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United States sorest Plumas ]59 Lawrence Street
USDA nepartnient of Service National P. O. Box 115flfl
~.----~- Agriculture Forest Quincy, CA 95971-6fl25
(530} 2$3-2050 Voice
„, .,,,,,...,._:._ (530) 534-7984 Text (TDD)
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Filc Code: 1620/1 920/28 10
Date: October 12, 20.1.2
OCT ~ 5 2a~2
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Dear Watershed Stakeholder,
l would like to hear your thoughts regarding which Plumas National Forest watersheds should be
selected as priorities for future work including hazardous fuels reduction, soil & water
improvements, fisheries & aquatic habitat improvements, improvement of in-stream flows and
abandoned mine restoration. To that end, we will hold a meeting on November $ from 10:00
am-2:00 pm at the Forest Supervisor's office, 159 Lawrence Street in Quincy.
As background, nationwide, the U.S. Forest Service has begun implementation of a new process
for improving the health of watersheds on National Forests and Grasslands. This process is
described in the Watershed Condition Framework document, available at
http://www.fs.fed.us/publ~cationslwatershed/. This new process will facilitate investment in
watershed restoration that will provide economic and environmental benefits to local
communities.
A key step in the Watershed Condition Framework (Framework} process is the selection of
priority watersheds. Each National Forest is to select 2 to 5 watersheds Chat are a priority for
improvement. The Forest then develops an action plan for each of those priority watersheds,
which would include a list of essential projects to be completed to maintain or improve
watershed condition. These essential projects are to be completed within 5 years of development
of the action plan.
Plumas National Forest lands are included in $5 watersheds at the Framework scale, with
watersheds ranging in size from 10,000 to 39,000 acres. Two priority watersheds were selected
in 2011 and our plans are to select another 2-3 this year.
Please let us know if you will be able to attend as space is limited. Questions or comments may
be directed to .loe Hoffman, Forest Hydrologist at 530-283-7868 or jahoffman@fs.fed.us.
Sincerely,
EARL W. FORD
Forest Supervisor
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US Forest Service: Watershed Condition Framework
A new consistent and comparable process for improving the health of
watersheds on all National Forests and Grasslands
The Watershed Condition Framework (WCF} is a comprehensive approach
for proactively implementing integrated restoration on priority watersheds
on national forests and grasslands.
The WCF proposes to improve the way the Forest Service approaches
watershed restoration by targeting the implementation of inte~.rated suites
of activities in those watersheds that have been identified as priorities for
restoration.
I_
:STEP-F ;. ;
Monitor and; ; ::;
.Verification:.....
STEP E
-_ __ _ .-_Yrack~Restoratio~~~~
;Accomplishments
~ ;STEP A'
Classify
Watershed
Condition.
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W~
' STEP D
implement
Integrated ; ;
'Projects ,
-.STEP C
" Watershed ` '
Action Plans
- ~ "-/
For more information on the process, and a copy of the WCF document, visit
httpa/www.fs.fed.us/publications/watershed
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Implementing the Watershed Condition Framework:
An Update for Plumas National Forest ~PNF) (4ctober 2012)
Step A: PNF staff completed a rating of watershed condition for 85 watersheds, ranging
in size #rom 10,000 to 39,000 acres, in spring 2011. Indicators rated include:
- Water Quality - Riparian Vegetation - Forest Cover
A Water Quantity - Roads and Trails - Rangeland Vegetation
- Aquatic Habitat - Soils - Terrestrial Invasive Species
- Aquatic Biota - Fire Regime or Wildfire - Forest Health
Step B: The Forest Service Washington Office required that each Forest select at least
two priority watersheds by September 30, 2011. After working with Ranger District staffs
and local par#ners, the Plumas National Forest selected the Big Grizzly Creek watershed
(surrounding Lake Davis} and the Lower Wolf Creek watershed (surrounding Round
Valley Reservoir and the community of Greenville}. The Forest plans to select 2-3
additional priority watersheds by September 2012.
- The number of priority watersheds selected is based upon a 5-year program of work
that is reasonable and achievable
- Input from Forest partners (local, State, tribal, other Federal agencies, and interest
groups} is key to the Forest's watershed prioritization process
- Priority wa#ersheds are not necessarily watersheds in the worst condition; equally
important may be watersheds that are in better condition but have identified problems
that can be fixed before they get worse
- In selecting priority watersheds, Forests are to consider watershed resource values,
including Wild and Scenic River status, municipal watersheds, threatened and
endangered species, and watersheds with unique local characteristics
- In selecting priority watersheds, Forests are also to consider opportunities for
partnership and collaboration as well as the social and economic impacts of improving
watershed condition
Step__C: A watershed restoration action plan is developed for each selected priority
watershed. The Action Plan identifiies essential projects necessary to maintain or
improve watershed condition and establishes an implementation timeline. Typical project
activities include soil and water improvements, fisheries and aquatic habitat
improvements, road drainage improvements, abandoned mine restoration, improvements
of in-stream flows, and hazardous fuel reduction to prevent wildfire. Recreation use in
the watershed would be included in planning activities.