2372 - AREAS DESIGNATED ADMINISTRATIVELY

(Appalachian Mountain Balds)

2372.01 - Authority . The authority to provide, manage, protect, and regulate use of Appalachian Mountain Balds is found in the following legislation:

1. Organic Administration Act of June 4, 1897.

2. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

3. Endangered Species Act of 1973.

4. National Forest Management Act of 1976.

2372.02 - Objective . Manage and maintain all areas outside of wilderness of the Southern Region National Forests defined as Appalachian Mountain Balds at a desired successional stage. The purpose of this management will be to:

1. Ensure the re-establishment and/or perpetuation of the often-unique

vegetative character of these areas for a variety of National Forest uses and

purposes.

2. Provide a significant visual resource for recreationists to enjoy as well as

special habitat requirements for unusual plant and animal life.

3. Provide the necessary survival needs for the protection of endangered,

threatened and sensitive species occurring on certain balds.

2372.03 - Policy

1. Manage balds to optimize the mix of existing or potential National Forest

resources involved. Usually, this will include recreation, visual resources,

wildlife, range, soil, and water. However, management emphasis may vary for

each bald. Where there is a conflict in management practices, some may be

modified or eliminated to optimize selected resources. This will be done

through trade-off analysis and management decisions established for a specific

bald.

2. Forest Land Management Plans will inventory and describe qualified balds

and provide direction for their management. Such balds may be identified as

management areas. Such identification will not prohibit nominating

unusually scenic or botanical examples as special interest areas to be classified

under 36 CFR 294.1 with the Regional Forester's approval (FSM 2372.04c).

3. Include standards and guidelines in the Forest Land Management Plan

that describe the general methods available to reduce or eliminate undesirable

woody vegetation to preserve and perpetuate the desired successional stage.

Such methods may include prescribed fire, herbicides, grazing, and mechanical

means as appropriate to meet the objectives.

4. Historical balds that have been lost to later stages or vegetative succession

may be considered for restoration.

5. A detailed management and action plan with appropriate review by public

and interested agencies should be prepared for each bald to be maintained or

restored under directive. The plan should, as a minimum, contain the

following elements:

-- Inventory of the bald's existing and past boundaries. Documentation of

boundaries selected for management, including acreage.

-- History of past use and present trends.

-- Inventory of existing flora and fauna and their distribution. Establish

permanent plots where warranted.

-- Past or current research, or administrative studies relevant to the bald.

-- Management objectives for the bald and the resources to be featured.

-- Develop specific plans for eliminating undersirable vegetation and managing

the bald for its desired uses, while assuring continued protection and

maintenance of soil productivity.

a. Describe methods to be employed (e.g., prescribed fire, herbicides, grazing and mechanical), and the limitation or problems associated with each.

b. Frequency, timing, and extent or scope of the application of various treatments or their combinations.

c. Describe the results that should be produced, such as; the irregular edge between the bald and adjacent timber stands, that offers a desirable visual effect. Describe how treatments will favor or threaten the desired plant and/or animal communities to maintain the desired successional stage.

d. Identify woody vegetation to be retained and managed.

e. Plan for a trail system where necessary, to provide access both to and through the Bald. Provide trail design and construction guidelines to fit the situation.

--Describe and coordination needed with other responsible agencies and/or adjoining National Forests. Provide public involvement for interested groups.

--Systematically, and objectively monitor prescribed treatments to determine if effective and on course. Keep a permanent record of treatments for future evaluation. Include before and after photographs, from permanent photo points on the gRound and from the air.

2372.04 - Responsibilities . The responsibility for carrying out management objectives for balds is multifunctional.

The Director of Recreation is responsible for special interest areas, which include Balds, while the Director of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Range is responsible for coordination of balds management in the REgional Office. Forest Supervisors will select a staff person to coordinate management of the Balds on each Forest and among Forest. Funds necessry to carry out planned work will be contributed by benefiting functions.

2372.05 - Definitions. Mountian balds are those naturally-appearing, meadow-like, essentially treeless openings of grasses, forbs, shrubs, and similar vegetation which are found on the crests of mountains and ridges throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountains.