Author Archives: Anne Mottek

Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project: Creating Solutions through Community Partnerships – ERI White Paper

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This case study spans the first two years of the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP) and intends to convey to other communities, municipalities, and/or government agencies the administrative functions and mechanisms used by the City of Flagstaff and the U.S. Forest Service to develop and implement FWPP. The paper is designed as a case study for others considering a similar initiative. For full report, click here: FWPP – Creating Solutions Through Community Partnerships.

Summary of Draft Record of Decision

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This summary explains the how, when, what and why of the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project’s draft Record of Decision. The summary also includes relevant reference websites and tables that describe treated acres and corresponding harvesting methods, post-treatment fire

hazard results, and predicted soil burn severity maps. See the FWPP DROD Summary for details.

Release of the Draft Record of Decision for FWPP

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The Coconino National Forest announces Scott Russell, Acting Forest Supervisor, has signed the draft Record of Decision (ROD) for the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project!

Russell said, “We listened to the concerns brought forth during the DEIS comment period and have not only incorporated but also relied on public input in the formation of this decision. The draft ROD will meet the purpose and need for the project while also addressing concerns related to large tree retention, effects on the viewshed of Flagstaff, and impacts to the Mexican spotted owl.”

The draft ROD and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) as well as the Response to Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and an Implementation Plan are now available on the Forest Service (USFS) project website here: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/FWPP.

A legal notice of the availability of the draft ROD and FEIS is anticipated to print in the Arizona Daily Sun on June 26, which will mark the start of the 45-day objection period. A copy of the legal notice will be posted on the USFS website above. Once the objection period ends, the USFS will go through a 45-day objection resolution period. After the objections are resolved, the USFS can issue a final Record of Decision, anticipated September 2015, and begin implementation. You can also find the Implementation Guide on the website above for more information about the implementation phases, estimated timelines, and steps necessary to implement and administer a timber contract.

If you have any questions about the project, the draft decision, the comment period or the FEIS, please feel free to contact FWPP USFS Project Manager, Erin Phelps, at (928) 527-8240 or by e-mail: ephelps@fs.fed.us.

 

 

EVALUATING EROSION RISK MITIGATION DUE TO FOREST RESTORATION TREATMENTS USING ALLUVIAL CHRONOLOGY AND HYDRAULIC MODELING

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New Monitoring Report Complete: Schultz Creek is a major tributary of the Rio de Flag watershed of the City of Flagstaff, Arizona, which is being treated by the FWPP. This study used alluvial chronology to study the recent geologic history of Schultz Creek and hydraulic modeling to predict how peak flood flow magnitudes and stored sediment could be affected by severe wildfires and FWPP treatments in and adjacent to Flagstaff, Arizona. Click here Fullthesisdec10 for full report.

FWPP DEIS Summary Report

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Alternatives 2 and 3 would have the greatest reduction in active crown fire potential: from approximately 57 percent of the project area under the No Action Alternative to 7 percent under Alternatives 2 and 3, compared to approximately

28 percent under Alternative 4. Alternatives 2 and 3 would also result in the greatest reduction in post-fire predicted peak discharge associated with a 100-year storm event (1 percent recurrence interval): 60 percent reduction for Alternatives 2 and 3 versus 30 percent reduction for Alternative 4 as compared to the No Action Alternative. All three action alternatives include a Forest Plan amendment to allow mechanized equipment for thinning on slopes greater than 40 percent (see Forest Plan Amendments in Chapter 2 and Appendix A for more information). For more click here: FWPP DEIS Comparison Summary


FWPP Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Release

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Based on input received on the Proposed Action released in April 2013, the US Forest Service (USFS) developed four treatment alternatives, which are analyzed and compared in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) which has been released for public comment July 3rd. The public is encouraged to provide feedback during the 45-day comment period ending August 18th. The USFS will use the comments received to develop the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record of Decision (ROD); these will be published later this year.  Once the FEIS and draft decision are published, there will be a 45-day objection period for those who provided comments followed by a 45-day resolution period.  The final ROD, which will contain the final decision for treatment, is expected early next year (2015).

Two open houses are scheduled at the Flagstaff Aquaplex July 17th and 22nd from 5:00-7:30 PM to review the DEIS. The DEIS, along with a Reader’s Guide, a Map Packet and other supporting information can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/FWPP.