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MANAGEMENT PLAN for the FRANK CHURCH--RIVER OF NO RETURN WILDERNESS Prepared in compliance with the requirements of Section 5 of the ~entral Idaho Wilderness Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-312), by the: Wilderness Planning Team, Salmon National Forest for the: Northern Region (Region One) Bitterroot National Forest Nezperce National Forest Intermountain Region (Region Four) Boise Nat~onal Forest Challis National Forest Payette National Forest Salmon National Forest Forest Service u.s.n.A. December 1984 I ' • • N • VICINITY t~AP • Boise • Idaho scale falls FRANK CHURCH- RIVER OF NO RETURN WILDERNESS ii 10 0 10 20 MaLes • ' • • TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION A. B. c. D. E. Location Legal Description Establishment History Characteristics and General Description Analysis of Present Situation 1. Overall Situation and Opportunities· .. 2. 3. Issues, Concerns, Relationship with Other Plans and Documents II. OBJECTIVES III. SITUATION, ASSUMPTIONS, AND DIRECTION A. B. c. D. E • F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. Recreation • Wildlife and Fish Grazing-Vegetation Soil and Water • Minerals and Energy Land Status and Uses l. 2. 3. Special Interest Areas. Land Ownership and Acquisition. Withdrawals • 4. Special Use Permits • Fire, Insect, Disease, and Weed Management Air Quality Transportation 1. Roads • 2. Aviation. 3. Trails, Signs, Trailheads 4. Bridges • Administrative Sites • Cultural Resources • 1. 2. 3. General Management. Prehistoric Sites Historic Sites. Research • Information and Education IV. APPENDICES • iii o A Page 1 1 1 1 3 5 5 6 11 15 18 19 27 32 37 41 48 48 49 54 56 64 69 71 72 76 83 92 94 97 97 101 106 112 115 117 •• • • I. INTRODUCTION A. B. Location The·Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness contains 2, 361,767 acres of federal land locate.d in central Idah<Y. It is made up of lands formerly in the Idaho Primitive Area, the Salmon River Breaks Primitive Area, and a number of adjacent RARE II areas. The Wilderness includes the Salmon, Middle Fork Salmon, and part of the Selway Wild and Scenic rivers and major parts of Big Creek and South Fork of the Salmon River, which are potential Wild and Scenic .river candidates. The area includes parts of four counties: Custer, Idaho, Lemhi, and Valle!l; and is administered by six Nationa-l Forests: Bitterroot and Nezperce of Region 1, and the Boise, Challis, Payette, and Salmon of Region 4. Two other wildernesses abut the Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness; the Gospel Hump Wilderness (206,053 acres) and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (1,340,681 acres), resulting in a near-solid block of wilderftess of over 6,000 square miles. Legal Description The official map and boundary description for the Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness are being prepared for submission to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States House of Representatives. The map and boundary description is contained in 65 pages of text and 107 U.S. Geological Survey 7.~ minute series quadrangle map sheets. Due to the size of the document, it is incorporated here only by reference. Copies will be provided each administrative unit managing this Wilderness, and are available at the offices of the Chief, U.S. Forest Service; Regional Foresters, Intermountain and Northern Forest Service Regions; Forest Supervisors, Bitterroot, Boise, Challis, Nezperce, Payette, and Salmon National Forests; and the involved Range~ Districts. C. Establishment ijistory The majority of the Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness has been managed according to primitive area regulations since the 1930's. Approximately 1,090,000 acres were designated as the· Idaho Primitive Area in 1931. An addition in 1937 brought the total to 1,224,350 acres. In 1936, the Selway-Bitterroot Primitive Area was established, including most of the area between the Salmon and Lochsa 1 ' ! ·rivers. A portion of this was redesignated as the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in 1963. Another portion, bordering the Idaho Primitive Area, was continued in primitive area status as the Salmon River Breaks Primitive Area. The remaining portion, known as the Magruder Corridor, was left unclassified, but remained essentially undeveloped. The Wilderness Act of 1964 gave statutory wilderness designa-· tion to the then existing wildernesses, including the Selway-Bitterroot. It further required that primitive areas and adjacent lands be studied and +eports provided regarding tneir suitability for wilderness designation. In the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the S~lway River and Middle Fork Salmon River were designated as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The main Salmon River downstream from North Fork, Idaho, was named fpr study for its potential classification. The mandated studies of the Idaho Primitive Area, the Salmon River Breaks Primit'ive Area, and the Salmon River were conducted concurrently. The reports submitted in 1974 proposed wilderness and wild and scenic river designations for the areas studiep. Studies of additional adjacent roadless areas, including the Magruder Corridor, were completed i~ 1979 with additional areas recommended for addition to the proposed wilderness. • On July 23, 1980, .the United States Congress· passed the • Central Idaho ~ilderness Act (CIWA), Public Law 96-312. This established the a,361,767 acre River of No Return Wilderness, des~gnated the Salmon River from North Fork to Corn Creek as a National Recreational River and from·Corn Cree)t to Long Tom Bar as a National Wild.Rivl'r, and added approximately 105,600 acres to the Selway-Bitte~root Wilderness. (The name was legislatively changed in March 1984 to "Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness" 6y Public Law 98-231.) Other key provisions of the Central Idaho Wilderness Act were: 1. Restrictions on closure of public airfields. 2. Restrictions on management of jetboating. 3. Requirement for annual maintenance of the Wilderness trails. 4. Provision for two water developments. 5. ·Prohibition of dredge and·placer mining in the Salmon River, the Middle Fork Salmon River, and tributaries of the Middle Fork Salmon Rivet. 2 • • • • 6. Identification of the 40,000-acre Special Mining Mana"gement Zone, where wtlderness constraints are not applicable relative to mining activities for cobalt and associated m;l.nerals. 7. Requirements for a cultural resources management program in the Wilderness, including an inventory and management recommendations for historic cabins and other structures. 8. Requirements for a comprehensive management plan for the Wi.lderriess, including certain specific planning processes and concerns to be"addressed. D. Characteristics and General Description Soils of the area are diverse, primarily of grani~ic' origin in and near the Idaho Batholith, but significant areas of volcanic and quartzitic related s~ils also are present. The area includes seven general physiographic type~: Lower River Canyon Lands, Upper River Canyon Lands, Rolling Basin Lands,' Low Relief Fluvial Lands, Steep Volcanic Lands, Steep Granitic Fluvial Lands, and Strongly Glaciated Lands •. Elevatipns range from 1,970 feet at the Wind River packbridge to 10,329 feet at the General, near upper Loon Creek. Precipitation varies from less than 14 inches to nearly 60 inches annually, mostly in the form of snow. Summers are generally dry with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit at lower elevations. Winte,s are long and hard with sub-zero temperatures common. Winps are generally westerly over the Wilderness, but the canyon and ridge complexes common to the area result ;l.n altered local winds ~nd typica1 diurnal air movement. Major mountain ranges include the Bitterroot, Clearwater, and Salmon River Mountains. The wide elevation~l range, with accompanying climatic variations, results in diverse flora and fauna. Vegetation varies from ponderosa pine/bluebunch wheatgrass or ldaho fescue and Douglas-fir/ninebark or snowbe~ry at lower-mid elevations to subalpine fir types in areas ab0ve 5,000 f_eet. Near-alpine habitat occurs in the highest elevational areal!. Fires have continually altered the Wilderness landscape creating brushfields, large lodgepole pine stands, extensive snag patches, and variations of vegetative age·cl~sses. A total of 370 wildlife_ species have been qbserved in the area: 77 mammals, 240 birds, 23 fish, ?.1 reptiles, anp 9 amphibians. Several non-native species of upland game, including chukar and gray (Hungarian) pa~tridge, were introduced into the a:rea prior to wilderness de.signation·. Eight species of big game are found: mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, black bear, mountain lion, and moose. 3 The area supports both resident and anadromous fisheries. Steelhead trout and chi~ook salmo~ (spr~ng ~nd ~ummer runs) ~ttlize spawni~g ~na rearing habita~ of the Wilq~rness. I':'digenoils _game fis,h .include cutthroat, bul:)., and rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, and white sturgeon. Brook trout, galiforni~ gplden trout, and Arctic grayli"'g wene planted in lakes of the area some time' ago and have beim established long enough to be cons;Ldered.native to the area. An average of 9q fires occur each yeat, burning nearly 112,000 acres over the last !=wenty years. Most of the fires C88%) have been lightning-caused. Human-caused fires have accounted for over 85,000 acres, 72% of ~h~ total acres burned. While most of the fires were suppressed at less than one acre, fires that exceeded·. ten acres in size ranged from 23 acres to over 66,000 acres. Req.-eation~l use, of the Wilderness i11cludes a wide variety of activities witli b:"ckpacking, .l)ig game hunting, fishing, and wh).tewater boating among the most _popular. Over 300,000 r~creation visitor days per·year are e'}j'oyed by approximately 3?, 000 recreatipnists. 'Many of the~e visi,i:ors utilize the servlces of ~? o~tfttters who opera~e i!l t4e area. The wildernes~ resource is of hig~ quality over much of the area. In so vast im area, opportunities for solitude and challenge abound; in a general s~nse, evi'deitce of man is ess~ntially. unnoticeal)le. · There'· a're ,, hpwe~~r, some locations where man's works are noticeable, even dominant, and the naturalness and solitude are impaired. While there are numerous trailless areas in excess of 10,000 a'cr~s;. there a].'!! 