Andrew Pickens Ranger District; South Carolina; AP Loblolly Pine Removal and Restoration Project, 59163-59165 [2012-23615]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Forest Service

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 187 (Wednesday, September 26, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59163-59165]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23615]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 26, 2012 / 
Notices

[[Page 59163]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Andrew Pickens Ranger District; South Carolina; AP Loblolly Pine 
Removal and Restoration Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; correction

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On March 8, 2010, the Forest Service published a NOT to 
prepare and EIS to disclose the effects of removing off-site loblolly 
pine plantations and restoring native vegetation on portions of the 
Andrew Pickens Ranger District (the District). This NOI is being 
corrected to reflect a delay of more than a year in filing the draft 
EIS. In addition, corrections are being made to the number of acres 
proposed for treatment and the miles of system and temporary roads 
based on better mapping and additional field survey work. Finally, the 
contact person for additional information has changed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Victor Wyant, 864-638-9568.

Correction

    1. In the Federal Register of March 8, 2010, in FR/Vol. 75, No. 44, 
on page 10457, in the third column, correct the DATES caption to read:

DATES: The draft environmental impact statement is expected by October 
2012 and the final environmental impact statement is expected by 
December 2012.
    2. In the Federal Register of March 8, 2010, in FR/Vol. 75, No. 44, 
on page 10458, in the first column, correct the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT caption to read:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Victor Wyant (vwyant@fs.fed.us), 864-
638-9568.
    3. In the Federal Register of March 8, 2010, in FR/Vol. 75, No. 44, 
on page 10458, in the first column, correct the ``Purpose and Need for 
Action'', first sentence to read:
    The District has approximately 5,542 acres of planted loblolly pine 
stands.
    4. In the Federal Register of March 8, 2010, in FR/Vol. 75, No. 44, 
on page 10458, in the third column, correct the ``Proposed Action'', 
heading to read:
    Regeneration Harvest, With Reserves (Cut-and-Remove--3,642 Acres)
    5. In the Federal Register of March 8, 2010, in FR/Vol. 75, No. 44, 
on page 10458, in the third column, correct the ``Proposed Action'', 
heading to read:
    Regeneration Harvest, With Reserves (Cut-and-Leave--1,900 Acres)
    6. In the Federal Register of March 8, 2010, in FR/Vol. 75, No. 44, 
on page 10459, in the first column, correct the ``Additional 
Treatments'', heading to read:
    Site Preparation and Release (3,421 Acres) for Reforestation by 
Planting
    7. In the Federal Register of March 8, 2010, in FR/Vol. 75, No. 44, 
on page 10459, in the second column, correct the ``Reforestation'', 
heading to read:
    Reforestation by Planting (3,061 Acres)
    8. In the Federal Register of March 8, 2010, in FR/Vol. 75, No. 44, 
on page 10459, in the third column, correct the ``Connected Actions'', 
heading, second paragraph, fourth sentence to read:
    Total specified system road construction is estimated at 6.5 mile 
but may vary once actual design is completed.
    9. In the Federal Register of March 8, 2010, in FR/Vol. 75, No. 44, 
on page 10459, in the third column, correct the ``Connected Actions'', 
heading, third paragraph, first sentence to read:
    Road Reconstruction and maintenance would be needed on 
approximately 60.0 miles of roads.
    10. In the Federal Register of March 8, 2010, in FR/Vol. 75, No. 
44, on page 10459, in the third column, correct the ``Connected 
Actions'', heading, fourth paragraph, third sentence to read:
    Approximately 21.7 miles of temporary roads are needed for access.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose and Need for Action

