PRESCRIPTION FOR MANAGEMENT AREA 19 - WINDING STAIR MOUNTAIN NATIONAL RECREATION AND WILDERNESS AREA (OK) AND RICH MOUNTAIN RE

PRESCRIPTION FOR MANAGEMENT AREA 19 - WINDING STAIR MOUNTAIN NATIONAL RECREATION AND WILDERNESS AREA (OK) AND RICH MOUNTAIN RECREATION AND BLACK FORK WILDERNESS AREA (AR)

MANAGEMENT AREA DESCRIPTION

TOTAL ACRES: 110,768 [Amendment #12, 7/22/93]

57,074 acres unsuitable for timber production. [Amendment #12, 7/22/93]

Management area 19 consists of lands on and around Winding Stair, Rich and Black Fork Mountains and Beech Creek that offer a variety of outstanding recreational, wildlife and wilderness opportunities. Lands within this area are both suitable and unsuitable for timber production; however, suitable acres are only managed in support of recreational and wildlife objectives that are compatible with the National Recreation Area and other special designations.

This area includes all the designations identified in the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation and Wilderness Act. Also included is the Rich Mountain Recreation Area in Arkansas, which includes the Black Fork Wilderness and Rich Mountain Botanical Area (AR).

19(a) Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area (OK) (total 26,445 acres). 8,746 acres unsuitable for timber production.

19(b) Rich Mountain Recreation Area (AR) (total 12,980 acres). 9,289 acres unsuitable for timber production.

19(c) Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum, Nature Center and Botanical Area (OK) (total 8,026 acres). All unsuitable for timber production.

19(d) Rich Mountain Botanical Area (AR) (total 3,200 acres). All unsuitable for timber production.

19(e) Beech Creek Botanical Area (OK) (total 400 acres). All unsuitable for timber production.

19(f) Beech Creek Scenic Area (total 7,500 acres), 5,838 acres unsuitable for timber production.

19(g) Indian Nations Scenic and Wildlife Area (OK) (total 41,051 acres), 10,409 acres unsuitable for timber production.

19(h) Black Fork Mountain Wilderness (OK) (total 4,583 acres). All unsuitable for timber production.

19(i) Black Fork Mountain Wilderness (AR) (total 7,568 acres). All unsuitable for timber production.

19(j) Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness (OK) (total 9,371 acres). All unsuitable for timber production.

DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION

The user will generally find a natural appearing landscape characterized by predominately hardwood vegetation along the Talimena Drive and a mixed forest condition in the remaining area. The area would be accessible by trails, cross-country travel and a low number of intermittent service roads. Paved roads and State highways would provide access to developed recreation facilities and State parks.

Vegetative manipulation and timber harvesting that involve the cutting of individual trees or small patches of trees would occur in carefully selected locations. However, resource management treatments viewed from scenic points within the area would be visually compatible with the surrounding conditions.

Vegetation and habitat variety would be adequate to support viable populations of present animal species. Habitat and numbers of game species, such as deer and turkey would be at levels less than potential optimum.

MANAGEMENT AREA PRESCRIPTION GOALS

A. Ensure the conservation, protection of the natural, scenic, historic and wildlife values of the area while enhancing the recreation values and opportunities associated with Winding Stair, Rich and Black Fork Mountains and the Talimena Scenic Drive and the Beech Creek drainage.

B. Suitable lands within this area will be managed to enhance wildlife, recreation and scenic values while addressing existing species composition and mixed forest conditions.

C. Recreation management and facilities development will occur in support of outdoor recreation for the public enjoyment, enhancement and interpretation of the area and its resources. See Management Area #1 for general goals that pertain to wilderness.

