United States Forest Ouachita National Forest 1603 Highway ...a123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic.download.akamai... · Mena/Oden Ranger District 1603 Highway 71 N

United States

Department of

Agriculture

Forest

Service

Ouachita National Forest

Mena/Oden Ranger District

1603 Highway 71 N

Mena, AR 71953

America’s Working Forests – Caring Every Day in Every Way

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Code:

1950 Date: January 30, 2013

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To:

(1950)

Subject: Public Comment for the Southern Pine and Other Beetle Suppression Project – Mena/Oden

Ranger Districts

To: National Forest Stakeholder

Dear National Forest Stakeholder:

The Mena/Oden Ranger District proposes to suppress southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis)

and other bark beetle (e.g., Ips avulses, I. grandicollis, I. calligraphus) infestations that threaten

ecosystem health or human values. While there is not a current infestation, when infestations reach

extraordinary levels that jeopardize management objectives, a management response is warranted.

Given a bark beetle infestation, the Southern Pine and Other Beetle Suppression (SPOBS) Project

will allow for prompt suppression efforts to take place without delay. The SPOBS Project is

designed to meet the needs listed on page 4 for the Mena/Oden Ranger District (Figure 1), and to

partially meet desired conditions described in and adopted by the Ouachita National Forest Revised

Land and Resource Management Plan (Revised Forest Plan1).

Figure 1 – Vicinity Maps for the Mena/Oden Southern Pine and Other Beetle Suppression

Project

The southern pine beetle (SPB) is a small black beetle that is native to North and Central America.

They are smaller than a grain of rice, measuring only ⅛ inch long. In spite of their tiny size, these

1 http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/planning/documents/revised_plan_part2.pdf

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ouachita/planning/documents/revised_plan_part2.pdf

Mena/Oden Ranger District Southern Pine and Other Beetle Suppression Project Environmental Assessment

Public Comment Period Notification 2

insects are among the most destructive pests known to pine forests. The life cycle of SPB from egg

to adult is about one month. New generations of SPB continue the cycle, typically, emerging

between April and September. The adult SPB invade pine trees by boring through the bark to lay

their eggs. The winding S-shaped egg galleries that are developed eventually girdle the host tree

resulting in its death.

Three Ips species (Ips avulses, I. grandicollis, I. calligraphus) frequently attack the crown and

trunks of saplings and mature pines, which have been weakened by drought, fire, hail, insects, or

other agents. The brownish-red beetles make “H” or “Y” shaped galleries. I. avulsus completes its

life cycle in about 20 days and may produce ten or more generations per year. I. grandicollis and I.

calligraphus develop over a 20 to 30-day period producing six or more generations per year. Ips

spots are difficult to suppress because they are usually small and scattered often making them

uneconomical to salvage.

The boundary of the SPOBS Project includes the entire area of the Mena/Oden Ranger District

(Figure 1), including approximately 378,056 acres of National Forest System lands, and 90,458

acres of private in-holdings.

The proposed action includes the following activities:

1. Cut and Leave (SPB only. This method is not appropriate for Ips beetle suppression) –

This method involves felling all infested trees and a buffer strip2 of uninfested trees at the

leading edge (“head”) so that the crowns of the trees point toward the center of the

infestation (“spot”). This method disrupts spot growth and causes emerging adult beetles to

disperse into the surrounding forest. It is relatively inexpensive and can be applied soon

after spot detection and in stands that are unsuitable for logging or in stands that are located

in remote areas where spots contain 100 or less infested trees. This method is most effective

during the warmer months of the year (April-September) because it is during these months

that many beetles do not survive the desiccation and high temperatures of the felled trees.

2. Cut and Remove – This method involves the felling and removal of infested trees and a

buffer strip2 of uninfested trees at the head of the spot. Because this method removes

beetles from the forest and disrupts the source of attractant pheromone, which disperses any

remaining beetles, this method is the preferred and most effective means of suppression.

Most active spots of commercial size would be cut, removed, and sold as salvage. In the

case of Ips beetle suppression, slash from salvage operations must be pulled into the center

of the area being treated.

3. Cut, Pile and Burn – This method involves felling all infested trees, piling them toward

the center of the spot, and burning the piles until the bark is charred. No buffer zone is

needed. In the case of Ips beetle suppression, slash must be pulled into the center of the area

being treated.

If and when a southern or other pine beetle infestation occurs, it would be field reviewed to

determine which of the three options under the proposed action (if any) would provide the most

timely and effective suppression. Suppression may not be necessary on small inactive spots.

Existing roads or former skid trails would be used wherever possible. One mile of temporary road

2 The buffer width is defined as the average height of trees in the infested stand.



could be built for every 100 acres of infested forest, if necessary, and would be revegetated and

water-barred if there is a chance for sediment movement.

The designated Ouachita National Forest Revised Forest Plan Management Area of the infestation

would also be identified to ensure that the suppression method selected is appropriate for the

established management objectives and desired future conditions (Table 1). Trees already vacated

by southern pine or Ips beetles would not be cut under any suppression method to allow for the

development and emergence of natural enemies that prey on these insects.

The Revised Forest Plan provides primary direction for all management activities and contains the

Vision, Strategy and Standards for guiding all natural resource management activities for the

Ouachita National Forest. The SPOBS Project includes 11 management areas (Table 1, Map 1).

The Management Area (MA) summaries of current and desired conditions are located in enclosure

1 of this document and provide program priorities and objectives for each individual MA within the

analysis area. Identified desired conditions and objectives are addressed, wholly or partially, within

the context of this proposal.

The current Revised Ouachita National Forest Plan (2005) specifies in-part that, in MA 22, “Active

RCW [red-cockaded woodpecker] clusters [would] be protected from disturbance by thinning, tree

skidding, or midstory reduction treatments during nesting, which occurs on the Ouachita National

Forest from approximately April 1 to July 1” (MA Design Criteria 22.01, pg. 120). The

Interdisciplinary Team has determined that, in some rare cases, “cut and leave” or “cut and remove”

may be necessary during nesting season to protect cavity trees. Under the proposed action, removal

would be limited to methods that minimize or prevent crown and lateral root damage. Hence,

pursuant to 36 CFR 219.10, the proposed action would require a plan amendment.

This proposal, including maps are available on the Ouachita National Forest web page

(http://www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/ouachita/projects). Only one decision will be made regarding

the approval of these activities, however, more than one contract or authorization may be needed to

accomplish the work over the next few years.

Desired conditions (needs) for the Mena/Oden Southern Pine Beetle Suppression Project:

Improve Forest Health

An integrated pest management approach is needed across the Mena/Oden Ranger Districts to

prevent or reduce damage to natural resources from pest organisms. When they occur, expanding

bark beetle infestations need to be controlled to minimize damage to ecosystem health and human

values at risk. Map 2 displays current levels of risk for southern pine beetle.

Supply Commodity and Commercial Uses (Timber)

Timber damaged by southern pine and Ips beetle infestations would be sold to the extent possible to

contribute to the economic base of local communities.

http://www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/ouachita/projects/nepa-test1-basic.htm



Table 1. Percentage, acres and Proposed SPOBS Methods by management area

(National Forest System Lands on the Mena/Oden Ranger District)

Management Area Acres % of

Area

Proposed Action1

(allowable suppression method(s))

Cut and

Leave2

Cut and

Remove

Cut, Pile

and Burn

1. Wilderness 18,890 5 See Revised Forest Plan

2. Special Interest Areas 14,088 4 Ya Y Ysp

3. Developed Recreation Areas N/A3

N/A3 Ya Y Ysp

6. Rare Upland Communities N/A3 N/A

3 Y Y Y

8. Administrative Sites/Special Uses N/A3 N/A

3 Y Y Y

9. Water and Riparian Communities 52,849 14 Y Yc N

14. Ouachita Mountains-Habitat

Diversity Emphasis

221,213 59 Y Y Y

17. Semi-Primitive Areas 20,318 5 Y Y Y

20. Wild and Scenic River Corridors 5,737 2 Yfs Yfs Yfs

21. Old Growth Restoration 18,109 5 Y Y Y

22a. Renewal of Shortleaf Pine-

bluestem Grass Ecosystem and Red-

cockaded Woodpecker Habitat (Habitat

Management Areas)

26,852 7

i) Inside cavity tree clusters (CTCs)

during nesting season

Y Ymin/fs N

ii) Inside CTCs other than during

nesting season

Y Yfs Y

iii) Outside CTCs anytime

Y Y Y

22b. Renewal of Shortleaf Pine-

bluestem Grass Ecosystem and RCW

Habitat (extended areas)

Y Y Y

1 – Key to codes:

Y = permitted year round

Ya = permitted during April-September

Ysp = permitted during spring

Yc = permitted in secondary buffer; permitted with cable skidding within primary buffer only if necessary for

infestation control

N = not permitted

Yfs = Forest Supervisor approval required

Ymin/fs = permitted only if necessary to protect cavity or nest trees; Forest Supervisor approval required.

