Robinson Integrated Resource Projecta123.g.akamai.net › 7 › 123 › 11558 › abc123 › forestservic... · 2017-04-18 · Granville, Braintree and Bethel. The Robinson Integrated

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service April 2017

Robinson Integrated Resource Project Scoping Information Green Mountain National Forest Rochester Ranger District Towns of Rochester, Hancock, Chittenden, Stockbridge, Pittsfield, Goshen, Granville, Braintree and Bethel

Addison, Windsor, Orange, and Rutland Counties, Vermont

Kings Pond in Robinson (West Rochester), Vermont

For Information Contact: Jay Strand Green Mountain National Forest 99 Ranger Road Rochester, VT 05767 (802) 767-4261 (ext. 5522) [email protected]

Responsible Official: Christopher Mattrick District Ranger Rochester/Middlebury Ranger Districts Green Mountain National Forest

mailto:[email protected]

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected] .

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

This document can be made available in large print. Contact Jay Strand (802) 767-4261, ext. 5522; or Email: [email protected]

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html



Green Mountain National Forest – Rochester Ranger District

Robinson Integrated Resource Project i Scoping Notice

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 2 1.1 Background ...................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Purpose of Scoping .......................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Pre-decisional Objection Process ..................................................................................................... 2 1.4 Project Timeline ............................................................................................................................... 3 1.5 Robinson Project Area ..................................................................................................................... 3 1.6 Forest Plan Direction ....................................................................................................................... 4 2. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION .......................................................................................... 4 2.1 Forest Habitat ................................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 Timber Resource .............................................................................................................................. 8 2.3 Fisheries and Water.......................................................................................................................... 9 2.4 Soil and Wetlands ............................................................................................................................ 9 2.5 Recreation ........................................................................................................................................ 9 2.6 Visual Quality ................................................................................................................................ 11 2.7 Wilderness ..................................................................................................................................... 11 2.8 Transportation (Roads and Infrastructure) ..................................................................................... 11 2.9 Heritage Resource .......................................................................................................................... 11 2.10 Special Uses ................................................................................................................................... 12 2.11 Communication Sites ..................................................................................................................... 12 3. PROPOSED ACTION ................................................................................................................... 13 3.1 Forest Habitat and Timber Resources ............................................................................................ 13

3.1.1 Timber Harvest Treatments .................................................................................................... 14 3.1.2 Other Forest Habitat Treatments ............................................................................................. 16

3.2 Fisheries and Water........................................................................................................................ 17 3.3 Soil and Wetlands .......................................................................................................................... 19 3.4 Recreation ...................................................................................................................................... 20 3.5 Visual Quality ................................................................................................................................ 23 3.6 Wilderness ..................................................................................................................................... 23 3.7 Transportation (Roads and Infrastructure) ..................................................................................... 23 3.8 Heritage Resources ........................................................................................................................ 25 3.9 Special Uses ................................................................................................................................... 26 3.10 Communication Sites ..................................................................................................................... 26 Appendix A1. Proposed Timber and Forest Habitat Treatments ........................................................ A1-1 Appendix A2. Proposed Wildlife Habitat Treatments ........................................................................ A2-1


Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page 2 Scoping Notice

SCOPING INFORMATION

Robinson Integrated Resource Project

USDA Forest Service Green Mountain National Forest, Rochester Ranger District

April 2017

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background The United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service is proposing the Robinson Integrated Resource Project on the Green Mountain National Forest, Rochester Ranger District. The project area is within Addison, Windsor, Orange, and Rutland Counties, Vermont primarily within the towns of Rochester, Hancock, Chittenden, Stockbridge and Pittsfield, but also includes small portions of Goshen, Granville, Braintree and Bethel. The Robinson Integrated Resource Project (Robinson project) includes a variety of proposed management activities to achieve multiple resource goals, objectives and desired future conditions as provided by direction in the 2006 Green Mountain National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, or Forest Plan. The Robinson project proposal must follow regulations established by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) prior to proceeding with any activities. Compliance with NEPA includes public participation, the disclosure of environmental effects of proposed activities, and preparation of a decision document that provides specific direction for project implementation. The environmental analysis for the proposed Robinson project management activities will be documented in a site-specific environmental assessment. 1.2 Purpose of Scoping We are soliciting your comments on all aspects of the proposed Robinson project during this scoping period. Your thoughtful input will help us identify issues related to the proposal, determine whether any alternatives need to be considered in detail, focus our effects analysis on resources of concern, and document the results in the environmental assessment as the basis for the Responsible Official to decide how to implement the project.

1.3 Pre-decisional Objection Process The proposed Robinson project implements a land management plan and thus is subject to subparts A and B under the Code of Federal Regulations part 218. These regulations provide for a project level pre-decisional administrative review (objection) process. In order to be eligible to object to the draft decision notice for this project prior to implementation, you will need to submit timely “specific written comments” during any period “designated for public comment”. The following opportunities for the public to submit written comments for the Robinson project include:

1. Scoping Period: Comments submitted during this scoping period from April 17, 2017 through May 17, 2017

2. Environmental Assessment 30-Day Comment Period: Comments submitted during a 30-day period for the Robinson project environmental assessment anticipated to begin in August 2017



1.4 Project Timeline The Forest Service anticipates addressing any comments received during the environmental assessment 30-day notice and comment period in a final environmental assessment by November 2017. A draft decision notice based on the assessment will trigger the objection period for the project. The timing for the final decision notice will depend on whether any objections are received but is not anticipated to be later than early 2018. Implementation may begin after the final decision notice is signed by the Responsible Official. 1.5 Robinson Project Area The Robinson project area consists of approximately 59,400 acres located in several sub-watersheds of the White River in central Vermont. The project area boundary is defined by the following features (see Figure 1, Project Vicinity Map (below); and Map 1, Existing Condition (enclosed)):

• North boundary: the ridgeline along Monastery Mountain, Philadelphia Peak and Hancock Mountain

• West boundary: the spine of the Green Mountain between Worth Mountain and Farr Peak • South boundary: the ridgeline along Round Mountain and Wilcox Peak; and VT Route 100 • East boundary: the Braintree Mountain range ridgeline along Mount Lympus, Rochester

Mountain and Mount Cushman

Figure 1. Project vicinity map The project area consists of multiple land ownership and management responsibilities including the Forest Service, State of Vermont, Towns and private entities (see Table 1).



Table 1. Land ownership and management within the Robinson project area Owner/Manager Acres1 Percent of Total

USDA Forest Service 30,446 51.2 State of Vermont2 636 1.1

Town3 182 0.3 Private 28,136 47.4 Total 59,400 100

1 Approximate 2 Les Newell Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Mt. Cushman, Riley Bostwick Wildlife Management Area 3 Rochester School Forest, Rochester Town Forest, Town of Hancock

1.6 Forest Plan Direction The Robinson project is guided by management direction in the Green Mountain Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) approved by the Regional Forester in February 2006. The Forest Plan is a programmatic document that identifies the desired balance of multiple uses to meet public needs while providing the management framework for protecting, restoring, and enhancing our natural resources. The Robinson project management activities that together define the proposed action have been designed to move the existing condition of National Forest System lands within the project area toward the desired future conditions for each resource as defined in the Forest Plan. Each Management Area as defined in the Forest Plan has a major emphasis and desired future conditions while providing management direction to meet Forest Plan goals and objectives. Table 2 and Map 1, Existing Condition (enclosed) displays which Management Areas are included within the Robinson project area. Table 2. Management Areas within the project area

Management Area Acres1 Percent of Total

Diverse Backcountry 3,626 12 Diverse Forest Use 15,405 51

Long National Recreation Trail 436 1 Remote Backcountry Forest 1,045 3

Remote Wildlife Habitat 4,477 15 Wilderness2 5,456 18

Total 30,446 100 Eligible Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers3 1,204 n/a

1 Approximate 2 Joseph Battell Wilderness 3 The White River is an Eligible Recreational River; the Management Area applies to 1/4 mile each side of the river which overlays and runs through all other Management Areas thus the acres are not reflected in the grand total

2. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION The Forest Plan goals, objectives, and management direction for the desired future condition of resources are the primary drivers for defining the purpose of the Robinson project proposed action. The need for action is determined by the difference between the existing condition and desired future condition within the Robinson project area. The following resource sections provide the purpose of the Robinson project proposed action according to Forest Plan direction, and the need for action based on the gap between the existing and desired conditions within the project area.



2.1 Forest Habitat Managing forest habitat for diversity is important to improve and maintain forest health. Diversity of habitat is critical to the many wildlife species found across the project area on both National Forest System and non-National Forest System (private, state, and town) lands. The project area also includes known wildlife travel corridors that connect large areas of habitat across various ownerships. Forest Plan Goal 2 is to maintain and restore quality, amount and distribution of habitats to produce viable and sustainable populations of native and desirable non-native plants and animals (Forest Plan, page 10). In order to contribute to this goal, the Forest Plan identifies forest habitat type composition and age class objectives to ensure that diversity of composition, structure, and function is maintained or increased on the Green Mountain National Forest (Forest Plan, pages 10-12). While some of the composition and age class objectives can be met through natural processes, vegetation management is often used to restore and enhance diversity of habitat types and structure (Forest Plan, page 15). Vegetation management is also used to enhance habitats and features of particular value to certain plant and animal species where that habitat is uncommon in the forest, such as aspen, upland openings, hemlock, and oak. Within the Robinson project area, vegetation management actions would primarily occur within the Diverse Forest Use, Diverse Backcountry, and Remote Wildlife Habitat Management Areas where timber harvesting is allowed (Forest Plan, page 11). A habitat management unit analysis completed for the Robinson project area applies Forest Plan habitat type composition and age class objectives at the site-specific scale. Specific habitat management unit objectives take into consideration the current condition and overall Forest Plan objectives, as well ecological conditions and long-term tendencies of ecosystems found in the project area. The difference between the current condition of the composition and age class and the specific habitat management unit objectives is the basis for identifying potential management activities to achieve desired conditions within the project area. Tables 3 and 4 illustrate the following important gaps between the current and desired future condition for habitat composition and age class within the Robinson project area:

• An absence of regenerating age class (0-9 years old) across all habitats on suitable lands for timber management

• A significant imbalance in desired composition among northern hardwood, mixed-wood, and softwood habitat types, with mixed-wood and softwood habitat significantly under-represented

• A low abundance of aspen and birch habitat within areas suitable for management of this early successional habitat

• An absence of oak forest habitat, although oak trees are present in some areas • The presence of non-native softwood plantations of red pine and Norway spruce • Permanent upland openings maintained for meadow and shrub wildlife habitat are at the

minimum composition objective of one percent



Table 3. Comparison of important existing habitat composition conditions with habitat management unit objective ranges within the project area

