Appendix A Photographs Photograph 1: View toward project area from Hot Springs Photograph 2: Western side of Bradner Reservoir (Priority 2 stand) Photograph 3: Eastern side of Bradner Reservoir (Priority 1 stand) Photograph 4: Doghair thicket near Bradner Reservoir Photograph 5: Southern end of Peterson Reservoir (Priority 2 stand) Photograph 6: Existing road at Peterson Reservoir to be potentially used as a skid trail Photograph 7: Looking north from Peterson Reservoir to United World College Photograph 8: Gallinas River, looking southwest Photograph 9: North-facing slope along Gallinas River, looking downstream Photograph 10: Willows growing along Gallinas River Photograph 11: Looking south at project area from State Highway 65 Photograph 12: Village of Montezuma Photograph 13: City of Las Vegas Water Treatment Plant. Area to be thinned can be seen in background. Appendix B Agency Correspondence URS Corresponded with: United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service Jefferson NE, Room 305 Albuquerque, NM 87109-3734 State of New Mexico Environmental Department Office of the Secretary P.O. Box 26110 Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110 State of New Mexico Department of Fish & Game Village Building - P.O. Box 25112 Santa Fe, NM 87503 State of New Mexico Environmental Department Air Quality Bureau - Harold Runnels Building 1190 St. Francis Dr. Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110 United States Department of the Army Albuquerque District, Corps of Engineers 4101 Jefferson Plaza NE Albuquerque, NM 87109-3435 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service New Mexico Ecological Field Office 2105 Osuna NE Albuquerque, NM 87113 U.S. Forest Service Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District Pecos, NM 87552 Bureau of Land Management Albuquerque Field Office 435 Montano Rd., NE Albuquerque, NM 87101-4935 Office of Emergency Management Emergency Management Center 13 Bataan Blvd. P.O. Box 1628 Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628 State of New Mexico Environment Department Surface Water Quality Bureau - Harold S. Runnels Building 1190 St. Francis Dr. Santa Fe, NM 87502-0110 EPA Region 6 Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division Office of Planning and Coordination 1445 Ross Ave. Dallas, TX 75202-2733 State of New Mexico Environment Department Ground Water Bureau - Harold Runnels Building 1190 St. Francis Dr. Santa Fe, NM 87502-0110 City of Las Vegas Community Development Department P.O. Box 160 Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701-0160 State of New Mexico Office of Cultural Affairs - Historic Preservation Division La Villa Rivera Building, 228 East Palace Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87501 To obtain copies of agency correspondence, contact: Janet Frey URS Group, Inc. 200 Orchard Ridge Dr., Suite 101 Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Tel: 301-258-9780 Appendix C EO 11988 and EO 11990 Eight-Step Planning Process Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management Executive Order 11990 Wetland Protection Eight-Step Planning Process Summary Step 1: Determine whether the Proposed Action is located in a wetland and/or the 100- year floodplain, or whether it has the potential to affect or be affected by a floodplain or wetland. Project Analysis: The Gallinas River runs through the project area and the City of Las Vegas' two water supply reservoirs (Bradner and Peterson) are located within the project area. Thinning activities would take place around the wetland areas, and a minimum 50- foot buffer would be implemented to avoid equipment entering the wetland zones. Step 2: Notify public at earliest possible time of the intent to carry out an action in a floodplain or wetland, and involve the affected and interested public in the decision-making process. Project Analysis: An initial public notice was posted by FEMA as part of the original disaster declaration (see page C4). The notice indicated that actions would be potentially taken that would have an effect on the floodplain and/or wetlands. Step 3: Ident ify and evaluate practicable alternatives to locating the Proposed Action in a floodplain or wetland. Project Analysis: The following alternatives were evaluated: Alternative 1: No Action Alternative 2: Proposed Action. Manual and mechanical thinning of specified trees. Slash would be piled and burned, lopped and scattered, or removed from the site. No thinning would occur in riparian zones or wetlands. Alternative 3: Manual and mechanical thinning of specified trees. Slash would be scattered across ground and broadcast burned. No thinning would occur in riparian zones or wetlands. Step 4: Identify the full range of potential direct or indirect impacts associated with the occupancy or modification of floodplains and wetlands and the potential direct and indirect support of floodplain and wetland development that could result from the Proposed Action. Project Analysis: Under the No Action Alternative, severe stormwater runoff could lead to increased flooding of the area within the floodplain and potentially outside floodplain zones. This condition would persist for several years until vegetation and soil is reestablished to pre-fire conditions. Sediment runoff may eventually be carried into drainage ways and rivers, and potentially into wetland areas, thus altering or destroying habitat. Because there would be no federal funding under this alternative, there