D. Encourage the development of Upland Mixed Hardwood, Mixed Oak-Pine and Pine-Oak old growth forests and stunted oak woodland in a large contiguous block of unfragmented forest. [Amendment #15,5//2/94]

19 (a) WINDING STAIR MOUNTAIN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA (OK) AND 19(b) RICH MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA (AR)

PROPOSED & PROBABLE PRACTICES (NIRP), STANDARDS (S) & GUIDELINES (G)

Practices	Unit	Proposed Annual	Probable Annual
Management Area 19 (a)(b)
Regeneration harvest:
Intermediate Harvest: Commercial thinning	Acres	0	0
Timber Stand Improvement
Uneven-Aged Management	Acres	817	817
Wildlife Fish Habitat Improvement	Acres Structures	See Appendix G

A Recreation, Visual and Cultural Resource

AN Recreation Resource Activities

S Provide information and interpretation services to direct visitors to their recreation destinations and to acquaint them with the significant historical and cultural and biological features. (19ab.1)

S Designate trails and areas for off-road vehicle (ORV), equestrian and hiking use. Such use should be located and scheduled to minimize conflicts with other recreation use. (19ab.2)

S Through hazardous tree evaluation and control, provide an acceptable level of public safety with the least damage and impact to the environment. (19ab.3)

S Manage Talimena Scenic Drive (TSD) to provide enhanced viewing and interpretation of activities and facilities. (19ab.4)

G Develop management plan for Talimena Scenic Byway. (19ab.5) [Amendment #12, 7/22/93]

S Manage roadside zone along TSD and US 259 to maintain and enhance scenic resource. (19ab.6)

S Provide recreational and road signing to acquaint the visitor to the unique characteristics of the area and the available facilities. (19ab.7)

S ROS classes are semiprimitive motorized, roaded natural and rural. (19ab.8)

S See Management Area 3 for standards and guidelines for Cedar Lake and other existing or proposed developed recreation sites within this area.

AV1 Visual Resource Operations

S Standards and guidelines for Management Area 18 apply to all sensitivity level I and II roads and trails within this area.

S VQO is retention and partial retention. (19ab.9)

G Retention along the foreground corridor of level I trails and roads. (19ab.10)

G Partial retention along level II roads and trails. (19ab.11)

G The 400-foot corridor along level I trails is unsuitable for timber production. (19ab.12)

AC Cultural Resource

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

CF Fisheries Resource Activities

CF1 Fisheries Operations

S Conduct normal administration practices. (19ab.13)

S Maintain visual variety and enhancement of a diversity of fish and aquatic habitats for vertebrate and invertebrate species. (19ab.14)

G Emphasize nongame fish species, mussels and macroinvertebrates. (19ab.15)

S Monitor fish and mussel population trends in conjunction with aquatic habitat quality. (19ab.16)

CF222 Nonstructural Habitat Improvement

S Manipulate vegetation to meet specific fisheries or aquatic objectives. (19ab.17)

CW Wildlife Resource Activities

CW1 Wildlife Operations

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

S Conduct normal administration practices. (19ab.18)

S Designate an old growth component. (19ab.19)

G Areas unsuitable for timber production, both pine and hardwood, over age 80+. (19ab.20)

S Maintain visual variety and diverse wildlife habitat conditions for game and nongame species. (19ab.21)

G Emphasize nongame species and late seral stage habitat. (19ab.22)

S Use mixed management types, if needed, to meet wildlife habitat and mast production objectives. (19ab.23)

CW222 Nonstructural Habitat Improvements

S Manipulate vegetation to meet specific wildlife objectives. (19ab.24)

S Retain at least one snag per acre, 16 inch D.B.H., or larger in regeneration areas. Where naturally occurring snags of this size are unavailable or cannot be created, retain or create snags as near as possible to the required size. Snags may be created at greater densities, if needed, to benefit snag dependent wildlife species. Retain existing snags during immediate treatments (thinnings). (19ab.25)

S Retain all existing cavity (den) trees regardless of forest type or age class and protect during all silvicultural activities. Also retain one-half acre clump of deciduous trees per 20 acres of regeneration cutting to meet present and future den requirements. (19ab.26)

S Emphasize mast production by retaining a variety of oaks, hickories, and other hard and soft mast producing species. (19ab.27)

CW221 Structural Habitat Improvement

S Create temporary and permanent wildlife openings and water holes for wildlife, based on project level objectives. (19ab.28)

S Erect and maintain artificial nest structures (2 minimum at recreation sites) for songbirds, squirrels and other cavity users to enhance visitor experience and provide interpretive opportunities. Use interpretive signs along trails to enhance viewing opportunities of wildlife and habitat enhancement activities. (19ab.29)

DN Range

S The currently permitted AUM capacity will not be exceeded. New improvements will not be authorized. (19ab.30)

ET Timber

S Land in this area is both suitable and unsuitable for timber production. (19ab.31)

S Standards and guides presented in Management Area 14 apply with the exception of the following standards and guides.

