Final Environmental Impact Statement Rio de los Pinos Vegetation ...

Final Environmental Impact Statement Rio de los Pinos Vegetation Management Project
Figure 3.6-8 - Photo 7-Upstream
UTM 367395/4103344
Unit 5
Several areas were more closely reviewed in 2008 due to concerns regarding riparian areas and
small streams that were perennial that were not indicated as such on USGS maps. In Unit 5,
stream health conditions are robust. Photo 8/Figure 3.6-9 was taken in the lower part of the unit
along a drainage that is for the most part intermittent/perennial but does have some short
ephemeral sections. Riparian vegetation consists of primarily sedge on channel banks and in
some wider depression areas. Photo 9/Figure 3.6-10 shows the sedge meadow/wetland that is the
source of water for this stream.
Several old access roads are present in this area. At stream crossings some minor sediment input
occurs due to connected drainage and stream width is locally affected, but up and downstream
stream health remains robust.
Figure 3.6-9 - Photo 8-Upstream
UTM 368189/4102171
Figure 3.6-10 - Photo 9-Upstream
UTM 367700/4102527
In several areas, these old roads are located within the water influence zone (WIZ) of the stream.
Sediment from roads is well buffered in most of these areas by healthy riparian vegetation, but
design criteria to protect these streams will be necessary where the roads are reopened.
Upper West part of Units 3 and 4
One area with several small perennial streams is the northern part of Unit 4. As in other areas,
local impacts due to old road crossings are present. However, overall stream health is robust,
with stable banks and minimal fines in the bedload (Photo 10/Figure 3.6-11) .
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment & Environmental Consequences Page 3-18