The Willow Phase 3 fuels project is a mechanical treatment on approximately 842 acres (776 USFS and 67 Private)within the Willow watershed east of Ephraim, UT. The treatment would be implemented to improve watershed resilience from an uncharacteristic wildfire by reducing hazardous fuels and promoting healthy aspen regeneration. Phase 3 will focus on areas of greatest concern where public and private infrastructure exist adjacent to the forest. Future phases will be implemented to reduce hazardous fuels, develop potential logging industry, and areas with declining aspen component will be targeted for prescribed burning to restore healthy aspen.

Mechanically thin and remove white fire/subalpine fir out of existing aspen clones on approximately 776 acres on Federal property. Mechanically thin approximately 66 acres of mixed conifer, pinyon/juniper, and oak within adjacent private property. Funding for these acres is through SFA grant. This is designed to be phase 3 of a multi-year project. Additional actions on Federal property within the 5,700 acres include commercial harvest of beetle kill spruce, potential commercial harvest of live trees, hand-thin & pile, mastication, mechanical thin & firewood removal, and prescribed burning. Overall objectives for the 5,700 acre project include: * Reduce fine fuel loading (< 3 inches diameter) to less than 5 tons per acre. * Reduce the overall size of a probable stand replacing fire. * Increase the probability that fire suppression forces would control a wildfire before it reached private property. * Increase the amount of aspen in the watershed as a means of lowering fuel loading.

Public Health and Safety: There are several private in-holdings cabins, summer homes (Skyline Villas), and camps immediately adjacent to the Forest Boundary (UTIBACA, Prechard, Frisschknecht, Stevens property owners). Camp UTIBACA and additional properties are accessed through Forest Road 50051. Ingress and egress is limited to one lane traffic. Vehicles are unable to pass by each other on the road when traveling in opposite directions due to a lack of turnouts and passing lanes. The public and the Forest Service realize that safe ingress and egress could be improved. Vegetation & Fuels: In the pinyon, juniper and conifer type, brush and juniper are increasing creating a dense continuous canopy layer. This situation is conducive to large, intense fires meaning less opportunity for control. Fires in this vegetation type will likely lead to fire in the other upland vegetation types including aspen and mixed conifer and spruce/fir. This can impact watershed values, vegetative conditions, wildlife habitat, and other resource values if large stand replacing fire events occur. Within the aspen mixed conifer type there has been no large scale disturbances for several decades meaning conifers are encroaching aspen. Aspen intermixed with conifer result in a denser canopy than just aspen dominated stands. Fire will typically burn much hotter, from canopy density and larger from the continuity of fuel both vertically and horizontally, with conifers present. Existing vegetation conditions such as species composition, canopy closure and pattern, and structure are components of concern for this project. The concern comes from in-holdings adjacent to the project area, developments within the project area, and municipal water developments and the probability that wildfire occurring would result in large scale high intensity wildfire similar to the wildfire as seen in Huntington Canyon in 2012 (Seeley Wildfire). Watershed: The project area encompasses 16,984 acres within two 6th order Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) watersheds Ephraim Creek and Dry Canyon (Middle Sanpitch River). Based on recent experiences (e.g., Seeley Wildfire), the results of such a fire would likely lead to overland flow, erosion, and debris flows from storm events that would have negative impacts far downstream from the National Forest System lands and municipal watersheds. Wildlife Habitat: The Willow watershed contains critical summer range habitat for Mule Deer and Rocky Mountain Elk. It also contains habitat for sensitive species such as the Northern goshawk and Three toed-woodpecker 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.

