Aspen restoration at this scale on Monroe Mountain will help improve and maintain population viability for a variety of wildlife species (elk, deer, raptors, neo-tropical migratory birds, small game, insects, etc., along with promoting a fire resilient ecosystem across the Monroe Mountain. The project will also enhance watershed integrity. Purpose and Need for Action (Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project). The purpose of this project is to restore aspen ecosystems on Monroe Mountain by achieving the desired conditions described in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). To help accomplish this purpose, the Richfield District has identified a need to (1) address the conifer encroachment that occurs due to the reduced occurrence of wildland fire primarily due to an increase in wildland fire suppression, and (2) address aspen overbrowsing by domestic and wild ungulates. These are two of the primary underlying causes for aspen decline on Monroe Mountain. Restoring aspen ecosystems on Monroe Mountain will result in multiple benefits, which include but are not imited to: 1. Improving and increasing the amount of habitat for wildlife species dependent upon aspen ecosystems (i.e., Mule deer, elk, and Northern goshawk); 2. Improving and increasing the amount of habitat and forage for domestic ungulates (i.e., cattle and sheep); 3. Improving native species diversity; 4. Reducing hazardous fuel accumulations; 5. Reducing the risk for large-scale, intense wildland fires. This results in lower risk to the safety of the public and firefighters. This also results in lower risk to sensitive wildlife species (i.e. Northern goshawk, Western Boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas), and Bonneville cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki utah)); and, 6. Increasing the probability that future naturally caused fires can be managed (if possible, not suppressed) and allowed to play the greatest feasible natural role in the aspen ecosystems on Monroe Mountain.

Improve aspen stands by removing competing conifer and stimulating new aspen regeneration from the mechanical thinning. Objectives will be met by using mechanical thinning treatments to remove conifers from seral and stable aspen stands while also retaining as much of the existing aspen as possible. Conifer will be cut a piled for future burning. 80%-100% of cut and cured slash piles will be be burned. To access the conifer, some incidental cutting of aspen may occur. With the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project being selected by the Joint Chiefs Partnership with NRCS and USFS, mechanical thinning will also be occurring on private lands located on the Monroe Mountain in conjunction with the mechanical thinning that will be occurring on National Forest System lands managed by the Richfield Ranger District. This will have multiple benefits that include; across boundary landscape level aspen restoration, reducing risk of fire on both private and USFS lands, and reducing risk of future prescribed fire activities to private property. Prescribed fire treatments will be implemented utilizing aerial and/or hand ignition techniques targeting spruce/fir, mixed conifer, and seral aspen with mosaic burn patterns and mixed burn severities as an objective. To maintain Fishlake Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) compliance, prescribed fire will occur when 60 percent of the area will be expected to burn leaving 40 percent of the area unburned. In response to aspen overbrowsing, aspen in the project area will be monitored. Browse thresholds have been established. Adaptive management response options have been developed. Short-term temporary adjustments in livestock/wildlife management may be needed to ensure new aspen regeneration successfully recruits (reaches greater than 6 feet height). Wildlife Benefit: The intent of this project is to create age class diversity in the aspen ecosystems on Monroe Mountain and create a more sustainable aspen landscape over time. Implementation of this project will increase habitat effectiveness for many wildlife species (big game, small game, upland game, raptors, neo-tropical migratory birds, local avian species, insects and key pollinators). This project will help introduce species diversity back into the Monroe Mountain area. A mosaic design is part of the implementation strategy to create a pattern of treated and untreated acres that will create an increase of biodiversity. Habitat fragmentation should not be an issue for wildlife as care has been taken to have leave areas, old growth areas, and treatment areas in good juxtaposition across the landscape to promote species diversity. Species (elk and deer) that favor early serial communities and early serial vegetation species will benefit from this project. This project will provide increases in forage and habitat effectiveness that benefit species such as ungulates. Distribution of ungulate pressure will be increased with the increase in useable, effective habitat. Mosaic patterns created by the project will distribute ungulate herbivory across the landscape minimizing overuse to current key areas and allow newly treated areas to have favorable responses to treatments. There will be some short-term (3-5 years) temporary impacts to plant and animal uses of these areas during the implementation phase of the project; however, the overall outcome will provide much needed plant species diversity across the landscape that will last well into the future. Small game and upland game will ultimately see an increased benefit over time as the project areas develop into a maturing forest. Mosaic patterns of a 60/40 take/leave pattern is designed into the project to provide a mosaic pattern of age class diversity and maintain goshawk foraging areas. Mosaic patterns will also be beneficial for most all other wildlife species across the ecosystem. Aquatic species benefit: Large infrequent fires are known to extirpate trout populations and habitats as the effects of fire increase ash loads, flood occurrence, and erosion. Bonneville cutthroat trout will likely benefit in the long-term from this project as the risk of catastrophic fire is reduced through fuels reduction in Bonneville cutthroat trout-bearing streams. Mixed results exists in relation to the potential benefits and negative impacts of fire on boreal toads (Loeffler 2001). For this reason, a study of toads before, during, and after the project will be undertaken. Areas close to streamsides and known breeding areas and hibernacula are protected by design features, but use of upland and riparian habitats further away from breeding sites is not well documented. The boreal toad study aims to reduce project implementation risks to toads by determining habitat use areas prior to treatment and develop baseline information on populations in areas being treated and not yet being treated for comparison. This should reduce the risk of treating large subwatershed areas to toads and allow for direct measure of population trends in treated and untreated areas. Over the course of the project, this monitoring will provide information about the effects of landscape scale vegetation treatments on boreal toads and their habitat use, breeding, distribution, population size, mortality, and hibernaculas.

