Integrated Training Area Management EA and Final FNSI

(2) stream crossings shall be made only at locations with graduallysloping banks, not at sheer or cut banks. Timing restrictions forcrossing a stream may apply depending on type of fish species presentand habitat type.Second paragraph, second sentence reads, "The expected load andfrequency of a stream crossing, however, will govern the selection of abridge as the correct choice for a temporary stream crossing." Fishhabitat and fish species present in the stream should also be a strongfactor when deciding.The third sentence states that "bridges usually cause minimaldisturbance to a stream's bank" and then the figure states "properlyinstalled stream crossings can prevent destruction of stream habitat".These are both true statements, but the bridge structure displayed inthe figure would be very destructive to a stream bank.(12) Page C2-37. First paragraph, second sentence reads "The culvert...should be of sufficient diameter to allow for complete passage of flowduring peak flow periods". In addition, if fish are present in thestream, the culvert diameter should be designed in relation to thestream width and depth and fish use in that portion of the waterbody.Third paragraph, first sentence reads, "Fords should be constructed ofstabilizing material such as large rocks." Fish passage must bemaintained at all times when a structure is placed across a stream, somaterial amount and size needs to be considered carefully.(13) Page C2-39 through 41. C2-10. Gravel Extraction. Overburdenshould be stockpiled and kept separated from mining activities; it canbe a valuable tool when used for reclamation once the material site hasbeen exhausted.(14) Page C2-41. C2-12. Gravel Pit Reclamation. Please change the lastsentence to read, "Slopes within a reclaimed pit do not exceed 2:1 andare track walked (parallel to the pit) for re-seeding and/orfertilizing."(15) Page C2-50. C. Live Staking. Third paragraph - we have found thatlonger (than 10-24 inches) willow stakes have higher success rates - themore length of a stake you can get into the ground the better.(16) Page C2-58. A. Brush Layering. I do not believe that the brushlayering technique would do well on "...steep slopes and streambanks..."Slopes steeper than 2:1 are difficult to work on and to get vegetationto grow on, even with the use of a fabric. In the last sentence of thisparagraph, the word "needed" needs to be changed to "seeded." Also notethat over-seeding with grass can lead to low success of willows due tocompetition for water and nutrients.(17) Page C2-63. H. Vegetative matting. The first sentence shouldread, "A vegetative mat is a large transplant of plants with roots andsoil intact."(18) Page C2-67. M. Spruce Tree Revetment. A suggestion for the second_____________________________________________________________________________________________Environmental AssessmentUnited States Army Alaska, Integrated Training Area Management ProgramManagement Plan E-10