This document tiers to the Manti-La Sal National Forest Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement. The proposal has been reviewed to identify conformance with Forest Plan management direction. It complies with the Forest Plan and meets specific direction to: 1. Minimize hazards from wildfire (LRMP III-5). Human life (firefighter and public safety) is the highest priority during a fire. Once firefighters have been assigned to a fire, their safety becomes the highest value to be protected. Property and natural and cultural resources are lower priorities (Utah Fire Amendment). 2. Maintain a healthy forest by applying appropriate silvicultural treatments (LRMP III-3). The desired condition for this landscape and its component stands provides for healthy stands with varied successional stages of trees and stands (LRMP III-2). 3. Reduce hazardous fuels. The full range of fuel reduction methods is authorized, consistent with forest and management area emphasis and direction (III-43). 4. Ecosystems are restored and maintained, consistent with land uses and historic fire regimes, through wildland fire use and prescribed fire (LRMP III-5). 5. Manage stands in a manner that promotes properly functioning conditions and habitat conditions suitable for the northern goshawk (LRMP III-3). 6. Use timber management to meet other management or resource needs (LRMP III-4). Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Elk Management Plan: This project will help introduce species diversity back into the Sanpete Face 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. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mule Deer Management Plan: This project will help introduce species diversity back into the Sanpete Face 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. 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. 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. State of Utah Catastrophic Wildfire Reduction Strategy: The Willow Fuels 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 the Sanpete Face through a collaborative process. The project reduces the risk of a catastrophic wildfire occurrence negatively affecting property, air quality and water systems. State of Utah Forest Action Plan: The Willow Fuels 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 Willow Fuels Project NEPA documentation and the Manti-La Sal National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. All actions called for in the Willow Fuels 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 the Sanpete Face. Sanpete County Resource Management Plan: Objective A. Healthy forests are managed for multiple uses, most importantly water quality and watershed protection. Additional support and direction listed throughout this document defining county objectives, policies and desired management practices. Ephraim and Willow Creek Community Fire Plan: Goal B: Community will work with county, state and federal fire officials to decrease fuels on adjacent public lands to reduce wildfire intensity and impact in and around the community. This project works to achieve Goal B of the Ephraim and Willow Creek CWPP by reducing fuel loading and lowering the potential of wildland fire spread across the Sanpete Face.

The Willow Fuels 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 Sanpete Face 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 Manti-La Sal Land and Resource Management Plan objectives. The stands associated with this project are in a Fire Regime II Condition Class 3 (High). A Fire Regime II is a 0- 35 year or greater fire frequency and high (stand-replacement) severity (greater than 75% of the dominant overstory vegetation replaced). Condition Class 3 is high departure from this regime and is considered outside the natural (historic) range of variability. Consequently, fire suppression actions necessary to protect private lands associated structures would be difficult given the nature of the fuels in the area. Within the Willow Project Area a lack of disturbance including wildfire suppression have changed stands from early seral species (aspen) to late seral climax species (spruce and fir) resulting in dense canopy and continuous vertical crown structure. A Forest wide spruce beetle epidemic has affected a portion of the project resulting in the mortality of more than 90 percent of Engelmann spruce greater than 8 inches diameter. Because of prolonged drought, dense canopy, and the accumulation of the dead spruce it is highly probable the project area will undergo a uncharacteristic high intensity stand replacing fire. Additionally, in the vicinity of the Willow Project are several private in-holdings (cabins, recreational developments), power lines, municipal water developments, which would be a great risk in the event of such a fire.

