Table Of ContentHistoric, Archive Document
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Reserve
aTN997
G3G37
.
2001
St. Joe Ranger District
United States
Department of
Agriculture
National
Agricultural
Library
AdvancingAccess to
Global Information for
Agriculture
Garnet Stars And Sands
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
St. Joe Ranger District
Latah, Shoshone and Benewah Counties, Idaho
Responsible Official: Ranotta McNair
3518 Schrieber Way
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
For Further Information Contact: Tracy Gravelle
Avery Ranger Station
HC Box
1
Avery, ID 83802
Abstract:
The Garnet Stars and Sands Draft Environmental Impact Statement analyzes the effects of expanding the
recreational garnet digging area and allowing testing for leasable garnets in several drainages in the St. Maries
River Basin. Alternative A is the no action alternative. Recreational digging would eventually run out in
currently developed areas and lease applications would be denied. Alternative B is the proposed action. The
project would test and develop future recreational garnet digging opportunities and address whether to approve
the twelve pending garnet sands or gemstone lease renewals, lease applications, permit applications and /or
extensions. Garnets would be commercially mined. Alternative C was developed to address potential effects of
Alternative B on water quality, fisheries and riparian habitats. This alternative would allow the same recreational
development and lease renewals, applications and permit applications and extensions, except that potential
commercial sand mining activities would occur at least 30 feet from the East Fork and West Fork of Emerald
Creeks.
The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, it is important to give reviewers notice of several court rulings
related to public participation in the environmental review process. First, reviewers of draft environmental
impact statements must structure their participation in the environmental review of the proposal so that it is
meaningful and alerts an agencyto the reviewer’s position and contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power
Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1973). Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the draft
environmental impact statement stage but that are not raised until after completion of the final environmental
impact statement may be waived or dismissed by the courts. City ofAmgoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 1016, 1022 (9th
Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of these
court rulings, it is very important that those interested in this proposed action participate by the close of the 45-
day comment period so that substantive comments and objections are maae available to the Forest Service at
a time when it can meaningfully consider them and respond to them in the final environmental impact statement.
To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues and concerns on the proposed action,
comments on the draft environmental impact statement should De as specific as possible. It is also helpful if
comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the draft statement. Comments may also address the
adequacy of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement or the merits of the alternatives formulated and
discussed in the statement. Reviewers may wish to refer to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations
for implementing the procedural provisicyig c^^^^jtjp^^yjifg^mental Policy Act at 40 CFR 1503.3 in
addressing these points.
National Agricultural Library
NOV 2 8 2014
Received
Acquisitions and Metadata Branch
i-Garnet Stars and Sands DEIS - TOC -
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ii - Garnet Star and Sands DEIS - TOC
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Purpose and Need 1-1
The Purpose and Need 1-2
Proposed Action 1-4
Scope of the Project 1-7
Chapter 2 - Alternatives 2-1
Alternative Development 2-1
Alternatives Considered in Detail 2-3
Design Criteria and Mitigation Measures 2-6
Alternatives Considered But Not studied in Detail 2-13
Comparison of Alternatives 2-15
Chapter 3 - Affects Environment and Environmental Consequences 3-1
AIR QUALITY 3-1
FISHERIES RESOURCE 3-5
HERITAGE RESOURCES 3-63
MINERALS AND GEOLOGY 3-65
NOXIOUS WEEDS 3-75
RANGE 3-78
RECREATION 3-83
SOIL AND WATER 3-97
Soils 3-99
Water 3-106
SCENIC QUALITY 3-119
THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND SENSITIVE PLANTS 3-125