Habitat Type1 HMU Objective (all NFS lands)

Existing Habitats (all NFS lands)

Existing Habitats (suitable lands)2

% acres acres % acres %3 Northern Hardwood 5-10 1,520-3,040 14,860 49 8,919 29 Mixed-wood 70-80 21,300-24,340 13,004 43 9,248 30 Softwood (spruce/ fir and hemlock/ white pine) 10-15 3,040-4,560 1,225 4 798 3

Aspen/Birch 1-2 300-600 765 3 122 <1 Oak 0 0 0 0 0 0 Upland Opening 1-2 300-600 441 1 313 1

Total 30,295 19,400 1Wetland habitats are excluded from the list of habitats presented here as they currently meet the desired future condition for composition in the project area

2Represents habitat type abundance for all National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Robinson project area suitable for timber management; shown for context, as some habitat types (such as Upland Openings) require timber management to exist at the levels defined by the Forest Plan and Project objectives

3 Percent of all NFS acres that are suitable acres of this habitat type

Table 4. Comparison of the existing regenerating age class (0-9 years) with habitat management unit objective range; and existing age class distribution for remaining age classes within the project area

Age Class (Includes All Forested Habitat Types)

HMU Objective1 Existing Condition (all NFS lands)2

Existing Condition (suitable lands)3

acres acres % acres % Regenerating (0-9 years) 579 – 2,312 0 0 0 0

Young 1,965 – 6,556 3,521 12 2,371 16 Mature 3,960 – 8,496 16,439 55 9,173 60 Old 563 – 5,953 9,895 33 3,690 24 1Acre range represents potential natural vegetation of suitable National Forest System (NFS) lands assigned to an even-aged management status (60 to 80 percent of suitable lands), adjusted for conversions to or maintenance of existing aspen, birch, and openings

2 Condition across all forested NFS lands within the Robinson project area 3 Applies only to NFS lands suitable for timber management and assigned to an even-aged management status prior to project development

In addition, there are other habitat features and conditions within the project area that present opportunities or needs for management. These opportunities include:

• Improve structural diversity and tree longevity in areas with extended rotation requirements • Enhance deer wintering areas • Manage old apple orchards and trees • Increase snag tree component to provide potential summer roost habitat for bats • Wildlife habitat improvement on non-National Forest System lands

The following section provides a discussion for each of these components related to habitat composition, age class, features or conditions that are in need of action to maintain and improve habitat diversity within the project area: Regenerating/Early-Successional Habitat There is a need to create regenerating age classes (0-9 years) across all forested habitats suitable for management. Currently, there are no stands in the regenerating age class that are at least an acre in size within the Robinson project area. Early-successional habitat represents an extremely important component of wildlife habitat. Various timber harvesting methods can create temporary openings in the



forest canopy that provide early-successional habitat for up to 20 years that is important to many wildlife species. It also contributes to the vertical and horizontal structure across the overall forest landscape. Hardwood/Mixed-wood/Softwood Habitat Enhancement of softwood seedlings, saplings, and small poles in areas with tendencies toward softwoods is needed to increase habitat diversity and help restore a more ecologically appropriate forest composition. There is a significant imbalance in the proportion of northern hardwood, mixed-wood, and softwood habitat types compared to the long-term composition objectives for the project area. Mixed-wood and softwood habitats are substantially under-represented compared to what would be expected within the range of natural variation. Aspen Habitat There are currently only 27 acres of aspen stands known within the project area that are at least one acre in size; and only about half of these acres are on lands suitable for harvesting. There are also small groups of aspen trees embedded within other habitat types widely scattered within the project area. Active vegetation management is needed to increase the abundance of aspen within forest stands where small groups of scattered aspen trees are embedded within other habitat types. If mature aspen clones are not managed, the clones can become less productive and die, removing this important habitat feature from the landscape. Oak Habitat There are no oak stands in the Robinson project area, although a few stands, generally in Compartment 9 near Mayo Meadow and along the Contest Trail, are known to have scattered oak trees in them. There may be potential to expand the abundance of oak in these areas, particularly with warmer and drier summer conditions. Prescribed fire in conjunction with timber harvest methods that allow more sunlight to reach the forest floor is an effective means to maintain and regenerate oak where it does occur. Without vegetation management emphasizing oak, this relatively unique habitat may eventually disappear from the project area. Non-Native Softwood Plantations There are approximately 94 acres of softwood plantations, including red pine and Norway spruce, in the Robinson project area. There is a need to restore native mixed-wood and softwood habitat or increase early successional habitat where these non-native species dominate. These stands were planted historically to stabilize soils and provide habitats, and have now become mature and have the potential to decline in health. While these non-native plantations and their decline can and do provide habitat characteristics desired by some native wildlife, their replacement by native habitat types can enhance habitat diversity for a greater suite of species. Extended Rotations Management direction for the Diverse Backcountry and Remote Wildlife Habitat Management Areas include a guideline emphasizing the use of extended rotation ages for stands managed using even-aged silvicultural systems (Forest Plan, pages 59 and 61). Extended rotation ages range from 150 to 300 years depending on forest type (Forest Plan, page. 12). Currently about 75 percent (6,065 acres) of these two Management Areas is considered suitable for harvesting; with 96 percent of that amount (5,805 acres) consisting of either mature or old (mostly mature) conditions. While some of these stands are relatively healthy and may respond to thinning treatments, others have poor quality and less productive trees. Depending on conditions, thinning or regeneration of these unhealthy stands is needed in order to enhance the longevity of mature and old stands.



Permanent Upland Openings There is a need to create and maintain permanent upland openings within the project area. Currently, only about one percent of lands within the project area provide permanent upland opening habitat. This includes 23 upland openings that are maintained, totaling about 313 acres and ranging in size from two to 56 acres. Contrasting with temporary openings created by timber harvests, permanent openings offer important wildlife habitat over the long-term through a wide range of vegetative conditions from grass-forb meadows to openings with young, shrub-scrub, woody vegetation. It also provides higher quality habitat for pollinators. Openings can be maintained in early-successional habitat conditions through regular mowing, other mechanical treatments, and prescribed fire. Deer Wintering Areas Management direction includes a Forest-wide emphasis to maintain and enhance wintering habitat for white-tailed deer by retaining and encouraging vegetative conditions for both shelter and browse (Forest Plan, pages 29 and 30). Wintering habitat for deer is emphasized within, or adjacent to, identified deer wintering areas. Permanent upland wildlife openings containing grasses, forbs, and shrub growth should be provided adjacent to these areas to provide forage in early spring. Management of stands containing softwood vegetation is needed to provide thermal cover for deer and other wildlife. The creation of hardwood regeneration that provides browse (food) for deer is also needed to create an important component for winter survival. Apple Trees Forest-wide management direction for wildlife includes retaining and releasing apple trees whenever and wherever possible (Forest Plan, pages 27 and 29). Individual apple trees and remnant orchards are an important source of wildlife food and are historical features of the Green Mountain National Forest. Apple trees are located at numerous sites in the Robinson project area. As the forest matures, other tree species encroach upon and shade apple trees, which become less productive in the reduced light of the understory and eventually die. Removal of over-topping trees immediately around the apples invigorates their growth and promotes fruit production. Occasional pruning of these apple trees is also needed to redirect production from vegetative growth to production of fruit. Snags, Replacement Snags and Potential Bat Roost Trees Standing dead and dying trees provide habitat for a variety of species including northern long-eared bats, a federally listed threatened species. Several sites have been identified where potentially viable summer roost trees for northern long-eared bats could be increased. There is a need to induce individual tree mortality where there is less than three snags per acre (Forest Plan, Wildlife Reserve Trees – General, Standard S-3, page 27) in occupied northern long-eared bat territory. Wildlife Habitat Improvement on Non-National Forest System Lands Many wildlife species occur across large habitat ranges that span across all land ownerships within the project area. State, private and town lands that are adjacent to the National Forest include important habitat that provide food and shelter for many of these species. The project area also includes known wildlife travel corridors that connect large areas of habitat. There is an opportunity to collaborate with private landowners to help develop and fund habitat improvement activities on their land that would achieve common management objectives across ownership boundaries. 2.2 Timber Resource Timber harvesting is the primary tool to achieve Forest Plan objectives for creating and maintaining healthy, productive forests and quality habitats (Forest Plan, page 15). Providing high-quality sawtimber and other timber products on a sustained yield basis is also an important Forest Plan objective (Forest Plan, page 14). A wide range of even-aged and uneven-aged silvicultural harvest methods are available to



achieve these objectives. Inventory shows that a number of timber stands in the Robinson project area are low quality as a result of trees with poor form, declining vigor, insect, disease or physical damage. Other stands are now mature or over mature; and desired tree size, age and quality have been achieved, or growth levels have dropped off. These stands are now ready to be harvested before saw-log quality is reduced, or the trees decline in economic value. There is a need to use a variety of timber harvest methods to achieve desired forest habitat conditions, maintain forest health, and provide forest products for local and regional economies. There are three Management Areas suited to timber management in order to create a diverse range of vegetation composition and age classes that enhance wildlife and plant community conditions within the project area (Forest Plan, page 11): Diverse Forest Use (Forest Plan, page 47), Diverse Backcountry (Forest Plan, pages 58 and 59), and Remote Wildlife Habitat (Forest Plan, pages 60 and 61). 2.3 Fisheries and Water Forest Plan Goal 4 is to maintain and restore aquatic, fisheries, and riparian habitats (Forest Plan, page 13). Principles of stream geomorphology and habitat management are used to restore and enhance fisheries habitat (Forest Plan, page 13) while knowledge of riparian/floodplain functions and large woody debris dynamics are used to restore and enhance stream ecosystem processes. A majority of stream habitat within the Robinson project area lacks the quantities of large woody debris that would naturally be found in upland streams. Large woody debris in streams is critical to creating diverse stream habitats for fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. In addition, free passage for native brook trout and other aquatic species within streams that cross roads is important to improve habitat conditions. Currently, there are existing culverts blocking free aquatic species migration along streams where they cross multiple roads within the project area. Channel stability and stream function, and related riparian health along the White River are also not at desired levels to provide for optimum aquatic habitat conditions. In addition, Bingo Brook has the potential to erode or jump the bank where it passes Kings Pond which could lead to the failure of the pond. This could compromise the pond impoundment and fail catastrophically, impacting downstream landowners, habitat, and road infrastructure. 2.4 Soil and Wetlands Forest Plan Goal 3 is to maintain or restore the natural, ecological functions of the soil. Important ecological soil functions include regulating nutrient and water cycles, including the processes of water flow, energy transfer, nutrient uptake and release, carbon transfer, and chemical processing. Associated objectives are to minimize the adverse impacts on soils from management activities and restore soil processes and functions on degraded soils (Forest Plan, page 13). Forest Plan Goal 4 is to maintain or restore wetland habitats (Forest Plan, page 13). The existing soil and wetland conditions show undesirable effects of acid deposition, the presence of invasive earthworms, and erosion of some roads (old and currently used), skid roads, and trails. There is a need to address ongoing resource impacts to improve soil productivity and restore wetland functions where degradation of these resources is occurring. 2.5 Recreation Forest Plan Goal 12 is to provide a diverse range of high quality, sustainable recreation opportunities that complement those provided off National Forest System lands (Forest Plan, page 15). The Forest Plan also provides for a diversity of trail uses within the Forest’s settings including snowmobiling, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and dog sledding (Forest Plan Record of Decision, page 19). Recreation resources within the Robinson project area include trails, developed recreation sites (such as campgrounds, shelters, and picnic areas), and dispersed recreation activities (see enclosed Map 1,



