Payette NF Community Forum

Large Scale Forest Fuels Projects and Collaborative Groups Improvement Study

Spatial Interest — 2010-09-03T15:22:30-07:00

The Western Governors Association Forest Health Advisory Committee conducted a survey and published a report on the topic: Landscape Scale Fuels Projects and Collaborative Groups.

The report identifies 18 collaborative groups, the interview questions, and a summary of responses. The report's conclusions are relevant to PFC's on-going efforts.

If the report content raises discussion topics you would recommend for a future PFC meeting, please use REPLY (below) to suggest the topic.

RE: Roads/Trails/Dispersed Camping

Jean Revaul — 2010-08-17T07:37:50-07:00

Hello All,

Yes, we were concerned that a lot of the roads slated for decommissioning(those specifically on the tour) would if brought back to grade would create more sediment in the drainage than leaving them be.

Also, if they were needed in the future for other work or access it would take less work to reopen them, and less sediment damage at that time.

Also, the roads rather than being decommissioned be "Designated Trails" with signage and maintained to horse and pack standards. So, by designating the proposed decommissioned road to trails on the Forest Service Maps that would also change the sediment load of the whole drainage, specifically, removing the roads from the maps. These new trails then would make easy access for livestock and elk to travel through the areas, and cut down on the motorized traffic in the non road system.

Most of the proposed decommission roads are already overgrown and might only need minor work to bring up to the standards of horse and pack needs. Some roads might be appropriate for 4 wheeler use, but at a minimum they should be to horse and pack saddle standards.

Then, these newly created Designated Trails could be connected to other trails to make loops of between 6,10 and 20 miles. This keeps users from trying to figure out they're own way home or shortcuts. Especially if they are signed.

Brant Petersen has an email from me concerning a proposed horse trailhead/camp just to the North of the Evergreen Campground area on the east side of the Weiser River. This proposed site would giving great access to horse trailers from hyway 95, also improving recreational access.

Last, some of the sites where trees are proposed to be removed could become dispersed camping sites with a minimum of work. The site we visited on the tour where a lot of trees were going to be removed would make an excellant dispersed camping site. It was accross the road from the creek and would be large enough for a couple of rigs, yet just off the main road.

It is proposed that none of these actions should confict with the already existing travel plan.

RE: Roads/Trails/Dispersed Camping

Wendy Green — 2010-08-14T08:01:09-07:00

Please encourage folks in the groups you represent to really get involved in this process sooner rather than later. I don't think those of us on the PFC alone can expect to do a thorough job. As Mel mentioned, she has offered to produce a roads & trails only map, sans timber stands and other layers, so it's easier to view system and non-system roads. You might consider getting a copy of the map and taking it to the next meeting of your group for review. People who know this area very well can help ensure that we do a conscientious job of providing the FS good information, so please ask wood getters, grazing permittees, hunters, horsemen, ATV riders, campers and hikers to take a close look at the map; take note when they're in the woods of the roads they use or those that have naturally revegetated; provide GPS points or road numbers to identify roads that they feel strongly should be left open, closed seasonally or otherwise decommissioned. There has been a lot of decom taking place in the Little Weiser/Anderson Creek/Four Bit drainages this summer (from past logging sales), and we've learned again how easy it is for things to fall through the cracks if forest users don't diligently pour over maps and offer specific input about roads, trails and dispersed camp sites. Thank you.

Roads/Trails/Dispersed Camping

Melanie Vining — 2010-08-13T15:02:41-07:00

I want to encourage coalition members and anyone with an interest in the Mill Creek- Council Mt project to comment on specific roads and/or trails, dispersed camping opportunities they would like addressed in the alternative development stage of NEPA (going on right now!).

I know Becky Johnstone, Jean Revel, and some others were really interested in how we selected roads for decommissioning. I am more than happy to furnish anyone with a map to assist them in identifying roads. It is much easier to address specific road concerns in this stage of the NEPA review rather than later!

Please comment on the Forum (REPLY below), and I'll get back to you. Thanks.

RE: CFLRP Projects Recommended for 2010

mhuffman — 2010-07-27T18:32:51-07:00

Looks like we have to move forward and then go back next year to see if we can get a better outcome.