2, 60,0 'mill'S of syste1\l trails. There are 24 airfields, :u lookouts, 19,other administrative sites (guard stations. ,patrol cabins. etc-.). over 100 trail bridges. and. not counting the Salmon Wild and Scenic rivers area outside t~e Wilderness, 5~ parcels of private or State-owned land 1 many with resort-type deve!opment. Mining activity, past and present, also impacts the wilderness resource.. A 40,'000--acl.'e area in the eas~ern ·portion of the Wilderness is identified as a Special Mining Management Zone, where wilderness considerations will not inhibit exploration and extraction of. cobalt and as~oci~ted minerals. J)omestic livestock grazing, while once. widespread, is -presently confined to appr6ximate+y two percent of the Wilderness, mostly near the' south and eastern periphery of the area. Pack and saddle Stock grazing <?CCUrS in sca):tered areas throughout the'Wilderness, b~t is confined to relativeiy small areas associat'ed'with recreational use. The historic and prehistoric heritage of the area is recognized as a yaluable component of this Wilgerness. ~t is 4 • • • • • • evidenced in numerous locations by artifacts of the Shoshone and Nez 'Perce Indian occupation, by journals of early fur trappers and missionaries, and by remnants of early miner and homesteader occupancy. Over .350 sites in. the Wirderness contain cabins or other structures. Thirty-seven of these are historically significant and approximately 75 more may be. Many opportunities for scientific and educational studies of both biol!'gical and cultural resources are. pre,sent. E. Analysis of Present Situation 1. Overall Situation The cu£rent situation is the result of relatively low-~ey management based on the generally undeveloped and inac-· cessible nature of 'the area. Management has· terided to be restrained due to the uncertafn status of the primitive and roadless areas for'twenty year~. Dispersed·recreatidn has been the predom~nant use, with mining and livestock grazing the only commodity-oriented activities, and the·se occu:r;ring in relatively limited and scattered· locations. The excep.tions to the general low-key or casual m~nagement approach are the grazing allotments, most of wh~ch have been managed according to up-to-date range management principles and techniques; and the whitewater boating programs on the two major rivers, which have been under state-of-the-art management for about lb years. Today the emphasis is directed ~t remedying unacceptable impacta and protecting wilderness values while accommo~ ating legally excepted uses specifically identified in the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the Central Idaho Wilder-ness Act of 1980. .. ' · Coordination between the six management entities. (Bitterroot; Boise, Chailis, Nezp~rce, Payette, and. Salmon National Forests) has often been difficult. Inconsistencies, while not signtficant, have contributed to'confusion of'visitors and management difficulties. No~-recreation use of. the area is essentially in a fairly stable situation. Production of cattle ·and sheep, while present in a relatively small amount, is an essential part of the involved' food and fiber producing op,erations. Mining activity within the Wilderness shows little indication of expanding beyond the present small-scale operations; however, mining activities adjacent to the Wilderness pose major threats to water quality and other .Wilderness values. Recreational use· Js increasing measurably each yea, • This increased use affects both the outfitter/guide 5 ' , businesses and the business commu~~ty that suppiies materials and services to the outfitters and the individual users, Wilderness visitor's origin?te from throughout the Nation and, to a lesser degree, from foreign countries. Included in these visitors are members of the Shoshone-Bannock and Nez Perce Indian Tribes. 2. Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities During the development of this plan, public issues, management concerns, and other problems and opportunities were solicited and identif,ied. These were derived from several sources. Primary among these were the results of workshops, 'meetings, surveys, and other public involvement efforts conducted during the concurrent Forest planning process. These were supplemented by notices and announcements through the news med,ia and 'by direct mailings using a mailing list also derived from the Fore.st planni!lg activities. • The issues and concerns Mere screened and consolidated to eliminate or reduce repetitious and unrelated comments and inputs. Th.ey were,then ,grouped by subject and rephrased as "planning questions" and subquestions, that the managel)lenf: plan·should a,ddress or consider. These were later referred to in dev~loping management objec- • tives an~ d!lcision criteria, and wilderness 1\lanagement, alternatives. They are: a. 'How can a variety of wilderness recreation opportunities be provided without impairing wilderness ch~racteristics or visitor experiences? Primary Issue Areas 1) What is the minimum am~unt of regulation/user controls necessary to meet ob~ectives? 2} What balance of·preservation, protection, and use should be achieved, particularly in high use are~;~s? . 3) How should conflicts be resolved where visitors with different•preferences interact? 4} To what extent should recreation facilities be allowed or provided in the, Wilderness? 5) How much solitude, challenge, and related wilderness experience ·should be provided in this 'I)Tilderness? 6 • • ,. • • b. 6) To what ~xtent should special use permits be utilized? 7) What administrative facilities are necessary for Wilderness m~nag~mentJ What management actions are necessary for the identification, ev~luation, protection, and management of cultural resources within the Wilderness? Primary Issue Areas 1) How should inventory and evaluation be prioritized and accomplished? 2) ~ow should management of these resources (including ipterpretation and research) be coordinated with other responsible agencies? 3) To what extent is cultural resource management and ·wilderness management incompatible? (What mitigation is appropriate for both?) c. How can a variety of river recreation opportunities be provided while enhancing and maintaining the river envir.onment aJ;J.d user experience? Primary Issue Areas 1) What changes are needed to improve river permit and other river management activities for the Middle Fork Wild and Scenic River? 2) 3) What facilities are netessary for camping, sanitatio~, launching, and t~ke-out on rivers? What is the proper carrying capacity for the river, and how should this be availed to the users? d. What actions should be ta~en to evaluate, maintain, and enhance wildlife diversity within the Wilderness? Primary Issue Areas 1) How can a. variety of fish and wildlife habitat be maintained? 2) How can anadromous ·and resident fisheries be maintained? 3) What transplanting and reintroduction of native wildlife species should be considered? 7 4) 5) How should fish and wildlife habitat be coordinated with livestock grazing? What fish and wildlife habitat improvement or enhancement is apprQpriate in wilderness? e, What ~etions are appropriate and. necessary to meet the intent of the Threatened and Endangered Species Act? Primary Issue Areas 1) How can critical and essential hapitats of the T&E and unique species·be identified and protected? 2) What conflicts exist, and what mitigation is appropriate, in pr.otecting T&E species habitat in wilderness (e',g,, natural fires)? f. How should the fish and wildlife resource management be coordinated with State and other fed~ral agencies? Primary Issue Areas 1) How can interagency cooperation in wi~dlife management efforts be strengthened? g. How cap mineral and energy resource exploration and · development activities be managed to pro~ect or ·maintain wilderness resources? ·Primary Issue Areas 1) How should regul~tion of dredge, placer, and ·hard-rock mining be accomplished? 4) What are the reasonable and unavojdahle environmental impacts of mining and asso.ciated reclamation? 3) How can reasonable access for mineral exploration and de~elopment be provided for, while minimizing ·impacts on other resources? 4) What are the appropriate restrictions on mining in the Special Mining Management Zone? 5) What additional mineral withdrawals are necessary to prote~t wilderness, wild river, and recreationa1 river values·? What existing withdrawals are unnecessary? 8 • • • • • • h. To what degree ~hould the wilderness management plan co~sider local economic and social conditions? P.rimary Issue Areas 1) How can wilderness management recognize and support local dependent co~unities? 2) What management plan ~revisions are necessary to meet the intent of Native American treaties? i. How should fire be managed in the Wilderness? j. Primary Is~ue Ar.eas 1) To what extent can alternative suppression strategies. be used and/or the natural role of fire in wilderness be considered and prqvided? 2) What suppression methods, access needs, and detection m~thod& are appr9priate? How shduld forest insect a~d disease impacts be considered in wilderness management? Primary Issue Areas . 1) '· Under•wha~. circumstances would insect and disease control be considered? 2) How should noxious weed control be evaluated, in light of State laws and regulations? ' k. What law enf9rcement sct~vities should be considered in the Wilderness? Primary Issue Areas 1) What are the law enforcement needs to protect the Wilderness? 2) How can thE:! laws and regulations be enforced with,minimum impact on wilderness experlence? 1. What land ownership adjustments are necessary to protect and manage the Wilderness and related resources? Primary Issue Areas 1) W9ich private or State properties should be a<;quired? 9 • 2) How should private property rights and access be provided for? · 3) What scenic easement provisions are necessary along river corridors? m. What management actions need to be'taken to enhance or maintain soH stal:>ilj.ty and water quality in the Wilderness?' Primary Issue Areas 1) How can· stream. degradation, caused'. by mineral and livestock related activities, be.-prevented? 2)' 'What watershed protection is necessary and appropriate? 3) How can riparian zones be protected? 4) What management program is necessary to maintain water quality? n. · How can the established domestic livestock activities be'managed to minimize conflicts with other wilderness uses? Primary Issue Areas 1) What are advers~ effects of grazing in riparian. zones? '2) What grazing controls.are necessary in the Wilderness? 3) What kind·of protection is necessary for T&E species? 4). How can adverse effects of pack ~nd saddle stock be minimized in the Wilderness? 5) What range improvement is necessary and appropriate in the Wilderness? 6) How shoul~ range management in wilderness be coordinat~d with adjacent lands? 7) How can range productivity ani! vegetative diversity be coordinated? o. How should firewood, and other recreational related uses of wood, be managed in the Wi1derness? 10 • • • \ • • • Prima1;y Issue Areas. l) Ar~ controls needed on the use of firewood, tent poles, corral poles, etc.; in the Wilder-nes~? · 2) What hazardous tree protection 'is necessary and appropriate? p. What tr?nsportation system does the Wilderness need and how should it be managed? P~imary Issue Areas 1) What kind of trail system, and related signs 4nd bridges, is necessary for wilderness access and visitor dispersion? 2) _3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) How ~uch area should ·be kept tra~lless? How much access for the elderly and handicapped s'l\o:uld b_e prov~!led? · · . At..~· special trails, e·, g., for skiers, hikers, and horses, desirable? _$.li.ould existing and potential sp~cially designa; ted ~rails (e.g., )listpric) be .identifiE:d .and promoted? Which ones? What rpad access is necess.a~y; how shouid it be controlled? '· ' How' should Hells Half Acre and ·Pinyon Peak roads be managed? .,. } Should a:ir access be limited; what airfield maintenance' is needed t · 3. Relatio.n ship. with ·other Plane· and Documente a. The Uni~;ed Stat;ee Congre.~s recognized that the Frank Church-~River of No Return Wilderness is contained wit~~n partS' :.;i se,;eral national forests, all of . . . w,hich are developing .land and resource management plans .in. compl:l,ance with !iection & of the Nationa! Forest Management Act, of 1976 .