Table Of ContentBLM LIBRARY
Prineville
Recreation Area Plan and
District
September
2009
As the Nation’s principal U.S. Bureau of Land Management
conservation agency, the Department Cline Buttes Recreation Area Plan
of the Interior has responsibility for 3035 NE 3rd Street
most of our nationally owned public Prineville, OR 97754
lands and natural resources. This
includes fostering the wisest use 541-416-6700
of our land and water resources, email: [email protected]
protecting our fish and wildlife, website: http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/prineville
preserving the environmental and
cultural values of our national
parks and historical places, and
providing for the enjoyment of life
through outdoor recreation. The
Department assesses our energy
and mineral resources and works to
assure that their development is in
the best interest of all our people.
The Department also has a major
responsibility for American Indian
reservation communities and for
people who live in Island Territories
under U.S. administration.
Privacy
Comments, including names and street addresses of
respondents, will be retained on file in the Prineville
District Office as part of the public record for this planning
effort. Individual respondents may request confidentiality.
If you wish to withhold your name or street address from
public inspection, or from disclosure under the Freedom
of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the
beginning of your written comment. Such requests will
be honored to the extent allowed by law. All submissions
from organizations or businesses, and from individuals
identifying themselves as representatives or officials of
organizations or businesses, will be made available for
public inspection in their entirety.
Cline Buttes Recreation Area Plan
and Environmental Assessment
September, 2009
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Prinevile Districe Office
3050 N.E. 3rd Street
IN REPLY REFER TO; Prineville, Oregon 97754
1610(OR060)
Dear Interested Public;
We are pleased to present to you the Cline Buttes Recreation Area (CBRA) Plan and Environmental
Assessment (EA). This document describes the area’s existing environment and four alternatives for
travel/recreation management, rights ofway, and vegetation management; and it analyzes the effects of
CBRA
each alternative. The is located between the communities of Redmond, Bend and Sisters, and
provides an easily accessible, 50 square mile parcel ofpublic lands in the heart ofCentral Oregon.
We began working on the CBRA plan in 2006, with public meetings, public field tours and design
workshops to help us solicit input. We also encouraged public comment at several stages during
the creation ofalternatives. This plan was prepared to create and maintain opportunities for quality
recreation opportunities while minimizing conflicts and protecting resource values. The plan also
addresses wildland fire concerns and declining vegetative conditions. It is consistent with our 2005
Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan.
There is a 45-day public comment period for this EA. You can contact us by any ofthe methods listed
on the inside cover ofthe EA. The document and a summary ofpublic comments made during the
BUM
planning process are available on the Prineville District Website by accessing:
http:www.blm.gov/or/districts/Prineville
Key features ofthis plan include actions to resolve safety and user conflict issues, improve ecological
condition ofplant communities and reduce hazardous fuels, accommodate needed access to private
lands, and provide for recreation opportunities through trail and trailhead development.
We appreciate the help ofso many individuals in this effort, and encourage your continued participation
to meet the challenges and opportunities ofpublic land management on BLM-administered lands in
CBRA.