If left untreated a continued decline in aspen is expected. With a decline in aspen, ungulates will continue to be negatively impacted. As conifer continues to increase and aspen decreases, the amount of usable forage for ungulates will decrease and distribution of ungulates will continue to decrease. As conifers continue to increase, the risk for large uncharacteristic/catastrophic wildfires will also continue to increase. This results in health and public safety issues. A majority of the project is in Fire Regime Condition Class 3 (FRCC 3). Risk of loss of key ecosystem components are high within Condition Class 3. High departure from the natural (historical) regime of vegetation characteristics; fuel composition; fire frequency, severity and pattern; and other associated disturbances. Fire behavior, effects, and other associated disturbances are highly departed. Composition and structure of vegetation and fuel are highly altered. Uncharacteristic conditions range from moderate to high. Treatments would improve the Fire Regime Condition Class to FRCC 1 and FRCC 2. Habitat for sensitive species such as the Northern goshawk and Flammulated owl are currently at risk from catastrophic high severity wildfire. Implementation of this project reduces the risk of wildfires impacting these sensitive species. Design criteria are also included to help minimize short-term impacts to these species. The greatest threat/risk to the aspen ecosystems post treatment is the browse pressure from both wild and domestic ungulates. To aid attainment of at least 1,000 to 2,000 aspen saplings per acre and 400 to 600 aspen recruits per acre in areas where mechanical and/or prescribed fire treatments are to occur, browse thresholds and adaptive management response options have collaboratively been developed and if needed, will be implemented. For more information about browse thresholds and response options, please see the attached Final Record of Decision. The browse thresholds and response options are supported by DWR and the Utah Wildlife Board.

