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Land and Water Conservation Fund                Building a Legacy Since 1964

FY 2008 Land Acquisition Request

Forest Service

Pacific Northwest Streams

States of Oregon and Washington
Region/Forests: Pacific Northwest/Mt Baker-Snoqualmie, Olympic, Siuslaw, Umpqua, and Willamette National Forests

Oregon Representative Peter A. DeFazio, Congressional District 4
Washington Representative Rick Larsen, Congressional District 2
Washington Representative Norm Dicks, Congressional District 6

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Gordon Smith
Washington Senator Patty Murray and Senator Maria Cantwell

SIGNIFICANCE:

Dramatic habitat loss is considered a major factor in the decline of salmon numbers in Oregon and Washington. The Pacific Northwest Streams Initiative began as part of the Forest Service response to initial Federal listings of Snake/Columbia River basin salmon stocks under the Endangered Species Act. Parcels important to anadromous fish populations were identified for acquisition to enhance management and restoration of habitat. As additional Northwest fish stocks were proposed for listing (such as bull trout, steelhead and coastal cutthroat trout), the Forest Service expanded acquisition and restoration plans beyond the Columbia River Basin and also included important “resident” fish habitat. In a few locations where there is a strong public need and community support, a parcel may also be acquired for recreational fishing benefits, although the primary driving force behind the PNW Streams Initiative remains recovery of “at risk” stocks.

Effectiveness of measures such as intensive riparian restoration and fish passage efforts now being implemented on National Forests may be impeded by the interspersion of in-holdings or fragmented public/private ownership patterns. Many key bottomland habitats are privately owned as a result of Homestead disposal laws passed in the mid 1800’s. These properties may contain either high quality habitat essential to maintain at-risk populations, or opportunities to greatly increase the extent and benefits of habitat restoration activities. Acquisition provides immediate public benefits through improved access, long-term management for fisheries and a wide variety of other aquatic, riparian, and upland resources (especially water quality). Acquisition also provides opportunities for human uses such as hiking, fishing, educational programs and fish viewing.

From 1994 to present, nearly 15,000 acres of forest watersheds have been acquired through the Pacific Northwest Streams Initiative, directly protecting some 90 miles of streams, 450 acres of estuary and tidal marsh, and 35 acres of wetlands, as well as indirectly improving many additional miles through increased protection of water quality. The following nominations would be important additions to the National Forest System, with exceptional benefits for protection of aquatic systems. These parcels represent the highest priorities for the Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, considering benefits to aquatic biodiversity, recovery of listed species, and securing conditions within designated key refugia watersheds.

LOCATION:

If appropriated, the Agency will be in a position to spend the full amount of this funding request. The Forest Service is evaluating offers described below. The Region’s highest resource priority is the Andraieff Meadows property, although an approved appraisal of market value has not been completed.

• Andraieff Meadows property (31 acres) is located within a broad alluvial floodplain on the Umpqua National Forest. The property straddles the upper mainstem South Umpqua River, a "hotspot" of biological diversity that provides very high quality habitat for a large variety of fish and other aquatic-dependent plants and animals, including coho salmon (ESA listed as Threatened), South Umpqua spring chinook (Region 6 sensitive species), and Oregon coast cutthroat. Acquiring this exceptional habitat would be an important step in securing the ecological integrity of the South Umpqua watershed.

  Key Features: Virtually all of the upper South Umpqua River flows in a river channel dominated by bedrock through a narrow canyon with steep slopes. Low gradient stream channels with large amounts of gravel are important for salmon and steelhead spawning. The Andraieff Meadows property contains extremely high value spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous fish (one of only two on the upper South Umpqua within the National Forest boundary). Wild runs of spring chinook salmon and winter steelhead utilize the area extensively. As a functioning floodplain, the area provides some of the highest quality over-wintering habitat for juvenile steelhead in the entire upper South Umpqua Basin. The area is one of the few high-quality mainstem spawning areas in the basin for the production of spring chinook, a stock that is at serious risk of extinction.