the
Sincerely,
Molly M; Brown
Field Manager, Deschutes Resource Area
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Purpose and Need 1
Introduction
1.1 1
1.2 Proposed Action 1
1 .3 Need forAction 3
1.4 Purpose ofAction (Objectives) 4
1.5 Scoping and Issue Identification 5
1 .6 Consistency with Other Plans 7
1.7 Decisions to be made 7
Chapter 2 - Alternatives 9
Introduction 9
Guide to Maps 9
2.1 Description ofAlternatives for Vegetation Management 11
2.2 Description ofAlternatives for Recreation Management 20
2.3 Description ofAlternatives for Transportation 44
2.4 Description ofAlternatives for Right ofWay Grants 50
2.5 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study 59
Chapter 3 - Affected Environment 61
3.0 Hydrology and Water Quality 61
& ACEC
3.1 Special Status Plant Species Peck’s Milkvetch 62
3.2 Soils 63
3.3 Air Quality 65
3.4 Fire Management 66
3.5 Visual Resources 68
3.6 Wilderness Characteristics 73
3.7 Heritage 74
3.8 Old-Growth Juniper Woodlands 74
3.9 Shrub-Steppe Communities 75
3.10 Recreation 77
3.11 Wildlife 90
3.12 Transportation and Rights ofWay 97
3.13 Range Management 110
Chapter 4 - Environmental Consequences Ill
4.0 Hydrology and Water Quality Ill
& ACEC
4.1 Special Status Plant Species Peck’s Milkvetch 115
4.2 Soils 118
4.3 Air Quality 124
4.4 Fire Management 127
4.5 Visual Resources 128
4.6 Heritage 148
4.7 Old Growth Juniper Woodlands 149
1
4.8 Shrub-Steppe Habitats 152
157
4.9 Recreation
4.10 Wildlife 173
4.1 1 Transportation and Rights ofWay 206
4.12 Range Management 212
Chapter 5 - Consultation and Coordination 215
5.1 Public Involvement 215
5.2 Agency Preparers 216
5.3 Persons, Agencies, and Organizations Consulted 217
Glossary 219
References 233
Appendix 1 - Trail Objectives and Standards 237
Appendix 2 - Existing CBRAAccess Points and ROWs 253
Public Access Points 253
Existing ROWs and ROW Needs 258
Appendix 3 - Wildlife Species 261
Appendix 4 - Project Design Features for Vegetation Management 267
Maps
List of
Map 1: Cline Buttes Vicinity 2
Map 2: Cline Buttes Planning Area 10
Map 3: Cline Buttes Recreation Area Transportation -Alternative 1 Map Packet
Map 4: Cline Buttes Wildland Urban Interface and Fire Plan Boundaries Map Packet
Map 5: Cline Buttes Recreation Area Taxlots and Rights ofWay Map Packet
Map 6: Cline Buttes Recreation Area Transportation -Alternative 2 Map Packet
Map 7; Cline Buttes Recreation Area Transportation -Alternative 3 Map Packet
Map 8: Cline Buttes Recreation Area Transportation -Alternative 4 Map Packet
Map 9: Cline Buttes Recreation Area Rights ofWay Grants,
Corridors and Amendments Map Packet
Map 10: Cline Buttes Rights ofWay, Parcels 28-32 Map Packet
Map Cline Buttes Rights ofWay, Parcels 48-49 Map Packet
1 1 :
Map 12: Cline Buttes Rights ofWay, Parcels 39-42 Map Packet
Map 13: Cline Buttes Recreation Emphasis and Travel Management Map Packet
Map 14: Cline Buttes Wildlife Emphasis and Winter Range Map Packet
Map 15: Cline Buttes Vegetation Types Map Packet
Map 16: Cline Buttes Grazing Allotments Map Packet
Map 17: Cline Buttes Initial Motorized/Shared Use Trails -Alternative 2 Map Packet
11
List of Figures
Figure 1 : Adaptive Management Process for Vegetation Treatments 14
Figure 2: Maintenance Levels - Alternative 1 45
Figure 3: Maintenance Levels - Alternative 2 48
Figure 4 - Young Juniper (Typical Condition) 66
Figure 5 - Young Juniper (Typical Condition) 66
CBRA
Figure 6: Deschutes River at 68
Figure 7: Cline Buttes Viewed from Powell Butte Flighway 69
Figure 8-a: Cline Buttes Viewed from Eagle Crest Resort 70
Figure 8-b: View ofMiddle Butte from South Butte 70
Figure 9: Cline Buttes Viewed from Redmond 70
Figure 10; Deep Canyon, View Southwest Toward State Highway 126 71
Figure Dry Canyon 71
1 1 :
Figure 12: Miles ofRoute by Width, Maston Area 98
Figure 13: Miles ofRoute by Width, Buttes Area 98
