued landscape

character “appears heavily altered.”

22

Existing Conditions

The majority of the characteristic landscape located within the IRAs appears intact. A very small portion

of the area is slightly altered due to the evidence of existing two track roads.

Snowy Range: Spectacular mountain peaks with rock escarpments, alpine tundra with

krummholtz stands, meadows, glacial lakes, creeks, and forested landscapes consisting

of lodgepole pine, limber pine, Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir, and scattered aspen

stands. Existing scenic integrity is high and moderate.

Libby Flats: Alpine tundra with krummholz stands, incised drainages, and forested

landscapes consisting of lodgepole pine and spruce-fir stands. Existing scenic integrity is

very high.

Middle Fork: Forested landscapes consisting of lodgepole pine, gambel oak, aspen,

Douglas fir, and limber pine. Hell’s Canyon and Fall Creek Falls are scenic attractions.

Existing scenic integrity is high.

Illinois Creek: Forested landscapes consisting of lodgepole pine with scattered stands of

gambel oak and aspen. Illinois Creek and Pelton Creek are scenic features. Existing

scenic integrity is high.

Sheep Mountain: Game Refuge area with a steep-sided hogback ridge. Forested

landscapes consisting of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, gambel oak and

scattered stands of aspen. Below the ridge are sagebrush and grass communities.

Existing scenic integrity is very high, high, and moderate.


Ground disturbing activities that would occur in the inventoried roadless areas would result in a short-

term impact to the roadless characteristic landscape. Over time, the roadless characteristic landscape

would be enhanced through the establishment of new young, healthy stands. Prescribed burning in the

inventoried roadless areas would have a short-term impact as the ground would be blackened and

charred. When the new, healthy vegetation is established after the burn, the scenic quality of the

roadless characteristic landscape would be improved and maintained for the long-term.

IRA Proposed Treatment

(# acres)

Effects on Characteristic from Project

Snowy Range Spruce-fir (10) Removal of standing dead and dying trees, downed

trees and removing smaller trees to reduce ladder

fuels adjacent to private residences would have a

short-term effect but would benefit scenic quality of

the roadless characteristic in the long term.

23

Libby Flats Spruce-fir (4) Same as above.

Sanitation/Salvage (31) Removing dead and dying trees and trees susceptible

to insects and disease to reduce fuel loading would

have a short-term effect but would benefit scenic

quality of the roadless characteristic in the long term.

Prescribed Burn (74) Burning of sagebrush and bitterbrush would have a

short-term effect on scenery. Scenic quality of the

roadless characteristic would be enhanced after the

establishment of new healthy shrub communities.

Middle Fork Boundary (8) Fuel break treatment between NFS lands and private

lands and adjacent to recreation residences would



Boundary Maintenance (33) Same as above.

Sanitation/Salvage (30) Removing dead and dying trees and trees susceptible




Prescribed Burn (287) Burning of sagebrush and bitterbrush would have a




Illinois Creek Sanitation/Salvage (175) Removing dead and dying trees and trees susceptible




Salvage/Thin (79) Reducing stand density through thinning and salvage

would have a short-term effect but would improve the

scenery and maintain the scenic quality of the roadless

characteristic in the long term.

Sheep Mountain Prescribed Burn (68) Burning of sagebrush and bitterbrush would have a




24

8. Traditional cultural properties and sacred sites

Existing Condition

Currently, the Forest Service is not aware of any sacred sites or traditional cultural properties within the

IRAs in the analysis area.


Prior to project implementation, the Forest Service will complete the Section 106 review process for the

IRAs with a Class III cultural resource inventory to document historic and prehistoric sites. The Forest

will consult with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to determine eligibility of cultural

resources to the National Register of Historic Places and to assess potential impacts of the undertaking

on historic properties. The Forest Service and SHPO will develop mitigation measures if project activities

have the potential to adversely affect historic properties. No ground disturbing activities will occur until

the Section 106 process is complete for that location.

Neither the No Action nor the Final Proposed Action is expected to adversely impact roadless

characteristics related to traditional cultural properties or sacred sites.

9. Other locally identified unique characteristics (as identified in MBNF or RNF LRMP FEIS Appendix C)

Existing Conditions

There are several locally identified unique characteristics in the IRAs within the analysis area (USFS 2003,

NRIS 2011). These characteristics are listed by IRA below:

Snowy Range: Snowy Range IRA contains the Glacier Lakes Ecosystem Experiments Site

(GLEES), Snowy Range Research Natural Area (RNA), the Medicine Bow Peak Special

Interest Area (SIA) and many scenic features.

Libby Flats: Libby Flats IRA contains unspecified scenic features.

Middle Fork: Middle Fork IRA contains scenic features such as Hell’s Canyon and Fall

Creek Falls.

Illinois Creek: Illinois Creek IRA does not contain unique features.

Sheep Mountain: Sheep Mountain IRA does not contain unique features.



The mountain pine and spruce beetle epidemics may impact these special features in a number of ways.

1) Ongoing lodgepole pine tree mortality will change the landscape and vegetation communities of the

25

RNA and affect ongoing research in these areas and 2) fuel loading could cause severe wildfire, which

may spread to the RNA or research sites, resulting in cascading ecological effects.


Impacts to IRAs due to the mountain pine and spruce beetle epidemics will still occur under the Final

Proposed Action. RNAs, SIAs, and GLEES do not lie within treatment areas and will not be affected by

project activities. Minor impacts are expected to scenic resources as a result of timber and prescribed

burning activities. Anticipated effects are listed by IRA below:

Snowy Range: GLEES, the Snowy Range RNA, and Medicine Bow Peak SIA are adjacent

to the analysis area but are above (in elevation) and outside of the area of any planned

treatments. None of these areas are expected to be impacted by project activities.

Timber treatment areas near Brooklyn Lake, a popular recreation spot, may cause some

impact to scenic features. Due to the small acreage of treatments it is anticipated that

these effects will be minor.

Libby Flats: Timber treatments and prescribed burning may cause impacts to scenic

features. Prescribed burning effects will be short term (1 year) while timber treatments

may cause multi-year or long term effects to scenic resources.

Middle Fork: Timber treatments and prescribed burning may cause impacts to scenic

features. Prescribed burning effects will be short term (one year) while timber

treatments may cause multi-year or long term effects to scenic resources. Hell’s Canyon

and Fall Creek Falls will not be affected by proposed treatments.

Illinois Creek: Illinois Creek IRA does not contain unique features.

Sheep Mountain: Sheep Mountain IRA does not contain unique features.

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