(Public Law 9.4-588),. The Cey.tral Idaho Wilderness Act direc!:s.. that the c~prehemiive management plan for, the Fc·--,R,O!ffi Wilderness be coordinated with t~ese Forest plans, To help achieve that coordination; the planning process and terminology u~ed has been similar and p~rallel to the Forest planning efforts • ll ' . h. Interdi~ciplinary personnel of each Forest provided inventory data and other resource information, identified management concerns, reviewed draft and ~ final plann"ing documents such as the Analysis of the Management Situation (AMS) of the Wilderness and the array of management alternatives, and assisted in the evaluation of the alternatives. The development and evaluation of alternatives included considera-ti9n of how well the alternatives meshed or fit with the various Forest 'plan alternatives •. The wilder-ness management direction chosen is therefore both complementary and supplementary to each relevant National Forest plan. · It must be recognized, however, that the management emphasis for each National Forest differs from the others. That, and the related program budgeting process, will result in somewhat different rates and degrees of implementation of this management plan. That is, each National Forest will manage the ·Wtlderness within the framework and along the course d!rected by this plan, but the intensity and scheduling of certain management actions may vary from Forest to Forest and is subject to the availability of funds over time. The C1WA and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act required that a management plan for'the Salmon Wild and Recreational River be prepared within one year. This was complet~d in 19S2, and is hereby adopt·ed ~nd incorporated as a part of the management direction beirig provided by·· this comprehensive management plan for the Fr~nk Church--River of No Return Wilderness and related Wiid and Scenic rivers. The CIWA provides that Wild and Scenic Rivers Act considerations will take precedence over Wilderness Act requirements. This applies.only to the Sa~mon River, not to the Selway and Middle Fork Salmon rivers. Therefore, the management plan f.or the Salmon Wild and Recreational River should be referred to for specific direction within those areas. If conflicts· develop be.tween t.he Salmon. River Plan direction and Wilderness Plan direction, the River Plan direction shall be used. The exceptions.to this are in those sub1ect areas where, for reasons of breadth and depth ~f 'evaluation, the River Plan directio~ specifically deferred them to the Wilderness Plan. Therefore, 'Wilderness Plan direction is applicable within the Salmon Wild and Scenic River corridor regarding: 1) Minerals management, including withdrawals. 2) Cultural resources management. 12 ~ • • • • 3) Transportation planning, specifically trail and bridge·construc~ion • 4) Fire'management. 5) Subjects or issues not addressed in the River Plan, provided that there is no conflict with C1WA direction. c. This ~anagement plan provides the basic direction towards preserving the quality and integrity of the Fran~'Church--River'of No Return Wilderness. To accomr,lish ~his, ad.ditiorial resource-; time-, and area-specific plans will be developed. These'will be in the nature of action plans, implementation plans~ anq operating. plans. Some examples are: - grazing ~llotment management plans fire management plans - annual trail maintenance ~lans - outfitter permit ·operating plans , j Sections of this plan will be extracted and supplemented for field use and to stand on their ow.n as functional management·plans. Wilde~ess Plan direction relevant to the Middle Fork Salmon River . provides· the framework for,the Middle Fork Salmon Wild and· Scenic River ~nagement Plan. The cultural resources section of the Wi..l....d erness Pla' n is, in fact, a cultural resources management plan. · ·Managers and use~s of thi~ ~ilderness management plan should,·also ke.ep available, and. refer .to, the companion background 4ocqmen~s· to this plan. The. Analysis of the Management Situation for. the River of No Return Wilderness, prepared in April, 1983, includes considerable data and resource ·information of int~rest -useful for managers. There are lists and tables of wildlife species, State and- private lands, administrative sites, airfields~ trails, trailheads, and bridges. There is also-additional discussion and explanation for some of the' direction in this plan •. "The Farthest Frontier of All," ·a cyltural,r!!source overview of the Wild'i'rness (Wild'eson,. 1982), pro~ vides a compilation of records and reports' and. a summary of the data, regarding_- the· .C.iltural history of the area. The "Historic Structures Inventory," as." required by the CIWA, was prepared in 1982. The direction now· included in this management plan regarding the future use, treatment, and dispo-sition was derived 13 -" from that report. It provides the location and condition of all known cabins, other buildings, and bridges in the Wilderness. It. also includes the inventory and evaluation methodology and criteria, and definitions and explanations of proposed treatments •. "A Cultural Resource Reconnaissance in the Middle Fork Salmon River Basin" (Knudson, et.al.; 1978) provides protection and management recommendations for the archeologi.cal resources at campsites along the Middle Fork. A. similar survey of the Middle Fork was conducted in 1981, which also covered the area b~tween campsites: .The results and recommendations are in "A,Cultural Resource Reconnaissance in the Middle Fork of the Salmon River Corridor, River of No .Return Wilderness, Idaho, 1981-1982" (Kulesza). "A Cultural Resources Reconnaissance of the Campgrounds on th~ main Salmon Rive~ Corridor, Report PSL-82-254" (Price, 1982) and "A.Cultural Resource. Reconnaissance in the Chamberlain Basin "Uplands," River of No Return Wilderness" (Kulesza, 1982) provide survey results for those areas. 14 • • • • • • II. OBJECTIVES Overall objectives and policies for management of national forest wilderness are established by the Chief in Forest Service ~anual 2•320. Regional Forester direction is provided in the Northern Region Plan and the Regional Guide for the Intermountain Region. These form the basis for the goals and objectives for management of the Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness. -Management Goal: The Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness is a distinct and unique component o~_the National ·wilderness Preservation System t"o be managed for a btoad range of land uses and recreation opportunities in a manner that will leave it unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness. Objectives: The following objectives were used in developing the management plan and are the guiding principles to be used in managing the Wilderness, Additional, resource- or activityspecific, -objectives appear later in the appropriate section of the plan. A. Maintain a wilderness where ecosystems are unaffected ~y man's manipulation, and plants and animals develop and respond to natural forces • For instance: 1. Allow natural biotic processes to occur. 2. Provide least impact arid effect on native plants and animals, with emphasis on J~reatened and Endangered ~pecies. 3. Provide least evid~nce of human use and activity. B. To the extent that it is consistent with A., above, provide a diversity of opportunities for public use, enjoyment, and understanding of wilderness and the unique experience depen~ ent upon a wilderness setting. For instance: l. Facilitate access f"or all appropriate classes of visitqrs and provide for the broad range of both traditional and potentia~ uses and activitie~ ·ava;lable i~ tHis Wilderness. 2. Provide for developing public and agency awareness and appreciati9n for the wilderness values • 15 c. 3. Accomplish necessary wilderness res~urce protection with least direct agency controls and restrictions. Accommodate and administer those non-conforming uses provided for in the WildeTness Act and the Ce~tral Idaho Wilderness Act in .a way so as to minimize their imp~ct on the wilderness resource and values. For instance: 1. Recognize basic rights and pr-ivileges permitted by law, and the situations unique to this Wildernes's. 2. To the extent consistent with ,#1., manage and control ac~ivities and developments that conflict with basic wilderness principles. 3. Minimize admin·istrative use of necessary improvements and motori.zed equipment in order to meet wilderness management objectives. D. Identify, protect, interpret, and encourage further research regarding significant cultural, historical, and archaeological values. For ino,tance: 1. Provide for locating and protec-ting sensitive, f.ragile sites. 2. Promote and" foster researeh concerning the-cultural heritage of the Wilderness. 3. Provide for .developing_ public and agency awareness and appreciation for the cultural resource values. E. Contribute to· the social and economic' stability of iocal communities. F. For instance: 1.· Cause least interference an·d/or disruption to local econo~ic situations, i.e., income and ·employment: - valid mining operations --outfitting and.guidin~ - permitted livestock grazing ope1:ations' - recreation, triurism, and ~elated s~rvices - gove'rnment - 2. Cause least reduction in -tax' base. Accomplish management objectives at least cost, unless higher costs are necessary to protect the wilderness resource. 16 • • • • • • For instance: 1. Utilize fewest Wild'erness Rangers, oatrols, firefighters, lookouts, and mainten'ahce ';rews within th;.· Wi,lderness. 2. Utilil!e other-agency and/or out-'service programs to achieve objectives. G. Be responsive to the objectives of State and local ·governments where they are compatible with protection of the wilderness ' . resource. For instance: 1. Coor~inate witn and supp~rt the, ohject;ives at;<! programs of other agencies, such as: ' - Idaho D~partment of Fish and Game - Idaho State Historic Preservation Officer - Idaho Department of Parks 'and Recreation - Idaho Department of Transportation - Idaho Department of Public Lands - Idaho Department of Water Resources - Idaho a~d county Departments of Health and Welfare - Idaho Outfitters and Guides Board - County Sheriffs - Native American Tribes - .County Commissioners 17 III, SITUATIONS, ASSUMPTIONS, AND DIRECTION This section describes the current status of each major resource and activity in the Wilderness. It makes certain assumptions .regarding trends and probabilities, and then provides both general and specific management direction. It includes the basic objectives for management of e~ch of the resources and uses. The situation descriptions, and the related assumptions, provide the background .. and summary explanations leading to the decisiot;ts reached. In addition to de~isions made in developing this Plan, the direction statements also repeat certain regulations and National policies that are most relevant to this Wilderness, and/or may otherwise tend to be qverlooked. This includes.key delegations of autHority, or. limitations thereto. If approval authorities -are subsequently changed, the revised authorizations will be effective, 18 • • • A • • • • Recreation Qbjectiv~s: Provide a broad range of opportunities· for primitive and unconfined recreation in a manner which protects and preserves the Wilderness. 