S The predominate system is uneven-aged management. (19ab.32)

G Use single tree or group selection with opening size, not to exceed one-half acre. (19ab.33)

S Use even-aged management in order to promote public safety, mitigate the effects of fire, insect and disease, or to create scenic vistas or recreation development. (19ab.34)

S The even-aged system may also be used if openings are irregularly shaped and do not exceed 10 acres and are located behind geographic barriers as viewed from the Talimena Drive and Holson Valley Road in Oklahoma. In Arkansas, use when located behind geographic barriers or natural vegetation or shaped to blend with the characteristic landscape and natural features. (19ab.35)

S Final harvest age options range from 70 to 100 years for pine and mixed types. (19ab.36)

S Desired stocking level is 150 to 300 for pine and may vary for mixed types based on wildlife and visual objectives. (19ab.37)

S Use the following information for even-aged and uneven-aged harvest method. (19ab.38)

UNEVEN-AGED
Mgt. Type	Repro. Cutting Method.	Residual Basal Area	Max Dia.	Q Factor	Cutting Cycle	Opening. (Gap Size)
All Types	SNGL Tree Selection	55-65 SQFT	16-20”	1.2 to 1.6	10-20 YRS	½ AC or less

EVEN-AGED
Mgt. Type	Site Index	Approx. Harvest Age	Product Size (DBH)	E.A.M Max. Size Regen Area	Cutting Methods
Pine	<80	70-100	16”	10	Thinning Clearcut Seed Tree Shelterwood Removal
P/MIX	>80	70-80	20”	10	“
P/H H/P	<80	80-100	16”	10	“
P/H H/P	>80	70-80	18”	10	“
HDWD	<80	150	24”	10	“
HDWD	>80	100	24”	10	“

S Timber management and harvesting is deferred during the planning period covered by this plan for the lands in Compartments 873 and 874 between Highway 59/270 and the Black Fork Mountain Wilderness boundary on the Mena Ranger District. (19ab.39)

F Watershed and Air

S Forestwide, Management Area 9 and Management Area 1 standards and guidelines apply.

GM Minerals and Geology

S Gas and oil operations: apply standard and special stipulations requiring that the operation must be conducted in a manner compatible with the purpose for this management area. (19ab.40)

S Other mining related activities: stipulate to allow only mining related operations that will be conducted in a manner compatible with the purpose for this management area. In addition, no more than one-half acre of surface impact left unreclaimed during the course of the operation; tree and ground cover removal will be limited to reduce visibility of the operation; no activity can be conducted in such a manner as to cause any off-site impacts. (19ab.41)

S Forestwide standards and guides apply.

JL Lands

S Issue only special use permits that are compatible with the designation and objectives of the area. (19ab.42)

S Acquire private lands within the area by purchase, exchange, or donation on a willing seller basis to develop, protect or interpret the unique characteristics and values of the area. (19ab.43)

L Facilities

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

P Protection

P04 Fire Suppression

S Suppression strategies of confine, contain and control allowed on wildfires with two feet flame lengths and less. Control required on fires with flame lengths exceeding two feet. (19ab.44)

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

PF2 Fuels

S Prescribed fire permitted to meet resource objectives. (19ab.45)

QC Forest Pest Management

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

19(c) ROBERT S. KERR MEMORIAL ARBORETUM, NATURE CENTER AND BOTANICAL AREA (OK), 19(d) RICH MOUNTAIN BOTANICAL AREA (AR) AND 19(e) BEECH CREEK BOTANICAL AREA.