I. This action responds to the goals and objectives outlined in the Fishlake Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP). The desired conditions described in the EIS and the purpose and need for this project are consistent with the Forest's goals, the objectives found in chapter IV of the LRMP, and the Utah Fire Amendment (USFS 2001). The proposed treatment units are within management areas 2B -- Rural and Roaded Natural Recreation; 4A -- Fish Habitat Improvement; 4B -- Habitat for Management Indicator Species; 5A -- Big Game Winter Range - Non-forested; 6B -- Intensive Livestock Management; 7B -- Wood-Fiber Production - Genetics; and 9F -- Improved Watershed. The relevant goals and objectives are listed below: 1. Ecosystems are restored and maintained, consistent with land uses and historic fire regimes, through wildland fire use and prescribed fire (Utah Fire Amendment, pg. A-40). 2. Manage forest cover types to provide variety in stand sizes shape, crown closure, edge contrast, age structure and interspersion (LRMP p. IV-99). 3. Prescribed fire is authorized forest-wide (Utah Fire Amendment, pg. A-41). 4. Use prescribed fire to reduce fuel buildup and meet resource objectives (LRMP p. IV-5). 5. Reduce hazardous fuels; the full range of reduction methods is authorized, consistent with forest and MA emphasis and direction (Utah Fire Amendment, pg. A-41). 6. Identify and improve habitat for sensitive, threatened, and endangered species including participation in recovery efforts for both plants and animals (LRMP IV-4). 7. Improve or maintain the quality of habitat on big game winter ranges (LRMP IV-4). 8. Maintain structural diversity of vegetation on management areas dominated by forested ecosystems (LRMP IV-11). 9. Manage aspen for retention where needed for wildlife, watershed, or esthetic purposes (LRMP IV-11). 10. Manage seral aspen stands for a diversity of age classes (LRMP IV-11). 11. Manage aspen to perpetuate the species and improve quality (LRMP IV-4). 12. Provide wood fiber while maintaining or improving other resource values LRMP IV-4). 13. Improve timber age class distribution and maintain species diversity (LRMP IV-4). 14. Manage tree stands using both commercial and noncommercial methods. Enhance visual quality, diversity, and insect and disease control (LRMP IV-62 and IV-84d). 15. Maintain and manage forested inclusions to provide a high level of forage production, wildlife habitat, and diversity (LRMP IV-112). 16. The area would have a mosaic of fully stocked stands that follow natural patterns and avoid straight lines and geometric shapes (LRMP IV-113). 17. Prevent and control insect infestation and disease (LRMP IV-5) 18. Move toward historic fire regimes in these vegetation types on Monroe Mountain. II. The decision is consistent with the Fishlake National Forest Fire Management Plan in restoring fire adapted ecosystems. III. This project is also consistent with the "Guidelines for Aspen Restoration on the National Forests in Utah" publication developed by the Utah Forest Restoration Working Group. Treatments were developed in line with the four major steps of the aspen restoration decision process and project actions are in line with appropriate response options as laid out by the guidelines document. IV. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Elk Management Plan. This project will help introduce species diversity back into the Monroe Mountain area. A mosaic design is part of the implementation strategy to create a pattern of treated and un-treated acres that will create an increase of biodiversity. Habitat fragmentation should not be an issue for wildlife as care has been taken to have leave areas, old growth areas, and treatment areas in good juxtaposition across the landscape to promote species diversity. Implementation of this project will benefit those species that favor early serial communities and early serial vegetation (elk). This project will provide increases in habitat effectiveness and benefit species such as ungulates. Mosaic patterns created by the project will distribute ungulate herbivory across the landscape minimizing overuse to current key areas and allow newly treated areas to have favorable responses to treatments. There will be some short-term (3-5 years) temporary impacts to plant and animal uses of these areas during the implementation phase of the project; however, the overall outcome will provide much needed plant species diversity across the landscape that will last well into the future. Increased vegetation through implementation of this project that will be created through primary succession methods will greatly benefit elk. V. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mule Deer Management Plan This project will help introduce species diversity back into the Monroe Mountain area. A mosaic design is part of the implementation strategy to create a pattern of treated and un-treated acres that will create an increase of biodiversity. Habitat fragmentation should not be an issue for wildlife as care has been taken to have leave areas, old growth areas, and treatment areas in good juxtaposition across the landscape to promote species diversity. Implementation of this project will benefit those species that favor early serial communities and early serial vegetation (deer). This project will provide increases in habitat effectiveness and benefit species such as ungulates. Mosaic patterns created by the project will distribute ungulate herbivory across the landscape minimizing overuse to current key areas and allow newly treated areas to have favorable responses to treatments. There will be some short-term (3-5 years) temporary impacts to plant and animal uses of these areas during the implementation phase of the project; however, the overall outcome will provide much needed plant species diversity across the landscape that will last well into the future. Increased vegetation through implementation of this project that will be created through primary succession methods will greatly benefit mule deer. VI. The northern goshawk in Utah: habitat assessment and management recommendations. In Forest Plan direction for the Northern goshawk, forest vegetation structural stage classes are discussed and how they relate to preference by goshawk for nesting, post fledgling family areas, or rearing and teaching of young and foraging. Careful consideration has been given to Northern goshawk territories found within the project boundaries. Territories will be part of the mosaic pattern designed as "leave" areas for prescribed burn and mechanical treatments. Creating age class diversity through the implementation of this project will ensure future habitat as well as habitat for prey used by goshawk is maintained. VII. Grazing Allotment Plans for 10 different allotments with the overall project boundaries. The amount of forage available to livestock is expected to increase significantly as a result of this project. With the removal of conifer the amount of grasses and forbs in the aspen understory is expected to increase significantly. With increased forage ungulate distribution is expected to improve. Many areas that are currently unproductive due to overgrowth will soon become desirable for future uses by ungulates. Browse pressure from both domestic livestock and wild ungulates is a concern with the implementation of this project. The District will ensure the temporary resting of treatment areas, herding, and electric fences are incorporated into Annual Operating Instructions. These actions will help ensure that permittees are in the communication loop and will give them enough time to plan for the resources they need to continue their operations. Impacts to permittees will be minimized by the use of herding and temporary electric fences so that treatment areas and/or stable aspen stands can be rested while non-treatment areas can continue to be grazed. Continued livestock grazing in the non-treatment areas is subject to the Fishlake National Forest forage utilization standards and guidelines. Annual monitoring and enforcement of these standards and guidelines will continue. VIII. Utah Wild Turkey Management Plan Newly treated areas through fire or mechanical means will attract use by wild turkey which are abundant on Monroe Mountain. Insects and new growth will be readily available to support turkey populations. IX. UDWR Wildlife Action Plan This project is geared toward meeting the goals found within this plan for a variety of wildlife species from large to small. The entire proposed project area is found within a UWRI conservation focus area. X. State Wildlife Action Plan The project is in line with the State's Wildlife Action Plan in that it directly benefits lentic water, lotic water, mountain riparian, and wet meadow habitats. It further directly benefits Bonneville cutthroat trout and boreal toad. XI. National Cohesive Strategy By means of prescribed fire and mechanical thinning at a landscape scale, the resulting mosaic of early and late successional forests will work toward the goal of restoring and maintaining resilient landscapes, one of the three goals described in the National Cohesive Strategy. XII. State of Utah Catastrophic Wildfire Reduction Strategy The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project aligns with the mission of the State of Utah's Catastrophic Wildfire Reduction Strategy. The project has developed a comprehensive and systematic approach toward reducing the size, intensity and frequency of catastrophic wildland fires on Monroe Mountain through a collaborative process. The project reduces the risk of a catastrophic wildfire occurrence negatively affecting property, air quality and water systems. XIII. Monroe Mountain Cove Mountain CWPP Goal 1: Minimize the potential wildland fire threat to life safety (Monroe Mountain Cove Mountain CWPP). This project works to achieve Goal 1 of the Monroe Mountain Cove Mountain CWPP by reducing fuel loading and lowering the potential of wildland fire spread across Monroe Mountain. XIV. State of Utah Forest Action Plan The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project addresses all three of the key goals laid out in the Forest Action Plan: conserve and manage working forest landscapes for multiple values and uses, protect forests from threats and enhance public benefits from trees and forests. Wood products will be available through firewood permits, timber sales and stewardship contracts in accordance with the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration NEPA documentation and the Fishlake National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. All actions called for in the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project work together to reduce wildfire and forest health threats to the surrounding forests and reduce the potential for long-term degradation of forested watersheds on Monroe Mountain. XV. State of Utah Boreal Toad Conservation Plan. Boreal toad monitoring that will take place in connection with The Monroe Mountain Aspen Regeneration Project aligns with conservation actions listed in the State of Utah Boreal Toad Conservation Plan. Applicable actions from the plan are outlined as follows: Conservation Actions -- the conservation monitoring actions listed below are incorporated into the monitoring plan. 1. Define current distribution and status (Surveys). 1.3.3 Determine the availability of dispersal corridors among habitats. 2. Monitor distribution, population, and habitat trends (Monitoring). 2.1.2 Document age class structure during breeding surveys. 2.2.1 Record habitat parameters during population monitoring. 2.2.2 Identify general threats during population monitoring. 2.3.3 Evaluate general habitat responses to conservation actions and/or threats. 3. Identify and reduce threats from habitat loss and degradation (Habitat Management). 3.1 Fire Management -- design features were incorporated into the project to prevent stand attributes near breeding sites by burning in mosaics, not treating all areas, and using fall burns where feasible. 3.1.1 Protect habitats in forest stands adjacent to and within 2.5 miles of breeding sites. 3.1.2 Restrict burns to late fall through early spring during which time boreal toads are inactive in known occupied areas. 3.1.3 Determine impacts of fire through monitoring of known breeding sites. 3.7 Roads -- overall the project has relatively few temporary roads. Design features were incorporated to reduce impacts where they do occur by construction during dormant seasons or after biologist clearance of the area. 3.7.1.b Avoid developing new roads that bisect occupied toad habitat. 3.8 Timber Harvest -- design features were incorporated to reduce impacts from timber harvest. Logistic considerations limit the ability to conduct winter logging on Monroe Mountain. For both fire and timber harvest, consistency with the state Boreal Toad plan and the PARC guidelines was discussed at length in the aquatics specialist report. There is some variation between these sources, with the need to allow forest cycles and resetting of succession to operate. 3.8.1 Protect habitats in forest stands adjacent to and within 4.0 km of breeding sites. 3.8.2 Restrict timber harvest to late fall through early spring during which boreal toads are inactive in known occupied areas. 5. Increase understanding of boreal toad ecology, life history, and threats in Utah (Research) -- these attributes are incorporated into the monitoring plan. 5.2 Characterize population structure and toad movements. 5.2.1 Estimate population size. 5.2.1a Conduct mark-recapture studies at selected breeding sites throughout Utah to estimate population sizes. 5.2.2 Track boreal toad movements. 5.2.2a Track toad movements to characterize upland habitat use and movement among breeding sites. 5.2.2.b Document colonization of new habitats. 5.2.2.c Document re-colonization of habitats after extirpation or disturbance (e.g. fire, flood). XVI. Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Bonneville Cutthroat Trout Southern Bonneville Management Unit management actions: "Fires and floods are a threat to small, isolated BCT populations. These threats are usually associated with fragmented habitat. Small populations potentially are subject to random events that threaten their existence. Such threats decrease with increasing populations, population size, habitat complexity and connectedness." "Habitat enhancement projects include... changes in land resource management designation."