is no requirement to comply with EO 11988. Alternative 2, the Proposed Action, would not expand the 100-year floodplain. There would be a risk of increased erosion from vegetation removal activities and a potential increase of runoff into the wetland areas. This impact would not be substantial because thinning would be selective to control adverse effects and erosion measures would be implemented. Reseeding and lop and scatter of some slash would be conducted in areas disturbed by project activities. Alternative 3, would not impact the 100-year floodplain. There would be a risk of increased erosion from vegetation removal activities and a potential increase of runoff into the wetland areas. This impact would not be substantial because thinning would be selective to control adverse effects. Slash would be scattered and broadcast burned. A slight and temporary increase in ash runoff would be expected into wetland areas. Erosion control measures and reseeding would be conducted in areas disturbed by project activities to effectively mitigate for increases in runoff.. Step 5: Minimize the potential adverse impacts to work within floodplains and wetlands to be identified under Step 4, restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by wetlands. Project Analysis: Mitigation measures described in Step 4, the use of erosion control measures and reseeding, would reduce potential adverse effects to wetlands near the proposed project area. Additionally, a 50-foot minimum buffer zone would be established around wetland and riparian areas, further reducing potential impacts. Step 6: Re-evaluate the Proposed Action to determine 1) if it is still practicable in light of its exposure to flood hazards; 2) the extent to which it will aggravate the hazards to others; and 3) its potential to disrupt floodplain and wetland values. Project Analysis: The Proposed Action remains practicable based on the objective to protect the citizens and water supply of the City of Las Vegas area. The action is not anticipated to increase flood elevations or flood velocities upstream or downstream. Floodplain and wetland values would remain viable. Step 7: If the agency decides to take an action in a floodplain or wetland, prepare and provide the public with a finding and explanation of any final decision that the floodplain or wetland is the only practicable alternative. The explanation should include any relevant factors considered in the decision-making process. Project Analysis: A public notice would be made based on the decision to proceed with the Proposed Action. At a minimum, this notice shall state a reason for locating the Proposed Action in the floodplain; a description of all significant facts considered in making determination; a list of the alternatives considered; a statement indicating whether the action conforms to state and local floodplain protection standards; and a statement indicating how the action affects the wetlands and how mitigation would be achieved. Step 8: Review the implementation and post- implementation phases of the Proposed Action to ensure that the requirements of the EOs are fully implemented. Oversight responsibility shall be integrated into existing processes. Project Analysis: This step is integrated into the NEPA process and FEMA project management and oversight functions. Appendix D (Seal of New Mexico State Forestry) NEW MEXICO FOREST PRACTICES GUIDELINES Prepared by Forestry and Resources Conservation Division In coorperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department October 1990 (Seal of New Mexico State Forestry) (Image of forested valley with a snowpeaked mountain in the distance) Table of Contents Purpose v Acknowledgements vi Introduction 1 Forest Practice Laws and Regulations 2 Voluntary Forest Practice Guidelines 8 Reforestation 8 Site Preparation 8 Planting 10 Thinning 15 Pruning 18 Timber Harvesting 19 General Guidelines 19 Harvesting Systems 20 Patch Cutting System 20 Seed Tree System 23 Selection System 24 Skid Trails, Landings and Logging Roads 26 Skid Trails 26 Landings 27 Logging Roads 27 Slash Treatments 33 Wildlife Considerations 36 Recreation and Aesthetics 37 Grazing 38 Forest Protection 39 Fire 39 Insects and Disease 41 Timber Harvest Contract Preparation 42 Appendix 47 Sample Contracts 47 Agency Directory 50 Glossary of Terms 51 Literature Cited 55 6.0 TREATMENT OF SLASH 6.1 GENERAL: Within the time limits of Section 6.2, all slash and damaged trees in any cutting unit shall be treated so that none stands higher than three (3) feet above ground level. 6.2 TIME LIMIT: Slash shall be reduced as described in 6.1 not later than the shortest of the following units. 6.2.1 Thirty calendar days from the movement of commercial operators out of the subject cutting unit into another cutting unit under a multiple unit permit; or 6.2.2 Thirty calendar days following the cessation of major harvesting activities within the cutting unit; or 6.2.3 In no event shall the time exceed three hundred and sixty five calendar days from the start of harvesting activities within the cutting unit. 6.3 MAIN HAUL ROUTES: For the purpose of creating a fuel break and unless specifically waived in writing by the District Office, all slash greater than 24 inches in length and / or larger than 1 inch in diameter at the large end and within fifty (50) feet of either side of the center line of a designated main haul road shall be eliminated by chipping, burning, burying, removal, or equivalent means within 365 calendar days of cessation of harvest activities within the cutting unit in which the road lies. 7.0 REDUCTION OF EROSION 7.1 WATER BARS 7.1.1 Time Limit – All water bars required by this section shall be installed within thirty (30) days of the cessation of harvest activities within the cutting units except that this limit shall not be applied to roads providing access to other cutting units under a multiple unit permit until harvesting in all of those accessed units is complete. 