A Recreation

S Standards and guidelines for Management Area 3 apply to the Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum and to any other developed recreation sites within this area. (19cde.1)

S Protect and interpret the unique plant species and unique plant communities that are significant in their occurrence, variety and location to the area. (19cde.2)

S Provide recreational, interpretive and road signing to acquaint the visitor to the unique characteristics of the area. (19cde.3)

S ROS classification is semiprimitive nonmotorized.

G Restrict motorized use of the area. (19cde.4)

AV Visual Resources

S VQO is retention. (19cde.5)

AC Cultural Resources

S See Forestwide standards and guidelines.

CW Wildlife Resource Activities

CW1 Wildlife Operations

S Manage botanical areas under 36 CFR 294.1 to protect specimens, plant groups and plant communities, ecology, environment and/or other features. (19cde.6)

S Prohibit the collection and/or removal (except for approved scientific research/surveys) or other destruction of native plant species located within the area. (19cde.7)

S Conduct normal administrative practices but provide no habitat improvement. (19cde.8)

DN Range

S Restrict use and phase out any current allotments. (19cde.9)

ET Timber

S Lands within this area are unsuitable for timber productions. (19cde.10)

S Vegetative manipulation including the cutting of trees is permitted only when necessary for the protection and interpretation of the unique plant species and plant communities. (19cde.11)

S Timber harvest by either even-aged or uneven-aged systems can be used in the event of fire, insect or disease, or for public health and safety. (19cde.12)

F Watershed and Air

S Forestwide and Management Area 9 standards and guidelines apply.

GM Minerals and Geology

S Kerr Memorial Arboretum - minerals leasing: no surface occupancy. (19cde.13)

S Kerr Memorial Arboretum - Gas and oil exploration activities: apply standard and special stipulations requiring that the operation must be conducted in a manner compatible with the purpose for the arboretum. (19cde.14)

S Other low surface impacting minerals related activities such as the surface removal of common variety minerals materials can be approved at the discretion of the District Ranger if such activity is conducted in a manner compatible with the purpose for this management area. (19cde.15)

S Botanical Areas - Gas and oil operations: apply standard and special stipulations requiring that the operation must be conducted in a manner compatible with the purpose for this management area. (19cde.16)

S Botanical Areas - Other mining related activities: stipulate to allow only mining related operations that will be conducted in a manner compatible with the purpose for this management area. In addition, no more than one-half acre of surface impact left unreclaimed during the course of the operation; tree and ground cover removal will be limited to reduce visibility of the operation; no activity can be conducted in such a manner as to cause any off-site impacts. (19cde.17)

S Minerals Forestwide standards and guides apply.

GM12 Administration

S Forestwide standards and guides apply.

JL Lands

S Issue only special use permits that are compatible with the designation and objectives for the area. (19cde.19)

L Facilities

S Permit only the construction or reconstruction of roads needed for recreational development and interpretation of the area. (19cde.20)

G Other roads needed for resource management will be temporary and built to the lowest standard and rehabilitated and closed after use. (19cde.21)

S Permit expansion and improvement of facilities in vicinity of the Kerr Nature Center. (19cde.22)

P Protection

S Suppression strategy of control required on all fires.

PF2 Fuels

S Prescribed fire permitted when needed to meet objectives of the area. (19cde.23)

QC Forest Pest Management

S Modifications of insect and disease control activities similar to those used to protect wilderness resources will be utilized. See standards and guidelines for Management Area 1. (19cde.24)

19(f) BEECH CREEK SCENIC AREA

Practices	Unit	Proposed Annual	Probable Annual
Management Area 19 (c)
Regeneration harvest:
Uneven-aged: Single tree	Acres	180	180
Intermediate Harvest: Commercial thinning	Acres	0	0
Timber Stand Improvement: Uneven-Aged	Acres	180	180
Wildlife Fish Habitat Improvement:	Acres Structures	See Appendix G

A Recreation

S Protect the scenic and wildlife values of the area. (19f.1)

S Manage for a semiprimitive motorized experience. (19f.2)

AV Visual Resources

S VQO of the area is retention and partial retention. (19f.3)

G Retention from Level I roads and trails. (19f.4)

G Partial retention from Level II roads and trails and for the remainder of the area. (19f.5)