1. Situation Recreation settings are described across a spectrum called the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS). At one end of the-spectrum recreation activities, settings, and experiences are classified as "primitive;" as found in wild, -isolated, or undeveloped lands. At the other end, recreation opportunities reflect the appropriate activities, settings, and experiences found in non-wilderness environments. Given the variety.of historical uses that have taken place in the Wilderness, including a:f,rcraft use, mining, and jetboating, settings other th~n primitive are easily identified. The growth of these historic as well as new uses has lead to numerous situations that influence recreation management in the Wilderness. Many of these occur in a variety of locations and situations in the Wilderness. These situations are summarized below. Areas of concentrated use. From a Wilderness-wide perspective, areas of concentrated use occur wher~ visitors are either entering or leaving the Wil4erness at transfer camps/trailheads, airfields, or boat ramps; and at areas of special attraction or interest, such as major rivers and mountain lakes and their associated camps.Outside of these areas, use associated with h~nting often causes congestion at trailheads wtiere· parking and loading facilities are often taxed. Conflicts between recreation uses. Visitor conflicts occur most often where recreationists concentrate and where the diversity of use is greatest. Here the differing needs and perceptions of visitors often result in conflicting encounters. While these areas are not evenly distributed throughout the Wilderness, certain areas and uses can be identified. Conflicts occur between horse us~rs and backpackers._ They compete for the same fampsites and trails, and often have perceived or real philosophical differences.that make the conflict more acute. Where road corridors penetrate the Wilderness, conflicts occur between vehicle users and the pedestrian or equestrian user. This is particularly-evident where mines and mining equipment operate near wilderness portals and campgrounds • 19 Finally, tqere is grqwing competition between outfitted and non-outfitted boaters for permits on both the Middle Ji'ork and the ,main Salmon, rivers. ,The allocation of this use on the. Middle Fork, first imposed in 1973, was based • on the apparent relative demand as expressed by the actual,. 'then unconstrained. level 'Of use. Several adjustments have been ·made since,· again based on observed demand. As use increases and approaches 100%· of capacity (seve~ launches per day), shifts in de~nd becomes more difficult to 'identify. Degradation of other resource values. The most s~gnificant .resource damage occurring ·as a. result of recreation use takes prac.e at campsites and trailhead facilities where impacts of visitors are concentrated, Understory vegetation .loss a1;1d so;t~ compaction. ·ar.e the most prevalent damage. Water pollution from stock and human waste il:s evide,;t in soille heavily used areas., an<f riparian vegetation-in meadows and along streambanks is bein~ damaged in high use sites along the rivers and at popular high mountain lakes. Numerous fire circles, litter, deeply rutted t,rails •· apd te;nt trenching are often-cited problems at popular campsites and trailheads. Outfitter ~amps are often impacted with the same aforementioned 'Problems and manv have .temporary structures that are v:j.su.ally degrading a,nd tend to become permanent. The overuse and abu~e by recreation stock has cr.eated • , problems in many areas where vegetatJ.on is damaged, water quality reduced, and soil comp,acted.- ·· Condition of campsi,tes .and -sanitation facilities. Many campsites associated with mountain lakes are in poor condition or overused, as are many hunting and outfitter camps. Many ftanger Districts do not•have an inventory of known campsites, making con4ition assessments speculative at best'· M1my campsites are, visited and cleaned only once a year, often only once every other year. Sanitation facilities exist in qeavy use areas such as p.arts of the Big Horn Grags, major airfields, outfitter camps, and at popular campsites along the Middle Fork and main Salmon rivers. Middle Fork Salmon River. The Middle Fork has a limited capacity'for accommodating recreation use while retaining those special qualities that make it a wild and seen!~ river. This capacity is dependent on the total river .environment and the ability of vario.us features of that environm~nt to withstand and support human use. Physical limitations of the River include launching capabilities, campsite sanitation facilities, and 20 • • • • take-out points, Bottlenecks where boaters tend to stack up for scouting rapids, and at scenic or historic areas, arso plac~ physical limitations on the resource and its use. Sociological lim:f.tations are also impo.rtant, in that many visitors feel 'that solitude is :J,mportant to the auality of the experience. 2. Assumptions a. Lands over 45% slope are not likely to be used for recreation activities and are therefore removed from the available supply of suitable land. b. Thes~ steep lands remain important by providing a backdrop for <~Cenic and c;>ther values. 1;hat are critical t~ the recreationJ!l exp'er;ienc,e. '· c, Recreation demand is a function of current use as depicted in use trends, arid projected· relative to the population of ttie immediate market area. < d, The demand for w'ilderness recreat4.on .experiences will continue to increase as population increases. Population trends expressed in the market area are ~xpected to be similar in other areas of the country. e, If present patterns of use continue without intensive management, human activities will become substantially mor~ notic~able and deteriorate wilderness values. f. Accurate coordinated visitor use data are essef\tial to consistefit Wilderness management, g. As visitor use increases, additional studies are needed to determine acceptable levels of change that insure minimum degradation of the Wilderness. h. Future adjustments in the allocation of Middle Fork ·boating permits should continue to be based on demand, to the extent that is identified as a definite, persistent (at least three consecutive years) change, 3. Direction a. Visitor use, carrying capacity, and Limits of Acceptable Change· (LAC) • . 1) '{is it or use survey initiated in ·1'974 will continue and expand to all Districts. 2) Visitor contact and e'd ucation. efforts will emphasize . personal portal contacts to improve visitor 21 orientation and explain rules and regulations. Both on-site and .off-site efforts wiil be used when appropriate, ... 3) Each Forest will complete a Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) action plan within two years of Wilderness Plan approval, It shall identify the areas to be studied, ·the intensity of the study, and the time frames. 4) Initiate LAC studies as identified in the Forest LAC action plan. 5) Visitor education will-be utilized to prevent over-use at all known points of interest and popularity. 6) Maps and brochures wi11 be used to inform the public on use problems, minimum impact camping techniques, and conditions of occupancy and use. 7) "Wilderness ethics" will -be emphasized to the public, outfitters, a~encies, clubs, civic ~roups, and educational institutions to promote wise use of wilderness. 8) Consider needs of both outfttted and non-outfitted visitors when imposing use limits. 9) Condition of campsites should be compared to LAC by using: a) Frissell's condition classes where the funding, data needs, and numbers of campsites warrant less detail; or b) Cole's sit~ rating where more detail is needed and obtainable; or c) Any other state-of-the-art methodology that is suitable. b. Facilities. Generally, public recreation facilities will not be provided. Specifically, those not provided are garbage containers /receptacles", fireplaces, grills/stoves, tables and benches, and shelters. However, for wilderness resource protection, pit toilets and stock holdin~ facilities may be provided to correct a continuing resource problem. Pit toilets will be located at least 300 feet from open water, terrain permitting, and installed, operated, and serviced by non-mechanized methods. Use of • temporary systems (e.g., rope hitchli.nes, rope corrals) • 22 • • • c. will be encouraged. If a permanent facility is needed, hitchracks are preferred ovet' corrals • Pack and saddle stock use and users (both outfitted and non-outfitted). 1) All pack and saddle stock facilities will be located at least 200 feet from lakes and .streams, where terrain permits. 2) All parties using horses are to camp 200 feet from trails, lakes, and st·reams, where terrain permits. 3) Require .written approval for use of more than 20 head of pack and saddle stock. 4) Permit only light to moderate forage use by pack and saddle stock. 5) Supplemental feed, when needed, should be alfalfa hay, processed pellets, and grain (p.referably rolled oats). No straw·permitted. 6) Tying of stock to trees for more than two hours will be discouraged. 7) Stock must be riddet) .o.r led, not permitted to run loose on trails or travel routes (except where safetv requires). 8) Only stock necessary. for each trip will be permitted. No cripples, colts, or unbroken stock will be permitt~d, except for short periods if animal becomPs crippled d~ring trip. 9) Where LAC and camp.condition surveys indicate a need for change in. stock pol~cy, the following actions wi~l be- considered: a) Prohibit· use· of stpck where warranted. b) I.i.rnit overnight camping to an appropriate number of nights for.any one site. c) Campsites for stock use'will be designated. d) Perm~t no grazing of pack and saddle stock, where applicable. d. Visit:or "restrictions. 1) ~~ximum group size is 20 people, without prior approval. 23 2) No private group or individual will be permitted to occupy a campsite for more than 14 consecutive days. 3) Camp, when possible, 200 feet from lakes, trails, and streams. 4) Physically control dogs in.high use areas. 5) Visitors are requested to build low impact campfires, using dead ~nd down wood material in forested areas. The use of self-contained stqves is encouraged. Self-con~ained stoves may be required ~t designated sites. Campfires may be restricted in certain areas. Pac~ out all unburnable litter and refuse material. 6) Where LAC and camp condition surveys indicate a needfor change in visitor use policy, the following actinns'will be considered: 7) a) Prohibit large groups in areas where LAC are exceeded. · b) Prnhibit prolonged occupancy by groups or individuals ·in certai~ areas ~here LAC are exceeded. Prior to completion of the LAC studies, the following direction will be fotfowed: a) Managers will concentrate on improving conditions at degraded campsites. A "degraded campsite" is a· relatively flat piece of ground sizeable enough to accommodate one to several tents, and havipg at least three of the follow' ing characteristics: '(1) FHty per'cent or more of the available cam~ground cover reduced or removed in t~e 'identified camps'ite area. , t2) Absence of seedlings and saplings. (3) Tree roots exposed; tree bol~s defaced. (4) Abundance of non-native plants. (5) Lack of fuelwood. (6) "Rock" fire rings. (7) Trails radiating from the site to latrine locations, lakes, and creeks. 