7.1.2 Placement – Water bars shall be placed on all haul roads and skid trails and at such places or intervals necessary to prevent erosion considering grade, sidehill drainage, soil texture and character, vegetation, and other pertinent factors, but at a minimum as described below: Percent Grade Minimum Interval 0.0% - 4.9% 150 feet 5.0% - 9.9% 130 feet 10.0% - 14.9% 75 feet 15% - 24.9% 50 feet 25% - 40% 25 feet The division may require additional water bars if it appears erosion will not be controlled by the minimum intervals. 7.2 RESEEDING 7.2.1 Time Limit – After construction of water bars per 7.1, and at such time as best calculated to produce maximum germination, but in no event longer than 180calendar days following the cessation of harvesting activities within any cutting unit, all haul roads, skid trails and other areas of exposed mineral soil shall be reseeded unless waived by the District Office. 7.2.2 Seed Mix – Any seed mix used in reseeding must have the prior approval of the Division. 8.0 TREE UTILIZATION – STANDARDS 8.1 All commercial forest species shall be utilized to a minimum six (6) inch top diameter (inside bark) except that: 8.1.1 Harvest for other than lumber production shall utilize trees to a minimum four (4) inch top (outside bark) 8.2 The main stem of the tree shall be utilized as stated in 8.1, when the net scale of the severed log or section of the main stern is more than fifty (50) percent of its gross scale, using the "National Forest Log Scaling Handbook" – FSH 2409.1. 8.3 LONG BUTTING – Long butting is prohibited except when resulting from removal of defects up to the limit of 8.2 8.4 STUMP HEIGHT – Stump height shall not exceed 12 inch height in the uphill side except where immovable objects (i.1., rocks, other trees) prevent operation of felling equipment. 9.0 REVOCATION OF PERMIT 9.1 NOTICE OF DEFICIENT CONDITION – Written notice of deficient condition many be provided by the District Office. It will specify the deficiency and allow a set time to remedy the deficiency. 9.2 If a deficient condition exists past the time set for correction the Division may issue a revocation of permit. The permit is revoked upon the earliest of the following: receipt of the revocation by the applicant or landowner or on the third day after mailing by registered mail. 9.3 Upon correction of any noted deficiency, the Division may reinstate the permit by written notification. 9.4 The decision of the Division to follow this procedure in no ways limits its ability or authority to issue citations or otherwise enforce the possible criminal penalties for violating these regulations. 10.0 FIRE RESTRICTIONS Whenever the State Forester declares restrictions on use of lands or use of fire within a permitted area based on Regulation NMFRCD 89-2, such restriction shall apply to harvesting activities. If the restrictions require that harvest activities stop, then such stoppage for the item of the restriction is not a cessation of harvesting activities. [Page 14] Prepare the planting hole before removing the seeding from the carrying bag. The seeding should not be planted too high, where the roots are exposed, or too low where part of the twigs are buried beneath the ground level. Do not plant on top of a rock, where root growth will be hampered. If a seeding is planted in too shallow a hole, the roots become twisted or turned up (J-root) which results in seeding death. The seedings should be planted straight up and down so that irregular growth of the stem will not occur. The fill material should be free from rocks and debris to eliminate the possibility of air pockets. See the illustration. A mulch of straw, cut grass, twigs, soil, old sawdust, etc. will give the seedling some protection from moisture deficiency. Survival After Planting: The seedlings should be checked a few times a year for the first three or four years after planting. Are the trees surviving? Seeding mortality can be caused by many different things. The usual cause if poor handling and planting of the seedlings. However, environmental factors can also cause heavy losses. It pays to notice unhealthy and dying seedlings early. Prompt treatment may reduce mortality. However, in cases where reforestation will be inadequate due to the death of many seedlings, additional trees may need to be planted. (Image of plant showing the correct way to planting trees and what can cause mortality). [Page 15] The following may contribute to seedling mortality: Frost heaving can occur with both bareroot and containerized seedlings during the first winter after planting. However, as mentioned before, the trees planted in the fall are the most susceptible. It will look like something has pulled the tree seedlings out of the ground. Insects and disease can attack the seedlings. It may take a trained eye to determine the cause of mortality in cases like these. Moisture deficiency is the biggest cause for seedling death in the Southwest. This is something that sometimes cannot be avoided. If little