Existing Condition). The Forest Service completed a Comprehensive Trail Strategy in July 2015 that provides guidance and recommendations for the sustainable management of non-motorized and motorized trails across the National Forest. The strategy includes recommendations for future actions related to decommissioning, adding, or altering the management of trails. National Forest System Trails: The project area contains National Forest System trails offering a wide range of uses including 6.6 miles of the Long Trail, and trails included in the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers snowmobile trail system. Overall, there are nearly 63 miles of existing National Forest System trail uses within the project area (see Table 5). Table 5. Total trail miles in the project area by managed use

Managed Use Miles

Snowmobile 36.69 Bike 12.23 Hike 24.19

Horse 0.00 Cross Country Ski 18.20

Snowshoe 19.98 Fat Bike 2.30

All Trails 62.841 1 Total trail mileage is not a sum of all managed use miles

as some trails offer multiple uses Developed Recreation: These are recreation activities that are dependent on the presence of constructed features or facilities. There are 12 developed recreation sites within the project area (see Table 6). Table 6. Developed recreation sites by type in the project area

Campgrounds/Shelters Interpretive and Observation Sites Trailheads

Bingo Brook Campground Peavine Chittenden Brook: Campground Chittenden Brook Campground CCC's Camp Chittenden Brook: Forest Road 49

Long Trail Sunrise Shelter Riverbend Chittenden Brook: VT Route 73 Mt Horrid Overlook Liberty Hill Long Trail Brandon Gap

Other existing recreation within the project area includes backcountry skiing/boarding in the Brandon Gap area.

There is a desire to improve the overall recreation resource to provide a full range of diverse opportunities across the project area. Currently, there are limited opportunities for specific trail uses such as mountain biking, fat biking and horseback riding. There has also been an expressed desire for water trails. Demand for additional backcountry ski/board access is also high. At the same time, the inability to maintain existing trails and facilities to desired standards increase health and safety risks as well as potential damage to resources such as soil, water and fisheries. The following action is needed to improve the recreation opportunities within the Robinson project area:

• Reduce deferred trail/developed recreation maintenance through increased partnership opportunities, trail relocations, trail decommissions, infrastructure replacements, or other opportunities



• Increase recreation resources for those activities in high demand with limited opportunities

2.6 Visual Quality One of the most popular public activities on the Green Mountain National Forest is viewing scenery provided by established vistas (Forest Plan Environmental Impact Statement, pages 3-211 and 3-306). Forest Plan Goal 15 is to maintain or enhance visual resources such as view sheds, vistas, overlooks, and special features (Forest Plan, page 16). Management activities are needed to provide new vistas, and maintain existing vistas especially along the Long Trail and along the Ash Hill Trail west of Liberty Hill. 2.7 Wilderness Forest Plan Goal 13 is to manage designated wilderness to preserve an enduring resource that represents ecosystems and natural processes unique to northeastern forests while providing opportunities for solitude and unconfined recreation consistent with the Wilderness Act of 1964 and subsequent legislation (Forest Plan, page 16). The 2006 New England Wilderness Act designated the 12,333 acre Joseph Battell Wilderness in 2006 of which about 42 percent or 5,457 acres is within the Robinson project area. A communication radio repeater and associated infrastructure is currently located atop Philadelphia Peak within this congressionally designated wilderness. The New England Wilderness Act contains no special provision to retain or manage the Philadelphia Peak repeater site and it is not required for wilderness stewardship. The Forest Service Manual 2324.3 directs us to maintain communication structures only as necessary for administration and protection of the wilderness. There is a need to remove the Philadelphia Peak repeater infrastructure from the Joseph Battell Wilderness to be consistent with the Wilderness Act and Forest Service policy. 2.8 Transportation (Roads and Infrastructure) Forest Plan Goal 14 is to provide a safe, efficient, and effective Forest transportation system that meets both the needs of the public and the Forest Service (Forest Plan, page 16). A Forest-wide detailed travel analysis completed in August 2015 resulted in a report that recommended a minimum road system needed for safe and efficient travel and for administration, utilization, and protection of the National Forest System lands. The transportation system provides access for public and administrative uses. Its presence can also have negative effects on the natural and cultural resources of the Forest. Currently, there are about 25 miles of system roads within the Robinson project area under Forest Service jurisdiction. The following action is needed to improve transportation opportunities within the project area:

• Provide a road system that meets public access and management needs in a sustainable manner • Construction of new roads for improved access for timber management • Reconstruction of existing roads for improved access to the National Forest • Decommission roads that are no longer needed for management of the National Forest. • Installation of gates to control access to roads during periods of closure • Replacement of road stream crossings for improved flood resiliency and aquatic organism

passage • Explore new opportunities to increase Road Cooperative Agreement participation with the Towns

within the project area

2.9 Heritage Resource Forest Plan Goal 16 is to provide protection and stewardship for significant heritage resources on the Green Mountain National Forest (Forest Plan, page 17). There is a need to provide protection for heritage



resource sites, and increase their visibility and stability within the project area through coordinated management activities. 2.10 Special Uses Forest-wide Standard S-10 for Non-Recreation Special Uses states that special use permits required by law to provide access to non-federal land shall be issued (Forest Plan, page 44). The Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act of November 12, 1980 requires that the Forest Service authorize access sufficient to allow reasonable use of surrounded private land. In addition, Forest Plan Goal 17 is to support regional and local economies through resource use, production, and protection (Forest Plan, page 17). One means to provide resource use and production is through a forest products permit or special use permit. There is a need to provide access to private landowners where necessary throughout the Robinson project area by issuance of special use authorizations. There is also a need to consider opportunities to provide for forest products such as maple tapping and address other non-recreation permit issues. 2.11 Communication Sites The existing Philadelphia Peak radio repeater provides 2-way radio communication for natural resource management of National Forest System land as well as for law enforcement and search/rescue personnel across ownership boundaries totaling about 12,900 acres. An essential component of the Forest-wide radio system will be lost if the communication site is removed from its current location within the Joseph Battell Wilderness. A radio coverage analysis determined that two sites together (Corporation Mountain & a site along the Braintree Mountain Range) provided adequate replacement radio coverage. There is a need to establish a radio repeater facility at each site to provide radio coverage before the Philadelphia Peak radio facility is removed.



3. PROPOSED ACTION The proposed action consists of management activities developed to meet the purpose and need for the Robinson project. A series of maps (enclosed) have been prepared to support the description of each activity included in the proposed action:

• Map 1, Existing Condition displays the project area boundary, Forest Plan management areas, and road, trail, and other infrastructure as they currently exist

• Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities displays the proposed vegetation and wildlife treatment activities

• Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities displays the proposed recreation and transportation activities (including road and trail projects); it also displays proposed activities for communication sites

• Map 4, Proposed Action Watershed, Soil, and Other Activities displays the proposed activities related to the aquatic and soil resource restoration as well as other miscellaneous activities

The following sections provide a detailed description of proposed management activities for each resource category. These activity descriptions collectively define the proposed action. 3.1 Forest Habitat and Timber Resources The Forest Habitat and Timber Resources have been combined into one section because of their close interconnected relationship. The proposed action includes a variety of activities designed to address the purpose and need related to these resources (see Table 7; Appendices A1 and A2; and Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities). These activities would enhance habitat for wildlife, promote healthy forests, and provide forest products to the local and regional economy. Habitat diversity would be increased by improving the composition and age class structure of forest stands; enhancing key habitats such as oak, aspen, and apple orchards; and providing a mix of open areas. Table 7. Summary of proposed management activities relative to forest habitat and timber resources

Management Activity Amount Proposed Timber Harvest Treatments Uneven-aged harvest method1

Group selection with improvement cuts 2,803 acres Total uneven-aged harvest 2,803 acres Even-aged harvest method1

Regeneration - Shelterwood 1,793 acres Regeneration - Seed tree 27 acres Regeneration - Clearcut 450 acres

Total regeneration harvest treatments 2,270 acres Intermediate – Thinning and improvement cuts 4,287 acres

Total intermediate harvest treatments 4,287 acres Total even-aged harvest 6,557 acres Grand Total Timber Harvest Treatments (Uneven-aged Plus Even-aged Totals Above) 9,360 acres

Other Treatments Prescribed fire and mechanical treatment to enhance oak habitat 110 acres Land clearing to convert forest to permanent upland openings2 29 acres Land clearing to expand existing permanent upland openings2 41 acres Softwood release for deer wintering habitat improvement2 560 acres Release and prune apple trees2 14 sites, 145 acres Enhance northern long-eared bat habitat2 130 acres



Management Activity Amount Proposed Timber stand improvement To be determined Post-Harvest Treatments Site preparation for natural or artificial regeneration 5,073 acres Tree planting 450 acres Maintenance of permanent upland openings (existing and newly created)2 319 acres

1 Appendix A1 lists the proposed harvest treatments, number of harvest acres for each Compartment/Stand, and the actual treatment acres proposed for each harvest method 2 Appendix A2 lists proposed treatments designed to primarily benefit wildlife habitat

3.1.1 Timber Harvest Treatments Timber harvest treatments proposed within the project area include a total of 9,360 acres of uneven-aged and even-aged harvest treatments using a variety of silvicultural methods. These various harvest treatments are designed to increase the amount of regenerating/early successional, mixed-wood and softwood forest, aspen and oak habitats throughout the project area (see Appendix A1; and Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities).