24 • • • • • e. • b). Consider the following methods of handling degraded campsites: (1) Make overused sites less appealing/less accessible. Remove fire rings and other evidence of human use. (2) Post restoration message. at portals and a sign at the site. Suggest alternative camping locations on the portal notice. Convey in a positive way the rationale for the public to avoid degraded campsites. (3) For specific.sites, set limits on party size, length_of stay, and equipment requirements (e.g., stoves rather than campfires). (4) Undertake site rehabilitation, such as scarification, seeding, and planting. (5) Site specific closures involve informing the public, posting notices on portais and at admihistrative sites, and signing sites as closed to all camping until further notice. 8) Use or possession of a bicycle is prohibited • Boating restrictions (Middle Fork Salmon River). Prior to completion of LAC studies, the following direction applies: 1) A maximum of seven launches per day will be allowed. 2) Designated campsites will be assigned. a) Make periodic surveys to identify hazard trees which will be removed or avoided. 3) Pack out all unburnable litter and refuse material. 4) Haul out human waste from all campsites without toilets. 5) No open fires, except in fire pans. 6) Maximum trip length is- eight days without prior approval; maximum one overnight camp below Big Creek during the heavy use season • 25 f, Permit system and allocat.ion (Middle Fork Salmon River). 1) During the-heavy use season of June 1 to September 3, the outfitted launch- allo.cation is 44%; non-outfitted is 56%. 2) Party size )dmits: non-outfitted, total n_ot to exceed 24 pJ!ople; outfitted, 24 passengerS' (total not to exceed 30 people, including crew). 3) Maximum of. three full (9-launch) permits per outfitter. a) Only one· launch per day per outfitter, 4) Private non-outfitted perlJiits _will be selec.ted by lottery. Dates will be assigned until launch slots filled"through the heavy use season. 5) ·Require confirmation or cancellation of all trips sufficie.ntly prior to the heavy use se'ason or !atinch date to allow for reassignment to new party, 6) Fill canceled slots on a first come, first served, ·basis. 7) 8) 9) Monitor, revie'fl'; and, as appropriate, adjust launch allocation-between, outfitted and non-outfitted groups accp~ding to peiiodic det~rminatio~s of relative demand, in conjunction w~th Forest planning, Ini.tiate .fee system·'to ·cover ·costS' of non-outfittl!d permit system. Investigate using straight reservation (waiting list), or other systems, ·for. non-outfitted users. 26 • • • • • • B. Wildlife and Fish Objectives: Provide habitat conducive to maintaining the natural distribution and abundance o~ native speci~$ of wildlife and fish by allowing only natural processes, or the restoration thereof, to shape habitat and affect inter~ctions among species, 1,. Situation Management of the wildlife and fis~ of the Wilderness ill the re!lponslbility o£ the Idaho Department of ]i'ish and Game, while manage~ent of their habitat is the responsibility of the Forest Service, The U.S. F~sh and Wildlife Service has the lead responsibili.ty regarqiqg Threatened and Endangered Species. As such, close coordination of these agencies is essentia~. Wildlife and fish habitat within the Wilderness is essentially in a natural condition, except in tposl areas where fire suppression efforts have allowed vegetation to reach unnatural successional stages and in ],ocalized areas of human activity and development. Habitat quality is extremely variable and is generally qui~e productive, accommocrating a wide diversity of wildlife and fish. In general, the h:f,storic quality and quantity of both resident and anadromous fish habitat within the Wilderness has been retained, Population numbers Of anadromous fish species have experienced serious red~ction since 1938, but, with only minor exceptions, anadromous fish production problems are the result of activities outside the Wilderness (downstream dams and headwater spawning area impact"s), Recent succe,.se'i in modifying these impacts have resulted in significant steelhead increases and hold promise for improving sa~mon ptodu~tion. Relatively recent harvest restrict!ons of west slope cutthroat trout are also resulting in significant population improvement of this species. Habitat quality and quantity is such that opportunities are avail~ble for increased numbers of some game sP~~ies. including anadromous fish. Increases may occur naturally or, when appropriate, result from planting or reintroduction, There is some potential for habitat and forage compet:l:tion between domestic livestock or pack ani! saddle stock ape! wildlife and fish of the area, but no significant proolem areas have been identifieq, Eight Mlinagement Indicator spe.cieS' (otter, blue grouse, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, chinook salmon, steelhead, west slope cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout) have been selecte~to use for wilderness management evaluation practices', 27 -;., Four federally listed Threatened and Endangered (T&F.) species and 22 State of Idaho Species of Special Concern (SSC) utilize the Wilderness. The Rocky Mountain wolf is the only (T&E) species determined as being a permanent resident of the Wilderness and requiring special management consideration. The Special Mining Management Zone contains important bighorn sheep habitat, which Congress identified as requiring special management c'onsideration when mineral development occurs. The Shoshone-Bannock Indians have certain hunting and fishing rights in part of the eastern section of the Wilderness. 2. Assumptions a. Demand for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observing in the Wilderness will continue to increase, especially in the more accessible and/or desirable areas. b. The need for wildlife and fish population and habitat data will increase. c. Predators and problem animals may stimulate control proposals. d. The importance of the Wilderness as a gene pool and baseline data source for inaigenous species will increase as civilization shrinks habitat outside the Wilderness. e. Harvest of fish and wildlife, in balance with ·wildlife and fish populations and habitat availability, will continue.to be an important management tool. f. Special management consideration will be necessary to maintain viable populations of Threatened and Endangered species as public use increases. g. The Wilderness affords opportunities for recovery programs for T&E species and reintroduction of once-native wildlife and fish species formerly inhabiting the Wi.lderness. h. There will be increased pressure to intensify m&nagement of wildlife and "fish habitat to satisfy recreational demand. i. Protection of the anadromous fisheries will be increasingly important as the downstream problems are reduced and increasing numbers of anadromous 28 • • • • • • j • fish reach the spawning and rearing habitat of the Wilderness • The. Clear Creek-Garden Creek bighorn sheep herd will continue to be prized as a planting stock source. 3. Direction a. Management activities, which affect the fish and wildlife resource will be coordinated with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. b. Threatened and· Endangered (T&E) species habitat will be protected, as directed by the Endanp,ered Species Act of 1973. c. State of Idaho Species of Special Concern will receive protection and management consideration complementary to Department goals and objectives when consistent with wilderness objectives. d. Reintroduction or supplemental transplanting of native fish and wildlife species will be permitted only when analysis shows: 1) T&E species will not be adversely impacted • 2) Populations of native species, reduced or eliminated by man, would be restored. 3) Reintroduction of predatory species is compatible with goals and objectives of the Wilderness plan, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and li.S. Fish and. Wildlife Service. 4) Significant values of the Wilderness will not be impaired. e. Control of problem animals will be permitted only on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game·and the U.S. Fish and Wi·ldlife Service and with Regional Forester approval. f. Habitat :improvement by other than natural means is prohibited unless authorized by the Chief of the Forest Service, or as provided elsewhere in this plan. g. Salting or supplemental feeding of wildlife is pr9hibited • 29 h. Maintenance of fish and wildlife habitat will take precedence over recreation pack and saddle stock use, i. Protect both resident and anadromous fish spawning and rearing habitat. j. Maiht~nance of wilderness values will be overriding if fish and wildlife management objectives are incompatible with other general wilderness values. k. Obtain habitat and population data on both game and non-game fish and wildlife species.of the Wilderness. Place special emphasis on: 1) T&E species (Rocky Mountain wolf, bald eagle, peregrine falcon, grizzly bear). 2) Forest Service designated Sensitive species and State of Idaho Species of ·Special Concern (fisher, wolverine, boreal owl·, lynx; bobcat, Idaho ground squirrel, salmon, steelhead, west· slope cutthroat trout, and white sturgeon). 3) Unique species (boreal owl).· 4) 5) Species of Emphasis in.Special Mining Management Zone (bighorn sheep). Problem speaies (e.g., ground squirrels near airfields). 1. Coordinate ail uses in the area with fish and wildlife needs to assist in the maintenance of natural ·populations-of the existing variety 6f species. m. Stocking of l~kes is restricted to only previously stocked lakes• See Appendix D. n. Aerial stocking of lakes is permitted only· in lakes preyiously stocked by a~rcraft and accomplished outside the heavy use season, when feasible.· .see Appendix D. o. Stocking or introduction of rton-native· species, such as chuka~, turkey, or gray partridge, is prohibited.· (Fish species existing in a given lake as of Ju.ly, 1980, will be considered as native.) See , Appendix D. p. Encourage users to leave standiQg dead snags for use by cavity nesting species. 30 • • • • • • q. Study exclosures will be limited as much as possible and all exclosures will be removed as soon as the planned study is completed, r. Approved exclosures will be,constructed to be as h11rmonious with the landscape as possible. s. Clearing of debris, which impedes anadromous and west slope cutthroat, trout migration, may' be permitted. t. Approved debris clearing will be by non-motorized methods. u. Treatment of waters for reestablishment of 11 native species and/or,to correct an undesir11ble.condition resulting from human infJuence m11y be accomplished through the use of appropriate chemicals.. Pro.iects must be approved by the Chief. v. Permit only those impacts on bighorn sheep habitat which cannot be avoided without unreasonable restrictions on cobalt exploratHm and production in the',Special Mining Management Zone • .<ti)lil//11•• J/JiliJ'O/Iili',~llil" ~ .. ~ ;t. ._ \i\1-\ '1-,'11. HJt ~,;li,/.1~ ... 31 l.j 1111,1'"111'" I' ~II ""''1/ I ,jjl I I .t'"" • ,,~ - ··•;.at .,, r;.- . "'~'#'$--,. •' .. C. Grazing-Vegetation Objectives: PerJllit utilization of forage in a way that maintains natdral processes of plant succession. 