or no rain comes after a spring planting and the months following, the seedlings will die, no matter how much care was taken during planting. The only remedy for severe moisture stress is to water the trees. However, this is usually not feasible. Mulching the seedling and placing it in the shade of some larger object, such as a bush, stump, rock or a shingle, gives it some protection against moisture deficiency. Birds, rodents, deer, and other wildlife periodically like to eat the seedlings. Rodents may be chemically controlled. For deer, it may be necessary to place protective screens around the seedlings. Domestic animals can destroy new seedlings by grazing or trampling. Livestock should be kept out of a newly planted are for two or three years after the planting. Thinning Thinning is a silvicultural practice whereby some of the trees in an immature stand are removed in order to stimulate the growth of the remaining trees. Thinning redistributes the growth of the stand by providing more moisture and sunlight to the remaining trees. There are many economic reasons why thinning should be used as a forest management tool. At harvest time, there is an increase in yield from greater tree growth. Also, some income can be realized at the time of thinning from the sale of the material that has been removed from the stand. This material can be used for posts, corrals, cabins, vigas, etc. Inferior species and "weed" trees can be removed which greatly enhances the stand composition. Thinning opens up the overstory, and with proper management, can result in the beneficial development of the understory where [Page 16] brush and grasses can grow to make good forage for domestic animals, and provide habitat and food for wildlife. Methods: There is an optimum stocking level for your land. The better your land, the more trees you can have. Also, the number of leave trees depends on the size of the trees in your stand. Your district forester can assist you in determining the space to use. Below is a table which gives the approximate spacing you should use between trees when thinning. Leave Tree Considerations: Before the cutting begins, the trees to be left should be marked. Proper spacing is important, but you should not leave a poor tree and take out a good one, just for the sake of spacing. Spacing should be adjusted to accommodate a quality tree. Your district forester can assist or train you in marking the trees to be left. Several factors should be considered when determining which trees to leave. (See illustration, page 17) The first of these is the relative position of the tree and condition. (How to use table: If your trees are about 8" in diameter, at breast height, and you want to stock your land at 60 square feet of basal area per acre, then your spacing would be 16' X 16'. Basal Area Spacing Guide* Residual Square feet of Basal Area Per Acre Desired DBH** 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 111 120 140 Inches Square Spacing To Nearest Foot 2 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 7 7 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 10 9 8 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 12 11 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 7 6 15 13 12 11 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 17 15 14 13 12 11 11 10 10 9 8 19 17 16 15 14 13 12 12 11 10 9 22 20 18 17 16 15 14 13 13 12 10 24 22 20 18 17 16 15 15 14 13 12 29 26 24 22 21 19 18 18 17 16 14 34 31 28 26 24 23 22 21 20 18 16 39 35 32 29 28 26 25 24 23 21 18 44 39 36 33 31 29 28 26 25 23 * Basal Area: The cross-sectional area of the tree at breat height, i.e., a square tree 1' X 1' would have a basal area of 1 square foot. Sixty such trees on an acre would constitute a stocking of 60 square feet of basal area per acre. ** Diameter at Breast Height) [Page 17] Of its crown. The tree should have a well developed crown and healthy looking foliage. It should not have a broken top. Also, it should be one of the taller trees in the stand. The "leave" tree should be free from insects and disease. The bole (trunk) on the "leave" trees should be straight, free from excess taper, free from large bushy limbs, and have no evidence of biotic or mechanical damage. "Leave" tree crowns should not be touching adjoining leave trees after the thinning. Considerations: If you would rather have someone else do the thinning job, there are probably people available in your area whom you can contract to do the work. Your district forester can assist you in locating thinning contractors. If you do the job yourself, there are some thing to keep in mind. You will probably use a chainsaw. However, a bow saw or an exe can also be used. Be careful not to drain the "leave" trees while felling those trees that are being cut. (Sketched Images of ponderosa pines before and after thinning.) [Page 18] Keep your stumps low, preferably around 6 inches high. Large slash should be moved away from the base of the tree, as it is a breeding ground for harmful insects, and is potential fuel for a fire. Slash should be spread out, with the maximum height not to exceed 24 inches. In high fire danger areas it may be necessary to remove the slash completely. (See Slash Treatments.) If slash is placed in piles to be disposed of by burning, the piles should be located in larger openings. This will prevent damage to the leave tree from excessive heat. Slash piles should not be larger than 4 feet high and 6 feet in diameter. To prevent erosion, do not thin