  The property contains ash flat wetlands, a pond, and uncommon riparian hardwood habitat for the southern portion of the Oregon Cascades. Due to these characteristics the area is very high quality habitat for a large number of amphibians and wildlife species, including northern spotted owls, bald eagles, and American peregrine falcon. The area provides excellent winter range and is heavily used by Roosevelt elk and blacktail deer.

  Recreation uses include dispersed camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, swimming, canoeing/rafting, photography, and observing wildlife. Birding and salmon watching during spawning season are particularly noteworthy.

  Gravel mining, construction of roads, and the possibility of residential development all have the potential to negatively affect habitat and floodplain connectivity. Previous gravel mining operations on a small portion of the site (less than two acres) have had substantial localized adverse effects to the ecological character of the parcel.

  Support: Support for acquisition by the Forest Service comes from the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe, the local timber industry, The Trust for Public Land, Umpqua Audubon Society, and others.

• The West Fork Indian Creek property (456 acres) in the Siuslaw River Basin is within the boundaries of the Large-Scale Watershed Restoration Demonstration area-a part of the Pacific Coast Watershed Partnership. Within the Demonstration area, several sub-watersheds, including the sub-watershed where this property is located are highlighted as a high priority for protection and restoration. Land acquisition is the highest priority type of activity within the demonstration area.

  Key Features: The Siuslaw River basin historically had one of the largest salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. Today, those runs are a fraction of what they once were. This area of Indian Creek, designated as a Tier 1 Key Watershed, not only provides historic habitat for coho salmon, but for chinook salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout. The property includes approximately 3.5 miles of critical rearing habitat for coho salmon (federally listed as Threatened). Three northern spotted owl pairs and marbled murrelets, both species listed as Threatened occupy the mature conifer forests in this area. Bald eagles, elk, bear and cougar also use this area regularly.

  Acquisition of this property will extend National Forest management of this productive stream system into the most highly productive bottomlands. Restoration of stream channel habitat can begin and riparian and in-stream processes can be restored to allow for both spawning and rearing to occur in this area protecting existing coho salmon populations. Acquisition of this piece will place the entire sub-watershed stream system under National Forest management, with a common objective to protect water quality and aquatic habitat.

  The Aquatics Team on the Siuslaw NF and numerous partners were awarded the prestigious Theiss International Riverprize in 2004 for their outstanding work on the Siuslaw River Basin Restoration Project, beating a field of entrants from three continents. Early settlers converted coastal valleys from their natural functions as wetlands. Naturally meandering streams were diverted to the edges of valleys to facilitate homesteading and grazing. Over time, fast-moving water scoured these artificially created stream channels, causing serious degradation of stream function and critical aquatic life. "The Siuslaw River Basin Restoration Project has restored the hydrology of local creeks and improved water quality, facilitating the repopulation of fish species in the basin, including Coho Salmon. This award recognizes the extensive efforts undertaken by government agencies, scientific panels, landholders and community members in helping to improve what was one of the world's most productive aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems at the turn of the century". Other recognition for the stream restoration program include: American Fisheries Riparian Enhancement Award, Coastal America Partnership Award, Forest Service Chief’s Natural Resource Stewardship Award, and the Forest Service’s ‘Rise to the Future’ National Fisheries Award.

  Mineral estate is outstanding. Acquisition will depend on finalized minerals report indicating the nature, extent, and probability of minerals and mining operations, and a determination that the encumbrance will not interfere with the use and management of the lands for the purposes for which they will be acquired.

  Support: Supporters include the Western Rivers Conservancy, the Audubon Society, Siuslaw Soil and Water Conservation District, several coastal watershed councils, the Native Fish Society, Defenders of Wildlife, Oregon Trout, Trout Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and numerous partners in the Siuslaw National Forest’s stream restoration program. Local communities have supported the stream restoration projects.

• The Beaver Creek and Marsh parcel (424 acres) is located on the Olympic National Forest. Beaver Creek and its surrounding marsh are tributaries of the Sol Duc River, one of the major rivers systems of the Olympic Peninsula.

  Key Features: The Sol Duc is renowned nationally for its salmon and steelhead. Water quality for the river and its tributaries is rated Class AA, “extraordinary.” Beaver Lake, located wholly on the property, drains through a narrow gorge terminating at Beaver Falls, a spectacular cascade impassable to anadromous fish. Landlocked sockeye salmon, cutthroat trout, and yellow perch are the predominant inhabitants of the lake and side channels. Other lands in this area have been acquired through a previous purchase.

  The area also provides prime habitat for marbled murrelets, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, wood ducks, harlequin ducks, herons, otter, beaver, numerous reptiles and amphibians of the Northwest Temperate Rain Forest ecosystem as well as countless other plant and animal species, with several on the Federal and State endangered, threatened or sensitive list.

  The Beaver Creek and Marsh property is one of the last remaining undisturbed privately owned tracts in the area. The proposed acquisition is the second of three phases in an effort to consolidate public ownership within this ecologically important corner of the Olympic National Forest. In phase one, completed in 1997, the United States acquired 213 acres immediately adjacent to the proposed acquisition.

  The lake and marsh are skirted by the Burnt Mountain Highway, which offers easy visitor access and potential for a boat launch, several picnic area and trails. The highway is a main coastal artery and is heavily traveled in the summer. Increasing recreational opportunities in the area will help diversify the local economy, which historically has been timber dependent. Acquisition would contribute to accomplishment of USDA Forest Service Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2004-08: Goal 3-Provide outdoor recreational opportunities; Goal 5-Improve watershed condition; and Goal 6, objective 3-Maintain the environmental, social, and economic benefits of forests and grasslands by reducing their conversion to other uses.

  Mineral estate is outstanding. Acquisition will depend on finalized minerals report indicating the nature, extent, and probability of minerals and mining operations, and a determination that the encumbrance will not interfere with the use and management of the lands for the purposes for which they will be acquired.

  Support: Clallam County Commissioners, local residents, local sportsmen, and Western Rivers Conservancy

• South Santiam River parcel (127 acres), an inholding within the Willamette National Forest, is located 96 miles from the Portland/Vancouver/Beaverton Metropolitan Area, home to nearly 2 million people.

  Key Features: Acquisition of this parcel is part of a long-term strategy to consolidate ownership and management of the riparian area along the South Santiam River, which provides habitat for listed (Threatened) winter steelhead and spring chinook salmon. The mainstem of the South Santiam River has been listed under Section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act as water quality impaired for stream temperatures, which are outside of standards during the summer months and potentially detrimental to Threatened fish species. In addition, high stream temperatures can affect bacteria growth making it harder to treat the water for domestic uses. The ability to manage riparian vegetation in the shade zones along the south side of the South Santiam River would help moderate stream temperatures and improve fish habitat adjacent to this area. (Strategic Goal 5)

  A section of the Santiam Wagon Road passes through this property. In 1983, the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office determined that this road retained enough historic integrity to warrant eligibility for the National Historic Register. In addition, the Oregon Historic Trails Advisory Council rated it as one of the top 16 significant historic trails of Oregon. Securing ownership of this piece of the Santiam Wagon Road would ensure better protection of the road and more consistent management of the corridor vegetation (the goal is to simulate the landscape of large, old trees that would have lined the road in 1880 to 1910). Today the road is used by hikers, horseback riders and vintage car enthusiasts. Close proximity of the Santiam Wagon Road to the Willamette Valley presents excellent opportunities for public interpretation and education (Strategic Goals 3 and 6).

  The parcel is encircled by a Late-Succession Reserve designated to protect and enhance conditions of late-successional and old-growth forest ecosystems that serve as habitat for species such as the northern spotted owl (listed as threatened under the ESA). Spotted owl populations appear to be declining across much of their range for a variety of reasons including habitat loss and fragmentation; and competition from the larger, more aggressive barred owl. Recent harvest within the parcel created an opening that fragments the habitat, set back vegetation to an earlier seral stage, and encouraged barred owl intrusion. Federal ownership of this parcel would contribute to consolidated management more consistent with the needs of species dependent on late-successional and old growth habitat. (Strategic Goals 2 and 5)

  Operation and Maintenance: Approximately 2.5 miles of boundary line would be removed from the Forest’s boundary line management program. There would be little to no cost immediately associated with the operation and maintenance of this property other than occasional evaluation of hazard trees adjacent to the highway. Eventually, as the timber stand becomes re-established here, management actions to encourage attainment of desired vegetative characteristics may be implemented.