    The District has approximately 5,542 acres of planted loblolly pine 
stands. Most of the project area was converted to loblolly pine 
plantations by clear-cutting more diverse native stands and planting 
them to loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) after intensive site preparation 
treatments. Species composition is mostly pure loblolly pine with few 
native hardwoods or pines growing in the overstory. Hardwood sprouts 
and saplings are common in the understory.
    With a lack of disturbance, the understory is comprised mostly of 
shade tolerant tree species such as red maple, black gum, dogwood, and 
sourwood. Stand density is high, typically ranging from 120 to 160 
square feet of basal area per acre. Loblolly pine in the overstory of 
some stands is sparse due to southern pine beetle (SPB) mortality or 
from poor planting success. SPB-related mortality was widespread across 
the District in 2002 and 2003, with variable impacts to stands in the 
project area.
    Early successional habitat is one of the most limited types of 
available plant and wildlife habitats on the Andrew Pickens District. 
The endangered plant, smooth coneflower has been limited in its 
distribution as a result of lack of disturbance and growth of shade 
tolerant species. The species is known to occur adjacent to several 
loblolly stands. Plant surveys have identified current locations of the 
plant and potential habitat areas have also been identified. There is 
an opportunity to promote the expansion and establishment of this 
species in identified areas. The Sumter National Forest Protected, 
Endangered, and Threatened Species (PETS) list includes several other 
species that require early successional habitat in order to thrive. 
These species generally have been restricted to along roadsides and 
utility right-of-ways (ROWs) because of the disturbance frequency on 
these sites.
    The AP Loblolly Pine Removal and Restoration Project is located on 
four management prescription areas:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Management  area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4F..............................  Scenic Areas.
7.E.2...........................  Dispersed Recreation Areas with
                                   Vegetation Management.
8.A.1...........................  Mix of Successional Forest Habitats.
11..............................  Riparian Corridors.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The purpose and need for this project is to restore the current 
landscape condition within the project area to native forest 
vegetation. This change in condition would improve ecosystem

[[Page 59164]]

health; increasing species diversity of native vegetation would provide 
greater variety of habitat, increasing viability of plant and animal 
species. Diverse native forests are more resilient to natural 
disturbances than a plantation comprised primarily of one non-native 
species.
    The off-site loblolly pine stands would be naturally or 
artificially regenerated to a native species composition, mostly 
shortleaf pine, pitch pine, Table mountain pine, oaks, and hickories. A 
blight resistant American chestnut (once native to this area) would 
also be planted depending on suitable site conditions and seedling 
availability. These species are ecologically suited to the proposed 
treatment stands, provide mast for wildlife, and provide socio-economic 
benefits. All of these species, most notably the native pine species, 
have been declining in abundance on the District, primarily due to lack 
of disturbance. Felling newly-regenerated loblolly pine trees in 
recently harvested stands that were part of other project Decisions 
would help facilitate the development of native species in those 
stands.
    Woodlands treatments would provide additional habitat diversity. 
Woodlands are forests with relatively low tree densities of 25-60% 
forest cover with understories that are dominated by native grasses and 
forbs. Management that promotes woodlands would serve a multitude of 
resources. Woodlands provide habitat for a variety of disturbance-
dependent, early successional game and nongame wildlife species in all 
stages of their lifecycles. Populations of early successional bird 
species, such as northern bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, field sparrow, 
and golden-winged warbler, have been declining on the Sumter National 
Forest because of a lack of suitable habitat. Woodlands also provide 
open stand conditions with ample sunlight and disturbance conditions 
conducive to certain plants including the federally endangered smooth 
coneflower.

Proposed Action

    The District has approximately 5,542 acres of planted loblolly pine 
stands. The action proposed by the Forest Service to meet the Purpose 
and Need consists of regeneration harvest with reserves (cut-and-
remove) and regeneration harvest with reserves (cut-and-leave) 
treatments and the establishment/maintenance of woodlands. Prescribed 
burning, manual, mechanical, and herbicide treatments would be used to 
reduce woody competition in regenerated stands to help establish/
maintain native plant communities including smooth coneflower. 
Prescribed burning is covered under existing project Decisions.