Within 200 feet of a cavity, or 400 feet of a nest tree, removal would be limited to methods that minimize or

prevent crown and lateral root damage, including but not limited to the use of cable yarding, grapple skidders,

or hydroaxes.

2 – Cut and Leave would not be permitted for ips beetle suppression in any Management Area.

3 – Acres and percentages are included in other Management Areas.

Past and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions:

The analysis of cumulative effects is a requirement of the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA).

“A cumulative effect is the impact on the environment which results from incremental

impact of the action when added to other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future



actions, regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such

other actions. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor but collectively

significant actions taking place over a period of time” (40 CFR 1508.7).

Table 2 summarizes activities that have occurred in the past and will be implemented in the near

future within one representative 6th

-level watershed on the Mena-Oden Ranger District where

southern pine beetle hazard is currently relatively high.

Table 2. Past activities within the Mountain Fork Watershed [hydrologic unit code (HUC)

11140108010101].

Year Compartment Stand Activity Acres

1966 896 1 Seed-tree Seed Cut 68

1966 899 2 Full planting concurrent with site prep 91

1967 896 1 Site Preparation for Planting - Chemical 68


1969 895 2 Stand Clearcut 37


1972 895 6 Full seeding/reseeding concurrent with site prep 47

1972 895 6 Site Preparation for Natural Regeneration - Burning 47


1972 895 6 Site Preparation for Planting - Mechanical 47



1975 895 2 Full re-planting with site preparation 37

1975 895 6 Full re-planting with site preparation 47












1986 893 2 Wildlife Habitat Nest structures, dens development 67


1987 893 4 Commercial Thin 16

1987 893 18 Wildlife Habitat Nest structures, dens development 46








1991 893 6 Wildlife Habitat Water development 1





1992 893 24 Area release and weeding 20

1992 895 1 Seed-tree Preparatory Cut 33




1998 896 9 Single-tree selection cut 28






2000 896 9 Site Preparation for Natural Regeneration - Chemical 28






2000 899 7 Commercial Thin 60









2002 896 unknown Site Preparation for Natural Regeneration - Chemical 12

2002 896 unknown Site Preparation for Natural Regeneration - Chemical 9

2002 896 unknown Site Preparation for Natural Regeneration - Other 12












2003 896 18 Plant Trees 3

2003 896 unknown Fill-in or Replant Trees 11

2003 896 unknown Fill-in or Replant Trees 9



2003 899 9 Fill-in or Replant Trees 27

2003 899 9 Site Preparation for Natural Regeneration - Other 27





2004 896 unknown Site Preparation for Planting - Other 12

2004 896 unknown Site Preparation for Planting - Other 9

2004 899 9 Site Preparation for Planting - Other 27











2009 896 8 Salvage Cut (intermediate treatment, not regeneration) 10







Cumulative effects analysis will be conducted for one or more representative and/or worst-case

scenarios using the larger land base 6th

-level watershed area.



Physical and Biological Characteristics Likely to be Affected by Proposed Activities:

Air Quality – The Class I Caney Creek Wilderness and the Black Fork Wilderness are located

within the project area on the Mena-Oden Ranger District. Other smoke-sensitive targets identified

for the project area are the communities of Mena, Fort Smith, and Russellville, Arkansas. It is

anticipated that the cut, pile, and burn method will be the least preferable in most cases, limiting the

impact of the proposed action on air quality.

Soil Productivity – The analysis area for the SPOBS Project is located within the Central Ouachita

Mountain subdivision of the Ouachita Mountain Physiographic Region. Land type associations

include the Black Fork/Rich Mountains, Muddy/Blue Mountains, Novaculite/Chert Mountains,

Long Fourche Mountains, Kiamichi/Ouachita River Valley, Mountain Fork/Glover Valley, Lower

Jackfork Mountains, Fourche Valley, Johns Valley, Kiamichi Mountains, Dutch Creek Mountains,

and Cossatot Valley. Topographic features of the area consist of low-lying hills with gently sloping

ridge tops and dissected moderately steep to steep side slopes, rugged mountains with gently

sloping to moderately steep ridge tops and steep to very steep side slopes, and nearly level flood

plains that flood occasionally to frequently. Geology of the project area is summarized in table 3.

Within the analysis area, elevations range from 900 to over 2,500 feet above sea level. North slopes

are relatively cooler and damper, while south slopes tend to be warmer and drier. Slope gradients

range from zero to 60 percent.

Table 3. Geologic formations and groups of the SPOBS Project area1.

Formation Formation Group Acres %

Mst, Ms - Stanley Group, Stanley Shale M - Mississippian 150,946 32.2

Pjf, Pj - Jackfork Group, Jackfork Sandstone P - Pennsylvanian 148,737 31.7

Pal, Pam, Pat - Atoka Fm (lower, middle, and series) P - Pennsylvanian 94,922 20.3

MDa - Arkansas Novaculite (AR) M - Mississippian 34,454 7.4

Pjv - Johns Valley Shale P - Pennsylvanian 20,471 4.4

Smb - Missouri Mountain Sh + Blaylock Ss S - Silurian 14,414 3.1

Obp - Polk Creek Sh and Bigfoot Chert O - Ordovician 4,350 0.9

WATER - Water W - Water 98 0.0

Ow - Womble Sh O - Ordovician 30 0.0

Qal - Alluvium Q - Quaternary 3 0.0 1 – including non-National Forest System land in-holdings.

The soils found in the analysis area are taken from the Ouachita National Forest Soil Survey. Most

of the Forest was mapped by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in cooperation

with the Forest Service and State University Systems. A total of 61 different soil map units are in

the analysis area (including private land). Table 4 summarizes soils for the project area.

In the SPOBS project area, approximately 16% of the area has a severe erosion hazard rating,

approximately 48% of the area has a moderate erosion soil rating; and approximately 36% of the

area has a slight erosion soil rating. Approximately 3% of project area has a severe compaction

hazard rating; approximately 4% has a high compaction hazard rating; approximately 6% has a

moderate to high compaction hazard rating; approximately 73% has a moderate compaction hazard



rating; and approximately 14% has a slight compaction hazard rating. A description of potential

effects to soil productivity from project actions will be addressed and analyzed.

Water Resources and Quality – The SPOBS analysis area is located within 49 6th

-level

watersheds of 9,000 to 35,000 acres each. Major stream flow draining the analysis area is generally

in an east-west direction – including the Ouachita, Cossatot, Fourche LaFave Rivers, Mountain

Fork, Irons Fork, Mill, and West Fiddlers Creeks. Intermittent stream flow draining side slopes is

generally in a north-south direction. Irons Fork Reservoir, a surface water source for the city of

Mena, and a small portion of western Lake Ouachita, a surface water source for the city of Hot

Springs occur within the analysis area.

Table 4. Soils of the SPOBS Project area1.

Map Unit Acres % Map Unit Acres %

Carnasaw-Sherless 92,352 19.7 Clebit-Caston-Pirum 2,304 0.5

Carnasaw-Zafra-Clebit 74,101 15.8 Carnasaw-Octavia complex 2,284 0.5

Sherless-Littlefir-Nashoba 45,647 9.8 Mena silt loam 2,243 0.5

Kenn-Ceda complex 27,166 5.8 Sallisaw 1,881 0.4

Yanush-Bigfork complex 19,515 4.2 Bismarck-Honobia 1,680 0.4

Littlefir-Bismarck 17,748 3.8 Clebit-Carnasaw-Rock outcrop 1,505 0.3

Bengal-Bismarck-Yanush 16,105 3.4 Pirum-Clebit-Carnasaw 1,310 0.3

Zafra-Carnasaw-Clebit 14,564 3.1 Wetsaw 1,303 0.3

Bengal-Bismarck-Bigfork 12,679 2.7 Neff silt loam 1,196 0.3

Octavia-Carnasaw complex 12,413 2.6 Yanush 1,103 0.2

Nashoba-Bismarck-Sherless 11,414 2.4 Dela 827 0.2

Pirum-Carnasaw-Caston 10,273 2.2 Taft 821 0.2

Ceda-Rubbleland complex 7,724 1.7 Cupco 820 0.2

Carnasaw-Pirum complex 7,060 1.5 Yanush-Avant-Bengal 769 0.2

Avilla fine sandy loam 6,581 1.4 Ceda 690 0.1

Octavia-Carnasaw-Caston 6,146 1.3 Kenn fine sandy loam 635 0.1

Pirum-Octavia-Panama 6,048 1.3 Nashoba-Bismarck-Clebit 624 0.1

Mazarn 5,987 1.3 Bismarck-Littlefir 598 0.1

Sherless-Littlefir 5,497 1.2 Rexor 523 0.1

Bismarck-Honobia complex 5,445 1.2 Sherless 361 0.1

Bigfork-Yanush-Rock outcrop 5,198 1.1 Carnasaw 321 0.1

Mena gravelly silt loam 4,626 1.0 Neff loam 295 0.1

Speer 4,189 0.9 Caston-Carnasaw 239 0.1

Kenn gravelly fine sandy loam 4,180 0.9 Avant 187 0.0

Avilla gravelly fine sandy loam 4,015 0.9 Guthrie 125 0.0

Sherless-Nashoba complex 3,622 0.8 Riverwash-Ceda 32 0.0

Clebit-Carnasaw-Pirum 3,083 0.7 Endsaw gravelly loam 26 0.0

Bigfork-Rock outcrop 3,027 0.6 Tuskahoma 22 0.0

Wilburton 2,826 0.6 Barling 12 0.0

Leadvale 2,661 0.6 Avant 10 0.0

Endsaw cobbly loam 0 0.0 1 – including non-National Forest System land in-holdings.



