As demonstrated by catastrophic wildfires such as Seely and Coal Hollow as well as the current beetle epidemics, the timber stands on the North Zone of the Manti La Sal national forest are dominated by late seral mixed conifer and are highly susceptible to catastrophic wildfire, insects, disease, and drought. Additionally, these late seral conifer stands provide minimal forage production for wildlife and reduce the overall water available within the watershed. Returning these conifer stands to early seral aspen will reduce the threat of wildfire, insects, disease and drought to the watershed as well as increase the forage and water production with the treated areas. This will also reduce the risk of a catastrophic wildfire and thus reduce the risk to firefighters, public, and infrastructure. Additionally, continued work on the Black Hills WMA will improve winter range habitat for big game within the same watersheds.

Restore healthy aspen within the Ephraim-Spring City watershed by utilizing mechanical and prescribed fire treatments to remove encroaching mixed conifer Overall objectives for the Willow EA/Spring City HFRA include: * Increase the amount of aspen in the watershed. * 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.

Public Health and Safety: This project covers the southern portion of the Sanpete Face, one of the fastest growing urban interface areas in central Utah. The Spring City HFRA is partially within a Shared Stewardship area reflecting the need for fuels treatments within this area. Numerous structures lie within the urban interface directly adjacent to the project area. Within the Willow EA (Ephraim/New Canyon) there are several private in-holdings cabins, summer homes (Skyline Villas), and camps adjacent to the Forest Boundary. New Canyon reservoir is a municipal and agricultural water source for the community of Ephraim with a water facility and pipelines in the canyon bottom. New Canyon is also a high use recreational site for hiking, fishing, OHV use, and hunting accessed by Forest Road 39. Ingress and egress are 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. Electrical powerlines exist to the south of the project supplying electricity to Horseshoe Flat Communication towers. Vegetation & Fuels: Current vegetation in the Ephraim and Spring City watersheds are late seral conifer with increasing amounts of insect and disease. The current condition of this vegetation type is conducive to intense stand replacing fires which presents a hazard to fire personnel, the private citizens, structures and infrastructure, as well as ecosystems and watersheds. The current Fire Regime Group (FRG) is 5 (200+ year frequency and high (stand replacement severity) within the Aspen and Spruce/Fir stands. stands. The current Fire Regime Condition Class is 3 high due to Spruce/fir encroachment and insect kill. Following treatment, the FRCC would be converted back to a mosaic of Aspen and would be reduced to a combination of 2 Moderate and Low 1. Watershed: Spring City Canyon is a municipal watershed for the community of Spring City. New Canyon reservoir is a municipal and agricultural water source for the community of Ephraim with a water diversion facility and pipelines in the canyon bottom. 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. By utilizing target fuels treatments, we can minimize the overall watershed disturbance, while returning it to an early aspen seral stage which will increase overall water production. Wildlife Habitat: Mule Deer and Elk use this area throughout the year for habitat and feed. Habitat for sensitive species such as the Northern goshawk and Three-toed woodpecker are currently at risk from catastrophic high severity wildfire. Prescribed burning will provide for a mosaic of burn conditions that will allow for greater biodiversity and provide benefits to multiple species. Implementation of this project will improve forage production for big game species by returning the late seral conifer to early seral aspen. Prescribed burning will increase hunting opportunities for goshawks. 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). This project relates to the 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. This project relates to the 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. This project relates to the State of Utah Catastrophic Wildfire Reduction Strategy: The Ephraim/Spring City 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: This 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. This project meets objectives from the 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. This project meets objectives from the 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 Ephraim-Spring City project 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 browse species 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 I Condition Class 3 (High Departure). A Fire Regime I is a 0-35-year fire frequency and low (surface fires most common) to mixed severity (less 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 Ephraim-Spring City project area, a lack of disturbance including wildfire suppression have changed stands from fire adapted aspen to dense conifer with under-story ladder fuels increasing the potential for unwanted stand replacement fire. Because of prolonged drought, dense canopy, and increase of ladder fuels it is highly probable the project area will undergo an 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. Fire behavior over the last 2 decades have illustrated the potential for large uncontrollable fires across the Manti-La Sal with current fuel loading 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 downcutting. 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.