• There are 2,803 acres of uneven-aged harvest treatments proposed using group selection cuts • There are 6,557 acres of even-aged harvest treatments proposed including regeneration cuts on

2,270 acres (shelterwood, seed tree, and clearcut) and intermediate cuts on 4,287 acres (thinning and improvement cuts)

• The timber harvest activities would be implemented with commercial timber sales: o There would be multiple timber sales of various sizes implemented within a 5 to 7 year

period o There would be an estimated 69,700 hundred cubic feet (CCF) of sawtimber and

pulpwood harvested from the proposed timber sales; the breakdown of wood products is about 27,900 hundred cubic feet, or 16.7 million board feet of sawtimber; and 41,800 hundred cubic feet, or 52,900 cords of pulpwood

Forest Habitat Composition and Age Class Distribution The 9,360 acres of timber harvest treatments proposed are designed to address forest habitat composition and age class distribution objectives. Specifically, these treatments would:

• Increase regenerating/early successional habitat through shelterwood, seed tree, and clearcut on 2,270 acres

• Enhance and increase softwood habitat, and enhance structural diversity through approximately 2,803 acres of group selection with improvement cuts in hardwood, mixed-wood, and softwood stands

• Enhance late successional habitats in the Diverse Backcountry and Remote Wildlife Habitat Management Areas through 603 acres of thinning to extend the growth and longevity of trees in areas of extended rotations of 150 to 200 years

• Remove non-native Norway spruce or red pine plantations: o Clearcut 75 acres of non-native softwood plantations to convert to native softwoods o Land clear 25 acres of non-native softwood plantation to convert to permanent upland

openings, mostly adjacent to existing small openings (part of the 70 acres of new permanently upland openings proposed, see other forest habitat treatments below)

• Increase and enhance the aspen/birch and oak habitats: o Clearcut 41 acres to regenerate and increase aspen habitat o Enhance oak habitat on up to 110 acres through shelterwood, group selection, and

intermediate harvest treatments within two separate areas (near Mayo Meadows and



Contest Trail); harvests would be in conjunction with proposed prescribed fire and mechanical treatment activities (see other forest habitat treatments below)

Timber Stand Improvement Upon further field investigation, the proposal may include timber stand improvement (pre-commercial thinning) on stands that may need treatment to improve the composition, structure, condition, health and growth of young even-aged stands:

• Within these stands, crop trees of desired species would be selected on a spacing of about 16 x 16 feet

• Less desirable competing trees touching the crowns of the crop trees would be cut away to allow for better growth of crop trees selected to become part of a future commercial harvest

Transportation Network A comprehensive road system was designed as part of timber harvest planning to determine areas where log landings, skid routes and other transportation infrastructure may be established to implement timber harvest activities (see Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities; and Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities). Specifically:

• The existing National Forest System, town and state road system would be used for log truck access and logging equipment access to log landings

• Construction of new system roads and temporary haul roads would be needed to complement the existing road system to access timber stands proposed for treatment (see the Transportation proposal for details)

• Existing log landings and skid roads/trails that meet current Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines would be used again for harvest activities

• New log landings, and skid roads/trails would be constructed in locations needed to access all areas being considered for harvest; landings are typically between one-quarter and one-half acre in size

Post-Harvest Activities The following activities are proposed as connected actions after completion of initial timber harvest treatments to address forest habitat and timber resource needs: Site Preparation for Natural or Artificial Regeneration There are 5,073 acres of site preparation proposed to provide for natural or artificial regeneration of stands proposed for harvest using the shelterwood, seed tree, clearcut, and group selection methods:

• Eliminate or reduce competition from residual vegetation from one to six inches diameter at breast height that may be bent or broken, not commercially valuable, or less desirable:

o Cutting saplings with hand tools would be the primary site preparation treatment option o Cut-stump application of herbicide such as glyphosate or triclopyr to control beech

regeneration may be considered as another site preparation option o Prescribed fire may also be used to diminish competing species in pine, oak, aspen/ paper

birch, and blueberry habitat o The use of fire or herbicide alone or in combination with hand tools would be considered

on a stand by stand basis depending on residual vegetative conditions following harvest of merchantable trees

• Treatment implementation would be within one year following the harvest of the stand



Tree Planting Tree stocking surveys would be conducted on 450 acres in stands proposed for clearcut following the first and third year of harvest to monitor regeneration success. If stocking surveys determine natural regeneration is not adequate in any of the regenerated harvest treatment areas, tree planting by hand would be necessary:

• Plant a mix of native softwood species on 8 x 8 foot spacing in areas proposed for regeneration to softwoods or mixed-wood

3.1.2 Other Forest Habitat Treatments The proposal includes a wide variety of other treatments that would provide additional habitat diversity to benefit wildlife across the project area (see Appendix A2; Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities). Enhance Oak Habitat with Prescribed Fire and Mechanical Treatment The project would include treatments to maintain and improve red oak communities on up to 110 acres on multiple stands within two separate areas (Mayo Meadow and Contest Trail). Prescribed fire would be the method to regenerate oak followed by mechanical treatment of beech and maple to reduce competition where it is favorable to increase the oak vegetation. The boundaries for these treatments would take advantage of topography and other features such as trails to maintain prescribed fire control lines. These treatments overlay where some shelterwood, group selection, and intermediate harvest treatments are also proposed. Increase Permanent Upland Openings The proposal includes the initial harvest or mechanical mastication of trees to convert existing forest to permanent upland openings on a total of 70 acres:

• Create five new permanent upland openings for a combined total of 29 acres • Expand six existing openings for a combined total of 41 acres • The initial timber harvest would be followed by further clearing to complete the process to

convert areas of forested stands to permanent upland openings for early-successional habitat: o Remove all timber vegetation including small non-merchantable trees with the intent of

not regenerating trees o Leave stumps in the openings and pile and /or burn slash o Create a diversity of habitat for wildlife in the cleared areas by leaving interspersed

patches of uncut trees Maintenance of Permanent Upland Openings The proposal includes the maintenance of existing and newly created permanent upland openings to promote early successional habitat on 319 acres within the project area:

• Existing openings (15 separate stands) totaling 249 acres, and new and expanded openings totaling 70 acres; maintenance would include:

o Cutting saplings one to six inches diameter breast height that are not retained for wildlife o Conducting maintenance of newly created permanent openings through mechanical

mowing or mastication; cutting with chainsaws, brush saws, or hand tools; prescribed burning; or a combination of these treatment methods

o Treating openings one to three times over a period of five to seven years



Deer Wintering Habitat Improvement (Softwood Release) The proposal includes the non-commercial thinning of hardwood trees to release softwood species at three deer wintering areas (east of Corporation Road, south of State Garage Road, and east of Tupper Terrace) totaling about 560 acres. The treatment would use chainsaws to remove low quality hardwoods that are suppressing groups of softwood saplings and poles. Maintain Apple Trees The proposal includes the release and pruning of apple trees at 14 known sites covering about 145 total acres within the project area. If more apple trees are discovered during project planning and implementation, they would be included for release and pruning. Treatment would include hand tool removal of over-topping trees that shade the apples, as well as small saplings and pole-size trees near or under the canopy of individual apple trees. Bat Habitat Improvement The proposal includes the creation of snags on 130 acres of northern long-eared bat summer habitat where there is less than three existing snags per acre. Three treatment areas are located along the White River. The types of snags and damaged trees used as roosts by northern long-eared bats vary in size and species. Trees chosen for snag creation would be mechanically girdled by chainsaw. Rochester School Forest A deer wintering area comprised of young Norway spruce spans across the Rochester School Forest and National Forest System lands past Flanders Hill Road along Bingo Brook. The proposal includes collaborating with the Rochester School and VT Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct habitat improvement activities to encourage existing, but marginal, deer winter habitat. This would entail removal of competition species through single tree or group selection (hardwood, pine) providing a reduction of hazardous fuels that have built up along this Wildland Urban Interface multi-use area. Working across land owner boundaries with selected management activities would provide for:

• Conservation education to the Rochester School highlighting forestry and wildlife management • A more resilient and healthy forested landscape • The reduction of hazardous fuels

3.2 Fisheries and Water The proposal consists of treatments designed to improve aquatic habitat including the placement of large woody debris in streams, providing aquatic passage through culverts, restoration of the White River channel and associated riparian areas, and channel stabilization along Bingo Brook (see Map 4, Proposed Action Watershed, Soil, and Other Activities). Placement of Large Woody Debris Total large woody debris placement would be done in approximately 62.3 miles of stream within the project area (see Table 8):

• Increase existing instream large woody debris amounts to between 75 and 130 pieces per mile (greater than 12 inches diameter), and 100 pieces per mile (between 8 to 12 inches in diameter)

• Trees along each stream would be used as a source of large woody debris; of the trees to be felled, about half would be a minimum of 12 inch diameter at breast height with the other half between 8 to 12 inches diameter breast height

• The primary placement of trees would be accomplished through directional felling with chain saws



• In the largest stream channels, a grip hoist would be used to pull over trees so that roots remain attached and reduce the potential for flood flows to move them downstream

• A grip hoist or log carrier may be used to assist in placing the trees in desired stream locations • Heavy equipment may be used to place large woody debris where it is next to the road

Table 8. Streams where large woody debris placement is proposed

Stream Name (includes tributaries) Proposed Miles of Large Woody Debris Placement

Bingo Brook 13.7 Smith Brook 2.2 Brandon Brook 3.9

Chittenden Brook 14.7 Corporation Brook 10.1 Guernsey Brook 5.7 White River and West Branch tributaries 8.0 Tunnel Brook 4.0

Total in Project Area 62.3

A key component used in the stream restoration process is the use of large woody debris with root wads attached to create engineered log jams. The proposal includes the use of mature Norway spruce harvested from Compartment 9, stand 110. Heavy equipment would be used to remove these trees with the root wads attached. They would then be trucked to and used for stream/river restoration work where the need is most warranted. Provide Aquatic Organism Passage Twelve existing culverts are proposed for replacement along roads with structures that would allow for aquatic organism passage and flood flow resiliency (see Table 9). Fish passage improvement work would require the use of heavy equipment. Table 9. Proposed culvert replacement

Road Stream Number of Culverts to

Replace Jurisdiction

Forsha Road (TH-3/FR 228) Guernsey Brook 1 Town of Pittsfield Liberty Hill Road (TH-2/FR 223) Guernsey Brook 2 Town of Pittsfield

Thresher Hill Road (FR 62) Bingo Brook 3 Forest Service Wes Young Drive Brook St. Brook 1 Town of Rochester

Middle Hollow Road Brook St. Brook 1 Town of Rochester Mt Cushman Road Brook St. Brook 1 Town of Rochester River Brook Road River Brook 1 Town of Rochester

Brandon Brook Road (FR 222) Brandon Brook 1 Forest Service Private Road (connecting to Emerson Way) White River tributary 1 Private

Total in Project Area 12



White River Channel Restoration The proposal would restore structural components of the White River by installing complexes of large woody debris and boulders in the channel and on the floodplain, create wetlands and off-channel habitat, and stabilize river banks (see Table 10). The restoration work would require the use heavy equipment. Table 10. Proposed White River restoration

Site Name Reach Length (feet)

Large Woody Debris

Off Channel Habitat

Wetland Creation Jurisdiction

Eatons Mill 300 Yes Yes Yes Private Talcville 650 Yes Yes No Forest Service

Tupper Terraces 1,500 Yes Yes Yes Forest Service Auction Barn 550 Yes No No Forest Service

Elm Planting The proposal includes the planting of Dutch elm disease resistant American elm cultivars in locations along the White River that would be allowed to mature into riparian forest, and act as a source for future restoration efforts.