The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project treatments would be implemented to effectively restore resilient, fire-adapted aspen ecosystems on a landscape-scale and across boundary by moving the stands toward properly functioning condition in terms of composition (species diversity) and density (crown spacing and fuel loading). In addition the treatments would improve structural diversity, promote aspen regeneration and recruitment, reduce the hazardous fuel loading, and reduce the continuity of fuels across the Monroe Mountain landscape; thus mitigating the risks and damage associated with a high intensity, high severity, uncharacteristic/catastrophic wildfire and where appropriate, expand opportunities to manage fire for resource benefits and meet Fishlake Land and Resource Management Plan objectives. The majority of this project is within fire regime III -- 35-100+ year frequency and mixed severity (less than 75% of the dominant overstory vegetation replaced); and fire regime IV -- 35-100+ year frequency and high (stand replacement) severity (greater than 75% of the dominant overstory vegetation replaced). The Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC) is estimated to be both moderate (FRCC 2) and high (FRCC 3) departure from the central tendency of the natural (historical) regime. The central tendency is a composite estimate of vegetation characteristics (species composition, structural stages, stand age, canopy closure, and mosaic pattern); fuel composition; fire frequency, severity, and pattern; and other associated natural disturbances. The majority of this project would be in FRCC 3. This project will improve the fire regime condition class to FRCC 1 and FRCC 2. The risk for catastrophic wildfire would be reduced adding a layer of protection from such events to adjacent landowners, homes/structures and Forest Service owned improvements. High value areas include the Manning Meadows and Monroe Meadows communities with numerous homes and structures that are approximately 2-4 miles to the north of the Phase 2 planned implementation. Other high value areas include Maglebys, Bagley Ranch, and Foremans property all of which are also located north of the planned phase 2 implementation. The dominant southwest wind flow in conjunction with associated fire behavior and long distance spotting expected from the conifer fuel type pose significant wildland fire risk to these areas and values. Cross-boundary hazardous fuels treatments in high priority areas are occurring in conjunction with the NRCS and UFFSL to reduce the likelihood of adverse fire impacts to communities located on Monroe Mountain. Values at risk and resource concerns: * WUI involving Private Property with structures directly adjacent to the project area and scattered across the Monroe Mountain. * Priority wildlife habitat: Goshawks, Flammulated owls, and Boreal toad within and adjacent to project areas identified high crown fire potentials due to crown connectivity. * If untreated- continued decline in aspen. * If untreated- uncharacteristic high intensity/severity fire effects. Burn pile scars will be reseeded to minimize establishment of noxious weeds.