The primary beneficial uses for streams are fisheries, which provide for protection and propagation

of aquatic life (Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission, 2002), and public drinking

water. Thousands of ponds currently occur within the project area, and the primary beneficial use

of ponds is water supply to wildlife. No impaired water bodies are within any of the 6th

-level

watersheds that are affected by this analysis area; all waters within the project area meet water

quality standards of Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act.

Forty three miles of extraordinary waters occur within the SPOBS project area, including portions

of the headwaters of the Ouachita River, which drains into Lake Ouachita, the headwaters of the

Cossatot River, which is a Wild and Scenic River, and Mountain Fork Creek, which drains into

Broken Bow Lake. Possible cumulative effects of management activities on water quality and its

associated beneficial uses will be addressed and analyzed.

Riparian Areas and Floodplains – Approximately 51,517 acres of potential floodplain soils were

identified. Approximately 6.6% of project-area soils (including non-National Forest System in-

holdings) are characterized by frequent flooding, 4.2% are characterized by occasional flooding,

and less than 1% is characterized by rare flooding.

Impacts of management activities on 100-year floodplains and wetlands would be considered to

assure that management actions do not adversely alter natural values of such areas. Possible

cumulative effects of management activities on riparian areas and floodplains and their associated

beneficial uses will be addressed and analyzed.

Transportation and Infrastructure – Under the proposed action, up to one mile of temporary

road could be built for every 100 acres of infested forest, if necessary. Roads would be revegetated

and water-barred if there is a chance for sediment movement. Existing roads, trails, and

infrastructure would not be managed except as already allowed and necessary to access insect

infestations for suppression purposes. Possible cumulative effects of temporary road construction

and access will be addressed and analyzed.

Wildfire Hazards and/or Fuels - Approximately 38,410 National Forest System acres of this

analysis area are considered wildland-urban interface. Possible cumulative effects of wildfire

hazard and fuel loading as they relate to southern pine and other beetle suppression activities will be

addressed and analyzed.

Vegetation - The predominant hosts for southern pine and Ips beetles in the SPOBS project area

include loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (P. echinata) pine. Susceptible habitat patches

(suitable for insect infestation growth; high hazard) are stands containing mature pines with high

basal area and stagnant radial growth. Map 2 illustrates relative southern pine beetle hazard across

the Mena/Oden Ranger District, which is based on an area’s susceptibility (i.e., amount of pine

present) and vulnerability (i.e., tree density). This map is excerpted from the National Insect and

Disease Risk Map for the Southern Region, compiled by the USDA Forest Service, State and

Private Forestry Area, Forest Health Protection Unit3.

Ouachita Shortleaf Pine-Bluestem and Ouachita Shortleaf Pine-Oak Forest and Woodland are the

predominant ecological communities in the project area that host pine beetle infestations. Table 5

summarizes the amount of pine-oak communities within the project area. Shortleaf pine occurs in

3 http://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/nidrm.shtml



nearly pure stands on the warmer, south-facing slopes, but does not occur naturally in large

contiguous stands. Pine-hardwood forest types occupy slopes with a northern exposure as well as

some lower slopes adjoining riparian plant communities that colonize floodplains, waterways and

moist drainages. A significant number of hardwood species are associated with the shortleaf pine

plant community. Oak and hickory species are the most common, with post oak and blackjack oak

generally occurring on poorer, dry sites. A few remnant stands of planted loblolly pine also exist

across the project area.

Table 5. Predominant pine communities within the SPOBS project area.

Ecological Community Acres

Ouachita Shortleaf Pine-Bluestem 55,639

Ouachita Shortleaf Pine-Oak Forest and Woodland 262,330

Forest stands most vulnerable to infestation by bark beetles are overstocked (>60 ft2 basal area).

Overstocked conditions exist where fire has been excluded, and/or where mechanical forest

thinning has not been implemented. Stand examinations across the Mena/Oden Ranger District in

pine and pine-hardwood stands often reveal an average basal area of over 100 square feet per acre,

which indicates overcrowding. Many stands also exceed 80 years of age. These conditions result

in stress and reduction in vigor and health which increases susceptibility to insects and diseases.

Possible cumulative effects of pine beetle suppression treatments on vegetation will be addressed

and analyzed.

Biological Diversity (wildlife, fish, plants and ecological communities) – The natural rare upland

communities included in the SPOBS Project area include: Ouachita Dry Oak Woodland, Ouachita

Mesic Hardwood Forest, Ouachita Montane Oak Forest, Ouachita Novaculite Glade and Woodland,

Central Interior Highlands Dry Acidic Glad and Barrens and Central Interior Acidic Cliff and

Talus.

Potential effects on Proposed, Endangered, Threatened and Sensitive (PETS) species or their

habitat, Management Indicator Species (MIS) and Ecological Communities within and near the

analysis area will be evaluated. Enclosure 2 lists MIS and Federally Endangered species known

within the analysis area.

County Economy – The project is located within Polk, Scott, Yell, and Montgomery Counties, and

a small portion of Howard County. The Polk County seat is located in Mena, Arkansas, and as of

2009, Polk County’s population totaled 20,259 people. Between 2000 and 2009, it had a population

growth of 0.1 percent. Approximately 10 percent of Polk County’s workforce is employed in the

agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industries. Nearly half of Polk County lies within the

Ouachita National Forest, and the local timber industry depends on National Forest System land for

a source of raw material.

The Scott County seat is located in Waldron in the west central area of the state. The economic

base of the county is timber with 82% of the land area in forest and 62% in National Forest System

land. As of 2009, Scott County's population was 11,123 people. Between 2000 and 2009, it had a

population growth of 1.2 percent.



Yell County has dual county seats in Danville and Dardanelle. The economic base of Yell County

is connected with the production of poultry, hogs, and beef cattle with some small manufacturing.

As of 2009, Yell County’s population totaled 22,496 people. Between 2000 and 2009, it had a

population growth of 6.4 percent.

The Montgomery County seat is in Mount Ida. Sixty-three percent of the county is National Forest

System land with the federal government being a stable employer. Cattle, swine, and poultry

production, along with mining and tourism makes up the remainder of the economy. As of 2009,

Montgomery County’s population totaled 9,009 people. Between 2000 and 2009, it had a

population decline of 2.5 percent.

The Howard County seat is in Nashville. Weyerhaeuser Company owns 189,000 of the county’s

384,000 acres. The total population of Howard County in 2009 was 14,291. Between 2000 and

2009, it had a population decline of 0.1 percent.

Between 2007 and 2009, Scott, Polk, Montgomery, Yell and Howard Counties received land

payments in lieu of taxes from the federal government as summarized in Table 54.

Table 5. 2007-2009 Federal payments in lieu of taxes to Scott, Polk, Montgomery, Yell and

Howard Counties, Arkansas.

County 2009 2008 2007

Scott $472,066 $118,278 $147,374

Polk $250,182 $286,269 $187,993

Montgomery $402,630 $362,963 $325,010

Yell $107,896 $218,866 $160,956

Howard $35,802 $34,736 $21,925

Between 1990 and 1997 (the last incidence of SPB infestation on the Mena/Oden Ranger District),

annual SPB suppression salvage volume ranged from 5 hundred cubic feet (CCF) in 1994 to 16,101

CCF in 1995 across 9 to 762 spots, respectively.

Possible cumulative effects of management treatments to County economies will be addressed and

analyzed.

Public Health and Safety – Polk, Scott, Yell, Montgomery and Howard Counties are in

compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Ambient

Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the criteria pollutants of concern for the proposed project.

Existing emission sources occurring in the general vicinity of the SPOBS project consist mainly of

mobile sources. These would include, but are not limited to, combustion engines (such as those

found in motor vehicles); dust from unpaved surfaces; smoke from local, county, agricultural and

forest burning; and other activities.

