Small-scale suction dredging in Lolo Creek and Moose Creek, Clearwater and Idaho counties, Idaho : record of decision

2006·18.3 MB·English

by  Reilly, Tom

Historic, Archive Document
Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.
\

SMALL-SCALE SUCTION DREDGING
IN
LOLO CREEK AND MOOSE CREEK
CLEARWATER AND IDAHO COUNTIES, IDAHO
Record
Of
Decision
December 2006
USDA
U.S. Forest Service United States
Clearwater National Forest Department of Agriculture
United States
Department of
Agriculture
National Agricultural Library
Record of Decision
For the Small-Scale Suction Dredging in Lolo Creek and Moose Creek
Final Environmental Impact Statement
Lochsa Ranger District and North Fork Ranger District
Clearwater National Forest
Clearwater County and Idaho County,
Idaho
December 2006
5,
Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service, ClearwaterNational Forest
Responsible Official: Tom Reilly, Forest Supervisor
12730B Highway 12
Orofmo, ID 83544
For Information Contact: Vem Bretz
'
12730B Highway 12
Orofmo, ID 83544
[phone]
Abstract:
This document describes the decision for the Small-Scale Suction Dredging in Lolo Creek and
Moose Creek Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and the rationale for the decision.
The decision is based on the analyses documented in the FEIS (April 2005) and in the
Clearwater National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan FEIS (September 1987).
After reviewing the effects ofthe Proposal and Altematives in the Small-Scale Suction Dredge
FEIS, the Deciding Officer for the ClearwaterNational Forest (NF) has selected Alternative 3.
Alternative 3 has also been identified as the Environmentally Preferred Alternative.
HAL
U.S.O.A.,
JAN 2 4 2007
CATALOGIHG.PREP
«
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providerandemployer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
INTRODUCTION
A. 4
ANALYSIS AREA
B. 5
C. AUTHORITY FOR MY DECISION 5
WHAT AM DECIDING
D. I 8
PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION
E. 8
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
F. 9
TRIBAL CONSULTATION
G. 10
H. ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE ALTERNATIVE 11
MY DECISION
I. .:. : 11
Terms and Conditions 12
Monitoring 14
Lolo Creek Restoration 15
Moose Creek Stream Improvement 15
J. RATIONAL FOR MY DECISION 16
Comparison ofAlternative 3 to the Purpose and Need 16
Comparison ofAlternative 3 to the Issues 17
Effects on Water Quality 17
Effects on Stream Geomorphology 17
Effects on Instream Habitat 18
Effects on Fisheries and OtherAquatic Organisms 18
Effects on Threatened and Endangered Fish 19
Effects on Sensitive Species 20
Effects on Aquatic Invertibrates 21
Effects on Nez Perce Treaty Rights and Traditional Uses 21
Effects on Wildlife 22
Effects on Riparian Vegetation 22
Effects on Visual Resources 23
Effects on Noise 23
Effects on Recreation 24
Effects on Socioeconomics 25
Effects on Heritage Resources 25
K. OTHER ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN DETAIL 26
Alternative (No Action) 26
1
Alternative 2 (Suction Dredging) 27
Alternative 3 (Suction Dredging and Stream Improvements) 28
i
L. CONSISTENCY WITH THE CLEARWATER FOREST PLAN 28
Aquatics Forest Plan Standard 29
Wild and Scenic River Eligibility 31
Consistency with the Forest Plan Lawsuit Settlement 31
M. FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OTHER LAWS 31
National Forest Management Act of 1976 31
Forest Service Surface Use Regulations and Guidelines 32
Mining Law of 872 32
1
Organic Administration Act of 897 33
1
MultipleUse Actof 1955 33
•
Mining and Mineral Policy Act of 1970 33
National Environmental Policy Act 33
Clean Water Act and Idaho State Water Quality Laws 34
Clean Water Act Section 402 34
Clean Water Act Section 404 34
Executive Order 11990 35
Endangered Species Act 35
National Historic Preservation Act 35
Clean AirAct 36
Environmental Justice 36
Idaho Stream Channel Protection Act 36
CONSIDERATION OF OTHER INFORMATION
N. 37
Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project 37
Roadless Initiative 37
O. REVIEW AND APPEAL OPPORTUNITIES 37
IMPLEMENTATION
P. 39
REFERENCES
Q. 40
FIGURES
Figure Page
1-1 Lolo Creek and Moose Creek Study Areas within the ClearwaterNational Forest 7
n
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENT BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT: THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND
1.
PROPOSED SPECIES - Suction Dredging on USPS Lands in the Lolo Creek
Drainage, Final Version, Janiiiary 19, 2006.
ATTACHMENT BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT: THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND
2.
PROPOSED SPECIES - Suction Dredging on USPS Lands in the Moose Creek
Drainage, Final Version, January 19, 2006.
ATTACHMENT US DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE,
3.
Suction Dredging on Forest Service Lands in the Lolo Creek Drainage,
Idaho and Clearwater Counties, Idaho - Concurrence, File #104.7000
I 06-0336, February 10, 2006.
ATTACHMENT UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, NATIONAL
4.
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, NATIONAL
MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, Endangered Species Act Section 7
Formal Consultation and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Consultation for Small-scale Suction
Dredging, Lolo Creek, 1706030616, Clearwater County, Idaho, April 28, 2006.
ATTACHMENT US DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE,
5.
Recreational Class Suction Dredging on USPS lands in the Moose Creek
—
Drainage, Clearwater County, Idaho Biological and Conference Opinion, File
#104.1000 F-06-335, March 7, 2006.
ATTACHMENT RESPONSE TO COMMENTS
6.
iii