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 uncharacteristic 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). 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 the Manit-La Sal 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 Willow Fuels Project was analyzed under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) authority. This project was subject to the objection process pursuant to 36 CFR 218. Subsequently, the final EA and draft DNFONSI made available on June 20, 2017 were subject to review and objection pursuant to 36 CFR 218 regulations. A biological assessment was completed and determined there would be no effect to any federally listed species, proposed species, or critical habitat. The project complies with the Endangered Species Act consultation requirements using Counterpart Consultation Regulations and the Endangered Species Act (USDA Forest Service 2015a). A biological evaluation was completed for sensitive species. This project may impact individuals or habitat of the northern goshawk and three-toed woodpecker, but will not likely contribute to a trend towards Federal listing or loss of viability to the populations or species of these Forest Service sensitive species. There was a no impact determination on other Forest Service sensitive species (USDA Forest Service 2015b). Although there are wetlands and floodplains or flood prone areas in the project area, no adverse effects are anticipated. Design features have been included in the proposed action that minimize disturbance in these areas and provide for protection. The practices controlling operations are effective in minimizing disturbance when fully and properly implemented. Implementation is typically good for timber sale operations and road construction. No adverse effects are expected to the municipal supply watershed or drinking water source area (USDA Forest Service 2017a). The action meets the intent of the Clean Water Act and Executive Orders 11988 and 11990. The project area is not within or adjacent to any congressionally designated areas, such as wilderness, wilderness study areas, or national recreation areas. The project area is not within a research natural area. The project contains Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA). Mastication and burning would occur within the Big Horseshoe Roadless Area. Regional staff reviewed the project for consistency with the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (RACR) and concur the project is compliant with the 2001 RACR (USDA Forest Service 2015c). Cultural resource surveys have been completed for the proposed project. Consultation has been conducted with appropriate tribes. Design features for the management and protection of cultural resources have been included (USDA Forest Service 2016b). The State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) was consulted and has concurred with the determination of No Historic Properties Affected. This proposal is consistent with to assess forest lands, develop a management program based on multiple-use, sustained-yield principles, and implement a resource management plan for each unit of the National Forest System. The EA and supporting documents, including specialist's reports in the Project Record, document interdisciplinary review as required by NEPA. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act implements various bilateral treaties and conventions between the United States and four other counties for the protection of migratory birds. Under the act, taking, killing, or possessing migratory birds is unlawful. No adverse impacts would occur to any of the potentially occurring migratory bird species as a result of the Proposed Action. A wildlife specialist's report is included in the project record (USDA Forest Service 2015b). There are no designated wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, or National Recreation Areas within or nearby the proposed Potters Canyon project area. This Executive Order requires consideration of whether projects would disproportionately impact minority or low-income populations. This decision complies with the executive order. Public involvement was conducted for this project, the results of which I have considered in this decision-making. Public involvement did not identify any adversely impacted local minority or low-income populations. Therefore, this decision is not expected to adversely impact minority or low-income populations.

The treatment methods will include sanitizing aspen clones by utilizing mechanical and/or hand thinning and piling of conifer. As well as mechanical and/or hand thinning of pinyon/juniper, and oak within adjacent private property. Funding for activities on state lands will be through SFA grant and will utilize same contractor to lower bid costs. Contracting will be accomplished through a Shared Stewardship Agreement with the Mule Deer Foundation and/or through Good Neighbor Authority through the State of Utah. Additionally, other acres may be completed using USFS force account and equipment.

The prescription is reviewed and adhered to by the implementation crew. The Fuels Specialist, Fire Management Officer, and Siliviculturist periodically assess the treated areas for compliance with management objectives, and are consulted on a case by case basis by the implementation crew when special situations arise. Post-treatment photo points, video documentation, migratory bird surveys. Approximately 5 years after completion of a cutting unit, the treatment sites are reviewed for maintenance treatment needs by the Silviculturist, Fuels Specialist, FMO, or wildlife biologist. No re-entry of equipment has been deemed necessary within 5 years of initial treatment on previously completed units.

US Forest Service - Manti-La Sal National Forest. Utah Department of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Mule Deer Foundation

Phase 1 treated approximately 400 acres of pinyon/juniper, oak, and ponderosa under-story on USFS, State, and Private lands. Phase 2 is under contract and still in progress and will treat approximately 451 acres of aspen regeneration. Future years include treating all 5,700 acres through mechanical treatments, commercial harvesting, and prescribe burning. Monitoring and treatment of noxious weed/invasive species will be implemented by USFS personnel and funds on federal property throughout the project.

The project area is designated as important big game habitat for mule deer and elk. Two Federal Range management Units (RMU) will be directly affected : Maple Canyon (subunit of Willow Creek S&G) and North Pasture (subunit of South Ephraim C&H). The amount of forage available to livestock is expected to increase significantly as a result of this project. With the removal of conifers and oak the amount of usable grasses and forbs in the aspen under-story 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. All areas within the Willow EA will be evaluated post treatment by District Range Specialist and will be rested from grazing for the appropriate amount of time to allow for the growth of aspen and forbs.