CFLRP Projects Recommended for 2010

Spatial Interest — 2010-07-27T17:48:16-07:00

Advisory Panel Recommendations

The Advisory Panel for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program recommended 10 projects for 2010 (listed below).

Note that four USFS Regions did not have a project in the list, including Region 4. Also, four regions (1,2, 3, and 8) had two projects each - the maximum for a region. No more than 10 projects can receive funding in a year.

Although disappointing, the Mill Creek - Council Mountain Landscape Restoration Project is probably a year too soon in the application process. I had the opportunity in April to meet with the CFLRP program manager, and I asked him about NEPA and the timing of the application. His comments were:

If the NEPA review has not been completed, the application would be considered a lower priority.
Based on the proposals submitted (31), he felt confident that the 2010 $10 million would be allocated to projects that had completed the NEPA review (and were not appealed).
Applying in 2010 would benefit the Payette NF's project as a pre-test of the application.

The Advisory Panel will provide the Forest Service with feedback on the proposals, and the feedback will guide resubmitting the application for the 2011 funding cycle.

RE: Meeting Notes

Morris — 2010-07-26T17:02:21-07:00

MOU for Sustainable Communities Grant
Update to July 22nd Meeting Notes

SAGE has dropped plans to move forward with this proposal in favor of another with other partners in Ada-Canyon Counties so we will not be able to avail ourselves of these possible funds to help us pay for future PFC projects. Sorry about the change in plans.

RE: Meeting Notes

Jean Revaul — 2010-07-26T13:58:03-07:00

Thank you for the BBQ and the Tour. Jean

RE: Meeting Notes

Sharon Pratt — 2010-07-25T19:17:03-07:00

I just want to let everyone know how much I appreciate your willingness to collaborate, communicate and cooperate to offer options to energize and improve timber lands and wild life habitat. I am sorry I missed the tour and BBQ but it looks like it was awesome.

Sharon

RE: Meeting Notes

Bob Swandby — 2010-07-25T05:46:20-07:00

Hi Dennis, Dave, Morris & Delta,

I want to be a full participant in the proposed New Meadows Collaboration. We're planning a vacation for the last week in Sep (27 - 10/1). If there is any way you can schedule the initial meeting before (or after) that, I will be able to attend, but if not, I understand I am a minority of one.

Thanks for your consideration and the great Barbecue and tour!

Bob

RE: BBQ and Field Tour - July 22

Joe Mahon — 2010-07-21T18:36:33-07:00

I'll be there

RE: BBQ and Field Tour - July 22

Bob Giles — 2010-07-19T11:01:57-07:00

Yes - I will be at the BBQ and field trip.

Bob Giles.

RE: BBQ and Field Tour - July 22

John.McCarthy — 2010-07-19T09:25:49-07:00

yes

RE: BBQ and Field Tour - July 22

Jean Revaul — 2010-07-16T07:44:37-07:00

Yes, I will be there. Jean

RE: BBQ and Field Tour - July 22

Delta James — 2010-07-14T10:44:17-07:00

I'm looking forward to it!

RE: BBQ and Field Tour - July 22

Spatial Interest — 2010-07-14T08:55:47-07:00

Yes, I will attend.

RE: BBQ and Field Tour - July 22

Mike Roach — 2010-07-12T16:24:30-07:00

I may be on a phone call with Suzanne Rainville that day at 3:00 but will be there as it is possible. It says we will convene at 2:30, but the press release indicates the field trip will commence at 4:30...

Count me in.

RE: BBQ and Field Tour - July 22

mhuffman — 2010-07-12T07:05:38-07:00

Yes, I'll be there for the BBQ and the tour

RE: BBQ and Field Tour - July 22

Dave — 2010-07-10T19:01:59-07:00

I will atend with 3 people

RE: BBQ and Field Tour - July 22

bob swandby — 2010-07-09T12:42:16-07:00

Hi Dennis & Dave,
I plan to attend. Dave are you driving up? If so perhaps we can link up, otherwise I will have to ride with someone once I'm there because my Honda has about 3 inches road clearance.

Best,
Bob