as heavily on steep slopes. Also, do not thin within 30 feet of a waterway or runoff ditch. Pruning: Pruning in a pre-commercial (immature stand) of timber removes the lower limbs of the trees for the purpose of obtaining knot free wood at harvest. The reasons are primarily economic. Knot free wood commands a higher price in the market. However, recent research indicates that pruning in the Southwest may not be worth the cost and effort. Pruned trees may lose vigor and may not be able to compete with more vigorous unpruned trees if live limbs are removed. They therefore may lose their place of dominance in the stand. Diameter and height growth of the tree is slower when the live limbs are pruned. This can almost counteract the increase in profit from the knot free wood. Removal of dead limbs will not slow the growth; however, disease can be introduced in the tree from the wounds inflicted while pruning. In the Southwest, pruning is not recommended except in special cases. It may be desirable to prune trees where the forest is used primarily for recreational purposes. People or animals can walk through the forest without the impediment from branches. The forest assumes a park-like quality. Also, the lower limbs can be pruned near fire breaks or in high fire danger areas to prevent the spread of fire into the crowns of the trees. [Page 19] Timber Harvesting Timber harvesting is a necessary and beneficial component of forest management and is the means by which forest products are obtained from the forest. In some timber types, harvesting activities stimulate the natural re-establishment of the species. Through harvesting, profit is realized from the sale of timber, and generally a young and vigorous stand of trees can be established artificially or naturally in years following the harvest. Careful and conscientious harvesting results in an environment which is optimum for the regeneration of a new stand. Thoughtless harvesting can cause excess erosion, retard the reproduction of timber, reduce water quality and wildlife on a piece of land for many years. Harvesting involves moving large volumes of logs to the mill, generally over rough terrain. This means heavy equipment, hard labor, and a lot of skill is needed. Before harvesting, consult your district forester or a private consulting forester for technical assistance. If you decide to do the work yourself, safety should be the prime concern; a broken back or the loss of life is not worth the money that can be made from the sale of timber. General Guidelines and Considerations for Harvesting Choose harvesting practices that are suitable to the type of timber being cut, the method of regeneration desired, and the topographic characteristics of the land. Felling and bucking timber is dangerous and should be performed by experienced personnel. Require optimum utilization of all merchantable wood. Keep stumps as low as possible. This will add dollars to the profits by increasing the volume of wood cut, and reduce the obstacles while skidding and felling. Where conditions permit, fell trees in line with the skidding directions. Generally, limb and top trees where felled. When skidding, whenever possible suspend the head end of the log to minimize soil gouging. Fell and skid trees away from streams to minimize damage to the channel or stream bank. Trees that cannot otherwise be practically and safely felled outside the stream channel should be promptly removed, along with any slash created. [Page 26] Skid Trails, Landings and Logging Roads The construction of roads, skid trails, and landings or the reconstruction of those already in existence is necessary to bring the logs out of the forest and to the mill. Disturbance to the environment, particularly to the soil, is going to occur. However, it can be kept to a minimum through proper planning and construction techniques. The route means the least amount of construction and excavation that gets the job done most effectively and economically will usually mean the least disturbance to the environment. Erosion, rutting, soil compaction and soil movement into streams are generally a problem during and after construction. The guidelines which follow should give the landowner or harvester some idea of what is involved in skid trail, landing and logging road construction, and the need for constructing environmental protection devices where necessary. Professional services should be considered for on the ground layout of the logging road systems. Refer to the 208 publication, New Mexico Statewide Water Quality Management Plan, for more specific information on erosion and sedimentation control. Skid Trails Logs or entire trees are moved from where they are felled to the road or landing via skid trails. These trails are usually only a few feet wide and are created by dragging the log or tree over the forest floor. It is important that the logs or trees are skidded from where they lie directly to the road or landing, instead of over a common skid trail, the entire forest floor would be torn up. Depending on the terrain and timber type, erosion could be serious and reforestation difficult. However, a concentration of skid trails can be as bad as spreading them throughout the area. A compromise should be sought that will minimize soil disturbance and yet be economical. The planning of skid trails should be incorporated into the entire road design for the harvesting unit, since skidding costs are directly determined by road spacing and layout. Keep