WILDLIFE 3-131
Forest Structure 3-140
Old Growth 3-143
Riparian Habitat 3-145
Access/Disturbance 3-150
Connectivity 3-152
Cavity Habitat ....3-154
Management Indicator Species 3-156
Old Growth Associated MIS 3-156
Elk 3-159
Moose 3-162
Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species 3-163
Bald Eagles 3-164
Gray Wolf 3-166
Sensitive Wildlife Species 3-167
Fisher (and Marten) 3-168
Wolverine 3-172
Northern Goshawk 3-174
Black-backed Woodpecker 3-177
Flammulated Owl 3-178
Coeur d’Alene Salamander 3-179
Boreal Toad 3-180
Northern Leopard Frogs 3-182
i-Garnet Stars and Sands DEIS - TOC -
LITERATURE CITED
LIST OF PREPARERS
LIST TO WHOM COPIES OF THE DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN SENT
APPENDIX A - PHOTOS OF EMERALD CREEK ACTIVITIES & RECLAMATION
APPENDIX B - AUTHORITIES & SELECTED STATE OF IDAHO BEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES
List of Tables and Figures
Table 2-1 - Meeting the Purpose and Need 2-15
Table 2-2 - Alternative Driving issue - Water Quality 2-15
Table 2-3 - Alternative Driving Issue - Fish Habitat 2-15
Table 3-1 - Fish Distribution Based on Various Survey Methodologies 3-17
Table 3-2 - Stream channel conditions 3-18
Table 3-3 - Fisheries Issue Indicators 3-34
Table 3-4 - Activities Analyzed 3-41
Table 3-5 - Activities analyzed in Strom Gulch 3-43
Table 3-6 - Activities analyzed for East Fork Emerald Creek 3-44
Table 3-7 - Activities Analyzed for Tributary to the West Fork Emerald Creek ....3-50
Table 3-8 - Activities analyzed for West Fork Emerald Creek 3-50
Table 3-9 - Activities Analyzed In Bechtel Creek 3-52
Table 3-10 - Activities Analyzed for Cat Spur Creek 3-53
Table 3-1 1 - Activities analyzed for Wood Creek 3-55
Table 3-12 - Activities analyzed for West Fork St. Maries River 3-58
Table 3-13 - Activities analyzed for Lower St. Maries River 3-59
Table 3-14 - Summary Issue Indicators for Fisheries 3-62
Table 3-15 - Landtypes 3-99
Table 3-16 - Rare plant habitat that may be disturbed through digging or testing 3-127
Table 3-17 - Screening Process and Results for the Stars and Sands Project 3-134
Table 3-18 - Indicators and Measurement of effects for Wildlife 3-139
Table 3-19 - Existing Vegetation by Size Class Group 3-140
Table 3-20 - Potential Cumulative Impacts on Forest Structure 3-143
Table 3-21 - Allocated Old Growth 3-144
Table 3-22 - Condition and Impacts of Riparian Habitat 3-147
Table 3-23 - Cumulative Changes in Riparian Conditions 3-148
Table 3-24 - Existing Cavity Habitat Potential 3-155
Table 3-25 - Wildlife MIS for the St. Joe District 3-156
Table 3-26 - Listed Wildlife Species 3-163
Table 3-27 - Sensitive Wildlife Species and Habitats 3-168
Table 3-28 - Existing Condition and Guidelines for Forest Structure 3-170
Table 3-29 - Existing Condition for Goshawk Assessment Areas/Home Ranges 3-176
Figure 3-1 - Wildlife Analysis Area 3-132
Figure 3-2 - Distribution of the old growth, mature, immature and multistoried stands 3-141
Figure 3-3 - Wider riparian zones with more open conditions 3-146
Figure 3-4 - Narrower riparian zone with more vegetated conditions 3-147
Figure 3-5 - Pileated Woodpecker Home Ranges 3-158
Figure 3-6- Elk Evaluation Areas 3-160
Figure 3-7 - Goshawk Assessment Areas 3-175
ii - Garnet Star and Sands DEIS - TOC
Affected Environment & Environmental Consequences
CHAPTER PURPOSE AND NEED
1 -
This Environmental Impact Statement for the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle
National Forests addresses recreational digging and leasing of garnet mineral resources in
the Emerald, Hidden, Wood and Cat Spur Creek drainages (see Map 1-1 - Vicinity and
Project Area Map on page 1-9). Decisions need to be made whether to test and develop
future recreational garnet digging opportunities and whether to approve the twelve
pending garnet sands or gemstone lease renewals, lease applications, permit
applications and /or extensions. The responsible official for this decision is the Forest
Supervisor, Idaho Panhandle National Forests, 3815 Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
83815.
Project Area and Background
The Garnet Stars and Sands Project Area is approximately 32,000 acres located in Latah,
Shoshone and Benewah Counties of Idaho; approximately 65% is National Forest land. The
Project Area includes Emerald, Wood, Hidden and Catspur Creek drainages (T42N, R1E,
R2E and R1W, Boise Meridian). These areas are defined by the same underlying geology.
The project area drains into the West Fork of St. Maries River.
