Decision Memo

Decision Memo
North Fork Trail Reroute
USDA Forest Service, Willamette National Forest
Middle Fork Ranger Districts
T.20S. R3E Sec 27, SWNE 1/4 W.M.
Lane County, Oregon
BACKGROUND and PROPOSAL
This project proposes to reroute a section of the North Fork Trail downstream from Road 1912.
The present location of a short trail section is situated on slopes over 100 percent and directly
above the North Fork of the Middle Fork River. This trail section has slid out toward the
North Fork River several times, and is not sustainable in its current location. The proposed
reroute is approximately one quarter mile long and moves the trail uphill and away from the
river. The reroute is longer than the replaced trail section because of the challenging terrain
and desire to move away from the river.
Construction of this trail will utilize hand tools, chainsaws, and possibly a jack hammer,
electric generator and Honda carrier to transport materials. The existing trail section will also
be decommissioned to prevent its future use. Similar hand tools will be used for trail
decommissioning.
DECISION
It is my decision to implement the North Fork Trail Reroute, which will create a safer and
more usable trail section, and better protect this section from future slide activity. The work
would occur during the Summer and Fall of 2010.
REASONS FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
I find that this project is within categories of actions established by the Chief of the Forest
Service that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human
environment, and can be categorically excluded from documentation in an EA or EIS. The
project fits categories 31.2 (1)(i), described in Forest Service Handbook 1909.15.
I have determined there are no extraordinary circumstances, based on the following
information:
i. There are no adverse effects to any federally listed threatened or endangered
species; designated critical habitat; to any species proposed for Federal listing or
proposed critical habitat, or to any Forest Service sensitive species. 1) This project
was reviewed by the District Fisheries Biologist. There are no listed streams in the
project area and this project will not affect listed fish. Consultation with the USDI Fish
and Wildlife Service and USDC National Marine Fisheries is therefore not required.
2) A field review was conducted by the District Botanist who only recommended the
treatment of known weed sites (false brome) near the project site before construction
begins. This was done in June of 2010. A Biological Evaluation was completed and

found there are no other effects to threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant species. 3)
A Biological Evaluation was conducted by a Wildlife Biologist, where it was
determined that Endangered Species Act consultation with the USFWS is not required.
There may be an impact to the Salamander Slug, but the action will not likely
contribute to loss of viability to the population. There were no other effects/impacts to
any wildlife species that are federally listed threatened or endangered; designated
critical habitat; to any species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical
habitat, or to any Forest Service sensitive species.
ii. This project does not adversely affect flood plains, wetlands or municipal
watersheds. .
iii. This project is not within congressionally designated areas, such as wilderness,
wilderness study areas or national recreation areas.
iv. This project does not affect Inventoried Roadless Areas or Potential
Wilderness
v. This project does not affect any Research Natural Areas.
vi. This project does not affect American Indian religious or cultural sites.
vii. This project will not affect any known archeological sites or historic properties
or areas. This project will not affect any known archeological sites or historic
properties or areas. Cultural resource surveys were conducted in the project area, and
no historic or prehistoric evidence was found where ground disturbance is scheduled
for this project.
SCOPING AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
This project was internally scoped in 2010 by the Middle Fork Ranger District
Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). The IDT expressed no concerns related to the project that are
not addressed above. A description was included in the Schedule of Proposed Actions 2010.
Based on the scale of proposed actions and the lack of notable issues by the IDT, no further
scoping was completed.
FINDINGS OF CONSISTENCY
I have determined that the proposed action is consistent with the 1990 Willamette National
Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, as amended. The project complies with the
Standards and Guidelines for the following Land Allocations and Management area: MA-6e,
Wild and Scenic Rivers.
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OR APPEAL OPPORTUNITIES:
This project is not subject to administrative appeal and may be implemented immediately.
CONTACT PERSON
For further information please contact Brian McGinley, Recreation Staff at (541) 782-5210; or
by mail at 46375 Highway 58, Westfir, OR 97492; or email at bmcginley@fs.fed.us.
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s/ Diana Bus 07/28/2010
DIANA BUS
Acting District Ranger
Date
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