1. Situation Tlte rugged terrain, short growing seasons, low to moderately proc:luctive soils, moisture shortage periods, and wide temperature variations that are tvpical of most of the Wilderness results in relatively l~w vegetative production and limited potential for livestock (cattle, sheep, and 'pack and saddle stock) grazing. Vegetation within most of the Wilderness is essentially in a:natural condition, except where natural fire has been r~peatedly suppressed. In ad'dition, recreational or domestic livestock grazing, minor impacts associated with administrative sites, mining activity, and privately owned inholdings have resulted in some vegetative impacts, but ate confined to a small segment of the Wi1derness. Forage is used by wildlife, recreation livestock, sheep, and cattle. Forage near heavy recreation use areas is often overgrazed by recreation stock. Sixteen grazing allotments and nine spe~ial use permit grazing areas are • at. least partly within the Wilderness; from which approx- • imately .. 1, 035 cattle, 2, 000 sheep, and over 400 horses utilize approximately 4,500 animal months of forage. Total acreage of the allotments is approximately 528,000 acres, of which the .. suitable, grazed ·acreage is a~out · 45,000 acres or less than two percent of the Wilderness. All of ·the range allotments are grazed in accordance with management plans, 10 of which include allotment improvemen: i'plans containing approved structural and non-structural improvement projects. Existing range improvements include: 1) five miles of ·fence, Z). three water troughs with approximately one mile of pip~line and sprin~ developments, 3) 500 acres of wYethia control, 4) 20 acres of seeded area, 5) two constructed sheep' bedgrounds, and 6) seven study exclosur'es. Planned range improvements (authorized by approved Allotment Improvement Plans) include additional wyethia controi, seeding, and sheep bedgrounds. . There are no federally designated Threatened or Endan ·gered plan~ species known to exist in the Wilderness. 'The following species--candidates for Threatened or Endangered designation--are probable residents of the area,. buf this has not been verified. 32 • • • 2. • a. Penstemon lemhiensis b. ~ouglasia idahoensis c. Calamagrostis tweedyi Timber use has been limited ,to ·mat,e:i!ial 'for construction of miners' cabins and improvement's, private land .improvements, Forest Service administrative sites,, tent frames and poles, fences, and firewood. Most areas have a plentiful supply of poles and firewood.· 'Howeve~. concentrated use areas ar.ound high lakes and near the mai;p. rivers have limited supplies of poles' and firewood •. Continued .use will result in· impact's on both esthetic values and snag-dependent wildlife species. Four areas of unique vegetation ·have been identified: 1) Grand fir-western yew, located between Magpie and Arctic Creeks. 2) Subalpine larch, located in the. salmon, Stripe, ·Thirl:een, and Waugh Mountain are!J.s. 3) Three-h~ndred-year-old lodgepole pine, located in the head of Wilson Creek. 4) Whitebark pine, located in .. the Bear Valley Mountain- Mountain Meadows area • Assumptions a. Improved livestock (recreation horses,· cattle, sheep) management and coritrol will be necessary to protect native plants, ani~als, and other wilderness values. Some area closures may be required. b. Conflicts between livestock (botn domest~c and recreational) and wildlife may develop in key habitat areas and during key periods. c. Invasion by exotic plant species will continue, if not controlled. d. Poor salting practices will continue to cause undesirable impacts if not controlled. e. Protection of riparian plant communities will become increasingly difficult and important as wilderness use increases • 33 . ~ ,. f. The value of the Wilderness' unrnanipulated vegetation for study and comparison with managed forests will be. increasingly impor~ant. g. Unique vegetatio~ areas may require special management consideration. 3. Direction a. Grazing of domestic livestock, where established prior to designation of the Wilderness, will be permitted to continue subj ec't to such reasonable regulation as necessary. See FSM 2323.2. b. Manage all grazed areas to keep vegetation and soil· in a good to excellent grazing condition, with speciai emphasis on high elevation areas, riparian zones, and the perpetuation of native species. c. Identify areas needing grazing closures or modification and take appropriate corrective action to minimize or eliminate conflicts with fish and wildlife, watershed, or wilderness values. d. Accomplish range analysis and allotment management p·lans for all grazing allotments; update plans every 10 years. e. Construction of new, or replacement of deteriorated, grazing allotment improvements is permitted if in accordance with the allotment management plans ·g9verning the _<lrea. See FSM 2323.24. ~ f. Non-structural improvements cap, be approved where they were part of the management at the time the Wilderness was established and where their continuance is necessary to maintain livestock grazing operation. See FSM 232~.24. g. Stock salting will be permitted if mixed with grain or in block form, if. located to minimize trampling and soil disturbance, and outside riparian areas, according to grazing plans or livestock use permits. h. All salt will be removed from the Wilderness at the end of the season. i. Inventory and protect unique vegetation areas to maintain their special values and prevent human-caused changes in natural processes. j. Grazing area closures or restrictions, when implemented, will be appropriately identified and admin- • istered to allow natural healing of 1mpacted areas. 34 • • • • • • " k. 1. Existing structural range improvements may be retained and maintained, ·if necessary, for proper allotment mana~ement, Unnecessary improvements should be phased out. As authorized in the allotment maria~ement plan, the use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport may be permitted only where other practical alternatives are not available. See FSM 2323.23, 2323.24. \ m. Reconstruction of facilities using native materials\ n. o. should be required' unless it woulP impose unreasonable additional costs. Material which harmonizes with the wilderness character should be used. See FSM 2JZ3.24a. Native or naturalized plant species accompiishing authorized seedings. 2323.24b; are required in See FSM Plant control may be permitted.where noxious weeds threaten lands ouJ:side the Wilderness· or are spreading within the Wilderness; providing control can be effected witpout.seriously impacting wildernesi! values. Vegetative manipulation projects require Chief's approval, after·which Regional Forester approval may be obtained for us.e of herbicides. Primitive control methods (e.g., grubbing) are preferred. See FSM 2323.24b. p. Permit the use of essential study exclosures; to be removed when study is completed • . q. Priorities for the use of available forag!' are: 1) Wildlife. 2) •Do~estic livestock unde~ term grazing permits. 3) Administrative pack an~ saddle stock. 4) Recreational pack and saddle stock. (Includes both outfitter stpck authorized by livestock use permits and non-outfitter stock which may not require permit.) r. Threatened or Endan&ered plant species will be protected, if. found to be present. s. Protect riparian area vegetation·to maintain fish and wildlife habitat and species diversity • 35 - ,., I / .. 1 ( ' ' t. .•. Monitor use in unique vegetation sites and take appropriate protection action to permit natural ecological succession. 36 • •• • D. ' • • • Soil and Water Objectives: Preserve water bodies and stream courses in their natural state, and ensure that soil formation 1 alteration, and erosion occur at a rate not noticeably affected by human activity. 1. Situation Soils over much of the area have developed from granitic parent materials and include the quartz monzonites of the Idaho Batholith, the closely related gneissic rocks bordering the Batholith, and the true ~ranitics of a youn~er geologic age. Volcanics (andesities, ,rhyolites, agglomerates) and tuffs cap rather extensive areas in the west-central portion of the area. The least extensive geologic groups, broadly classed as. qu~rt~itic, occupy portions of the Big Creek area •. Typically, most of the granittcs-are easily eroded, are susceptible ·to dry ct;eep, and have low to moderate vegetative productivity pote~tial, S~ils associated with the volcanics are· often susceptible ,to ·sheet erosion and mass movement, and have moderate vegetat~ve produ~tivity potential, Quartzitic-related soils are generally stable and have moderate to high vegetative productivity potentia;!.. Relatively _high natur·al ero!lion rates result from unstable ·landforms and· severe .topography,typical of much the area, especially after the occasional high intensity summer storms and during spring runoff, Although most of the soil ~rosion occurring·in the Wilderness is classed as natural, there are small areas; the result of past mining activity> improper location, design and us~ of ~rails, camping, and excessive grazing, which have experienced gullying> sheet erosion, and soil compaction. Soil·movement as a result of fires, from both the los~ of vegetation· and fire suppression activities, occurs periodically. The area contributes an estimated' '2,·500,000 acre feet of water to the Columbia River System. Water quality is good, Chemical analysis of the waters show most to be rated as soft and highly susceptible to degradation. This adds emphasis on the need to protect the lakes and streams of the area from contamination and to maintain this natural aoility to support aquatic species, A significant. increase in Giardia lamblia-caused intestinal illness,ha~ been reported in recent years. Except for the measurements taken at the Middle Fork Lodge bridge for boating information, there are no stream gauges or snow courses in the Wilderness; adequate snow depth/water content data is obtained from snow courses 37 outsid.e the Wilderness. Water quality monitoring has ~ - ' "()een 11-mite<\ -to the maiu ,and Middle Forks of the Salmon River and has not been sufficient to serve as baseline data for Wilderness-wide water monitoring evaluation. Two stream~, Jersey Creek and Threemile Creek, are identified in the Central Idaho Wilderness Act as locations within the Wild!!rness where "small hydroelectric generators, domestic water facilities, and related facilit:i,es shall be permitted." All of ·the streams within the Milderness are free flowing, three of which, the Middle Fork Salmon River, the Selway, and the main Salmon ~ver are designated as Wild and Scenic rivers and many of which supply anadromous fish habitat. 2. Assumptions a. As v;isitors increase, fhe po.tential for human-caused water pollution and soil erosion will increase. b. Free flowing streams of high quality water will contfnu_e to bia a key value of the Wilderness. c. d. The rate. of ge_o~ogic erosion -is naturally high and peripds ·of h~gh stream sedimentation will be a normal occurrence. ~rail re~ocation and maintenance may be necessary to reduce erosion. (See Trails, pages 86 and 87.) e. Additional water quality monitoring will be needed. f. The proble~ with Giardia can be expected to increase. g. Streams· and lakes will continue to attract a majority of wilderness visitors to a small portion of the area. h. Pack and saddle stock will be an increasing source of soil and water impacts. i. Demand for domestic water and power generating water devel~pments will continue. j. Quantification and reservation of instream flows, adequate for National Forest purposes, is necessary. 