All areas with the project comply with direction in the Manti-La Sal Forest Plan and have been through the NEPA process. All treatment areas have had BA/BE reports, archaeological clearance and SHPO concurrence (see attached NEPA documents). The Willow-New Canyon 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. The Spring City CE was analyzed under HFRA authority and was completed in 2022. 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).

Phase 4 will include multiple activities through out the Ephraim-Spring City watersheds. Continued prescribed burning of approximately 485 acres of piles that were cut in previous phases will be conducted in spring/fall of 2023. Approximately 1000 acres of prescribed burning will be carried out in the New Canyon Drainage. This will include approximately 500 acres of that had previously had activity slash cut in phase 4. An additional 500 acres of activity slash will be cut in spring 2023 to help facilitate fall burning. Fall burning will utilize aerial ignitions to create, moderate to high intensity burning to facilitate aspen response. Actual acreage burned will depend on burn windows, available resources, but could include up to 1800 acres within the New Canyon and Cottonwood Drainages. An additional, 773 acres of PJ and oak will be cut and piled within the Spring City drainage. These areas will be cut in a mosaic, reducing hazardous fuels while retaining critical wildlife habitat. Additionally, another 1200 acres of timber sale are currently in layout for future timber sale in this drainage. BDAs will be installed within the Willow/Jimmy's fork drainages in areas that terrestrial treatments were completed in previous phases. Improvements on the Black hills WMA will help improve winter big game habitat. These will include planting of 38 acres of browse/shrub and installation of fencing, gates, and parking to limit disturbance of wildlife during critical winter months.

The prescription is reviewed and adhered to by the implementation crew. The Fuels Specialist, Fire Management Officer, and Silviculturist 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. Migratory bird, Northern Goshawk, and Golden Eagle surveys to be conducted prior to implementation and breeding areas buffered in order to minimize disturbance. 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 Department of Wildlife Resources.

Future years include through mechanical treatments, commercial harvesting, and prescribe burning. Currently timber sales have been sold covering approximately 1500 acres within the Ephraim drainage. Layout of around 1300 acres of timber sales have been completed in the Spring City drainage. 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. Recreationalists use the area for hiking, big game hunting, and antler collection. Two Federal Range Management Units (RMU) will be directly affected by Phase 1: 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 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. 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.

09/14/2023

08/06/2024

2025

This project had multiple aspects. The fuels and forest health work was begun in the fall of 2023. We purchased materials for building fencing to be able to close roads during the winter on the Black Hill WMA so that mule deer will not be disturbed during the winter. This fence will be constructed next year. We also purchased and had delivered road base to build a parking and turn around area at the winter gate on the Black Hill WMA. Shrubs have been ordered and will be delivered and planted in the the fall of 2024.

As demonstrated by catastrophic wildfires such as Seely and Coal Hollow as well as the current beetle epidemics, the timber stands on the North Zone of the Manti La Sal national forest are dominated by late seral mixed conifer and are highly susceptible to catastrophic wildfire, insects, disease, and drought. Additionally, these late seral conifer stands provide minimal forage production for wildlife and reduce the overall water available within the watershed. Returning these conifer stands to early seral aspen will reduce the threat of wildfire, insects, disease and drought to the watershed as well as increase the forage and water production with the treated areas. This will also reduce the risk of a catastrophic wildfire and thus reduce the risk to firefighters, public, and infrastructure. Additionally, continued work on the Black Hills WMA will improve winter range habitat for big game within the same watersheds.

Future years include through mechanical treatments, commercial harvesting, and prescribe burning. Currently timber sales have been sold covering approximately 1500 acres within the Ephraim drainage. Layout of around 1300 acres of timber sales have been completed in the Spring City drainage. Monitoring and treatment of noxious weed/invasive species will be implemented by USFS personnel and funds on federal property throughout the project.