Regeneration Harvest With Reserves (Cut-and-Remove -- 3,642 Acres)

    Timber harvest would occur in stands where operable volumes now 
exist. This would include establishing log landings and loading areas, 
skid trails, and road access in the form of temporary roads, 
reconstructed roads, or newly constructed forest system roads. In 
addition to loblolly pine, harvest would also include Virginia pine, 
white pine, red maple, yellow-poplar and other hardwoods to reduce 
competition. Oaks, hickories, shortleaf pine, Table mountain pine, 
pitch pine, would be retained where possible unless removal is 
necessary for safety or for equipment operability reasons. Selected 
soft mast producers and some flowering tree species would also be 
retained for their wildlife food or ecological benefit.

Regeneration Harvest With Reserves (Cut-and-Leave--1,900 Acres)

    Loblolly pine trees would be cut and left on-site where trees are 
too small or access too difficult for a viable commercial sale. Cut and 
leave treatments would also occur in stands where harvest has already 
occurred where loblolly pine regeneration has come in. Cutting methods 
would include manual methods that use hand tools and chainsaws. In 
addition to loblolly pine, cutting would also include Virginia pine, 
white pine, red maple, yellow-poplar and other hardwoods to reduce 
competition. Oaks, hickories, shortleaf pine, Table mountain pine, and 
pitch pine would be retained. Selected soft mast producers and some 
flowering tree species would also be retained for their wildlife food 
or ecological benefit.

Additional Treatments

Site Preparation for Reforestation by Planting (Artificial 
Regeneration) and Release (3,421 Acres)

    In stands where reforestation by planting is proposed, herbicide 
would be used to prepare the site for planting. Any remaining Virginia 
pine, white pine, red maple, yellow-poplar and other hardwoods would be 
targeted to reduce competition to the planted species and to any 
remaining oaks, hickories, shortleaf pine, table mountain pine, and 
pitch pine. Selected soft mast producers and some flowering tree 
species be retained for their wildlife food or ecological benefit.
    Site preparation and release treatments would include stem 
injection and foliar spray using the herbicides imazapyr and triclopyr 
that would be used in identified regeneration units. Stem injections 
would be applied with hatchets and squirt bottles, or similar 
application devices, using a mixture of 64 oz water, 64 oz Garlon 3A or 
equivalent (triclopyr amine) and 6 oz Arsenal AC or equivalent 
(imazapyr). Stem injection would be applied to target vegetation too 
large to treat with a foliar spray. This application is made between 
the first of July and the end of September.
    Directed foliar spray would be applied using backpack sprayers. The 
application is a low volume direct spray applied to targeted vegetation 
by speckling the leaf surface. This application is made between the 
first of July and the end of September. Per gallon of mix water, the 
herbicide mixture for this application is: 0.5 ounce Arsenal AC or 
equivalent (imazapyr), 2 ounces of Garlon 4 or equivalent (triclopyr 
ester), V2 ounce surfactant, and spray pattern indicator.
    An herbicide crop tree release treatment would be done 3 to 5 years 
after trees are planted. The treatment would reduce competition to 
oaks, hickories, shortleaf pine, Table mountain pine, pitch pine. and 
American chestnut (if planted) so that they could become the dominant 
species in the treated stands over the long term. Selected soft mast 
producers and some flowering tree species would be retained for their 
wildlife food or ecological benefit.

Reforestation by Planting (Artificial Regeneration)--3,061 Acres

    In stands where reforestation by planting is proposed, native 
shortleaf pine would be planted on a majority of the sites on a 12x12 
foot spacing to augment natural regeneration of native pines and 
hardwoods. Where suitable habitat exists and if seedlings are 
available, Table mountain pine and pitch pine would be planted. Also 
depending on site conditions and seedling availability, a blight 
resistant strain of American chestnut would be planted to re-establish 
this species.
    Plantings would take advantage of growing space created by timber 
harvest and site preparation. Areas of the stand would not be planted 
where sufficient stocking exists from overstory trees that were not 
harvested. This would result in a two-aged structure in some stands.

