Draft EIS_072312.pdf - Middle Fork American River Project ...

20120723-4002 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 07/23/2012
Vegetation Management
Both the proposed and Alternative 1 VIPMP define the areas proposed for active
vegetation management, including distances from project-related features. Each plan
provides a table listing the specific project elements where vegetation management is
proposed and the type and expected frequency of management activities. The Alternative
1 VIPMP table includes 25 more project facilities than are included in the proposed
VIPMP (193 versus 168, respectively). Each plan includes a description of each method
that would be used for vegetation management—trimming by hand, trimming with
equipment, herbicide use, and fungicide use, and specific vegetation management
restrictions intended to protect special status plan populations. However, unlike the
proposed plan, the Alternative 1 plan specifies that active management would be
conducted within 100 feet of recreation features for fire fuel management purposes and
up to 150 feet of recreation features for hazard tree removal. Details of the use of
trimming by hand that would be used for both purposes are also provided in the
Alternative 1 plan.
Our Analysis
Vegetation management is necessary to maintain safe access to and reduce fire
hazards in the vicinity of project-related features. The general approach to vegetation
management in both plans is consistent with generally accepted practices. The inclusion
of 25 more sites in the vegetation management program in the Alternative 1 VIPMP
would enhance project safety and increase the level of fire fuel management at these
additional sites. Although vegetation management was included at recreation sites in
both plans, the specificity provided in the Alternative 1 plan minimizes any ambiguity
regarding what is intended for implementation and would facilitate documentation of
compliance with the plan by Commission staff. We note that if the Commission should
determine that a facility is not project-related in a license that may be issued for this
project, it would not be able to enforce vegetation management activities at any such site.
We consider that the VIPMP, included as part of Alternative 1, would satisfy the
requirements of the Forest Service condition no. 46 and provide protection for vegetation
resources within the project area.
Noxious Weed Management
Activities associated with project operations and maintenance can disturb existing
vegetation, which could spread or facilitate the introduction of noxious weeds in the
project area. Project activities with the potential to affect the distribution of noxious
weeds include routine maintenance activities, non-routine recreation maintenance
activities, modification of existing facilities, and construction of new facilities.
Both the proposed and Alternative 1 VIPMP include provisions for conducting
noxious weed inventory surveys at 5-year intervals, controlling identified noxious weed
populations (manually and with herbicides), revegetation following treatment, monitoring
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