the skid trails as narrow as possible. Skid trails on steep slopes should be aligned up and down to minimize erosion. When the use of skid trails and roads is finished, construct water bars to divert water runoff. This will reduce rutting and erosion. (See sketch, page 27) Seeding of closed trails should be carried out before the next growing season (See Regulations.) [Page 27] Landings A landing is a large flat area to which the logs are skidded for loading on a truck. It is usually located where the least amount of excavation is needed such on a ridgetop or wide canyon bottom. The landing should be placed in a location where the skidding distance is at a minimum. It should be big enough to accompany a truck, a loader, a skidder, and have room for some log storage. With all the heavy machinery that will be working on the landing. It is important that it does not get muddy and boggy. Choosing a good landing location that drains adequately can prevent lost time and money while operating heavy equipment during the rainy season. Surface drainage from landings should not be allowed to directly enter stream channels. Upon completion of the logging job, the landing should be returned to productive status by breaking up the compacted soil and planting it with trees or seeding it grass. Logging Roads Roads provide access and transportation for most forest management operations. These roads must be able to handle a (Sketched image of water bar construction for forest roads or skid trails. bar height should be one to twoo feet high and angled at 35 degrees from the perpendicular to the road or trail centerline.) [Page 28] loaded log truck and other heavy machinery, yet should cause as little impact to the environment as possible. There is always the potential for creating excess erosion when roads are constructed. Mud, silt, and debris can be carried off the exposed land and deposited into streams. When this happens, it is referred to as sedimentation. Erosion and sedimentation can ruin the timber producing ability of a site by carrying off valuable top soil which contains nutrients used by plants. Further erosion can wear channels into the hillside, ruining the productivity and aesthetics of the land. Sedimentation can muddy streams, pollute downstream water, and harm the fish and other aquatic species that live there. The construction guidelines given here are designed to get the job done the most effective way, at the least cost, and still reduce erosion and sedimentation to minimum. The elements to consider in road construction are: planning, location, construction, maintenance, and closure. Planning: Planning should always be done before starting any road construction. It is important to know approximately where the road will go, what materials are needed, and what the cost will be before any construction begins. Without proper planning, money can be wasted, logging costs can go up, and erosion and environmental impact can be extreme. Minimize the number of roads constructed through comprehensive road planning. (Photograph of a car heading down a road towards the end). [Page 29] Obtain topographic maps of the working area from the United States Geological Survey, or one of several other agencies to which they can refer you. Aerial photographs should be secured, if possible. What is the intended use of the road? Do not try to save money on construction costs and end up with a road that is too cheap and ineffective. Do not spend too much money on it if it is not necessary. AVOID PRACTICES THAT CAUSE EROSION. Obtain soil survey maps and information to determine stable and unstable soils in the working area. Minimize stream crossings. If a stream crossing is necessary, plan to cross at a right angle to the stream. Make sure road curves are large enough to handle loaded log trucks. There should be adequate sight distance, so the users of the road can see ahead. The road should be wide enough to handle the largest piece of machinery to be used. Do not make the road too steep. Locate and evaluate the road building materials that are needed. Compare prices and quality of the materials. Prepare contracts for the work that is to be done. Road Location: Several locations should be considered when deciding where to put a road. Each possible location will have its advantages and disadvantages, and should be compared to other possible locations. The road should be located where the cost will be the least, the ease of conducting the logging operation will be the greatest, and erosion potential will be minimal. Some procedures in locating a logging road and some factors to consider: Check your topographic maps. Mark aerial photographs with preferred and alternate road locations. Check all possible road locations on the ground. Look for springs, bogs, ledges or rock outcroppings, and other possible hazards that cannot be seen on photographs or maps. Try to avoid uphill climbs. When climbs are unavoidable, try to maintain a uniform grade over the entire climb. This is so the logging truck does not have to change gears often. Avoid high road cuts and fills by following the contour of the land and varying the road grade. Each road location is unique, however, certain similarities exist from one type of location to another. Below are some factors to know. Appendix E Summary of Threatened, Endangered, and Species of Concern Table 1: Protected and Sensitive Species [Table has 6 columns: SPECIES FEDERAL STATUS HABITAT NEEDS POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES] SPECIES: Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) FEDERAL STATUS: Endangered 3. * Prairie grasslands * Found in prairie dog towns * Not known to occur in NM POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) FEDERAL STATUS: Candidate HABITAT NEEDS: * Shortgrass or midgrass prairies * Grassy areas associated with alluvial fans at the mouths of draws * Grasslands where no brush is present or is sparse POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Mixed conifer * Oak woodlands * Nursery colonies found in caves, mines and Ponderosa Pine snags POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * Minimum number of snags to be left in place and not removed * No large diameter tress would be cut SPECIES: Long-eared Myotis (Myotis evoris) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Coniferous forests * Day roosts in tree cavities under loose bark, caves, mines, large diameter snags POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * Minimum number of snags to be left in place * No large diameter trees would be cut SPECIES: New Mexican Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius luteus) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Permanent streams * Dense diverse streamside vegetation: grasses, sedges, forbs * Willows, montane meadows POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * No thinning in riparian zone SPECIES: Occult Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus occultus) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Most specimens taken near large water sources, otherwise vegetation zone unimportant for determination * Found in caves, cliffs, conifer snags greater than 20 inches DBH POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * Minimum number of snags to be left in place * No large diameter trees would be cut SPECIES: Townsend's Big-eared Bat (Plecotus townsendii) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Habitat is geomorphically determined in rocky situations with caves and mines POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * No thinning would be conducted around cliff areas * Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months SPECIES: Pecos River Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus ripensis) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Riparian areas: rivers, drainage ditches, lakes, springs POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * No thinning in riparian areas SPECIES: Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Rocky cliffs near riparian situation * Summers in Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon-Juniper, spruce-fir POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months * No thinning would be conducted around cliff areas SPECIES: Swift Fox (Vulpes velox) FEDERAL STATUS: Candidate HABITAT NEEDS: * Arid prairie lands * Plains-mesa sandscrub POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS:* Mixed conifer * Nests in high cliffs POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * Other habitat available in surrounding area. * Thinning would be conducted in fall and winter months SPECIES: Arctic Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus tundrius) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Mixed conifer * Pinyon-juniper * Rare in NM, only known occurrence in Roswell and White Sands Missile Range POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: May occur only as migrant POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Grasslands, lowland prairies * Forest edges POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: May occur as migrant or as occasional on far eastern edge of project area POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) FEDERAL STATUS: Threatened, Proposed delisting HABITAT NEEDS: * Coasts, rivers, large lakes * Mountains, open country * Common in fall and winter in San Miguel County POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * Other habitat available in surrounding area. * Snags would be left in place around City reservoirs. SPECIES: Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Prairie wetlands * Bogs, marshes * Open water, stands of cattails, rushes POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Open plains * Desert scrub POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Agricultural lands * Prairies, shrub * Forest edges POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: May occur only as migrant POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) FEDERAL STATUS: Threatened HABITAT NEEDS: * Mixed conifer * Broad-leaved forests such as Gambel Oak, Box Elder * Canyons with steep sides POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * No thinning on slopes greater than 40% * Minimum numbers of snags to be left in place. * No large diameter trees would be cut. * Other habitat available in surrounding area. * Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months SPECIES: Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) FEDERAL STATUS: Proposed Threatened HABITAT NEEDS: * Open plains * Shortgrass prairie * Sod farms * Common in plains areas POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Montane forests: mixed-conifer, Ponderosa Pine, subalpine fir, old-growth * Snags and downed timber important for prey base POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * Other habitat available in surrounding area. * Minimum number of snags and downed timber would be left