Possible cumulative effects of pine beetle suppression treatments to the public health and safety will

be addressed and analyzed.

4http://www.uscounties.org/PrinterTemplate.cfm?Section=Find_a_County&Template=/cffiles/counties/pilt_res.cfm&st

ate=AR



Scenery Resources – The SPOBS project landscape is dominated by rolling hills to high elevation

mountains (relative to the Ouachita Mountain Range as a whole) aligned in an east-west orientation

interspersed with broad valleys.

Management activities that have played a role in developing the existing landscape character

include past timber sales (including road construction), wildlife ponds and openings, dispersed

recreation and prescribed burning.

Natural disturbance factors of wind, ice storms, droughts, fire and insect or disease cycles have

played a part in shaping the vegetation mosaic of the landscape. A viewer of the forest in the

analysis area several hundred years ago would most likely have seen open to very open upland

forests dominated by shortleaf pine and hardwoods (mostly oak) in varying proportions. Riparian

areas, sheltered coves, and other mesic areas would tend toward hardwood dominance in multi-

storied, very mixed species stands, with denser hardwood understories.

The Forest Service utilizes the Scenery Management System (SMS) to evaluate land management

activities in the context of integration of benefits, values, desires and preferences regarding

aesthetics and scenery. The Revised Forest Plan established Scenic Integrity Objectives (SIO)

forest-wide using Geographic Information System technology. The SIO values for the Ouachita

National Forest where aggregated into four general categories: Very High, High, Medium and Low.

Scenic Integrity Objectives (SIO) in the SPOBS project area include 8% in the Very High category,

23% in the High category, 57% in the Medium category, and 12% in the Low category. A

description of existing conditions and an assessment of potential effects to scenery resources from

watershed actions will be addressed and analyzed.

Recreation Resources – The majority of the analysis area is a predominately natural or natural-

appearing environment with a low probability of experiencing isolation from sights and sounds of

man (Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class “Roaded Natural”). Interaction between users may be

low to moderate, but with evidence of other users prevalent. Conventional motorized use is

provided for in construction standards and design of facilities. Opportunities for both motorized and

non-motorized forms of recreation may be provided.

A number of Forest Service developed recreation campgrounds and facilities occur within analysis

area. The majority of roads require vehicles with a relatively high ground clearance. Hiking and

mountain bike riding, dispersed camping, OHV, mainly 4-wheelers and dirt-bikes, hunting, fishing,

and driving for pleasure are the predominant recreational activities.

Table 6. Distribution of Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Classes across the Mena/Oden

Ranger District

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

Class Acres %

Primitive 14,300 4

Rural 125 <1

Semi-primitive Motorized 12,477 3

Semi-primitive Non-motorized 8,239 2

Roaded Natural 342,915 91



The analysis area includes one inventoried roadless area (Rich Mountain, approximately 2,600

acres), and about 4% (341 acres) of another roadless area (Blue Mountain, approximately 9,400

acres). The Blue Mountain roadless area predominately falls within the adjacent Poteau Ranger

District, which is not a part of the SPOBS Project. The vast majority of roadless area within the

SPOBS Project falls within the Rich Mountain Special Interest (Botanical) Area. In this MA, “cut

and leave”, “cut and remove”, and “cut, pile and burn” are all allowed (Table 1). Forest Plan

direction aims to maintain a natural landscape accessible by trails and/or nearby roads, and signs of

vegetation management will be due to actions needed to address forest health concerns or sustain

habitat for Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, or Sensitive species.

Possible cumulative effects of management treatments to recreation resources will be addressed and

analyzed.

Climate Change – Human activities that release carbon dioxide have resulted in increasing

concentrations sufficient to increase the earth’s surface temperature above natural cycles. Changes

in temperatures as well as changes in precipitation can affect forests directly. Species ranges and

distributions may change as a result of the complex combinations of changes in temperature,

precipitation, severe weather events, insects and diseases, herbivore populations, and other

interrelated ecosystem factors, albeit in uncertain ways

Wildfires are the greatest cause of carbon release from forests. However, the greatest changes in

forest sequestration and storage over time have been due to changes in land use and land use cover,

particularly conversions from forest to agriculture and more recently from forest to urban

development, dams, highways, and other infrastructure

It is not currently feasible to quantify the direct and indirect effects of individual or multiple

projects on global climate change; therefore, determining effects of those projects or project

alternatives on global climate change cannot be made at any scale. However, in recognizing the

sensitive nature of concerns about climate change, the qualitative direct, indirect, and cumulative

climate change effects for each alternative will be addressed and analyzed to the extent possible.

Environmental Issues Related to the Proposed Action

No significant issues are anticipated, but analysis of effects of the proposed action (and alternatives)

on soils, water, air, roadless character and wildlife, including any Protected, Proposed, Endangered,

Threatened or Sensitive (PETS) species that may occur in the SPOBS project area will be

addressed.

Alternatives to the Proposed Action

No Action

Other Requirements

This project is subject to a formal notice and comment period pursuant to 36 Code of Federal

Regulation (CFR) 215.3(a-e) (2003 version). Comments must be postmarked or received within 30

days beginning the day after publication of this notice in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Written comments should be sent to District Ranger Tim Oosterhous, Mena-Oden Ranger District,

Ouachita National Forest, Attn: Southern Pine and Other Beetle Suppression Project.



Oral or hand-delivered comments may be made at the Mena Ranger District office at 1603 Highway

71 North, Mena, AR 71953 within the normal weekday business hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Comments may also be mailed electronically to the Mena Ranger District office, in a common

digital format (without attachments), using the following email address: comments-southern-

[email protected].

Only individuals or organizations that provide comments or otherwise express interest during the

comment period will be eligible to appeal. Include your name, address, and your signature or other

means of identification. For organizations, a signature or other means of identification verification

must be provided for the individual authorized to represent your organization.

The District Ranger is the Responsible Official for this project. Please contact Chris Morgan of the

Mena/Oden Ranger District if you have any specific questions about this proposed project.

Description of Remaining Project Planning Steps

After comments have been received, they will be considered by the interdisciplinary team as it

prepares its analysis of environmental effects from the proposal and its alternative. If no significant

environmental effects are found, the Responsible Official will issue a Finding of No Significant

Impact (FONSI), along with a complete environmental assessment (EA) and Decision Notice (DN).

The FONSI, EA and DN will be made available electronically, and you will be notified in writing

of their availability. If significant environmental effects are identified due to the proposal or its

alternative, we will issue a notice of our intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

Thank you for your participation in the development of these proposed southern pine and other

beetle suppression activities. We look forward to hearing from you and expect that your active

participation will help us make a better-informed decision regarding management of the

Mena/Oden Ranger District.

TIM OOSTERHOUS

District Ranger

Enclosures



Enclosure 1

Revised Forest Plan – Management Area Direction

Management Area 1. Wilderness

1a. Designated Wilderness

Two congressionally designated wilderness areas are located on the Mena/Oden Ranger Districts

and are unsuitable for timber production, withdrawn from mineral leasing, unsuitable for motorized

travel, and unsuitable for livestock grazing. These wilderness areas are the:

Caney Creek Wilderness (14,460 acres).

Black Fork Mountain Wilderness (8,350 acres)

Desired Condition

Naturally-occurring processes will predominate. People are temporary visitors who leave no

permanent imprint. Opportunities will abound for primitive recreation featuring solitude, physical

and mental challenges, freedom from the intrusion of unnatural sights, sounds and odors, and the

chance to experience relatively unmodified ecosystems. Except for trails and designated primitive

campsites, no facilities will be available. Manipulation of flora, fauna, or the surface of the land will

occur only to the extent necessary to maintain trails and primitive campsites and to meet provisions

of the wilderness acts, the Endangered Species Act, and other pertinent laws.

Management Area 2. Special Interest Areas

2a. Scenic Areas, approximately 2,700 acres

2b. Watchable Wildlife Areas, approximately 5,853 acres

2c. Botanical Areas: Rich Mountain, approx. 3,200 acres, and South Fourche, approximately

2,580 acres (the Cove Creek Lake Project Area, approximately 324 acres surrounded by the

South Fourche Botanical Area, is specifically excluded from the botanical area)

2d. Rich Mountain Recreation Area, approximately 12,980 acres

Special Interest Areas located on the Mena/Oden Ranger Districts consist of one Scenic Area

(Blowout Mountain), one Botanical Area (Rich Mountain), and one large, undeveloped recreation

area (Rich Mountain). Most of Management Area 2 is unsuitable for timber production, available

for oil and gas exploration with a controlled surface use stipulation, and unsuitable for livestock

grazing. Approximately 3,700 acres of the 12,980-acre Rich Mountain Recreation Area are suitable

for timber production; the remaining acres are unsuitable. Blowout Mountain Scenic Area is

designated to sustain characteristics of old growth shortleaf pine-hardwood forests.

Desired Condition

Visitors generally will find a natural landscape accessible by trails and/or nearby roads. In all areas

except for the Rich Mountain Botanical and Recreation Area, forest vegetation generally will reflect

old growth conditions or be moving toward such conditions. In the Rich Mountain Botanical Area

and the scenic areas, the desired condition is a natural appearing landscape generally undisturbed

except by natural events, dispersed recreation, and an occasional prescribed burn. Signs of

vegetation management will be due to actions needed to address forest health concerns or sustain

habitat for Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, or Sensitive species. Rich Mountain Recreation Area



has a similar desired condition except that some vegetation manipulation for forest health may also

be visible, particularly in the portions suitable for timber production (about one-fourth of the area,

and concentrated at lower elevations).

Management Area 3. Developed Recreation Areas

Management Area 3 consists of developed recreation sites. Development ranges from an essentially

natural environment with few facilities to a high degree of site development with comfort and

convenience facilities, including features such as paved roads, water systems, flush toilets, and

boat-launching ramps. Included within this management unit are campgrounds, picnic areas, horse

camps, interpretive and observation sites, information sites, float camps, shooting ranges, and

swimming areas. Management Area 3 is unsuitable for timber production, available for oil and gas

exploration and leasing with no surface occupancy, and unsuitable for livestock grazing.

Management Area 3 is unsuitable for OHV use.

Desired Condition

The landscape will generally be modified but still present a forest-type setting. Little to no evidence

of non-recreation resource development will be noticed; however, vegetation management activities

may include planting, pruning, cutting, herbicide application (e.g., for, poison ivy control), or

hazard-tree removal. Facilities, such as roads, buildings, camping sites and tables, will be evident

but compatible with the overall setting of the area. Various levels of human activity and sounds

from vehicles and other motorized equipment will be evident. Depending upon the particular

location, easy access for activities such as fishing and hiking, swimming, and group events will be

available. Visitors will find a moderate level of user restrictions to ensure public health and safety

and protection of resource values.

Management Area 6. Rare Upland Communities

Management Area 6 consists of Rare Upland Communities, including upland (non-riparian; non-

bottomland) areas supporting one or more natural communities that are relatively rare or

uncommon in the Ouachita Mountains or West Gulf Coastal Plain. These communities are managed

to perpetuate or restore their ecological integrity, including high-quality habitat for certain sensitive

species. These patchy systems range from a few acres to a few hundred acres. A prescribed fire

program that mimics the natural fire regime is an important management tool for restoring and

maintaining most of these communities and providing for patch connectivity among the

interspersed communities. The natural communities included are: Ouachita Mesic Hardwood

Forest; Ouachita Montane Oak Forest; Ouachita Dry Oak Woodland; Ouachita Novaculite Glade

and Woodland; Central Interior Acidic Cliff and Talus; Central Interior Highlands Dry Acidic

Glade and Barrens; and West Gulf Coastal Plain Calcareous Prairie. Riparian, lowland, and seep

communities are included in MA 9, Water and Riparian Communities. Management Area 6 is

unsuitable for timber production, available for oil and gas exploration and leasing with no surface

occupancy, and suitable for livestock grazing.

Desired Condition Forest-wide desired conditions by community are as follows:

Ouachita Mesic Hardwood Forest This system is found on toeslopes and valley bottoms within the region, as well as on north slopes. Northern red oak increases in abundance compared to dry-mesic habitats. American beech, sugar maple, chinquapin oak, American basswood, and redbud may be locally common. These habitats are usually small, isolated, and/or disjunct. They are maintained primarily through naturally occurring circumstances, such as elevation,



moisture regime, soil productivity, slope, and aspect. This habitat supports 29 animal and 12 plant species of viability concern.

Desired Condition: The desired condition for vertical structure is 0.5-5 percent in grass/forb and

seedling/sapling/shrub and 80-98 percent in the mature forest condition with mostly closed canopy

and infrequent fire. Old growth conditions will develop and go through regeneration cycles

naturally on most of the acres in mesic hardwood forests, which are represented by small to

medium patches on the Forest.

Ouachita Montane Oak Forest

This system represents hardwood forests on relatively shallow soils at the highest elevations of the

Ouachita Mountains. Vegetation consists of forests dominated by oaks. Canopy trees are often

stunted due to the effects of ice and wind, in combination with fog, shallow soils over rock,

occasional fire, and periodic severe drought. Some stands form almost impenetrable thickets. This

habitat supports two animal species of viability concern.

Desired Condition: The desired condition is a stunted, oak-dominated system maintained by

naturally occurring processes and occasional prescribed fire. Old growth will develop

and go through regeneration cycles naturally on most of the acres in the Ouachita montane oak

forest, which is represented by small and medium patches.

Ouachita Dry Oak Woodland

This system occurs in the Ozark and Ouachita Highlands and far western portions of the Interior

Low Plateau along gentle to steep slopes and over bluff escarpments with southerly to westerly

aspects. Parent material can range from calcareous to acidic with very shallow, well-drained to

excessively well-drained soils, sometimes with a fragipan that causes "xero-hydric" moisture

conditions. This system was historically woodland in structure, composition, and process but now

includes areas of more closed canopy forests due to fire suppression. Oak species dominate this

system with an understory of herbaceous and shrub species. Drought stress and associated fire are

the major dynamics influencing and maintaining this system. This habitat supports 16 animal and

three plant species of viability concern.

Desired Condition: The desired condition for vertical structure is 4-10 percent in grass/forb seral

stage and 60-90 percent in the mature woodland condition, as defined by abundant herbaceous

groundcover and canopy closures ranging from 40-80 percent. Old growth conditions will develop

and go through regeneration cycles naturally on most of the acres in the dry oak woodland

community, which is represented by small to medium patches. To mimic natural fire regimes, many

of these communities will receive prescribed burns. At least 50 percent of the dry oak woodland

community is treated with prescribed fire every 5-7 years, with an occasional growing season fire

included.

Ouachita Novaculite Glade and Woodland

This system represents a mosaic of glades and woodlands found on novaculite outcrops in the

central Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas. Novaculite is a weakly metamorphosed rock of

sedimentary origin that is primarily composed of microcrystalline quartz and chalcedony. Examples

of this system generally occupy ridgetops at 1,400-2,100 feet elevation. This community appears as

a mosaic of small woodlands scattered on ridges and upper slopes with outcrops and patches of

talus scattered throughout. Some woodland or forest patches may appear as almost linear strips

interspersed with grassy openings. Wooded patches have a variable, often patchy, structure with



some areas of dense canopy interspersed with more open canopies and open grassy patches. In

general, the grassy openings occur on shallow soils with exposed bedrock, while the woodlands

occur on somewhat deeper soils. In all cases, these are fairly extreme growing conditions due to

droughty, rocky soils. The structure of this system is maintained primarily through a combination of

periodic fire and severe drought. This habitat supports three animal and three plant species of

viability concern.

Desired Condition: The desired condition is an open glade structure maintained by prescribed fire.

The fire regime should reflect that at least 50 percent of the novaculite glade and woodland

community is treated with prescribed fire every 3-5 years with an occasional growing season burn

included. Old growth conditions will develop and go through regeneration cycles naturally,

supplemented by prescribed fire, in all the acres of this community, which occurs in small patches.

Central Interior Highlands Dry Acidic Glade and Barrens

This system is found in the Interior Highlands of the Ozark, Ouachita, and Interior Low Plateau

regions. It occurs along moderate to steep slopes or valley walls of rivers along most aspects. Parent

material includes chert, igneous and/or sandstone bedrock with well-drained to excessively well-

drained, shallow soils interspersed with rock and boulders. These soils are typically dry during the

summer and autumn, becoming saturated during the spring and winter. Grasses dominate this

system, with stunted oak species and shrub species occurring on variable depth soils. This system is

influenced by drought and infrequent to occasional fires. This habitat supports five animal and eight

plant species of viability concern.

Desired Condition: The desired condition is an open glade structure maintained by periodic fire.

The fire regime should reflect that 50-85 percent of the dry acidic glades and barrens system and a

100-meter buffer are burned every 5-10 years, including an occasional growing season fire. Old

growth conditions will develop and go through regeneration cycles naturally, supplemented by

prescribed fire, in all the acres of this community, which occurs in small patches.

Central Interior Acidic Cliff and Talus

This system is found primarily in the Interior Highlands. Sandstone outcrops and talus ranging from

moist to dry typify this system. It is typically sparsely vegetated; however, on moister sites with

more soil development, several fern species and sedges (Carex spp.) may become established.

Wind, fire, and water erosion are the major natural forces that influence this system. This habitat

supports six animal species of viability concern.