• The plantings would occur at seven sites along the White River between Tupper Terraces and Peavine

• The application of herbicide (aquatic safe glyphosate compound) one or two times per year within a two foot radius of each tree would be necessary until the saplings become established

Bingo Brook Stabilization near Kings Pond The proposal includes working with private landowners to stabilize the Bingo Brook channel just upstream from Kings Pond. Stabilization work would consist of placement of large woody debris jams to stop erosion of the right bank downstream of the Brown property, open access to flood chutes and create off channel habitat in the left floodplain, and plant trees in the riparian buffer on the right bank. Work would be completed with heavy machinery. 3.3 Soil and Wetlands The proposal includes management activities to improve soil and wetland conditions within the project area (see Table 11, Map 4, Proposed Action Watershed, Soil, and Other Activities). Improvement activities would require a combination of hand tools and heavy equipment, and would occur during the summer. Seeding and mulching would follow all soil-disturbing activity associated with heavy equipment where necessary.

Table 11. Proposed activities to improve soil and wetland conditions

Location Description of Activity

Fassett Trail As part of the decommissioning activity stabilize severe washouts, head cutting and erosion by blocking with trees, brushing-in, and installing drainage features.

Ash Hill Trail Improve existing and install new drainage features to minimize erosion due to the steep grade.

Pine Brook Trail Out-slope the trail where necessary, and install additional drainage features to minimize erosion due to the steep grade.

Contest Trail Replace one failing culvert, and install switchbacks to reduce the steep section of trail at the Mayo Meadow portion of the trail.

Chittenden Brook Trail and Chittenden Brook Campground Spur

Increase the number of water bars and uphill side ditches to improve drainage and reduce erosion. Relocate sections to address increasing erosion and landslides.




Skid trail within Comp 8 Stand 108 The skid trails are located off of Bingo Brook Road (FR 42). Install drainage features and out-slope to address active erosion.

Liberty Hill Road and Forsha Road Install water bars and other drainage features to address active erosion. Tupper Terrace Remove old culvert and install drainage features on the old skid road above

Tupper Terrace. General skid trails and haul roads throughout project area

Loosen and reshape up to 10 miles of existing old skid trail and haul roads to restore soil function and hydrology where soil is degraded from prior or proposed logging activity; final needs pending actual skid trail and haul road use to complete proposed timber sales.

3.4 Recreation The proposal includes management activities to provide increased recreation opportunities within the project area including trail and developed recreation (see Tables 12, 13, 14 and 15; and Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities). Proposed Trail Activities – Managed Use Changes Table 12 shows proposed changes to managed use of existing trails within the project area. Table 12. Proposed trail managed use to increase recreation opportunities

Trail Name Length (miles)

Current Managed Use Additional Use and Associated Activity

Pine Brook Trail

4.4 Hike, Bike, Ski, snowshoe

Add equestrian use. Out-slope the trail and install additional water bars to minimize erosion.

Swan’s Mill Trail; and Tunnel Brook Trail

5.9 and 5.4

Snowmobile Add mountain bike use on portions of the Swan’s Mill and Tunnel Brook Trails at the following locations: 1) a 1.8 mile portion of Tunnel Brook from the intersection with the Swan's Mill Trail north to Hancock; and. 2) a 3.1 mile portion of the Swan's Mill Trail from the proposed new Vermont Mountain Bike Association state-wide connector trail north to the intersection with the Tunnel Brook Trail. Opportunities to control erosion from summer use need review but could include additional drainage feature installation or small relocations.

Long Trail

6.6

Hike Add cross-country ski use on the Long Trail from Vermont State Route 73 south to the junction with the Chittenden Brook Trail (2.3 miles). This is an administrative action as no physical ground work is needed.

CCC Camp Trail

1.9 Snowmobile Add equestrian use on a portion of the CCC Camp Trail from Vermont State Route 73 north for 0.5 miles to the junction with Wing Farm Road. The intent for managing this trail for horse use is to create a loop with Wing Farm Road (Town Highway 39 and Maple Hill Road (Town Highways 14 and 31).



Proposed Trail Activities – New Trails Table 13 shows new trails that are proposed to be designated or constructed within the project area. Table 13. New trails proposed to increase recreation opportunities

Managed Use Length (miles) Description of Activity

Water 9.5 Designate the White River, between the Riverbend and Peavine Day Use Areas, as a National Forest System water trail. Includes installing recreational and informational signage as needed.

Mountain Bike 15.0 Construct, reconstruct or add use to existing trail for a new mountain bike trail providing connectivity between the Towns of Pittsfield and Rochester as part of a larger state-wide connection initiative. The trails would be managed as Class 3 mountain bike trails and would be constructed to Forest Service design standards.

Activities would include the use of an excavator and/or hand crews to construct drainage structures and to define the tread to a trail width of 3-4 feet. Activities also include de-brushing, felling of trees, and sign installations at trailheads, trail intersections, and along the trail. Infrastructure at stream crossings may include bridges, hardened fords or culverts.

Proposed Trail Activities – Decommission Trails Table 14 shows trails that are proposed to be decommissioned within the project area. Table 14. Existing trails proposed to be decommissioned

Trail Name Length (miles) Managed Use Rationale to

Decommission Description of Activity

Maple Hill Trail

0.6 Snowmobile Trail overlays a town road where the Forest Service does not have jurisdiction.

None needed.

Guernsey Brook Trail

2.4 Snowmobile Trail overlays a town road where the Forest Service does not have jurisdiction.

None needed.

Bear Brook Trail

0.5 Snowshoe, Hike

Trail not currently maintained.

Allow trail to continue to naturally revegetate.

Smith Brook Trail

2.2 Snowshoe, Hike

Trail has not been managed as a trail for over a decade.

None needed.

Philadelphia Peak Trail

1.8 Administrative Administrative trails are not to be identified as part of the public transportation system.

Allow trail to naturally revegetate. Two signs need removed at the intersection with the Pine Brook Trail.

Fassett Basin Trail

2.0 Hike The trail has experienced numerous washouts due to an unsustainable trail design within a steep drainage. This trail currently has extensive damage, including over 1,000 feet where there is no trail tread, and repairs necessary to bring the trail to standard are too costly for the level of use.

Restoration activities would be conducted to improve the ecological processes of the watershed resource, including: block entrance utilizing on-site vegetation and install drainage (water bars).

Rochester High School Trail

0.2 Hike Trail managed as part of Rochester High School cross country race course that is no longer used by the school.

None needed.



Proposed Developed Recreation Activities Table 15 shows proposed activities to improve existing and provide new developed recreation sites within the project area. Table 15. Proposed developed recreation activities

Facility Description of Activity

Chittenden Brook Campground

Decommission the amphitheater. Activities would include removing non-native infrastructure and dispersing natural materials.

Construct a hut/cabin providing year-round use on an existing camping site or within the footprint of the existing campground. The cabin may include amenities such as a direct vent propane stove, solar powered compost toilet, and solar/propane lights. The hut would be available for reservation and a partner/SUP holder would assist with maintenance.

Construct a three-sided “lean-to” shelter at an existing campground site. This shelter would serve as the host site during periods of host occupancy or could be reserved when not occupied by a host.

Improve the existing parking spaces for individual campsites. Improvements may include re-grading and re-surfacing the parking sites with gravel material using standard road maintenance equipment.

Backcountry Recreation Areas

Disperse backcountry recreation skiing and riding by developing additional backcountry recreation areas and designating the areas as snowpark developed recreation sites. The additional backcountry areas would be clustered into two areas. The first area would be in close proximity to Chittenden Brook Campground and the Brandon Gap Backcountry Area and would consist of six zones totaling approximately 250 acres. The second area is located directly west of the Rochester Ranger District station and consists of three zones totaling approximately 150 acres.

Any new backcountry ski area designation would be contingent on monitoring existing use for this activity at Brandon Gap and no unacceptable adverse resource effects are observed.

The treatment areas within these zones, known as skiable lines (locations where skier traffic will be encouraged), would be identified and vegetation may be removed from within these lines to increase space for skier traffic. Specifically, management activities would include removal, thinning and trimming of vegetation to create and enhance skiable lines within the identified zones to a width of 15 to 30 feet but would not include the removal of all trees within that line. Trees would be retained within these lines in order to maintain a closed canopy and the characteristics desirable for a backcountry skiing experience.

Sunrise Shelter Replace the Sunrise Shelter along the Long Trail with a new shelter (in-kind) near the junction of Chittenden Brook Trail and Long Trail, 1.7 miles south of Vermont State Route 73.

Bingo Brook Campground and CCC’s Camp

Improve/expand existing parking lots at Bingo Brook Campground Sites 2 and 6 and CCC’s Camp to accommodate large vehicles or vehicles pulling long trailers. Improvements would include enlarging the existing parking areas by removing trees and vegetative material as needed, excavation and shaping of the expanded area, and installation of approximately six inches of new road gravel on the new parking area surface. Additionally, convert Bingo Brook Campground Site 1 to a three-season parking area with a kiosk and donation tube. Identify a new camp site location to replace Site 1 and avoid a net loss in overnight stay sites.

Concentrated Use Area: Camping Area

Designate a Concentrated Use Area: Camping Area, defined as a primitive site managed for overnight use with minimal improvements, at the site of the historical Boy Scout camp site located on the western side of the White River, southeast of Tupper Terrace and west of Auction Barn Flats. The campsite may include wayfinding signage, fire ring, picnic table, hardened tent pad (using on site materials), and signage to service paddlers on the proposed water trail.



3.5 Visual Quality The proposal includes scenery management treatments at six sites to maintain and enhance viewing opportunities within the project area (see Table 16, and Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities). Table 16. Proposed scenery management treatment

Location Description of Treatment

Along the Ash Hill Trail

Compartment 122, Stand 103 - enhance the vista looking south to Wilcox Peak created by the opening through vegetation management of the existing opening and selective tree removal using chain saws.

Compartment 121, Stand 7 - create a vista looking north east through selective tree cutting and limb removal. View maintenance and enhancement will be done using hand tools or chain saws.