[[Page 59165]]

Woodland Treatments (202 Acres)

    The woodland treatments would cut all loblolly pine. Virginia pine, 
white pine, maples, yellow-poplar, and other species would be cut as 
needed to reduce competition. All pitch pine and Table mountain pine 
would be retained unless removal is necessary for safety or for 
equipment operability reasons. The treatment would include thinning 
oaks, hickories, and shortleaf pine to a basal area (BA) of 30-40 
ft\2\/acre. All oak, hickory, and shortleaf pine would be left where 
(BA) is currently less than 30-40 ft\2\/acre. Three of these stands 
would be managed to benefit smooth coneflower.
    After initial treatments are completed, the areas would be 
prescribe-burned on a periodic basis, every 1-5 years (prescribed 
burning is covered under existing NEPA Decisions). Herbicide, manual 
and mechanical methods would be applied to sprouts/seedlings within 1-2 
years after the initial post-harvest prescribed burn to reduce 
competition. These methods would be applied up to two more times after 
the initial treatment if needed to reduce competition. For woodlands 
management, the type of herbicide, method of application, and timing of 
application would be the same as that proposed for site preparation and 
release treatments.
    Manual and mechanical methods including but not limited to hand 
tools (chainsaws, brush saws), and/or heavy equipment (tractor with 
mower, gyro-track) would be used to control sprouts and seedlings of 
tree species to maintain the woodland condition. Mechanical treatments 
would grind up or masticate undesirable understory vegetation.

Connected Actions

    The following activities would be conducted in connection with 
vegetation management activities.
     System Road Construction: Twelve (12) system roads would 
be built providing access to 20 loblolly timber stands. These new roads 
are needed to provide access during timber harvest and to provide for 
long term resource management. These roads are designed by Forest 
Service engineers to specific standards that include designing drainage 
structures such as culvert installations, inside slope ditching, road 
crown specifications, widened turn-around, gates, and signage. Total 
specified system road construction is estimated at 6.5 miles but would 
vary once actual design is completed. Information on roads is contained 
in the road analysis.
     Road Reconstruction and Maintenance: System road 
reconstruction and maintenance would be needed on approximately 60 
miles of roads. Reconstruction work would consist of but not be limited 
to graveling road surfaces, replacing culverts--including replacements 
for aquatic organism passage, ditch cleaning, removing brush and trees 
along road rights-of-way, installing, repairing or replacing gates and 
correcting road safety hazards. Road maintenance would consist of spot 
gravel replacement, blading, cleaning culverts, brushing and mowing.
     Temporary Roads: Log landings that have no access to 
existing roads would be accessed by a temporary road that connects to 
the forest transportation system. Temporary roads are low-standard 
roads generally under 10 percent grade and road widths less than 14 
feet. Approximately 21.7 miles of temporary roads are needed for 
access. Most temporary roads would be in the form of utilizing existing 
undesignated ``woods'' roads that already exist in the forest, that are 
in suitable locations, and for the most part have stabilized cut and 
fill slopes that would not be disturbed. Upon completion of treatments, 
temporary roads would be closed, obliterated and adequate erosion and 
storm water control measures completed and replanted with vegetation.
     Skid Trails: Skid trails would be used to skid logs to log 
landings. They would be closed after use with adequate storm water and 
erosion control measures.
     Log Landings: Log landings are locations where logs are 
piled and then loaded onto trucks. Existing landings sites would be 
used as practicable to limit soil effects (compaction). They would be 
closed after use with adequate storm water and erosion control 
measures.

Possible Alternatives

    The Proposed Action and another action alternative are proposed for 
achieving the stated purpose and need, as well as a No-Action 
Alternative. The other action alternatives was developed to respond to 
issues raised by the public during scoping.

Responsible Official

    The Andrews Pickens District Ranger, Sumter national Forest is the 
responsible official for this project.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The District Ranger will decide whether or not to implement the 
action as proposed or an alternative way to achieve the desired 
outcome.

Scoping Process

    The scoping process for this project occurred when the original NOI 
was published in 2010. Issues identified during the scoping period were 
used to determine the alternatives considered and to frame the effects 
analysis. This proposal has been listed in the Francis Marion and 
Sumter National Forests Schedule of Proposed Actions since 2010.

    Dated: September 17, 2012.
Mike Crane,
District Ranger.
[FR Doc. 2012-23615 Filed 9-25-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M