Project treatments will result in short to moderate term impacts to water quality, but project design features will prevent long-term degradation. Project treatments will considerably lessen the risk of catastrophic large scale high severity fires that could result in long-term watershed degradation. By maintaining watershed function, long-term water quality will be maintained or enhanced. By removing conifer it is anticipated that water quantity will be enhanced (seeps, springs, bogs--improved). Due to concerns for high value/sensitive aquatic species, aquatic monitoring is incorporated into the project design. This will document baseline conditions and help assess project effects and watershed recovery, ensuring aquatic species are maintained and enhancing the ability to plan future large-scale watershed restoration programs. As documented in the Final Record of Decision, this project is compliant with the Clean Water Act. Fire behavior over the last 2 decades have illustrated the potential for large uncontrollable fires across Monroe Mountain with current fuel loadings and conifer stand densities. A large wildlife would likely lead to large flood events. Water quantity could increase but most increase would be associated with storm events or early snow melt. This would likely lead to channel instability and down-cutting. Ash, erosion from the fire, and erosion from channel adjustments would decrease water quality by increasing water turbidity and sediment loads. These effects could lead to extirpation of fish populations if the area burned was large enough. Water quantity (and quality) would return to near baseline levels as vegetation recovered over time, but channel adjustments such as down-cutting post-fire would likely have long-term consequences such as reduced areas of riparian habitat and wet meadows.

The National Environmental Policy Act requires Federal agencies to consider and disclose the effects of proposed actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Final Record of Decision analyzes the alternatives and displays the effects in conformance with the Act (40 CFR 1500 to 1508 and FSH 1909.15). The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) documents the analysis of environmental effects associated with a suite of restoration treatments on approximately 47,274 acres of National Forest System (NFS) lands. The Final Record of Decision (ROD) documents issues presented from public and stakeholders, and local collaborative efforts; in conjunction with the analysis of five alternatives, including a no action alternative. It presents the decision along with rationale and alternatives considered in reaching the decision. Based on the Biological Assessments/Specialist Reports that were completed for this project, this decision is compliant with the legal requirements set forth under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 15369c)). This decision will not adversely affect any Threatened, Endangered, Proposed or Candidate species or habitat that has been determined to be critical under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project Wildlife Specialist Report considered impacts to migratory birds to be in compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act requirements and executive order 13186 through the process and intent of the National Memorandum of Understanding and the Utah Strategy, developed between the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Wildlife Specialist Report determined that no adverse impacts to migratory birds' resources are expected as a result of implementing this project. Based on the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project Wildlife Specialist Report, implementation of the action alternatives would impact perching and roosting habitat for bald and golden eagles in varying degrees but would not impact the two species adversely by modifying any one of the primarily habitat components necessary for persistence of the two species on the Fishlake National Forest. Several design features will be implemented as part of this project. In summary, based on the Wildlife Specialist Report, this project consistent with the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. As described in the Air Quality Specialist Report, in the short term there will be air quality impacts during implementation of this decision; however, National Ambient Air Quality Standards will not be exceeded. In the long term, there will be less fuel and a lower emission potential once an area has received a prescribed burn. The burn plans are reviewed and each ignition is approved through the Utah State Smoke Management Plan, as described in Utah Rule 307-204. This decision will meet the Utah State Smoke Management Plan requirements and therefore comply with the Clean Air Act. Based on the Hydrology/Soils Specialist Report, implementation of this decision is in compliance with the Clean Water Act. The Hydrology/Soils Specialist Report determined that implementation of the action alternatives and this decision is in compliance with Flood Plains and Executive Order 11988. The Hydrology/Soils Specialist Report determined that implementation of the action alternatives and this decision is in compliance with Wetlands and Executive Order 11990. The Forest Archaeologist determined that no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to cultural/heritage resources, as a result of implementing the action alternatives would be expected to occur. A letter from the Utah State Historic Preservation Office also concluded this project would have no effect on any known cultural resources eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Native American tribes were contacted and they expressed no concerns about this project. Based on this information, this project is in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. This decision is in compliance with Executive Order 12898 because based on public comments there is no indication that this project would adversely or disproportionately affect American Indians, other racial minorities, or low-income groups. Based on all the collaboration that has occurred for this project, this decision is in compliance with the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Act.