Along the Long Trail

Compartment 113, Stand 103 - south of VT State Route 73 enhance views of existing vista of Mount Horrid looking north from the Long Trail by selective tree cutting and limb removal.

Compartment 127, Stand19 - maintain and enhance views from existing vista looking to the east toward the ridge by selective tree cutting and limb removal.

Compartment 111, Stand 12 - create vista looking to the north by selective tree cutting and limb removal.

Compartment 116, Stand 15 - create a vista looking to the north in coordination with tree cutting for the proposed backcountry ski area.

3.6 Wilderness The proposal includes the removal of the radio repeater and associated infrastructure located atop Philadelphia Peak within the Joseph Battell Wilderness (see Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities). The radio infrastructure would be removed by human and animal power to a staging area just outside of the wilderness boundary. The trails within the wilderness used to remove the infrastructure would be restored with hand tools by brushing in trails with dead and down debris, leveling any obvious ground impacts, and transplanting native trees and shrubs into the trail. The abandoned repeater site would be left to regenerate naturally. In order to not disrupt current radio communication capabilities the actual removal would not occur until new repeater(s) are established and in operation (see Communication Sites proposal). 3.7 Transportation (Roads and Infrastructure) Proposed road construction together with the existing roads under Forest Service, town and state jurisdiction would provide a sustainable transportation network to meet public and administrative access needs within the project area. See Map 2, Proposed Action Vegetation and Wildlife Activities; and Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities for locations of proposed system and temporary road construction, road decommissioning, and other associated road infrastructure. All proposed road activities would be implemented using customary mechanized power equipment and machinery.

System Roads Timber access within the project area would require construction of four Operation Maintenance Level (OML) 1 system roads totaling about 4.64 miles of (see Table 17).



This road level is assigned to intermittent service roads during the time they are closed to vehicular traffic. They would be constructed using native material as well as imported gravel, and drainage structures would be placed as needed. Road width would be 14 feet with ditches or fill slope out to four feet wider than the road surface. Drainage structures would be placed as needed and removed following use. Basic custodial maintenance is performed to keep damage to adjacent resources to an acceptable level and to perpetuate the road to facilitate future management activities.

Temporary Haul Roads Timber access would also require construction of eight temporary haul road segments totaling about 8.6 miles (see Table 18). The construction of this level of road would be in a similar manner as Operational Maintenance Level 1 roads, but instead would be returned to the preexisting condition of the road template upon completion of the timber sale(s) they access. Road Decommissioning Road decommissioning is a means to accomplish a minimum road system that provides safe and efficient travel for administration, utilization, and protection of National Forest System lands. The proposal includes the decommissioning of six existing system roads totaling about 1.52 miles (see Table 19).

Road decommissioning brings the road to a sustainable condition. This includes the removal of all structures, ensuring adequate drainage, scarifying existing road surface to promote vegetative growth and, where needed, stabilize embankments and slopes. The road template would not be removed in its entirety due to the cost prohibitive nature of this work. Forest Road 216 (Ash Hill) is proposed to be removed from the road system for an additional 1.6 miles of system road reduction. This road would not be decommissioned since it also has a trail designation.

Table 17. Proposed OML 1 system road construction

Road Number Road Name Length

(miles)

P413 West Hill Range 1.29 P229B Liberty Hill Spur 0.89 P220 Chittenden Brook

East 0.66

P38 Chittenden Brook West

1.80

Total 4.64

Table 18. Proposed temporary road construction


(miles)

P45 Chittenden Brook 0.81 P216 Ash Hill 0.47 P220 Chittenden Brook East 2.69 P412 Little Pico 0.80 P413 West Hill Range 0.60 P414 West Hill Range Spur 0.45

P429 Bingo Spur 1.62 P629 Thresher Hill 1.16

Total 8.60

Table 19. Roads proposed for decommissioning


(miles)

42C Bingo Site 3 0.11 142 Joe Smith1 0.85 222 Brandon Brook 0.20 222A Brandon Brook Spur 0.15 228A Guernsey Brook Spur 0.15 411 Eaton Mill 0.06

Total 1.52 1 Operation Maintenance Level 1 portion only (milepost 0.15 to 1.0)



Parking Area Construction Three parking areas are proposed for construction or reconstruction to complement the road system within the project area (see Table 20). The surface would be finished with an aggregate surface course and ditches and embankments would be seeded. Appropriate signing would be placed to highlight any special restrictions including handicap parking. Table 20. Proposed Parking Area Construction or Reconstruction


Forest Road 41 Construct new parking area and turn around at the site of the proposed new ending of the road. The parking lot would accommodate 2 to 4 vehicles with adequate space for vehicle turnaround and drainage. Approximate dimensions would be 50 feet by 50 feet.

Forest Road 42 (Bingo Road)

Construct new parking area along Bingo Road near its intersection with Flanders Hill Road at the site of the existing informational kiosk.

Forest Road 45 (Chittenden Brook Road)

Reconstruct the parking area at the beginning of the road to a single point access to VT Route 73. This parking area would be reconstructed in the same foot print but restricted to one ingress/egress point.

Gate Placement/Relocation Two new gates are proposed to restrict seasonal access (one each on Forest Road 42 and Forest Road 216). The Forest Road 42 gate would be placed near the intersection with Forest Road 62. The Forest Road 216 gate would be located at milepost 0.01. No turn around or parking would be provided at this location. The gates would be placed on concrete foundations that require a 4 foot x 4 foot x 5 foot deep hole. The existing gate on Forest Road 62 would be removed. The gate at the end of Forest Road 41 would be removed and boulders placed at the proposed new ending of that road. 3.8 Heritage Resources In partnership with the Rochester Historical Society, and in consultation with the Vermont State Historic Preservation Office, rehabilitate the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp shop building to conditions approximating its original appearance. The CCC Camp is located on north side of VT Route 73 about 2.8 miles west of the intersection of VT Route 73 and VT Route 100 (see Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities). The project would consist of the following activities which would be phased in over time as resources are made available.

• Removal of improvements made during the 1980’s and 1990’s including such alterations as interior walls, insulation, and electrical conduit

• Removal of the outhouse structure from the rear of the building and make repairs to the rear wall • Removal of the T111 siding from outside of the building • Replacement of the siding to either its original specification or a material utilized on CCC era

structures (the original siding was tar paper) • Restoration of all window locations and replacement with new windows constructed to match the

original design • Restoration of original door locations and reconstruction or refurbishing of doors to original

appearance and specification • Installation of interpretive panels on/in the facility interpreting the history of the CCC and the

Rochester CCC Camp • Repairs to foundation and flooring as needed



• Installation of basic electric service A Forest Service/Rochester Historical Society partnership would be formalized following a decision on the project. The project activity would take place over a number of years as appropriated funding and grant funding are made available. 3.9 Special Uses The proposal includes six special use permit related activities (see Table 21; Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities; and Map 4, Proposed Action Watershed, Soil, and Other Activities). Table 21. Proposed special use permit related activities

National Forest Use Description of Special Use Authorization

Great Hawk private trail The Great Hawk Owners Association cleared this trail on National Forest System land in 2006 (or before). It has never been under a special use permit. As the trail is already in existence, there would be no change on the ground with the issuance of a permit.

Rochester School Forest Access

The Rochester School Forest is surrounded on three sides by National Forest System land, and bounded on the fourth by Bingo Brook. Numerous past attempts to bridge Bingo Brook from Bingo Brook Road have resulted in washed bridges due to the dramatic seasonal changes in water levels in the brook. This project would identify a sustainable trail location to that property crossing National Forest System land from either Flanders Hill Road or Pine Brook Road.

Tunnel Brook right-of-way Most private land owners along the Tunnel Brook Trail must cross National Forest System land at some point to access their property. The access roads already exist, but either have never been under a special use permit, or have changed ownership. There would be no change on the ground with the issuance of these permits.

McGuffin reciprocal right-of-way

The Forest Service would like to maintain access to the site of the potential Corporation Mountain repeater site. To do so, there would be a need to cross the private land of Lloyd McGuffin. Mr. McGuffin is interested in having his driveway cross the National Forest. This project would issue a reciprocal right-of-way easement, granting both parties the access that they desire.

Private land access The Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act requires that the Forest Service authorize access sufficient to allow reasonable use of surrounded private land. There are several inholdings within the project area that currently do not have special use permits granting them access. This project would reach out to those land owners, determine if a permit is needed, and issue permits where necessary.

Maple tapping Oxbow Maple, LLC has submitted a special use application to operate an 800 acre sugarbush east of Corporation Mountain. They propose up to 42,000 maple taps, and 26,000 birch taps on National Forest System lands. Sap lines are proposed to be hung 4 feet above the ground. Access to the area would by all-terrain vehicle using old logging and skid trails.

3.10 Communication Sites The proposal includes establishing radio repeater infrastructure and access at two separate sites (Corporation Mountain and Braintree Mountain Range) to replace radio coverage lost with the removal of the Philadelphia Peak repeater (see Table 22; and Map 3, Proposed Action Recreation, Transportation, & Communication Activities). Infrastructure at each site would include the radio repeater equipment, associated shelter, antenna and mast, and solar panels. A clearing of approximately 1/4 to 1/2 acre would be needed to accommodate the facility although the footprint of the actual shelter housing the repeater equipment would be less than 50 square feet. The 20 to 50 foot antenna would be the only part of the infrastructure visible off-site. Actual antenna height would be dependent on surrounding trees. Establishment of the infrastructure at each site would be by all-terrain vehicle, helicopter or a combination of both.



Permanent access is needed for initial radio repeater establishment and continued maintenance. At a minimum, access should provide for safe all-terrain vehicle use, i.e., acceptable slopes with proper water diversion structures, and vegetation free width up to six feet. If crossing state or private land, access routes would be secured through permanent easement or road use agreement. Table 22. Proposed establishment of and access to communication sites

Location Access Description

The peak of Corporation Mountain at 3,142 feet on National Forest System land

There are up to four possible access routes to this site (access still needs to be field verified for all options): 1. From the west via vehicle by Forest Road 45 (Chittenden Brook

Road) and Forest Road 142 (Joseph Smith Road), and then the last 0.75 to 1.0 mile by all-terrain vehicle route up steep slopes all on National Forest System land.

2. From the east via vehicle by Forest Road 226 (Corporation Road) and a woods road crossing National Forest System and private lands, and then the last 0.75 mile by all-terrain vehicle route up steep slopes on NFS land.

3. From the east via vehicle by Forest Road 226 and across private land, and the last 0.75 mile up steep slopes on National Forest System land (this route is slightly to the north of option 2 & could share the same route where it ascends Corporation Mountain).