Desired Condition: The desired condition is an open, rocky, herbaceous-dominated system with

sparse woody vegetation occasionally influenced by natural or prescribed fires.

Management Area 8. Administrative Sites/Special Uses

Management Area 8 consists of district ranger offices, district work centers, district residences,

Forest Service communication facilities and sites for communication facilities under special use

permit, and the administrative site within the seed orchard. Management Area 8 is unsuitable for

timber production and available for oil and gas exploration and leasing with no surface occupancy.

Special Use sites are suitable for livestock grazing. A list of the approved communication sites and

those pending approval as of September 2005, is included in Appendix A of the Revised Ouachita



National Forest Plan. Roads, rights-of-way, utility easements, and other linear features are not

included as a part of Management Area 8 but are interspersed within other management areas.

Desired Condition

Visitors will encounter a variety of well-maintained facilities, including roads, buildings, parking

areas and other facilities, typically in a forest setting with a high level of site reinforcement and

regularly occurring maintenance.

Management Area 9. Water and Riparian Communities

Management Area 9 consists of Water and Riparian Communities, including streams, rivers, lakes

and ponds, and Streamside Management Areas necessary to protect water quality and associated

beneficial uses found within the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas River Valley, and West Gulf

Coastal Plain. Management Area 9 direction applies to streams, riparian areas, ponds, and lakes,

except where even more stringent management requirements are in place, notably in Wilderness

(MA 1). Included are flowing and non-flowing aquatic habitats; wetlands; woodland seeps and

springs; portions of floodplains; variable distances (but at least 100 feet) from both edges of all

perennial streams and from the shores of bodies of water equal to or greater than one-half acre;

variable distances (but at least 30 feet) from both edges of other streams with defined stream

channels and ponds less than one-half acre in size; and certain lands surrounding public water

supplies, lakes, and streams. Management Area 9 is unsuitable for timber production, available for

oil and gas exploration and leasing with no surface occupancy, and is suitable for livestock grazing.

The riparian-associated vegetation community types that occur in this MA include Ouachita

Mountain Forested Seep; Ouachita Riparian; South-Central Interior Large Floodplain; and West

Gulf Coastal Plain Small Stream/River Forest.

Desired Condition

Riparian areas, lakes, and ponds have a relatively natural appearance. Permanent roads are

minimized but may occur at designated crossings and designated access points. Water quality is

good to excellent. Protection for public water sources will be provided. Aquatic ecosystems

function properly and support aquatic biota commensurate with the associated ecoregion.

Vegetation consists of native species. Suitable lakes and ponds sustain a diversity of sport fishing

experiences. Developed recreation sites containing intensively managed lakes and ponds provide

improved visitor access and sport fish populations provide sustained yield. Lakes and ponds

managed for primitive use and fishing have limited access but support balanced sport fish

populations. Movement of fish and other aquatic organisms in otherwise free-flowing perennial

streams and other streams is not obstructed by road crossings, culverts, or other human-caused

obstructions.

Management Area 14. Ouachita Mountains-Habitat Diversity Emphasis

Management Area 14 consists of extensive blocks of upland (non-riparian) forest located

throughout the Ouachita Mountains. The primary community types, each of which also occurs in

other MAs, are Ouachita Pine-Oak Forest; Ouachita Pine-Oak Woodland; and Ouachita Dry-Mesic

Oak Forest. The Ouachita Mountains-Habitat Diversity Emphasis MA includes all National Forest

System lands in the Ouachita Mountains not assigned to special areas. These lands are available for

varied intensities of ecosystem management and roaded-natural recreational opportunities.



Management Area 14 includes areas suitable and unsuitable for timber production, available for oil

and gas exploration and leasing with standard stipulations, and suitable for livestock grazing.

Desired Condition

This Management Area is a mosaic of shortleaf pine-hardwood (including pine-dominated,

hardwood-dominated, and evenly mixed forests and woodlands). Forest-wide desired conditions by

structural class and community are presented in Part 1 for these communities. Within this MA,

grass-forb and seedling-sapling conditions are well represented, particularly in the portions suitable

for timber management, where they make up at least 6 percent of the landscape. These “early

successional” conditions exist primarily under partial canopies of overstory pines and/or hardwood

trees. Mid-successional and mature forests and woodlands are even more widespread, making up at

least 70 percent of the landscape.

Adequate amounts of all forest conditions needed to sustain viable populations of many of the plant

and animal species native to the Forest are available. The habitat needs of other native species with

specialized habitat needs are met in other appropriate MAs. Deer and turkey habitat capability

remain near 2004 levels; habitat capability for prairie warbler and northern bobwhite, among other

indicator species, are higher than 2004 levels.

Visitors and managers have access to a moderately extensive transportation system. Visitors find

non-motorized recreation opportunities available on a seasonal and shifting basis, depending on

road closures and the scheduling of resource management activities. The main road system is well

maintained, but visitors may see timber harvest equipment and encounter logging traffic. A portion

of the road system is available for low clearance vehicle travel. Some portions are designated and

available for OHV use. The remainder of the road system is closed seasonally or long-term.

Recently cut areas with logging slash, stumps, and some areas of disturbed soil are evident on a

short-term and continuing basis, as are signs of prescribed burning and roadwork. Where such

active management activities take place, appropriate scenery management techniques are practiced.

Management Area 17. Semi-Primitive Areas

Management Area 17 consists of areas that (a) meet the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS)

criteria for motorized and non-motorized semi-primitive recreation settings and (b) are not included

in other MAs. (Wilderness areas (MA 1), portions of some special interest areas (MA 2), and

National Forest lands around Lake Ouachita (MA 16), for example, also offer either semi-primitive

motorized or non-motorized recreation opportunities or both. Emphasis in this MA is to provide

motorized and non-motorized semi-primitive recreation experiences. Management is dictated by

recreational and wildlife objectives that provide for a semi-primitive experience and a range of

wildlife habitats. Management Area 17 is available for oil and gas exploration and leasing with

standard stipulations, and is suitable for livestock grazing. For areas identified in the following

tabulation, timber harvesting and road construction are deferred for the planning period except for

actions needed to address threats to forest health, including thinning of any existing pine plantations

and control of southern pine or Ips beetle outbreaks.

Area Name Approximate Acres

Black Fork Mountain 406

Blue Mountain 11,678



Brush Heap 8,353

Cedar Mountain 3,428

Flood Mountain 4,915

Fourche Mountain 2,403

Irons Fork Mountain 8,303

Leader Mountain 9,185

Little Missouri Area 1,226

Statehouse Mountain 3,612

In the remainder of MA 17, including most walk-in turkey areas, more active forest management

may be implemented.

Desired Condition

Visitors view a predominately naturally appearing landscape with some evidence of vegetation

manipulation in the form of small openings, individual tree cutting, prescribed fire, and some stands

managed as more open, shortleaf pine-bluestem grass or oak woodland communities. Dispersed

recreation experiences, including hunting and hiking, are available with fewer disturbances from

motorized traffic than the general forest area. A moderate level of solitude is present in most areas.

Management Area 20. Wild and Scenic River Corridors and Eligible Wild and Scenic River Corridors

Management Area 20 consists of the corridors of the congressionally designated Cossatot and Little

Missouri Wild and Scenic Rivers and approximately ½-mile wide corridors for the Ouachita, forks

of the Saline (eastern), Caddo, Glover, and Mountain Fork Rivers. Management activities and

practices will protect the inherent qualities of the rivers that have not been congressionally

designated, including their “outstandingly remarkable features.” River-related recreational

opportunities that are compatible with the outstandingly remarkable features of these rivers and

their corridors will be offered. The lands within this MA are unsuitable for timber production.

Designated rivers are congressionally withdrawn from mineral activity, and rivers under

consideration for designation will have a No Surface Occupancy stipulation applied. Management

Area 20 is suitable for livestock grazing subject to management area design criteria.

Desired Condition

A variety of dispersed and developed recreational opportunities are available. Visitors encounter

natural landscapes featuring exceptionally scenic, free-flowing mountain rivers. Little evidence of

human-caused disturbance are visible, except in the form of a few system roads, prescribed fire,

control activities to address pest outbreaks, trails, and river access facilities. Much of the vegetation

in the corridor has old-growth characteristics. Signs of natural disturbances may be evident.



Management Area 21. Old Growth Restoration (Pine-Grass Emphasis)

The emphasis in this MA is the restoration and perpetuation of pine-grass old growth forests,

woodlands and other old growth conditions associated with frequent fire. Inclusions of existing

hardwood stands will also be managed for old growth characteristics. Maintenance or restoration of

other kinds of old growth forests (including other hardwood-dominated forests), woodlands, and

glades will be accomplished in other management areas. See additional discussion of old growth in

Appendix D of the Ouachita National Forest Revised Forest Plan.

