Winema National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment 10

 

The Winema National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan
Amendment 10

This amendment  (March 13, 1997) added 603.3 acres to the Blue Jay Spring Research Natural Area.

Introduction

The addition of the Blue Jay Research Natural Area (RNA) was recommended for establishment in the Record of Decision for the Winema National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) in 1990. That recommendation was the result of an analysis of the factors listed in 36 CFR 219.25 and Forest Service Manual 4063.41. Results of the Regional Forester's analysis are documented in the Forest Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Forest Plan, which are available to the public. The addition shall be comprised of 603.3 acres (246 hectares) which is an addition to existing 200 acres (81 hectares) of the Blue Jay RNA lands in Klamath County, Oregon, on the Chiloquin Ranger District of the Winema National Forest.

The existing, established portion of the Blue Jay RNA, includes two RNA cell needs in the East Slope Oregon Cascades Physiographic Province, ponderosa pine/bitterbrush/needlegrass and lodgepole pine/bitterbrush/needlegrass plant communities on pumice soils. The addition includes these communities and also Cusick's bluegrass meadow, lodgepole pine/bearberry, and bluegrass scabland plant communities. This site is representative of Forest stands in the East Cascades, which have developed in deep deposits of Mt. Mazama pumice and ash. The assemblage of old growth ponderosa pine, quaking aspen, lodgepole pine, and Cusick's bluegrass meadow communities represents an entire landscape that typifies the East Cascades Mazama Pumice Zone in Southeastern Oregon. The addition of the adjacent lodgepole pine and meadow communities will complement the existing RNA by protecting a greater diversity of vegetation communities. The Establishment Record for the addition to Blue Jay RNA describes the current condition of the RNA in detail (Establishment Record, pages 2-8 and EA, pages 1-2).

Amendment

The proposed action is to establish the 603 acre proposed addition as part of the existing 200 acre Blue Jay Research Natural Area. Management will follow direction provided in the Winema Forest Plan. Specifically, a management and monitoring plan will be developed by Chiloquin Ranger District personnel. Dispersed recreation will be allowed to the extent that it does not reduce the research or education values of the area, and no physical improvements will be constructed. The area shall provide a semi-primitive recreational opportunity (LRMP, Winema Forest Plan, pg.4-156) however camping may be restricted and ORV use will not be allowed. Wildlife habitat improvements will not be allowed. Livestock grazing will be excluded from the area. Timber harvest and firewood gathering will not be allowed. Salable mineral material sources will not be developed, surface occupancy will not be allowed, and the area will be recommended for withdrawal from mineral entry. Special-use permits will be limited to research and related activities. Transportation facilities (roads and trails) will have minimum impacts on the area and will be located and managed in the best way to fulfill the area's management objectives. Helispots for fire control will not be allowed. Insect and disease outbreaks will not be suppressed unless the outbreak is due to exotic pests in which case suppression should be considered. Wildfires that endanger the RNA, i.e., stand replacement fires, will be extinguished as quickly as possible. Less severe wildfires may be allowed to burn, as fire is part of the natural process which the RNA represents. Prescribed fire will be carried out only in conjunction with approved research, or to meet management plan objectives. The acreage and boundary of the RNA, in Management Area 13, will be finalized with this action.

Maps