4. From the south from Forest Road 35 along a woods road over the gap just west of Round Mountain and below the Corporation Mountain ridge, the last o.25 mile by all-terrain vehicle route up steep slopes all on National Forest System land.

The peak along the Braintree Mountain Range at 2,901 feet (known locally as Skidoo Peak) on land owned and managed by the New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) in the Town of Braintree.

It should be noted that the repeater site could be located at any point along the ridge from Skidoo Peak to the Braintree Mountain peak to the north if the radio analysis can confirm coverage would not be diminished.

Access would be along Laroque Road (TH 43) beginning at Riford Brook Road (TH 46). Access along this Class 4 town road now stops at the stream crossing within Aaron Larocque’s property where the bridge was washed out during tropical storm Irene. To circumvent this crossing, the proposal is to use the private road through his property where it ties in with Legal Trail 10 and then along a woods road running northwest on NEFF lands to the Rochester Area Sports Trail Alliance (RASTA) backcountry ski cabin. This point is accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicle. From here to the ridge is accessible only by all-terrain vehicle. Total access length is about 1.9 miles.

This site would require an annual lease agreement with NEFF for the repeater infrastructure. A permanent road easement or road use agreement across Aaron Larocque and NEFF property would also be needed to guarantee maintenance access. The specific instrument including terms and conditions still need to be investigated.


Robinson Integrated Resource Project Page A1-1 Scoping Information

Appendix A1. Proposed Timber and Forest Habitat Treatments This appendix provides the harvest treatment method proposed for each Compartment and Stand within the Management Areas where timber management is allowed in the Robinson project area (Diverse Forest Use, Diverse Backcountry, and Remote Wildlife Habitat). Uneven-aged Management There are a total of 2,803 acres of uneven-age harvest treatments proposed (see Table A1-1). An uneven-age silvicultural system involves management of a forest to simultaneously maintain a continuous high-forest cover, recurring regeneration of desirable species, orderly growth and development of trees through a range of diameter or age classes, and to provide a sustained yield of forest products. The cutting method proposed for the Robinson project to develop this type of forest type is group selection with improvement cutting and is identified by the following criteria:

• Uneven-age regeneration method used in mixed-wood, high variable stands: diverse and complex stand structure is identified by three or more cohorts. Stands tend to have separate components of northern hardwood and softwood that can be observed in clumps or patches. Some areas have a high basal area and others are very sparse. Past disturbances or un-even age management has created this forest structure.

• Regeneration method used for conversion: northern hardwood to mixed-wood, mixed-wood to softwood, and to maintain mixed-wood and softwood stands, when 100 to 300 trees per acre of softwood regeneration potential exists. This method creates various size openings or groups over potential regeneration areas, while leaving trees in surrounding areas to create an environment more suitable for shade tolerant species.

Group selection removes trees in a small area that vary in size from 1/10 acre to three acres. The smaller openings that would be created would provide an environment suitable for regenerating shade tolerant species and larger openings would provide conditions suitable for regenerating more shade intolerant species such as aspen or oak. Some areas identified for this treatment method are within larger groups of stands where even-aged regeneration is also proposed. In these situations, the group selection treatment areas would be identified as a “Block” in the treatment method column in the table below. The treatment stand would be ≥ 10 acres, and would provide manageable areas between those stands proposed for even-age regeneration harvest methods on areas ≤ 30 acres. The actual areas identified for group selection would be determined during project layout.

Table A1-1. Proposed group selection harvest treatments GROUP SELECTION

Comp Stand(s) Acres Forest Type Treatment Method1 Harvest Acres

Management Area

8 1 21 Mixed-wood Group Selection/ Improve Cut to regenerate Red Spruce

21 Diverse Backcountry


47 Diverse Forest Use



8 57, 61, 66, 92, 103, 273, 532, 515

229 N. Hardwood Group Selection to regenerate mixed-wood in 5 Blocks






Management Area









8 85, 514 50 N. Hardwood Group Selection to regenerate mixed-wood in 1 Block














8 143 55 N. Hardwood Group Selection to regenerate mixed-wood in 1 Block
















9 11 20 N. Hardwood Group Selection/ Improve Cut to regenerate Red Spruce

20 Remote Wildlife Habitat











Management Area





9 90 29 Softwood Group Selection/ Improve Cut to regenerate Red Spruce


9 100, 207, 104 44 N. Hardwood Group Selection to regenerate mixed-wood in 1 Block




























9 300, 301, 351 115 N. Hardwood Group Selection to regenerate mixed-wood n 2 Blocks
















Management Area

























10 141 41 N. Hardwood Group Selection to regenerate mixed-wood in 1 Block


10 150, 241, 247, 562, 581

136 N. Hardwood Group Selection to regenerate mixed-wood in 3 Blocks




10 163, 235, 339 99 N. Hardwood Group Selection to regenerate mixed-wood in 2 Blocks


10 168, 174, 181, 321, 322, 582,

146 N. Hardwood Group Selection to regenerate mixed-wood n 3 Blocks




10 171 85 N. Hardwood Group Selection to regenerate mixed-wood in 2 Blocks














Management Area



































Total 4,046 2,803 1A Block consists of a group selection treatment stand that is ≥ 10 acres, which buffers between even-aged regeneration harvest units ≤ 30 acres.

Even-aged Management There are a total of about 6,557 acres of even-age harvest treatments proposed (see Tables A1-2, A1-3, A1-4, and A1-5). An even-age silvicultural system produces stands in which all trees are about the same age; that is, the difference in age between trees forming the main crown canopy level will usually not exceed 20 percent of the rotation length. Even-aged treatments consist of the regeneration and intermediate harvest methods.



Regeneration harvest treatments remove trees from the stand, usually of some advanced age, to create conditions that will allow the forest to renew or reproduce (regenerate) itself. Types of regeneration harvests include shelterwood, seed tree, and clearcut methods. Shelterwood Harvest Treatments There are about 1,793 acres of shelterwood harvest treatments proposed in the Robinson project (see Table A1-2). There are two methods that can be applied when shelterwood harvest treatments are proposed:

• Standard shelterwood treatments are used primarily in the northern hardwood forest type when the stand is near or over rotation age (mature), sparse, low quality, has health concerns, and is decreasing productivity. Standard shelterwood treatments could include: 1) an optional preparatory cut to enhance conditions for seed production; 2) an establishment cut to prepare the seed bed and to create a new age class; and 3) a removal cut to release established regeneration from competition with the overstory. Approximately two-thirds of the trees would be removed from the stand. The remaining trees provide seed and shaded “shelter” to the new crop of understory trees, and would normally be removed in about three to five years following initial harvest. This final harvest is referred to as an overstory removal.

• Deferred shelterwood with reserves is a variation of the standard shelterwood method used when two age classes or cohorts occur. The first age class is the mature overstory and the second age class is a young pole sized desirable species such as sugar maple. This method leaves the advanced regeneration while leaving some trees in the overstory to create seed, shade, and structure for shade tolerant species. Approximately two-thirds of the trees would be removed within these stands. The remaining trees provide seed and shade to the new crop of understory shade tolerant trees. No overstory removal would occur. The remaining portion of the stand is retained at least 20 percent into the next rotation of the new stand, usually 40 to 60 years and could be removed at that time during the first thinning of the new stand as larger sawtimber.

Some areas identified for this treatment method are within larger groups of stands where uneven-aged harvest treatments are also proposed. In these situations, the shelterwood harvest treatment areas would be identified as a “Block” in the treatment method column in the table below. The shelterwood treatment stand would be ≤ 30 acres, which is separated from other regeneration harvest treatments by a manageable uneven-aged harvest treatment stand that is ≥ 10 acres. The actual areas identified for shelterwood harvest and what method to use (standard or deferred with reserves) would be determined during project layout.

Table A1-2. Proposed shelterwood harvest treatments SHELTERWOOD


Management Area

8 57, 61, 66, 92, 103, 273, 515, 532

229 N. Hardwood Shelterwood to regenerate N. Hardwood in 6 Blocks


8 85, 514 50 N. Hardwood Shelterwood to regenerate N. Hardwood in 2 Blocks


8 138 10 N. Hardwood Shelterwood to regenerate N. Hardwood






Management Area

8 143 55 N. Hardwood Shelterwood to regenerate N. Hardwood in 2 Blocks
















9 92 11 Mixed-wood Shelterwood to regenerate mixed-wood














9 300, 301, 351 115 N. Hardwood Shelterwood to regenerate N. Hardwood in 3 Blocks




















Management Area



















10 141 41 N. Hardwood Shelterwood to regenerate N. Hardwood in 1 Block


10 144, 328, 535 38 N. Hardwood Shelterwood to regenerate N. Hardwood in 1 Block




10 150, 241, 247, 562, 581







10 171 85 N. Hardwood Shelterwood to regenerate N. Hardwood in 3 Blocks




















Management Area

10 321, 168, 174, 181, 322, 582







Total 2,119 1,793 1A "Block” consists of a shelterwood regeneration harvest unit ≤ 30 acres, which is separated from other regeneration treatments by an uneven-age harvest treatment stand that is ≥ 10 acres.

Seed Tree Harvest Treatments The seed tree harvest method removes most of the mature timber from an area in one cut except for a small number of desirable trees retained to provide seed or shelter for regeneration. This method is primarily proposed in the Robinson project to promote white pine regeneration potential. About 10 to 20 basal area of white pine trees would be left to create a seed source to regenerate this forest type. There are about 27 acres of seed tree harvest treatments proposed in the Robinson project (see Table A1-3).

Table A1-3. Proposed seed tree harvest treatments SEED TREE

Comp Stand Acres Forest Type Treatment Method Harvest Acres

Management Area

8 134 6 Mixed-wood Seed-Tree to regenerate Softwood (White Pine)






Total 27 27 Clearcut Harvest Treatments The clearcut harvest method removes most trees from a stand; however, uncut patches totaling approximately five percent of the harvested area would be retained to meet wildlife, visual, soil, and water quality Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines. There are about 450 acres of clearcut harvest treatments proposed in the Robinson project area (see Table A1-4) to regenerate aspen and paper birch, release existing softwood regeneration, and regenerate hardwood stands from stands that are low quality and high risk. This regeneration method would be used to convert existing forest types to achieve desired composition objectives:

• Convert northern hardwood to softwood when the northern hardwood is mature, sparse, or low quality and there is ≥ 300 trees per acre of red spruce regeneration potential.

• Convert mixed-wood to softwood when the mixed-wood is mature, sparse, or low quality and there is ≥ 300 trees per acre of red spruce regeneration potential.



• Convert non-native softwood species to native softwood to convert Norway spruce or red pine to red spruce or white pine by natural regeneration or planting.

• Convert northern hardwood to aspen/paper birch when the northern hardwood is mature, sparse, or low quality and aspen/paper birch regeneration potential is observed.