Restoration of pine-grass old growth forests and woodlands fills a missing component (an

ecological gap) among existing communities of the Ouachita Mountains, created largely by decades

of fire suppression and large-scale logging in the 1920s and 1930s. Pine-grass old growth systems

will provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including both late seral stage species and some

open area associates. Portions of this area (replacement stands) are suitable for timber production

under long rotations. MA 21 is available for oil and gas exploration and leasing; however, no

surface occupancy is allowed in the core area and controlled surface use stipulations apply in the

remainder of this management area. MA 21 is suitable for livestock grazing subject to management

area design criteria.

Desired Condition

The restoration of pine-grass old growth forests and woodlands is emphasized within MA 21, with

the perpetuation of old growth conditions assured by core areas connected to replacement stands that

are managed under long rotation (160 years). Regeneration of young trees occurs in some

replacement stands on an infrequent basis. Pine stands are generally not densely stocked (total basal

area 50-80 square feet) and include many trees over 100 years old. Many trees are large (>20” dbh)

and have a “flat topped” appearance. Old growth pine-grass forests and woodlands are fire-

maintained communities characterized by relatively open conditions and a grassy understory. MA 21

may include pine in almost pure stands, pine mixed with oak and sometimes hickory, or even patches

of relatively pure stands of post oak and blackjack oak. These forests and woodlands are

characterized by open stands of old, large, and often widely spaced pines and oaks, occurring in

patches and clumps. The forest floor supports a rich mix of grasses, forbs, wildflowers, and low

shrubs.

Redheart disease, downed woody debris, and snags are common. Visitors encounter evidence of

frequent, specific disturbance, particularly fire, in a naturally appearing landscape. While usually

associated with management, disturbances are consistent with, and reflect, natural processes.

Evidence of vegetation management is visible following thinning operations or infrequent

reproduction cutting primarily in replacement stands. Access is from low-standard roads, many of

which are closed seasonally or year-round. Fire scars and snags are visible in most areas, but the

increased viewing depth, diversity of vegetation, abundance of wildflowers, and age and character of

the trees contribute to scenic quality.

Pine-grass old growth provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Deer and other early-seral stage

species are favored by the abundant grassy understory, while woodpeckers and other species

associated with mature forests are supported by the mature-tree component. Species requiring

cavities and snags (e.g., raptors, bluebirds, woodpeckers) are favored over those highly dependent on

hard mast (e.g., squirrels) or dense brush (e.g., gray fox).



Disturbance Regime—These forests are maintained by frequent, moderately intense ground fires,

some of which occur in the summer and fall (July-November). Fire return intervals range from one to

more than four years, but occur on an irregular basis, at varying times, seasons, and intensities. Fires

are frequent and hot enough to suppress the woody understory and occasionally kill individual

overstory trees or small groups of trees.

Core Areas—At least ten percent of the suitable acres of each old growth restoration unit is

designated as a “core area.” The core area ages and is not subject to artificial regeneration. Initially,

thinnings and midstory treatment may be necessary to establish pine-grass conditions. Fire is an

important component to maintain such conditions.

Replacement Stands—The remainder of the pine stands within each old growth restoration unit are

managed as replacement stands in order to perpetuate old growth conditions and maximize the

effective area in old growth at any one time. Replacement stands range in age from very young to

approximately 160 years. These replacement stands with extremely old trees are available to take the

place of core areas that, for whatever reason, can no longer function as old growth. Replacement

stands may be regenerated as necessary using irregular seedtree or irregular shelterwood

reproduction cutting methods. These methods differ from traditional seedtree or shelterwood cutting

in that some of the seedtrees are retained indefinitely. The result will be two-aged stands of trees.

Replacement stands are suitable for timber production; in the course of managing for old growth

objectives, significant yields of high-quality wood may be produced and sold from these areas. In

some cases, desired stocking may be maintained by burning alone.

Regeneration—The periodic use of prescribed fire under open canopies may promote natural

regeneration at irregular intervals, resulting in “banked” advanced reproduction in many core and

replacement stands. Therefore, regeneration in some replacement stands may be accomplished

simply by thinning to a seedtree or shelterwood residual basal area (BA), and excluding fire for a few

years to ensure the survival of seedlings. With periodic burning, some regeneration will be of

coppice origin.

Hardwood Stands—Hardwood stands and inclusions are unsuitable for timber production and are

managed to restore upland hardwood and oak-pine old growth. Fire is not excluded from these

areas, although burns generally are less intense and less frequent.

Management Area 22. Renewal of the Shortleaf Pine-Bluestem Grass Ecosystem

and Red-cockaded Woodpecker Habitat

Management Area 22 represents areas for the renewal of the Shortleaf Pine-Bluestem Grass

Ecosystem and Red-cockaded Woodpecker habitat. These lands consist primarily of extensive

blocks of Ouachita Pine-Oak Forest, Ouachita Pine-Oak Woodlands, and intermingled stands of

Ouachita Dry-Mesic Oak Forest. In addition to providing extensive areas in which restoration of

pine-bluestem ecosystems is featured, MA 22 incorporates two Habitat Management Areas (HMAs;

one in Arkansas, one in Oklahoma) for the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW).

Management Area 22 is available for oil and gas exploration and leasing with controlled surface use

stipulations on the entire management area except for the Blue Moon Wildlife and Fisheries

Demonstration Area, where no surface occupancy stipulations apply. MA 22 is suitable for

livestock grazing subject to MA design criteria. Acres in this Management Area are both suitable

and unsuitable for timber production. Active RCW stands, recruitment stands, and recruitment

clusters are all unsuitable for timber production. As required by the 1995 Red-cockaded



Woodpecker EIS, HMAs (MA 22a) have been designated. The remaining part of MA 22 (entirely

in Arkansas) is the Extended Area, or MA 22b. The Extended Area provides for renewal of the

shortleaf pine-bluestem grass ecosystem and future expansion habitat for RCWs.

Desired Condition

The dominant natural plant community of this area is shortleaf pine trees with bluestem grasses and

a variety of other herbaceous plants flourishing on the forest floor. Restoration of landscape

patterns and functions—with special emphasis on renewing the historic role of fire and increasing

the abundance of older pine and hardwood stands with grassy understories—are key features of this

MA. Hardwood trees are more common in stream corridors and on some north-facing slopes in the

area; they are also important components of all pine stands in the MA. Hardwood dominated areas

will be less numerous in this MA than in others across the Forest, but will still comprise at least 20

percent of the area.

The Ouachita Mountains Red-cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Management Area (HMA) in

Arkansas is designed to support a future population of at least 250 RCW breeding groups, as

defined by the USFWS Recovery plan for a Secondary Core Population. This HMA has sufficient

habitat capacity to provide for 400 active clusters; the smaller Oklahoma HMA has sufficient

habitat capacity to provide for 50 active clusters. Active management of these HMAs should yield

an approximate 5 percent annual population increase.

Visitors will see a large portion of the area featuring a fairly open canopy varying from

approximately 60 square feet to 80 square feet of basal area per acre of older pine and hardwood

trees. To develop and sustain older stands, regeneration cycles are a minimum of 120 years.

Regeneration areas also retain a portion of the overstory indefinitely to reduce potential impacts

from canopy fragmentation and to retain visual quality. In the future, those pine-dominated areas

that would be committed to regeneration, i.e., the 0-10 year age class, will make up no more than

8.3 percent of the area. This MA has at least 66 percent of the acreage in trees older than 40 years,

including 40 percent of the acreage in trees older than 70 years, and approximately 17 percent of the

acreage in trees older than 100 years.

Fire is used to maintain a healthy functioning ecosystem. The forest floor in the burned areas

contains a high number of herbaceous plant species, reptiles, small mammals, and breeding birds.

Harvesting activities are planned to provide large blocks of older trees. Ecotonal differences are

minimized by limiting age differences between stands. Visitors may encounter disturbances to the

forest in this area from prescribed fire and timber harvest activities. The disturbances are seasonal

and short-term.

STRATEGY

The Revised Plan also contains a set of Program Priorities and Objectives. The following

summarizes the relevant priorities that can be addressed, wholly or partially, through Southern Pine

and Other Beetle Suppression activities on the Mena/Oden Ranger Districts.

Restoring and maintaining healthy and productive ecosystems, providing high-quality recreation

opportunities, protecting air quality, and providing clean water, appealing scenery, forest

products and economic opportunities to communities that rely upon this Forest are the highest

priorities under the Revised Forest Plan.



Forest Health/Terrestrial, Riparian and Aquatic Communities/Wildlife and Fish

Habitat (including Proposed, Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species Habitat)

Priorities –

o Take steps to improve forest health by reducing the likelihood of insect infestations,

disease outbreaks and establishment of non-native, invasive species on National

Forest System lands.

o Use an integrated pest management approach to prevent or reduce damage to forest

resources from pest organisms, including non-native invasive species.