  SUPPORT: Oregon's Salmon Recovery Plan supports this action. This plan is a cooperative effort between federal, tribal, state, and local governments, and others to restore salmon runs, improve water quality, and achieve healthy watersheds. Acquisition of this parcel would further the goals of the Salmon Recovery Plan.

  The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation also supports this effort. They have recognized the importance of this parcel for big game winter range and previously attempted to acquire the land. They often volunteer on the District to improve big game habitat.

  The acquisition is supported by both the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Since the Forest is part of their homeland, and anadromous fish and big game were so important to their lives, they fully support efforts to promote habitat conditions that preserve these resources.

• The Upper Wallace River property (149 acres) is located within the Glacier Peak K inventoried roadless area, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and within the boundaries of the proposed Wild Sky Wilderness. The property is within two hours drive for over 2.5 million Washington residents-over half of Washington’s population-including residents of Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma; and within three hours from Vancouver, British Columbia.

  Key Features: Wallace River is an important source of clean water for critical salmon habitat in the Skykomish River, one of the top three salmon producing rivers in Puget Sound. The Skykomish River supports 15 to 20 percent of Puget Sound chinook salmon listed as Threatened under provisions of the ESA (FS Strategic Plan, Goal 5).

  Due to close proximity to large urban populations, recreational use, including hiking, rafting, mountain climbing, angling, wildlife watching and cross-country skiing, is steadily increasing in the area. Acquisition of this parcel would provide additional outdoor recreation opportunities (FS Strategic Plan Goal 3), as well as protect open space within the inventoried roadless area (FS Strategic Plan, Goal 6, Objective 4).

  By eliminating an inholding and blocking up federal ownership, acquisition of this parcel would facilitate fire protection and reduce the risk of wildland fire to citizens and property (FS Strategic Plan, Goal 1). Additionally, blocking up ownership facilitates efforts to contain and eradicate invasive species (FS Strategic Plan, Goal 2).

  Operation and Maintenance: Overall savings in acquiring this property will come from the reduction in the associated boundary management eliminating approximately two miles of inholding boundaries within the National Forest.

  SUPPORT: There is strong public support for the proposed Wild Sky Wilderness and purchase of adjacent lands and in-holdings. Support for land acquisition by the Forest Service comes from local, state, regional, and national organizations, including the Cascade Land Conservancy, The Wilderness Society, the Mountaineers, Sierra Club, Washington Wilderness Coalition, Cascade Conservation Partnership, local recreational outfitters and guides, and others.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:

All of the proposed acquisitions are located within National Forest boundaries and are inholdings nearly surrounded by National Forest System lands. Acquiring inholdings results in an immediate boundary management savings of approximately $10,000 per mile for every unsurveyed mile of National Forest property boundary and another $5,000 per mile annually for boundary maintenance. Other costs associated with National Forest inholdings are costs of resolving title claims and encroachments (estimated one title claim for every mile of unsurveyed property boundary), and costs to grant or acquire road right-of-way easements. Inholdings within the National Forests are also associated with restricted public access to National Forest land, increased risks to landowners and their property wildland fire, higher costs of wildland fire suppression, and greater opportunity for introduction of invasive species. Cost of stream restoration work is frequently accomplished through partnerships and grants.

FUTURE REQUESTS:

Possibilities include:

• Meacham Creek, Umatilla NF (1,610 acres)
• Squaw Creek, Malhuer NF (117 acres)
• Simpson, Siuslaw NF (550 acres)
• Buelah Creek, Siuslaw NF (20 acres)
• Hamilton, Siuslaw NF (40 acres inside Purchase Unit)