Some areas identified for this regeneration treatment method are within larger groups of stands where uneven-aged harvest treatments may also be proposed. In these situations, the clearcut harvest treatment area would be identified as a “Block” in the treatment method column in the table below. The clearcut treatment stand would be ≤ 30 acres, which is separated from other regeneration harvest treatments by a manageable uneven-aged harvest treatment stand that is ≥ 10 acres. The actual areas identified for the clearcut harvest treatment would be determined during project layout.

Table A1-4. Proposed clearcut harvest treatments CLEARCUT


Management Area

8 34 7 Mixed-wood Clearcut conversion to Softwood (Red Spruce)


8 35 13 Red Pine Clearcut conversion to Softwood (Red Spruce)






8 96 10 Norway Spruce

Clearcut conversion to Softwood (Red Spruce)






8 150 18 Mixed-wood Clearcut to regenerate Softwood (Red Spruce)








9 73, 102 48 N. Hardwood Clearcut conversion to mixed-wood in 2 Blocks


9 93 15 Softwood Clearcut to regenerate Softwood (Red Spruce)




9 100, 104, 207 44 N. Hardwood Clearcut conversion to Softwood (Red Spruce) in 2 Blocks




Table A1-4. Proposed clearcut harvest treatments CLEARCUT


Management Area

9 110 11 Norway Spruce

Clearcut conversion to Softwood (Red Spruce)


9 171 9 Mixed-wood Clearcut conversion to Aspen, Paper Birch


9 176 8 Mixed-wood Clearcut conversion to Aspen, White Pine


9 204 8 N. Hardwood Clearcut conversion to Softwood (Red Spruce)






9 390 9 N. Hardwood Clearcut conversion to Aspen, Paper Birch


9 392 15 Mixed-wood Clearcut conversion to Aspen, Paper Birch






















Total 520 450 1A “Block” consists of a clearcut harvest unit ≤ 30 acres, which is separated from other regeneration treatments by an uneven-aged harvest treatment stand that is ≥ 10 acres.

Intermediate Harvest Treatments An intermediate harvest treatment removes trees from a stand sometime between the beginning of formation of the stand (new, young stand) and the regeneration (removal) cut. Types of intermediate harvests include thinning, release, and improvement cuttings.



There are about 4,287 acres of thinning proposed in the Robinson project (see Table A1-5). This harvest treatment would remove individual trees to provide pockets of sunlight and growing space for improving growth on reserved trees, while enhancing forest health through salvage of some dying trees. The removal of individual less desirable trees would improve the composition and quality of the trees within the stand. This treatment is used to modify or decrease basal area which reduces density for better health and growth. The basal area would be reduced to about 70 to 80 square feet per acre for hardwood stands, to about 80 to 100 square feet per acre in mixed-wood stands, and to about 100 to 120 square feet per acre in softwood stands.

Table A1-5. Proposed intermediate harvest treatments INTERMEDIATE TREATMENT (Thinning/Improvement Cutting)


Management Area

8 3 120 N. Hardwood Thinning to reduce overstocked Hardwood










8 81 21 Mixed-wood Thinning to reduce overstocked Mixed-wood


8 86 11 Softwood Thinning to reduce overstocked Softwood


























Management Area

















































Management Area

















































Management Area

















































Management Area

















































Management Area

















10 220 20 Mixed-wood Thinning to reduce overstocked mixed-wood
































Management Area





Total 4,287 4,287



Appendix A2. Proposed Wildlife Habitat Treatments This appendix displays proposed non-timber harvest treatments that primarily benefit wildlife habitat in the Robinson project area. Enhance Oak Forest Habitat with Prescribed Fire and/or Mechanical Treatment Target beech and maple to reduce competition where it is favorable to enhance the oak component in the forest stand (see Table A2-1). Table A2-1. Proposed prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatment to enhance oak Conduct prescribed fire followed by mechanical treatment of beech and maple to reduce competition where it is favorable to increase the oak vegetation

Comp Stand Acres Location

9 107 13 Mayo Meadow

9 128 6 Mayo Meadow

9 133 2 Mayo Meadow

9 139 3 Mayo Meadow


9 145 3 Mayo Meadow


9 246 3 Mayo Meadow

9 370 7 Mayo Meadow


9 115 3 Contest Trail





Total 110

New and Expanded Permanent Upland Openings Create new or expand existing permanent upland openings through land clearing where there are merchantable trees; and mechanical mastication when the treatment is in areas where there are no merchantable trees (see Tables A2-2 and A2-3). Table A2-2. Proposed creation of new permanent upland openings Pile and/or burn slash left from clearing activities. Conduct periodic maintenance of the openings one to three times over a period of five to seven years through mechanical mowing or mastication, cutting with chainsaws, brush saws, or hand tools; prescribed burning; or a combination of these treatment methods. Comp Stand Acres Treatment Method Location

8 39 1 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening South of Compartment 8, Stand 261 along Forest Road 62A; land clear 3 stands to create a 9 acre permanent upland opening.

8 258 7 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening

8 260 1 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening



Table A2-2. Proposed creation of new permanent upland openings Pile and/or burn slash left from clearing activities. Conduct periodic maintenance of the openings one to three times over a period of five to seven years through mechanical mowing or mastication, cutting with chainsaws, brush saws, or hand tools; prescribed burning; or a combination of these treatment methods. Comp Stand Acres Treatment Method Location

8 122 3 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening Along Flanders Hill Road.

8 123 2 Land clear/masticate; restore opening At intersection of Forest Road 155A and Bingo Road.

10 25 4 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening East of Forest Road 45 in Chittenden Brook area; land clear 2 stands to create a 9 acre permanent upland opening. 10 75 5 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening

10 70 2 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening East of Forest Road 220 in Chittenden Brook area; land clear 2 stands to create a 4 acre permanent upland opening. 10 586 2 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening

10 80 2 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening Along the west side of Forest Road 38 near VT Route 73 in Chittenden Brook area.

Total 29

Table A2-3. Proposed expansion of existing permanent upland openings Pile and/or burn slash left from clearing activities. Conduct periodic maintenance of the openings one to three times over a period of five to seven years through mechanical mowing or mastication, cutting with chainsaws, brush saws, or hand tools; prescribed burning; or a combination of these treatment methods. Comp Stand Acres Treatment Method Location

9 55 6 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening Along east side of Forsha Road (TH-3/Forest Road 228); expand existing opening – Compartment 9, Stand 2116.

9 113 1 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening Along west side of Forsha Road (TH-3/Forest Road 228); expand existing opening – Compartment 9, Stand 2117. 9 320 1 Land clear; convert timber stand to opening

9 86 3 Land clear/masticate; restore opening Along Ash Hill Road (Forest Road 216; expand existing opening – Compartment 9, Stand 2115.

9 87 7 Land clear/masticate; restore opening At top of Ash Hill; expand existing opening – Compartment 9, Stand 2114.

9 305 10 Land clear/masticate; restore opening

9 117 3 Land clear/masticate; restore opening Along the Contest Trail; expand existing opening - Compartment 9, Stand 2108.

9 219 2 Land clear/masticate; restore opening

9 2125 8 Land clear/masticate; restore opening Mayo Meadow; expand existing opening – Compartment 9, Stand 2125.

Total 41



Existing Permanent Upland Opening Maintenance Maintenance in existing upland openings (see Table A2-4). Table A2-4. Proposed maintenance of existing permanent upland openings Conduct periodic maintenance of existing permanent upland openings one to three times over a period of five to seven years through mechanical mowing or mastication; cutting with chainsaws, brush saws, or hand tools; prescribed burning; or a combination of these treatment methods. Comp Stand Acres Location

8 2101 7 Maple Hill, at end of Forest Road 63

8 2102 5 Maple Hill, at end of Forest Road 63

8 2104 6 Maple Hill, along Forest Road 64A

9 2102 30 Martell Meadow, on Forest Road 227

9 2106 15 Ash Hill south end at intersection of Forest Roads 229 and 229B

9 2108 4 Contest Trail, on Forest Trail 720

9 2109 20 Lyons Meadow, south side of VT Route 73

9 2110 42 Tupper Terrace or Campbell Meadow, west of the White River along VT Route 100

9 2114 9 Ash Hill, along Forest Road 216

9 2115 6 Ash Hill, along Forest Road 216

9 2116 16 Forsha Road between Forest Roads 223 and 228

9 2117 8 Forsha Road west of Forest Road 228

9 2125 57 Mayo Meadow, on Forest Road 292 and the Contest Trail

10 2105 13 Jones Brook, south side of Forest Road 114

10 2106 11 Jones Brook, on Forest Road 113

Total 249

Deer Wintering Habitat Improvement (Softwood Release) Non-commercial thin hardwoods to improve and release softwood species growth, and increase winter cover for deer (see Table A2-5). Table A2-5. Proposed softwood release to improve deer wintering habitat

Cut non-commercial hardwood stems by hand tools. Treatment Method Acres Location

Release softwoods 298 East of Corporation Road

Release softwoods 132 South of State Garage Road

Release softwoods 130 East of Tupper Terrace

Total 560



Maintain Apple Trees Release and prune apple trees throughout the project area (see Table A2-6). Table A2-6. Proposed release and pruning of apple trees Maintain groups and individual apple trees by hand pruning branches and/or cutting woody vegetation to release them to open sunlight. Comp Stand Acres Location

8 236 7 Near Tunnel Brook



8 37 32 Pine Gap area north of Forest Road 42, Bingo Road

8 103 3 North of Forest Road 42, Bingo Road






9 35 9 South of CCC Camp, VT Route 73

9 2124 8 South of CCC Camp, VT Route 73

9 89 3 Ash Hill, Forest Trail 716

9 306 5 Ash Hill, Forest Trail 716

9 106 3 Liberty Hill and Spike Horn Lodge Roads, Town Highway 2 and Forest Road 223C





9 302 6 Forsha Road

9 117 3 Contest trail

9 2125 6 Mayo Meadow, Forest Road 292

Total 145



Bat Habitat Improvement Chainsaw girdle trees to increase the number of dead trees per acre for improved bat habitat (see Table A2-7). Table A2-7. Proposed bat habitat improvement Girdle select tress with chainsaws to create snags. Comp Stand Acres Location

8 182 8 One 19 acre area made from multiple stands west of the Rochester office

8 306 5

8 2110 5

8 2111 1

9 159 12 One 52 acre area made from multiple stands south of the State Garage Road and River’s Bend in Rochester

9 271 10

9 297 9

9 2103 21

9 134 40 One 59 acre area made from multiple stands near the Greeley talc mine east of the Peavine area

9 237 9

9 2121 10

Total 130

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