ENCLOSURE 2

Management Indicator Species (MIS) Selected for this Project

Table 1 summarizes Federally Proposed, Threatened and Endangered, and Forest Sensitive species

to be analyzed.

Table 2 summarizes Management Indicator Species (MIS) selected for analysis for this project.

The entire list of 24 MIS was reviewed and a subset selected for this project, including seven

terrestrial species and 13 fish species. Species with no known occurrence within the project area or

lacking suitable habitat were not selected as MIS for this project.

Table 1. Proposed Endangered Threatened and Sensitive Species for the Ouachita National

Forest as Amended 2007.

Endangered and Threatened

Scientific Name Common Name Endangered (E) or

Threatened (T) Within Analysis

Area

Picoides borealis Red-cockaded

Woodpecker or RCW E Yes

Sterna antillarum Least tern E No

Charadrius melodus Piping plover E No

Nicrophorus

americanus

American burying

beetle E No

Alligator

mississippiensis American alligator T No

Percina pantherina Leopard darter T No

Lampsilis powellii Arkansas

Fatmucket T Yes

Arkansia wheeleri Ouachita rock-

pocketbook E No

Lampsilis abrupta Pink mucket E No

Quadrula fragosa Winged mapleleaf

mussel E No

Leptodea leptodon Scaleshell mussel E No

Ptilimnium nodosum Harperella E Yes

Lesquerella filliformis Missouri Bladderpod E No

Myotis sodalis Indiana bat E No



Sensitive Species

Group Scientific Name Common Name Within Analysis Area

Other Invert. Lirceus bicuspicatus An isopod No

Insect Speyeria diana Diana fritillary Yes

Crustaceans

Fallicambarus strawni A crayfish Yes

Orconectes menae A crayfish Yes

Procambarus reimeri A crayfish Yes

Procambarus tenuis A crayfish Yes

Mollusks and Snail

Cyprogenia aberti Western fanshell

mussel

Yes

Lampsilis hydiana Louisiana fatmucket Yes

Lampsilis satura Sandbank pocketbook Yes

Obovaria jacksoniana Southern hickorynut Yes

Pleurobema cordatum Ohio River pigtoe Yes

Pleurobema rubrum Pyramid pigtoe Yes

Quadrula cylindrica

cylindrica Rabbitsfoot

Yes

Toxolasma lividus Purple lilliput Yes

Villosa arkansasensis Ouachita creekshell Yes

Snail Stenotrema pilsbryi

Rich Mt slitmouth

snail

Yes

Fish

Crystallaria asprella Crystal darter No

Etheostoma

pallididorsum Paleback darter

Yes

Lythrurus snelsoni Ouachita shiner Yes

Notropis perpallidus Peppered shiner Yes

Notropis ortenburgeri Kiamichi shiner Yes

Noturus lachneri Ouachita madtom No

Noturus taylori Caddo madtom Yes

Percina nasuta Longnose darter No

Percina sp. nov. Ouachita darter Yes

Salamanders Plethodon caddoensis

Caddo Mountain

salamander

Yes

Plethodon fourchensis Fourche Mountain

salamander

Yes

Plethodon kiamichi Kiamichi slimy

salamander

Yes

Plethodon ouachitae Rich Mountain

salamander Yes

Plethodon sequoyah Sequoyah slimy

salamander No



Group Scientific Name Common Name Within Analysis Area

Birds Aimophila aestivalis Bachman’s sparrow Yes

Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon Yes

Lanius ludovicianus

migrans

Migrant loggerhead

shrike

Yes

Haliaeetus

leucocephalus Bald eagle Yes

Bats Myotis austroriparius

Southeastern Myotis

bat

Yes

Myotis leibii Eastern small-footed

bat

Yes

Vascular Plants Amorpha ouachitensis Ouachita Leadplant Yes

Amorpha paniculata Panicled false

indigo

No

Asplenium

X ebenoides Scott's spleenwort

Yes

Asplenium

X gravesii Grave's spleenwort

Yes

Calamovilfa arcuata Cumberland

sandreed

Yes

Callirhoe bushii Bush's poppymallow No

Carex latebracteata Waterfall's sedge Yes

Castanea pumila var.

ozarkensis Ozark chinquapin

Yes

Cypripedium

kentuckiense

Southern Lady's-

slipper

Yes

Delphinium

newtonianum Newton's larkspur

No

Draba aprica Open-ground draba Yes

Dryopteris X

australis Small's woodfern

Yes

Eriocaulon

koernickianum Gulf pipewort

Yes

Helianthus

occidentalis ssp.

plantagineus

Shinner's fewleaf

sunflower

Yes

Hydrophyllum brownei Browne's waterleaf Yes

Juglans cinerea Butternut Yes

Leavenworthia aurea Golden glade

cress

No

Lesquerella

angustifolia

Threadleaf

bladderpod

No

Polymnia cossatotensis Cossatot Mountain

leafcup

No

Quercus shumardii

acerifolia Mapleleaf oak

Yes

Solidago ouachitensis Ouachita Mountain Yes



goldenrod

Streptanthus

squamiformis Pineoak jewelflower

Yes

Thalictrum arkansanum Arkansas meadow-

rue

No

Tradescantia ozarkana Ozark spiderwort Yes

Trillium pusillum var.

ozarkanum Ozark least trillium

Yes

Valerianella nuttallii Nuttall's cornsalad Yes

Valerianella palmeri Palmer's cornsalad Yes

Verbesina walteri Carolina crownbeard Yes

Vernonia lettermannii Narrowleaf ironweed Yes

Vitis rupestris Sand grape Yes

Table 2. Management Indicator Species and primary reason for selection. The far right column

indicates which Forest MIS species are selected for this project.

Common

Name

Scientific

Name

Primary reason(s) for selection Selected as MIS

for Project

(Yes/No)

Terrestrial MIS

Northern

Bobwhite

Colinus

virginianus

To help indicate effects of

management on public hunting

demand and to help indicate effects

of management on the pine-oak

woodland community

Yes

Eastern wild

turkey

Meleagris

gallapavo



demand

Yes

White-tailed

deer

Odocoileus

virginianus



demand

Yes

Red-cockaded

woodpecker

Picoides

borealis


management on recovery of this

endangered species and to help

indicate effects on management of

shortleaf pine-bluestem woodland

community

Yes

Prairie

warbler

Dendroica

discolor


management on early successional

component of forest communities

Yes

Scarlet

tanager

Piranga

olivacea


management on mature forest

communities

Yes

Pileated

woodpecker

Dryocopus

pileatus


management on snags and snag-

dependent species

Yes



Common

Name

Scientific

Name


for Project

(Yes/No)

Ponds and Lakes

Bluegill Lepomis

macrochirus

To help indicate management effects

on health of ponds and lakes and

demand for recreational fishing.

Yes

Redear

sunfish

Lepomis

microlophus

Yes

Largemouth

bass

Micropterus

salmoides

Yes

Arkansas River Valley Streams (Analysis area occurs outside of the Arkansas River Valley

Ecoregion)

Yellow

bullhead

Ameiurus

natalis


management on aquatic habitat and

water quality in streams within the

Arkansas River Valley Ecoregion.

No

Central

stoneroller

Campostoma

anomalum

No

Redfin darter Etheostoma

whipplei

No

Green

sunfish

Lepomis

cyanellus

No

Longear

sunfish

Lepomis

megalotis

No

Gulf Coastal Plain Ecoregion Streams (Analysis area occurs outside of the Gulf Coastal

Plain Ecoregion)

Pirate perch Aphredoderus

sayanus




Gulf Coast Plain Ecoregion.

No

Central

stoneroller

Campostoma

anomalum

No

Creek

chubsucker

Erimyzon

oblongus

No

Green

sunfish

Lepomis

cyanellus

No

Longear

sunfish

Lepomis

megalotis

No

Ouachita Mountain Ecoregion Streams

Central

stoneroller

Campostoma

anomalum




Ouachita Mountain Ecoregion.

Yes

Johnny

darter

Etheostoma

nigrum

No

Orangebelly

darter

Etheostoma

radiosum

Yes



Common

Name

Scientific

Name


for Project

(Yes/No)

Redfin darter Etheostoma

whipplei

No

Northern

studfish

Fundulus

catenatus

Yes

Northern hog

sucker

Hypentelium

nigricans

Yes

Green

sunfish

Lepomis

cyanellus

Yes

Longear

sunfish

Lepomis

megalotis

Yes

Striped

shiner

Luxilus

chrysocephalus

Yes

Smallmouth

bass

Micropterus

dolomieu

Yes

Channel

darter

Percina

copelandi

Yes

Forest-wide

Smallmouth

bass

Micropterus

dolomieu

To help indicate the effects of

management on meeting public

fishing demand in streams

Yes

Documents

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