in project area. * No large diameter trees would be cut. * Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months SPECIES: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) FEDERAL STATUS: Endangered HABITAT NEEDS: * Willows, dense vegetation generally near still waters POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * No thinning would be conducted in riparian zone and minimum 50-foot buffer would be implemented between equipment and streamside. * Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months SPECIES: Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Open grasslands, prairies * Associated with prairie dog towns * Some mountain, alpine meadow use POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Subalpine marshes * Irrigated agricultural land POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Whooping Crane (Grus Americana) FEDERAL STATUS: Experimental Population, Non-essential HABITAT NEEDS: * Major river courses POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Lowland riparian forest (2800 feet to 7500 feet) * Riparian thickets POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: May occur as summer transient POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * No thinning would be conducted in riparian zone and minimum 50-foot buffer would be implemented between equipment and streamside. * Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months SPECIES: Flathead Chub (Platygobio gracilis) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Canadian and Pecos Rivers POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Plains Minnow (Hybognathus placitus) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Canadian River headwaters * Turbid rivers and creeks, main channels of major streams * Short distance upstream in tributaries of major rivers POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Flat, open, generally dry land with sparse vegetation POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: New Mexico Silverspot Butterfly (Speyeria nokomis nitocris) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Alpine and streamside meadows POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: Yes POTENTIAL IMPACT: Yes MITIGATION MEASURES: * No thinning in riparian zones * Thinning would be conducted during fall and winter months SPECIES: Chiricahua Dock (Rumex orthoneurus) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Mid- to high-elevation wetland habitats in Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Dwarf Milkweed (Asclepias uncialis) FEDERAL STATUS: Species of Concern HABITAT NEEDS: * Shortgrass prairie POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required SPECIES: Holy Ghost Ipomopsis (Ipomopsis sancti-spiritus) FEDERAL STATUS: Endangered HABITAT NEEDS: * Found in only one canyon in the upper Pecos River drainage of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains POSSIBILITY OF OCCURRENCE IN PROJECT AREA: No POTENTIAL IMPACT: No MITIGATION MEASURES: None required Appendix F Public Notice PUBLIC NOTICE Environmental Assessment for Fuels Modification and Management in the City of Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico. FEMA-1329-DR-NM Interested persons are hereby notified that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is proposing to assist in the funding of fuels management activities in the City of Las Vegas in San Miguel County, New Mexico. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the National Historic Preservation Act and the implementing regulations of FEMA, an Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to assess the potential impacts of the proposed action on the human and natural environment. The EA evaluates alternatives that provide for compliance with applicable environmental laws. The alternatives to be evaluated include (1) No Action Alternative; (2) Manual and mechanical fuels management (Alternative 2- Proposed Action); and (3) Manual and mechanical fuels management followed by a broadcast burn (Alternative 3). Fuels management activities would occur on approximately 478 acres of the 991 acres of City-owned land located roughly 5 miles from downtown Las Vegas. This land serves as a forested buffer for the City's drinking water supply. The draft EA is available for review between August 28, 2003 and September 26, 2003, at the City of Las Vegas building, 905 12th Street, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701, or by contacting Robert Tafoya at 505-454-3832 between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. The EA is also available for review online at the FEMA website: http://www.fema.gov/ehp/docs.shtm. Written comments regarding this action should be directed to Janet Frey, Project Manager, URS Group, 200 Orchard Ridge Drive, Suite 101, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. Comments should be directed no later than 5 P.M. on September 26, 2003. Appendix G Public Comments No public comments were received. Appendix H Map of Proposed USFS Gallinas Watershed Thinning Project The figure in Appendix H shows the Santa Fe National Forest, which comprises 1.6 million acres. The figure also shows the U.S. Forest Service's plan to reduce fuel loads on roughly 9,000 acres within the Santa Fe National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service will conduct fuel load management by thinning, broadcast burning, creating fire breaks, and by combining all practices to reduce the forest canopy by approximately 40 percent.