3. Direction a. Allow natural soil erosion to continue unless an imminent and definite hazard to li~e and property or 38 • • • • • • b. a serious depteciat!on of important environmental quality outside the Wilderness wi~l result • ArtifiCial rehabilitation of undesirable conditions will be considered only when ~aused by human activities which have·been corrected and when ~valuation of' the problem shpws natural healing processes are clearly inadequate. Chief's apprqval required. c. Minimize soil and water impacts from fire suppression activities and accomplish rehabilitation of impacts concurrent with fire control activities. d. Protect the area from human activities that cause unacceptable impacts on the soil and water resources. See A. Recreation; C. Grazing-Vegetation; E. Minerals; G. Protection; I. Transportation. e. Activities to supplement water yield will not be permitted if the Wilderness fs the target area and the proposal will: .f. 1) 'Produce permanent, substantial change in natural conditions and appearance, or 2) Reduce recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, or historic values • Permit existing domestic and power-generating water dev~lopments until no longer needed. (See page 58, Special Use Permits, Direction 1.) g. Periodically evaluate existing water transmission improve~ents and terminate whe~ no longer needed. h. Motorized transport and· inechan'i:zed equipment will not be permitted for maintenance of water developments unless there is no reasonable alternative. i. Permit construction and maintenance of a small hydroelectric g~n~rator, domestic water facilities, and related faci'lities only in Jersey Creek and Threemile Creek. Provide for adequate minimum stream flows to meet National Forest purposes. j. Continue the water-quality monitoring program on the Salmon and Middle Fork Salmon rivers and expand to other streams and lakes to establish baseline data for existing and potential heavy use areas. k. Initiate studies to determine natural sedimentation rates in Monumental Creek and other streams having potential for impact from human activity • 39 - •' 1. Avoi9 ~evelopments (structur~s ftnd campsites) on floodplains and wetlands, where terrain permits. m, Require user·s to pack out all unbut;nable refuse to prevent. pollution. n. Restrict uses, as necessary, to maintain or improve existing water quality ,levels. o, No snow courses or permanent stream ga~ges will be perm~tted, p. Determine (quantify) instream ·flows necessary for National Forest purposes, .. to identify federal water rights. 40 • • • E • • • • Minerals and Energy Obje'ctives: Administer mining activity to assure the least possible impact on the wilderness resourca without unreasonable impairment on property rights, and provide for the orderly development of mineral resources. 1. ·situation ' ' Over 2,000 mining and millsite claims are located in the Wilderness. Approximately 100 of these claims are placer claims, which may be affected by the statuatory dredge and placer mining prohibition in the Central Idaho Wilderness Act. Instructions and procedures to admin~ster the prohibition were deve~ope~ in 1981. A Notice of Prohibition was issued, and enforcement procedures have been coordinated with the Idaho Departments of Water Resources, Public Lands, and Fish and Game. Effective January 1, 1984, the Wilderness is withdrawn from all form~ of appropriation under the mining laws, except for the Congressionally designated Special Mining Managem~nt Zone. l:' Mpre than 480 cobalt, claims ar)~ located in the Congressionally designated Special Mining Management Zone (SMMZ), which includes much of the Clear Creek-Garden ~reek area. Congress, in r~cognition of the national ·.~mpqrt~n?e of the cobalt deposits, that may be located in this .un:rt of land, .maqe special. stipulations for management of the area. One of these· stipulations is that prqspecting, exploration, develqpm~nt, and mining of ·cobalt and~~elated'-minerals shall be considered a dominant use ,of the SMMZ a~d can ,contip.ue b~yortd the December 31, 1983, deadline. Another says that the Secretary of Agriculture may take all r~aso11.4qle measures to see that the mining·or processing of cobalt and associated minerals wjthin the SMMZ does not significantly impair the overall habitat of the bi~horn sheep located within or adjacent to th~ SMMZ. Ap.d yet another stipulation is that all mining locations and associated access roads shall be held and used solely for mining or mineral processing operations and uses reasonably incident thereto, except that the Secretary may permit such access roads to be utilized by the State of Idaho to facilitate the management of bighorn sheep in the SMMZ. The U.S. Geologic Survey and Bureau of Mines surveys indicate the presence of some i4 commercial minerals and rare earths and 24 hot springs in the Wilderness. No gas, oil, oil shale, or coal deposits hav'e been located • 41 , ,. No la~ge scale mining operations are presently proposed in the Wilderness, Five mines are being developed or conside~ed for deveiopment adjacent to the area, which could cause significant wilderness impact: Stibnite project', ·Thompson Creek, Blackbird, Sunnyside, and Dewey, Pistol Creek aidge, Thunder Mountain, Bear Valley, Seafoam, Loon Creek, Camas/Yellowjacket Creek, Blackbird, and Parker Mountain areas hQld additional potential for mining which could expand into and/or otherwise affect the Wilderness, In addition, some existing mining operations in the Wilderness are accessed by roads that existed before Wilderness designation and were not excluded by corridor delineation. One such road, down Big Creek, also serves as access for other wilderness visitors who can only use the road as a trail. This sets the stage for conflicts between the mine operators who are authorized to use mechanized transpo~tation, and the other wilderness visitors who cannot. These mining-related roads are a major adverse impact on the wilderness resource, 2. Assumptions a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Implementation and enforcement of the dredge and placer prohibition will require continuing coordination- with State agencies and determinations of applicability to off-stream operations. Mining activity will cause unavoidable on-site impacts to the wilderness resource. Mining has potential for significant off-site impacts, es~ecially to water-associated resources. Protection of anadromous fisheries will be increasingly important. Protection of the Wilderness from impacts originating outside the Wilderness will be difficult to achieve·. Requests for motorized access to mining claims will continue. Mining operations adjacent to the Wilderness may expand to lands within the Wilderness. Mining claim assessment and development work can be expected to continue and wili be highly controversial. 42 • • • • 3. • • i, Recreational gol<l pros,pecting wilf continue to be popular • Direction a. Coordinate all mining-related activities with appropriate federal agencies and related State of Idaho agencies. b. Provide information as necessary to keep prospectors and miners abreast; of applicable regulations and procedures. c. ~enever possible, inform wilderness visitors of mining operatio~s. that may impact their wilderness experience, in order to provide. for safety and reiiuce the possibility of conflicts. . d. General requirements:· 1) Require a written "Plan of Operations" for all operations which involves non-conforming uses and/or will l~kely cause a significant disturbance of surface· resources, ·or a "Notice of Intent to Operate"· for. ope:qttions which might cause significant impacts·, (Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR 228.4) 2) Require detailed descriptions of proposed operations, including proposed structures, improvements, access to claims, means of transportation, activit-y periods, reclamation activities, and schedules and measures to be taken to meet the requirements for environmental protection and compliance with State and Federal a~r and water quality ·standards. (36 CFR 228.4c and 228.8) 3) Utilize Forest Service Mineral Examiners to assess the propos'ed mineral development in determining: a) Status of the asserted rights of the claimant, b) That proposed methods of development are necessary and. reasonable and if the proposed operation is the next logical step in the orderly development of the mineral resources. c) Whtch alternative methods are possible and reasonable to minimize or mitigate impacts on surface resources, 43 .. ' I • I 4) Make timely responses to proposals on any operations as required by 36 CFR 228.5. e. Resource pjotection: 1) In.sure that all operations are conducted so as to minimize adv~rse environmental impacts on surface resources. Req~ire operators to: a) Remove or treat all garbage, refuse, or waste to minimize water quality impacts. b) Deploy, arrang_e, dispose of, ·or treat all tailings, dumpage, deleterious materials, or waste products to minimize water and air quality impacts. c) Control water runoff that would transport sediment or pollution to water courses. d) Isolate, remove, or control hazardous or to~ic materials so they cannot enter watercourses or aquifers or impact other surface resources. e) f) Harmonize operations with scenic values to the extent possible. Utilize design, location, and screening to blend structures and improvements (including roads) with the landsc~pe. g) Minimize lasting evidence of timber removal; avoid making obviously artificial openings, an<! cut stumps as close to the ground as practicable. h) Maintain all structures, equipment, and facilities in safe, neat, and workman-like condition. f. Access: Reasonable access canno~ be denied, but shoulq be located to have the least long lasting impact .. .on wilderness values. To accomplish this: ·· 1) The ~se of motorized access by ground or air to claims shall be authorized only when proven ess~ntial. 2) Limit road, trail, bridge, or aircraft landing area construction or improvements to those 44 • • • • J • '• • < .:· g. cle~rly identified as essential to the ope'ration • Fire protection: Operator and his/her persohnel are expected to take initial fire s~ppression action on any wild fire in the vicinity of his/her operation and to take appropriate prevention actions on ~he operation area. The Operating Plan will: 1) Require fire extinguishers and spark arrestors on all internal combustion engines. ~) Require caches· of hand~tools. 3) Require complete disposal of slash and other flammable debris, by burning or removal. 4) Include restrictions on use of motorized equipment for fire suppression. h. Reclamation: Insure that operators reclaim the surface disturbed in operatfons upon exhaustion of 'the mineral deposit or at' earliest practical time, in accordance wit~ the t;eclamation plan portion of the operating P'lan • 1) 2) Require reclamation plans to be submitted with operating plans. Where possible, reclamation should be accomplished concurrently with operations. Consider seasonal mitigation measures so as to~inimize environmental damage during nonworking periods. Isolate or remove toxic materials. 3) Reshape and stabilize disturbed areas to natural-appearing contour, and revegetate using appropriate, preferably native, plant species. 4) Make roads unusable for vehicular traffic when no longer needed; remov~ bridges and culverts. 5) Remove all structures, equipment, and facilities and clean up site to minimize evidence of huma;,· activity. i. Bo~ding Requirements: 1) Require reclamation bonds, except in the case of very limited operations, prior to approval 'of' operating plans • 45 a) Waiver of the bond requirement requires Regional Forester approval, b) .