S standards and guidelines for Management Area 18 apply to all sensitivity I and II roads and trails. (19f.6)

CW Wildlife Resource Activities

CW1 Wildlife Operations

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

S Conduct normal administration practices. (19f.7)

S Designate an old growth component. (19f.8)

G Areas unsuitable for timber production, both pine and hardwood, over age 80+. (19f.9)

S Maintain visual variety and a diversity of wildlife habitat conditions for game and non-game species. (19f.10)

G Emphasize non-game species and late seral stage habitat. (19f.11)

S Use mixed management types, if needed, to meet wildlife habitat and mast production objectives. (19f.12)

CW222 Nonstructural Habitat Improvements

S Manipulate vegetation to meet specific wildlife objectives. (19f.13)

S Emphasize mast production by retaining a variety of oaks, hickories, and other hard and soft mast producing species. (19f.15)

S Leave all den trees during harvest and intermediate cuts. (19f.16)

CW221 Structural Habitat Improvement

S Create temporary and permanent wildlife openings and waterholes for wildlife, based on project level objectives. (19f.17)

ET Timber

S Lands within this area are suitable and unsuitable for timber production. (19f.18)

S Uneven-aged management is the predominate system, opening size will not exceed one-half acre. (19f.19)

S Emphasize a mixed forest condition of hardwood and conifers with a variety of species and age class diversity. (19f.20)

G Management types are pine, hardwoods or mixed types. (19f.21)

S Only use even-aged management to promote public safety or mitigate the effects of fire, insects and disease. (19f.22)

S See standards and guidelines under Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area. (19f.23)

F Watershed and Air

S Forestwide and Management Area 9 standards and guidelines apply.

GM Minerals and Geology

S Forestwide standards and guides apply.

S All mining related activities must be conducted in such a manner as to reduce visibility of the operation and meet visual quality objectives. (19f.24)

L Facilities

LT Transportation Activities

S Use only intermittent service and temporary roads. (19f.25)

Forest Pest Management

S Modifications of insect and disease control activities similar to those used to protect wilderness resources will be utilized. See standards and guidelines for Management Area 1. (19f.26)

S Use only intermittent service and temporary road. (19f.27)

19(g) INDIAN NATIONS SCENIC AND WILDLIFE AREA (OK)

Practices	Unit	Proposed (Annual)	Probable (Annual)
Management Area 19(g)
Regeneration harvest:
Clearcut	Acres	95	95
Seedtree:	Acres	40	40
Shelterwood:	Acres	50	50
Uneven-aged:Single tree/group selection	Acres	1,814	1,814
Intermediate Harvest: Commercial thinning	Acres	150	150
Timber Stand Improvement:	Acres	185	185
Reforestation:	Acres	135	135
Uneven-Aged Management:	Acres	1,814	1,814
Wildlife Fish Habitat Improvement:	Acres Structures	See Appendix G

A Recreation

S Manage predominately for a road-natural ROS classification. (19g.1)

AV Visual Resource

S Standards and guidelines for Management Area 18 apply to all sensitivity Level I & II roads and trails within this area. (19g.2)

S Protect and enhance the scenic values of the area as viewed from the Talimena Scenic Drive and Holsom Valley roads. (19g.3)

G VQO is partial retention except where viewed from the Talimena Scenic Drive, Holsom Valley Road and other sensitive viewer positions where retention is the objective. (19g.4)

S Emphasize and enhance scenic values as viewed from the Talimena Drive and Holsom Valley Road. (19g.5)

AC Cultural Resource

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

CW Wildlife Resource Activities

CW1 Wildlife Operations

S Forestwide standards and guides apply.

