Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact South Fowl ...

Figure 6. Photo of typical winter scenery along the northern trail route up on the bench
with occasional views of the cliffs.
Soils-Construction techniques and impacts were also a factor in my decision. I am
convinced that the soil impacts from mechanical realignment and surfacing is nominal
and within Forest Plan guidelines for any alternative. However the public did raise issues
of soil movement and Alternative 2 will have the least amount.
Wilderness-Impact to the Wilderness is another issue that is important to the both the
Forest Service and the public and I believe I took a hard look at the possibilities. I
compared the impacts from this proposal to the experience levels outlined for
Management Area 5.2 (Wilderness, semi-primitive non-motorized). During the winter,
there will be sounds emanating to the Wilderness from snowmobiles using the northern
route. I have presented information on the magnitude and duration of those winter time
sounds in the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). It will also likely be possible to
stand on Royal River and Lake and see a snowmobile for a short section (roughly 100
feet) of the northern route. I have presented information on the duration a snowmobile
may be visible in the FONSI. During the summer, there will be no motorized use of the
trail and I believe that though a person may know the trail exists, it will not be visible
from a canoe on Royal River or Lake (see Figures A-7, A-8 and A-14 in Appendix A).
This is consistent with MA 5.2 ”Natural conditions in some locations may be moderately
affected by the action of visitors. The effects of visitors are relatively noticeable along
major travel routes and portages, and near major entry points. Impacts often persist
from year to year. There may be moderate vegetation loss and soil disturbance at some
sites. Impacts are apparent to most visitors.” My review of law, regulation and policy
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