~ond. value wiil be commensurate with anticip~ted cost of stabilizing, rehabilitating, and reclaiming the area of operation, including access ~outes, and for performing shutdown ~itigation measures. 2) Require performance bonds for special use permits for off-claim activities, j. Withdrawals: (see also page 54, F. Land Status) 1) Effective January 1, 1984, the Wilderness is withdrawn from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws, except for the Congressionally designated Special Mining Manag~ment Zone. See k., below. 2) Effective July 23, 1980, subject to existing rights of the State of Idaho, dredge and placer " . minin~ is prohibited within the segment of the Salmon Wild and Scenic River from the mouth of .North Fork Sal111on River to Long Tom Bar (125 mile~). and the Middle Fork of' the Salmon Wild ana Scenic Ri~er and its tributary streams in their entirety. Continue .cooperative arrangements with Idaho Departments of Water Resources, Public Lands, and Fish and Game, using State progr~s to accomplish the prohibition, a) Comply with all provisions of applicable Memoranda of Understanding between the Forest Service and State agencies, b) .Notify State agency of suspected violations. c) Inform and involve any affected State agency of any situations not covered by Memoranda of Understanding. d) Use prohibitions, found in 36 CFR 261, when necessary. k. Special Mining Management Zone: Administer prospecting, exploration and development, or mining of cobalt and associated miperals within the Special Mining Management 46 • • • • } • ~ • 2) Zone subject to laws and regulations as are generally applicable to National Forest System lands not designated as wilderness or other special management areas. Take all reasonable measures to insure that mineral operators avoid significant impairment of the overall habitat of bighorn sheep within, or adjacent td, the Zone. Restrict use of mining locations and associated access roads to mining, processing, or uses reasonably incident thereto, except th~t the Secretary may permit such access roads to be utifized by the State bf Idaho to facilitate management of bighorn sheep in the designated are~. 3) ·Effective· January 1, 1984, the Congressionally designated Special Mining Management Zone is withdrawn from all forms of· appropriation, except that prospecting and exploration for, arid development or mining of, cobalt and associaeed minerals shall be' considered a dominant use of the land and shall be subject to such laws and regulations as are generally applicable to National Forest System lands not designated as wilderness or other special management areas. a) ·Restrict claim locations to discoveries of cobalt. b) Deve+opment of minerals other th~n cobalt and associated minerals is restricted to claims valid as of January 1, 1984, and is subject to the direction applicable elsewhere in the Wilderness. l, Energy/Hydroelectric: 1) See page 39, Soil and Water, Direction f, g, h, and i, and pages SS ahd 59, Special Use Permits, Direction 1.) ;./ 47 F. Land Status and Uses 1. Special Interest Areas Objectives: Designate and protect the special features in the Wilderness that are proper for realizing the benefits of wilderness. a. Situation The Wilderness presently includes portions of three designated Wild and Scenic rivers, one Research Natur~l Area, and part of one National Recreation Trail. Other sites and features have been suggested and con'sidered for special designation. Wild and Scenic rivers are compatible with, and complementary to, wilderness values. All streams, creeks, and rivers in the Wilderness have been evaluated. for their eligibility, and Big Creek and the South Fork Salmon River were the only ones found qualified. Research Natural areas complement the scientific and educational purposes of wilderness. Recreation and other activities may conflict and impact the unique values involved. Designations of N~tional Natural landmarks and National Recreation trails are generally for the purpose. of attracting interest and attention to special areas or features. This tends to dilute the wilderness elements of challenge, discovery, and solit~de. b. Assumptions 1) The potential or Big .creek and South Fork Salmon River for Wild and Scertic river purposes cannot' be det,ermined. until the non-wilderness portions of these river~ are considered. 2) To support the scientific and educational purposes of the Wilderness, recreation activities must be subordinate to the scientific values of Research Natural areas. 3) Wilderness and Wild and Scenic river designations already adequately recognize and protect the ~cologie and geologic attributes of national interest and significance. Further identification of special features as National Natural landmarks would be counter-productive • 48 • • • • • • ·c. 4) Additional National Recreation Trail designations would be contrary· ·to wilderness objectives • Direction 1) The wilderness portions of Big Creek and South Fork Salmon River meet Wild and Scenic river eligibility criteria, and will be further evaluated along with the non-wilderness portions of these rivers during the Forest planning process. 2)· Limit recreational and other uses as necessary to prqtect the scientific values of designated and proposed Research Natural areas. a) Permit no occupancy under special use permit. b) Maintain existing trails. c) Gonstruct no new trails in the identified ar~~s. 3) Recommend non-designation of National Natural landmarks in this Wilderness. 4) No additional National Recreation trails will be designated. 2. Land Ownership and Acquisition Objectives: Acquire lands and interests in lands, as necessary to restore and protect wilderness values. a. Situation There are 72 parcels of non-federal land containing 9,599. 73 acres. 'The non-federal land consists of 51 .parcels 'Of privately:..owned land totalling 2,864. 84 "![cres, and 21 parcels c9ntiih,ing. 6, 734.89 acres awned by. the State.of Idaho or its agencies. There are 9 State "school" sections containing 5,343.4 acres; 11 parcels with 1,326.65 acres owned by the Idaho Department of·· Fish and Game, and one parcel of 64 •. 84 acres owned by the University of Idaho. Approximately 802.4 acres of public domain (BLM) are included in the Frank Church-~River of No Return Wilderness. The University of Idaho property, the Taylor Ranch, is used by the Wildlife Research 'Institute. The 49 Department of Fish and Game purchased the lr parcels they now own in the 1940's for wildlife habitat. These were mostly abandoned homesteads. Most' are leased to outfitters·. The privately oWned parcels were patented as either homesteads or mining claims. While a few of the mining properties continue to be used for that purpose, virtually all the rest are now associated with some form of outdoor recreation use. Some degree of farm,and ranch activity still occurs on many of these, but only in support of the recreational activity; e.g., grazing of pack and saddle stock, hay production for pack and sad~le stock. Numerous (approximately. 12) of· the private parcels are subdivided into s01ne form of multiple'-ownership. The Wilderness Act and the'Wild and Scenic·j!.ivers Act permit -purchase of lands (in 'fee t,.itle, i.e., the total interest) only' from willing sellers. Ten parcels totalling approximately 1,570.5 acres have been purchased' by the Forest Service during the past 20 years. • The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act provides for purchase ·of scenic easements and rights-of~way, by condemnation if necessary. To date, the scenic easement authority has been utiliz'ed only for a portion of the Pistol Creek Ranch. Negotiations are underway for the remaining part of that p·roperty and have • been initiated on a few more properties. Approximately· 11 of the private properties are operated to varyin~ extent as. resort/lodges, catering to the recreation public and other wilderness and wild river users. Most of the~e include lodges, barns, cabins, cultiv~t~d lawns and fields, and airfields. Similar faciliti~s and services are located at two State-owned site~ and one Forest Seryic~ site under ~pecial user permit. While pri.vate lan.d inhoJdings are not inherently incompat~ble with.wilderness, the development and/or activities that may or do occur are generally adverse· to· the wilderness theme. They are inconsistent with tqe setting described in the Wilderness Act. Purchase of these lands, or otherwi~e controlling their development or·use, is hindered by the Wilqerness Act proh~bition against the use of condemnation for that purpose. Pub:(.ic rig!)ts-of-way. are'iacking for the trails 'crossing s9me of the :inl)oldings. 50 • /
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|Spec. Coll. QH76.5.I2 M31 1985
|River of No Return Wilderness Part A
|Searchable Date
|Cover title: Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness management plan. Prepared in compliance with the requirements of Section 5 of the Central Idaho Wilderness Act of 1980 (P.L.96-312), by the Wilderness Planning Team, Salmon National Forest for the Northern Region (Region One), Bitterroot National Forest, Nezperce National Forest ; Intermountain Region (Region Four), Boise National Forest... [et al.]. Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche. "December 1984."
Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness
|United States. Forest Service.; United States. Forest Service. Northern Region.; United States. Forest Service. Intermountain Region
|[Washington, D.C.?] : Forest Service, U.S.D.A., 1985.
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|Original physical format
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|The contents of this item, including all images and text, are for personal, educational, and non-commercial use only. The contents of this item may not be reproduced in any form without the express permission of Boise State University Special Collections and Archives. For permissions or to place an order, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives at (208) 426-3958 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
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for the
Prepared in compliance with the requirements of Section 5 of the ~entral
Idaho Wilderness Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-312), by the:
Wilderness Planning Team, Salmon National Forest
for the:
Northern Region (Region One)
Bitterroot National Forest
Nezperce National Forest
Intermountain Region (Region Four)
Boise Nat~onal Forest
Challis National Forest
Payette National Forest
Salmon National Forest
Forest Service
December 1984
VICINITY t~AP
• Boise • Idaho
ii 10 0 10 20
• '
Legal Description
Establishment History
Characteristics and General Description
Analysis of Present Situation
1. Overall Situation
and Opportunities·
Issues, Concerns,
Relationship with Other Plans and Documents
Recreation •
Wildlife and Fish
Soil and Water •
Minerals and Energy
Land Status and Uses
Special Interest Areas.
Land Ownership and Acquisition.
Withdrawals •
4. Special Use Permits •
Fire, Insect, Disease, and Weed Management
Air Quality
1. Roads •
2. Aviation.
3. Trails, Signs, Trailheads
4. Bridges •
Administrative Sites •
Cultural Resources •
General Management.
Prehistoric Sites
Historic Sites.
Research •
Information and Education
o A
The·Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness contains
2, 361,767 acres of federal land locate.d in central Idah