Treatment methods will include mechanical thinning and piling of approximately 600-800 acres of conifer from seral and stable aspen stands, prescribed burn implementation on approximately 1,700 acres of seral and stable aspen stands, prescribed burning of associated activity fuels from Phase 1 of this project and aerial seeding of approximately 500 acres of post prescribed fire treatment areas. The mechanical thinning/piling treatment method will be accomplished by utilizing 5 tracked bobcat skid steer loaders with appropriate forestry attachments along with contract services utilizing forestry equipment. Mechanical thinning on private lands will be completed in conjunction with the NRCS, Utah Forestry Fire and State Lands (UFFSL) and the private landowners though the Joint Chiefs Partnership. Prescribed fire implementation will be accomplished utilizing both forest service and inter-agency fire suppression resources. If needed, burn pile scars will be reseeded to minimize establishment of noxious weeds. The mechanical thinning/piling treatments will be completed the summer/fall of 2017. The prescribed fire will then be applied during fall of 2017 and spring of 2018. During the summer/fall of 2017 a seasonal Forest Service Timber Crew will complete the layout, marking, and surveys of aspen, mixed conifer and spruce fir stands on approximately 900 acres in preparation for a timber sale/ thinning contract to be awarded for the following summer of 2018. As a part of this project, the District is required to monitor boreal toads and associated aquatic habitat before, during, and after project implementation. Monitoring will be done to ensure project design features are implemented as designed, work as intended and are effective, and that site-specific findings of toad use areas, timing, etc. are incorporated into implementation actions. This monitoring will help ensure that boreal toad impacts are minimized. Monitoring will also include breeding site monitoring to document use and relative densities of populations. A seasonal employee will conduct the mandatory boreal toad monitoring starting with PIT tagging and associated surveys. This individual will work with volunteers and other Forest Service seasonals on aquatic stream monitoring.

Approximately 120 to 140 long-term aspen transects will be used to monitor status and trend of aspen following implementation. Monitoring will be in conjunction and coordinated with aspen monitoring/research currently being done on Monroe Mountain by Dr. Sam St. Clair from Brigham Young University. Monitoring will address aspen regeneration/recruitment and understory conditions. Approximately 60 of these transects have already been established and are currently being monitored. To compliment this monitoring, 8 exclosures have also already been built at various locations across Monroe Mountain. See Final Record of Decision for additional information about monitoring. As a part of this project, the District will monitor boreal toads before, during, and after project implementation. Monitoring will be done to ensure project design features are implemented as designed, work as intended and are effective, and that site-specific findings of toad use areas, timing, etc. are incorporated into lementation actions. This monitoring will help ensure that boreal toad impacts are minimized. Monitoring ill also include breeding site monitoring to document use and relative densities of populations. The Aquatics Final Monitoring Plan in the Aquatic Specialist Report for Sensitive and MIS Aquatic Species for the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project (Whelan 2015a) discusses the monitoring plan in detail. The monitoring plan includes project objectives of determining changes in toad use areas, chytrid fungus infection rates/changes, finding key concentration areas such as breeding sites and hibernacula that will be buffered/protected, determining boreal toad use of areas planned for treatment, comparing toad use of treated versus untreated habitat, and (to the extent possible) determining population size and survival data. Aquatic Invasive Species control measures and annual reporting requirements are included as part of the monitoring plan. In addition, the District will monitor fish populations, streamflow, water turbidity, basic water chemistry, and aquatic macroinvertebrates one time before treatments are implemented if they have not been monitored in the last five years. Fish populations, streamflow, water turbidity, basic water chemistry, and aquatic macro invertebrates will also be monitored immediately following project implementation and one final time three to five years following project implementation. Lake water quality (basic water chemistry, nutrient levels, and secchi disk depths) will also be monitored from fish supporting lakes in the project area before project implementation in that watershed, during project implementation, and three to five years following project implementation. Monitoring will be conducted monthly during the summer season from approximately May/June through Sept/October. The District will repeat hydrological channel monitoring stations (crosssections, longitudinal profiles, and photo points) that were established in or about 2001 on Manning Creek, Barney Creek, Dry Canyon, and Koosharem Creek. These stations will be resampled one time before treatments are implemented, immediately following project implementation, and a final time three to five years following project implementation. Throughout implementation of this project elk, deer, owls and goshawks will also continue to be monitored annually. The District Wildlife staff will work closely with local UDWR biologists to monitor wildlife utilization on aspen regeneration. In the event established thresholds markers are exceeded conferencing will occur to enact protocol measures to prevent over-utilization of aspen sprouting. Photo plots combined with camera traps will be established to monitor results. California Condor: This project lies south of I-70 and is therefore within the 10j experimental non-essential area for the California condor. Treatments in the area will create new vegetation opportunities for big game which will create hunter opportunities which may create carrion for raptors of all kinds. We will monitor to learn if any of these raptor species are to show up on Monroe Mountain. Multiple fuels and prescribed fire monitoring plots have been established with the prescribed fire portions of the project. Plots will be visited post 1 year, 3 year, and 5 year to monitor fuels and tree mortality. This will be accomplished by the Forest Service SCA Monitoring Crew. Invasive and noxious weeds are not known to occur in the treatment areas; however, treatment areas will be monitored post-implementation. If noxious and/or invasive weeds are detected, the District will take the appropriate actions to control spread and eliminate the noxious and/or invasive weeds from the treatment areas. The Richfield Ranger District is currently partnered with the Fire and Smoke Modeling Evaluation Experiment (FASMEE) research group that will be involved during prescribed fire activities on the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project. FASMEE is a recently funded multi-agency effort to provide advanced measurements necessary to evaluate and advance operationally-used fire and smoke modeling systems and their underlying scientific models. The field campaign will be conducted on large operational prescribed fires targeting heavy fuel loads and burned to produce high-intensity fires with developed plumes in the southeastern and western United States.