S Conduct normal administration practices. (19g.6)

S Create temporary and permanent wildlife openings and waterholes for wildlife, based on project level objectives. (19g.7)

S Designate an old growth component. (19g.8)

G Areas unsuitable for timber production, both pine and hardwood, over age 80+. (19g.9)

S Maintain visual variety and a diversity of wildlife habitat conditions for game and nongame species. (19g.10)

S Use mixed management types, if needed, to meet wildlife habitat and mast production objectives. (19g.11)

CW222 Nonstructural Habitat Improvements

S Manipulate vegetation to meet specific wildlife objectives. (19g.12)

S Promote a mixed forest condition. (19g.13)

S Emphasize mast production by retaining a variety of oaks, hickories, and other hard and soft mast producing species. (19g.14)

S Retain and protect all den trees during harvest and intermediate cuttings. (19g.15)

DN Range

S Provide grazing at current use levels. (19g.17)

ET Timber

S Standard and guidelines for “Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area” section of Management Area 19 apply.

F Watershed and Air

S Forestwide and Management Area 9 standards and guidelines apply.

GM Minerals and Geology

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

S All mining related activities must be conducted in such a manner as to reasonably reduce visibility of the operation and meet visual quality objectives to the extent possible. (19g.18)

JL Lands

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

L Facilities

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

P Protection

S Forestwide standards and guidelines apply.

PF2 Fuels

S Prescribed fire permitted. (19g.19)

QC Forest Pest Management

S Modifications of insect and disease control activities similar to those used to protect wilderness resources will be utilized. See standards and guidelines for Management Area 1. (19g.20)

19(h) BLACK FORK MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS 19(j) UPPER KIAMICHI RIVER WILDERNESS (OK)

These two areas were designated as a result of Public Law 100-499, Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area and Wilderness Act, which was signed on October 18, 1988. Included in this act is the assurance and provision that additional public input will be provided for the future management of the areas included under the act. Wilderness Steering Committees and Sub-Committees will be established to provide input into the management of these two wildernesses. In Arkansas, these committees have been formed and have provided that input. Efforts in both states will be consolidated where they affect similar areas, such as Black Fork Mountain. As this direction is developed it will be incorporated into the Forest Plan as needed. Forestwide standards and guidelines for wilderness and those for Management Area 1 will also apply to these two areas.

DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION

The users will find a natural landscape accessible by trails or cross-country travel. The natural processes of plants and animals living and dying with minimum impacts from humans will be evident. The forest will be moving toward a mature, old-growth condition with the loss of some shrubs and other forage and early successional species. The habitat for big game species, such as deer and turkey, will be reduced but will offer the opportunity for a primitive hunting experience. Habitats for plant and animal species associated with older seral stage conditions will increase.

MANAGEMENT AREA PRESCRIPTION GOALS

A. Management emphasis is to preserve or enhance the wilderness resource for the protection and perpetuation of essentially natural bio-physical conditions and a moderate degree of solitude and level of encounters with other users with minimal evidence of past human use.

B. Management activities are integrated in such a way that visitors leave only limited and site specific evidence of their passing.

C. Human travel is by system trail and cross country.

D. Areas with evidence of unacceptable levels of past use are rehabilitated and affected areas are restored.

E. Coordinate management of Natural Recreation Area with Wilderness Areas.

AW1 Wilderness Resource Operations

S The ROS classification is semiprimitive nonmotorized but will be managed toward the primitive end of the spectrum. (19hj.1)

S The VQO is preservation. (19hj.2)

19(i) BLACK FORK MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS (AR)

AW1 Wilderness Resource Operations

S Forestwide and standards and guidelines for Management Area 1 apply within this area.

S Analysis of use impact will be conducted twice per year. Conduct analysis in fall in conjunction with trail inspection and in the spring. Use zoning standards shown under general standards and guides to conduct analyses. (19i.1)

AT Trails

S Extend the existing trail on the east end to connect with the Ouachita Trail. (19i.2)

G Install trail register at the intersection of the trail and the Ouachita Trail. (19i.3)

L Facilities

S Develop a trailhead facility along the east side of wilderness in conjunction with the Ouachita Trail. (19i.4)

GM Minerals and Geology

S Mining related activities including leasing, mineral contracts and claim staking in wildernesses are prohibited. (19i.5)

S Existing oil and gas leases will be allowed to expire. No new leases will be issued. (19i.6)

G If operations on existing leases are proposed, such operations must be conducted in a manner compatible with the preservation of the wilderness environment. (19i.7)

QC Forest Pest Management

S standards and guidelines for Management Area 1 apply.