In the past, the infrequent prospecting permits and subsequent lease applications for this
project area were handled on a case-by-case basis. More recently, a higher level of interest
in the garnet mineral resource has resulted in more minerals applications. In addition, the
recreational garnet area is possibly nearing the end of digging at the present site in 281
Gulch. Forest Service land managers decided that National Forest land overlying the garnet
resource should be reviewed as a whole, i.e. the big picture should be reviewed. A
comprehensive management plan for the area should help avoid conflicts and conserve the
garnet resource for future generations. A cooperative study of the garnet resource was
conducted with US Geological Survey geologists (USGS and FS, 2000). Its information has
provided a basis from which to begin this analysis.
The underlying geology of the project area contains garnet sands and gemstones. Garnet
size varies directly with location in the drainage, with larger garnets found in upper valleys,
closer to the parent material. Garnet sand concentrations sufficient for commercial mining
are found in the Emerald Creek basin. The garnet sands have a durability and hardness that
allow the garnet to be successfully milled into many grades (sizes) of product that are then
recycled numerous times in most industrial applications. The various grades of sands are
considered high quality for oil well fracking and packing, oil pipelines, water filtration, water jet
cutting, abrasive blasting and polishing. There is world-wide demand for these products.
Like all mineral resources, garnets are a finite resource.
The Project Area also produces extraordinary quality and quantity of large garnets, with some
of the drainages producing star garnets. Emerald Creek is the only site in the United States
and is one of only two places in the world (the other is India) where star garnets are found.
These gemstones are used commercially for jewelry and are sought after by recreationists.
Much of the Emerald Creek drainage, on public and private lands, has been commercially
mined for garnet in the past. Two lease renewals, one new lease application, one
prospecting permit extension, and eight new prospecting permit applications have been
Purpose and Need
submitted. In addition, the Forest Service currently manages a public digging area (by fee
permit) in 281 Gulch, a tributary to Emerald Creek. People come from all over the world to
visit the Emerald Creek Garnet Area and dig for gemstones.
THE PURPOSE AND NEED
The purpose and need for this project is based on Forest Service policy and direction given in
-
the Idaho Panhandle National Forest’s Forest Plan (1987 referred to as the Forest Plan
from here on).
Forest Service Policy for Acquired Lands
Most of the National Forest system lands within the project area were either acquired through
land donations or land exchanges (Weeks Law, Clarke -McNary, General Exchange Act and
Administrative Sites Act) (see Map 3-2 on page 1-10). These acquired lands are not open to
mineral entry under the General Mining Laws as are most other National Forest system lands
in the West. Whether or not to develop minerals in these acquired lands is a discretionary
decision. These minerals are subject mineral leasing laws and procedures (For more detail
on laws and authorities, see the Minerals Section in Chapter 3 and Appendix B). Mineral
development is also authorized (Section 402 of Reorganization Plan No. 3 of July 16, 1946)
and allows development when it will not interfere with the primary purposes for which the land
was acquired and only in accordance with such conditions as specified by the Secretary of
Agriculture in order to protect such purposes.
-
The lands acquired within the Project Area were mostly acquired in the 1930s and 1960
1970s. (See Map 1-2 on page 1-11) In general, the lands acquired in the 1930s were
acquired for the purposes of land consolidation and forestry. The references indicate that the
thinking at the time was that land consolidation made land management more efficient. The
project area land exchanges in the 1960-70s were acquired for the purposes of garnet
collecting and land consolidation. These exchanges received a great deal of publicity and
subsequent comment from the public. The public demonstrated enormous support to
maintain opportunities for recreational gem- collecting. In fact, in July 1969, Congressman
James McClure introduced a Bill, H.R. 13141, to establish the Idaho Star Garnet National
Recreation Area (Project Files Background Document). These pieces of land were
considered key to consolidating National Forest land and improving recreation management
of rock hound activities for removal of gem -quality garnets. Land appraisals for the
exchanges included garnet sands, timber and land valuations.
Congress reiterated its intent to allow mineral development under appropriate circumstances
when it enacted the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1876; 30 USC 21, a).
The act states;
‘The Congress declares that it is the continuing policy of the Federal Government in the
national interest to foster and encourage private enterprise in (1) the development of
economically sound and stable domestic mining, mineral, metal and mineral reclamation
industries, (2) the orderly and economic development of domestic mineral resources,
reserves, and reclamation of metals and minerals to help assure satisfaction of industrial,
security and environmental needs...”
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