The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project is a result of several years of planning and collaboration among interested parties, groups and organizations, and Federal, State and local government agencies. In January 2010, the Utah Forest Aspen Restoration Working Group (UFRWG) finalized the 2010 Guidelines for Aspen Restoration on the National Forests in Utah (UFRWG 2010). As part of this effort, the UFRWG submitted a call for project proposals that could effectively test the newly created guidelines. The Fishlake National Forest submitted the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project to the UFRWG for their consideration. The proposal was accepted and in April 2011, the UFRWG created the Monroe Mountain Working Group (MMWG) to provide recommendations and feedback to the District as the project was being developed. From May 2011 through December 2015 the Richfield Ranger District met with the MMWG almost monthly developing and working on this project. These meetings were open to the public to provide information, ask and answer questions and discuss the proposed action and alternatives. The MMWG consist of the following stakeholders: Utah Cattlemen's Association; Utah Woolgrowers Association; Utah State University Extension; Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; Trout Unlimited; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR); Piute County Commission; Sevier County Commission; Utah Department of Agriculture and Food; Utah Farm Bureau; Rocky Mountain Research Station; Grand Canyon Trust; Western Aspen Alliance; and Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. The Utah Department of Wildlife Resources was a cooperating agency for the Monroe Aspen EIS and Final Record of Decision. The Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project was selected by the Joint Chiefs Partnership with NRCS and USFS. Through a partnership with UFFSL, NRCS and multiple Private Landowners, mechanical thinning will also be occurring on private lands located on the Monroe Mountain in conjunction with the mechanical thinning that will be occurring on the National Forest System lands. The Richfield Ranger District is currently partnered with the Fire and Smoke Modeling Evaluation Experiment (FASMEE) research group that will be involved during prescribed fire activities on the Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystems Restoration Project. FASMEE is a recently funded multi-agency effort to provide advanced measurements necessary to evaluate and advance operationally-used fire and smoke modeling systems and their underlying scientific models. The field campaign will be conducted on large operational prescribed fires targeting heavy fuel loads and burned to produce high-intensity fires with developed plumes in the southeastern and western United States.

Treatment sequencing is primarily based on the current distribution of wild browsers on Monroe Mountain. Mechanical and prescribed fire treatments will begin in the southerly portion of the project area where visually, current browse pressures on aspen appear to be less than the northerly and central portions of the project area. Following treatments in the southern area, treatments in the northerly portion of the project will likely be conducted. Browse pressures in the north appear to be higher than what is occurring in the south, but less than the central portion of the project area. Following treatments in the southern and northern areas, treatments in the central portion of the project area will likely be initiated next. By generally sequencing the project in this order, browse pressure may be more directed away from newly treated areas; this is expected to increase the probability of regenerating aspen to reach 6 feet tall after treatment. Mechanical treatments will occur in areas adjacent to private lands, areas adjacent to Northern goshawk territories, and areas within/adjacent to boreal toad and Bonneville cutthroat trout habitat. These aspen, spruce/fir, and mixed conifer areas will be mechanically treated first within each sequence area (southern, northern, and central). Implementing these mechanical treatments first will help reduce the risk of impacts from prescribed fire to private property, Northern goshawk, boreal toad, and Bonneville cutthroat trout. Aspen browse thresholds and adaptive management response options have been developed and will be implemented to help ensure new regenerating aspen successfully recruit (become 6 feet or taller). To assist this effort, extensive aspen monitoring by Dr. Sam St. Clair is being accomplished. Invasive and noxious weeds are not known to occur in the treatment areas; however, treatment areas will be monitored post-implementation. If noxious and/or invasive weeds are detected, the District will take the appropriate actions to control spread and eliminate the noxious and/or invasive weeds from the treatment areas. Implementation of this project will reduce the risk of catastrophic high severity wildland fire; thus reducing the risk to the public and firefighters. This also reduces the risk to private property. Health and public safety is improved. With this reduced risk, future management of naturally caused fires may be possible to allow fire to play greatest feasible natural role in the environment. As habitat is improved for ungulates (deer, elk, cattle, sheep) and additional forage becomes available, the Fishlake National Forest expects the flexibility and management of ungulates will improve; hopefully with less controversy. Maintaining healthy populations of wildlife while also responding to the needs of livestock permittees is expected to become easier.