Figure 14: Miles ofRoute by Width, North ofState Highway 126 99
Figure 15: Miles ofRoute by Width, Beteween Barr Road and Fryrear Road 99
Figure 16; Miles ofRoute by Width, West ofFryrear Road 99
UDRMP
Figure 17; Travel Management Designations (Acres) 105
Figure 18: Old Growth Juniper (Typical Form) 132
Figure 19: Old Growth Juniper Dominated by Young Juniper 132
Figure 20: Old Growth Juniper Savanna with Low Density ofYoung Juniper 132
Figure 21 Sagebrush Steppe Bordering Juniper Woodland 133
:
Figure 22: Sagebrush Steppe Dominated by Young Juniper 133
Figure 23: Riparian Vegetation Along the Deschutes River 133
Figure 24: Deep Canyon, View West (Exsisting Condition) 137
Figure 25: Deep Canyon, View West (Juniper Thinning) 137
Figure 26: Deschutes River Canyon, View West (Exsisting Condition) 138
Figure 27: Deschutes River Canyon, View West (25% Juniper Reduction) 138
Figure 28: Deschutes River Canyon, View East (50% Juniper Reduction) 139
Figure 29: Deschutes River Canyon, View West (Exsisting Condidtion) 139
Figure 30: Deschutes River Canyon, View West (25% Juniper Reduction) 140
Figure 31: Deschutes River Canyon, View West (50% Juniper Reduction) 140
Figure 32: Gate Details 246
Figure 33: Sign Details 247
Figure 34: Wood Fence Details 248
Figure 35: Wire Fence Details 248
111
Table Treatment Method Descriptions ^°
1 :
Table 2; Treatment Methods and Seeding Prescriptions Based on Ecological
Condition, WUI Band, and Treatment Disturbance Levels 19
Table 3: Seeding Mixtures Reference 19
Table 4: CBRA Existing Route Miles and Densities perArea 20
Table 5: Miles and Density ofUDRMP (Motorized Use) System perArea 21
Table 6: Density ofMotorized Use Trails in Proximity to Private Land (miles/square mile) 21
Table 7: Non-motorized Route Summary forAlternative 1 23
Table 9: Trailheads Common to All Action Alternatives 27
Table 10: Allowed Use ofTrailheads, Alternatives 2-4 27
Table Neighborhood Access Points Common to All Action Alternatives 32
1 1 :
Table 12: Trailheads Specific to Alternative 2 37
Table 13: Camping Use ofTrailheads, Alternatives 2-4 37
Table 14: Alternative 2 Motorized Use Trail Miles by Area 37
Table 15: Alternative 2 Non-Motorized Use Trail Miles by Area 38
Table 16: Trailheads Specific to Alternative 3 40
Table 17: Alternative 3 Motorized Use Trail Miles by Area 41
Table 18: Alternative 3 Non-Motorized Use Trail Miles by Area 41
Table 19: Trailheads Specific to Alternative 4 43
Table 20: Alternative 4 Motorized Use Trail Miles by Area 43
Table 2 Alternative 4 Non-Motorized Use Trail Miles by Area 44
1 :
Table 22: Route Decommissioning (Miles) by Intensity 47
Table 23: Alternative 2 Transportation System Construction, Use, and Decommissioning (Miles). .48
.
Table 24: Alternative 3 Transportation System Construction, Use, and Decommissioning (Miles). .49
.
Table 25: Alternative 4 Transportation System Construction, Use, and Decommissioning (Miles). .49
.
Table 26: ROW Grant Actions Common to Alternatives 2-4 51
Table 27: Tax Lot and Parcel Map Numbers 51
Table 28: Future ROW Corridors Common to Alternatives 2-4 54
ROW
Table 29: Alternative 2 Grants 56
ROW
Table 30: Alternative 3 Grants 57
ROWs
Table 3 Specific to Alternative 4 59
1 :
Table 32: General Fire Regime Classification and Description 67
Table 33: Potential Risks ofFire based on Condition Class 67
Table 34: Plant Density Within Plant Community Types in the CBRA 76
Table 35: NRCS Ecological Site Descriptions (Percent Canopy Cover) 76
UDRMP OHV
Table 36: Travel Management and Opportunities 79
Table 37: Existing Routes (All Routes Mapped on Public Lands, including State/County Roads) .81
. .
UDRMP
Table 38: Miles and Density of Motorized Trail System perArea 81
Table 39: Density ofMotorized Routes Near Private Property (Miles per Square Mile) 82
CBRA
Table 40: Multiple Use, Shared Facilities Acreage 82
Table 41: Existing Route Miles and Densities - Buttes Area 84