Aspen ecosystems are rich in species of grasses, forbs, and animals; especially in comparison to associated coniferous forest types. The high value of the aspen ecosystem type as a forage resource for livestock and as forage and cover for wildlife increases with the implementation of this project. Through both the mechanical thinning and prescribed fire treatments, conifer encroachment is reduced and aspen regeneration/recruitment is promoted. This in return moves aspen ecosystems on the Monroe Mountain on a trajectory toward accomplishing desired conditions thus improving aspen ecosystems. The amount of forage available to livestock is expected to increase significantly as a result of this project. With the removal of conifer the amount of usable grasses and forbs in the aspen understory is also expected to increase significantly. With increased forage livestock distribution and management is expected to improve. Many areas that are currently unproductive due to overgrowth will soon become desirable for future uses by livestock. Browse pressure from both domestic livestock and wild ungulates is a concern with the implementation of this project. The District will ensure the temporary resting of treatment areas, herding, and electric fences are incorporated into Annual Operating Instructions. These actions will help ensure that permittees are in the communication loop and will give them enough time to plan for the resources they need to continue their operations. Impacts to permittees will be minimized by the use of herding and temporary electric fences so that treatment areas and/or stable aspen stands can be rested while non-treatment areas can continue to be grazed. With several treatments occurring in 2016 livestock permittees were still able to keep their livestock on Monroe Mountain the entire grazing season. If browse thresholds are reached, a suite of adaptive management response options will be implemented; as described in the Final Record of Decision. The browse thresholds and response options are included in this project to ensure an adequate amount of aspen regeneration successfully recruits thus moving toward desired conditions that benefit domestic livestock. The browse thresholds and adaptive management response options are supported by the MMWG and the Utah Wildlife Board.

07/01/2017

06/30/2021

2021

During this phase 2,193 acre of Seral Aspen/Mixed Conifer was treated by prescribed fire. Prescribed fire was implemented utilizing both USFS and interagency resources. Ignitions were completed by both hand ignition, aerial PSD and aerial helitorch methods. Post prescribed fire we seeded via helicopter ~868 acres of the high intensity prescribed fire areas. During this phase 790 acres of Stable and Seral Aspen was treated by mechanical thinning. Mechanical thinning and piling was completed via contract services thru the state contracting along with skid steers and USFS force account operators. Some hand thinning also occurred in portions with stable aspen. Mx thinning on private property thru the Joint Chiefs funding also occurred as part of this projects. Polygons were not uploaded due to privacy concerns with land owners. 177 acres were completed through joint chiefs funding and NRCS. Timber crews continued with lay out and marking of future Mx treatment areas. Fisheries biologist continued with required Boreal Toad Monitoring. (See Monroe Aspen Phase II aquatics monitoring report in the images/documents section)

The prescribed fire portion along with the seeding was accomplished during the last week of May 2017 and the during the first week of November 2018. Seeding of the prescribed fire areas also occurred during the first week of November.2018. Mechanical treatments occurred during the summers of 2017 and 2018. Work began mid July 2017 and concluded September of 2018. Timber sale/mx preparation along with required boreal toad monitoring also occurred during both summers of 2017 and 2018. BYU Aspen monitoring is continuing as well in both the Mechanical and prescribed fire areas.

Aspen monitoring is continuing thru BYU. Browse thresholds are being monitored and management responses are being discussed for areas that the thresholds are being reached. Working with UDWR and the Monroe Working group to determine best course of action. Some slash fencing in mechanically treated areas may be implemented in the future along with some net wire wildlife fences to hinder ungulate brows pressure. Electric fencing is also being discussed to keep livestock off treated mechanical thinned areas. This will allow continued pasture rotation and only resting treated areas of the pasture. Also some antlerless hunts have been occurring within the treated areas to disperse wildlife pressures. District also completed some aspen root ripping and sagebrush harrowing in and around mechanical treated areas in hopes to improve aspen response along with increase other browse species to lesson impacts to browse on aspen..