ROSS LAKE

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Ross Lake National Recreation Area Washington

Introduction

This chapter describes the resources that would be affected by each alternative under consideration. The resources were identified from the issue statements presented in Chapter II, Alternatives. The resource descriptions in this Chapter help to establish the analysis area boundary or scale of effect to those resources. By identifying resources and establishing spatial boundaries, this chapter focuses the impact analysis discussion in Chapter IV, Environmental Consequences.

Alternative A. Construct the Desolation-Hozomeen Trail (No Action)

If constructed, the Desolation-Hozomeen trail would traverse northward along the summit ridge of Desolation Peak (6,100 feet elevation), skirting a series of false summits to maintain a modest grade. At the north end of the summit ridge, the trail would descend northwesterly down a ridge arm to a saddle separating Desolation Peak from Little Jackass Mountain, about 0.5 mile south of Hozomeen Lake. From the saddle, the trail would rapidly descend through a series of switchbacks, then cross the headwaters of Hozomeen Creek and connect with the Willow Lake trail (2,600 feet elevation).

Natural Resources

The geology of this area is characterized by "rubbly rocks" of the Hozomeen terrain: marine basalt, chert and shale (Tabor and Haugerud, 1999). Bedrock outcrops are very common on the flanks of the peak and especially along the summit ridge. As with most Cascade peaks, avalanche chutes and talus slopes are also common features.

Desolation Peak lies in a transitional zone where climatic characteristics are intermediate between the mild, wet conditions typical of the west side and the drier conditions typical in the Ross Lake area. This climatic transition is believed to be caused by the rainshadow effect of the Picket Range.

The headwaters of Hozomeen Creek are the only surface water resources in the project area. The proposed trail would cross the creek just a short distance downstream from the outlet of Ridley Lake. In this area the creek is shallow, narrow (5-10 feet wide) and has a low gradient (2.7%). Fish surveys in summer, 2002 found an abundance of non-native brook trout, but no bull trout (federally Threatened).

Desolation Peak has at least seven distinct forest communities including Douglas-fir/Ponderosa Pine, Douglas-fir/lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir/western red cedar, Douglas-fir/western hemlock, Douglas-fir/Pacific silver fir, subalpine fir/Douglas-fir and Pacific silver fir/subalpine fir. The diversity of forest communities on Desolation Peak is the result of several interrelated factors including the transitional climate, periodic fire, and significant differences in soil moisture as a function of aspect and elevation (Agee et al., 1986).

Moving down in elevation from the summit, the trail would traverse three of the peak's seven forest communities: subalpine fir/Douglas-fir, Pacific silver fir/subalpine fir and Douglas-fir/western red cedar. The subalpine fir/Douglas-fir community is an open canopy forest characterized by a mosaic of meadowlands and huckleberry/shrub openings. Dominant tree species include subalpine fir, Douglas-fir and mountain hemlock. As the elevation declines, Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock become increasingly abundant, with lesser amounts of subalpine fir, grand fir, and Alaska yellow cedar. Below the saddle between Desolation Peak and Little Jackass Mountain, the trail would gradually enter an old-growth forest of Douglas-fir and western red cedar.

Many wildlife species inhabit the area. Common small mammals include bats, mice, shrews, voles, pikas, moles and squirrels. Common medium-sized mammals include marmot, porcupine, snowshoe hare, bobcat, coyote and fox. The most common large mammals in this area include blacktail deer and black bears.

Threatened and Endangered Species

There is suitable habitat in the project area for several federally listed species, including the grizzly bear (Federally threatened), gray wolf (Federally endangered), lynx (Federally threatened) and wolverine (species of concern). A brief discussion of these species is presented in the following paragraphs. The limited information presented in the following section reflects the small population sizes and high mobility of the species. It also reflects the very limited surveys that have been performed by qualified biologists.

The project area encompasses roughly 1,700 acres of high quality grizzly bear "core area" in the Pasayten Bear Management Unit (BMU). "Core areas" are those where there is no motorized use of roads and trails, and are 500 meters (1,640 feet) or more from hiking trails receiving high-intensity use⁴ (IGBC 1998).

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⁴Defined in the North Cascades Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone as 20 or more parties/week.

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Grizzly bear observations in the North Cascades undergo an annual, interagency review to determine reliability. A standard rating system is used, in which a "Class 1" observation is equivalent to a confirmation of a grizzly bear and a "Class 2" is considered to be a likely candidate, but is not confirmed. To rank as a Class 1 observation there must be tangible, definitive evidence such as a clear track of a grizzly bear fore-paw (which is distinctive from a black bear's), a qualified biologist observing an animal, and/ or a clearly discernable photograph; sign and photographs must be examined and verified by a qualified agency biologist. Class 2 observations are those in which several defining attributes are seen and the observer is determined by a qualified biologist to be reliable and objective, but there is no tangible evidence. In June, 1987 a Class 2 observation was reported of two adult grizzly bears on the southwest flank of Desolation Peak. An additional three Class 1 and five Class 2 observations have been made within 10 miles of the project area between 1986 and 1999. This includes a Class 1-rated family group.

Limited observations of grizzly bears in or near the project area reflect the threatened status of the species and its marginal population size. Though documentation of these animals is limited, they are assumed to be present given the high quality seasonal habitats and limited human use of the area.

All the within-park sightings of wolves have been documented in the northeast corner of the Complex, in close proximity to Desolation Peak. Sightings culminated in the late 1980s through early 1990's, then ceased after May 1993. Though wolves have not been documented in the project area for the past decade, they are assumed to be present though their population size is unknown.

No lynx have been documented in or near the project area. However, lynx have been documented in the Pasayten wilderness, several miles to the east. Lynx prefer diverse forest with stands of conifer, softwoods, or mature mixed-wood for cover, and shrubby areas for feeding. These conditions are found throughout the project area, so lynx are assumed to be present but their numbers are unknown.

Pacific fisher were historically found throughout the densely forested areas of the North Cascades as far east as the Okanogan Valley. Recent scientific evaluations concluded that it is unlikely a viable fisher population exists in Washington and the fisher may be extirpated from the state (Lewis and Stinson 1998, Aubrey and Lewis 2003). In light of these reviews, fisher are probably no longer in the project area (Robert Kuntz, Wildlife biologist, personal communication, 2003).

In winter 2002, state biologists documented two wolverines in the Freezeout Creek basin, several miles east of Desolation Peak in the Pasayten Wilderness. Wolverine have not been documented in the project area, but they could be present given the close proximity of the recent sightings and their vast home range.

Various rare or listed species of birds and bats may be present in the project area, given the wide variety of habitats the trail would traverse. Possible species are listed in Appendix B.

Cultural Resources

The Desolation Peak lookout (built in 1932) is one of 43 lookouts erected in Washington State by the U.S. Forest Service as part of their fire reconnaissance system. During World War II it was staffed year round as part of the military's Aircraft Warning System for perceived threats from the Pacific Theater. It is one of three lookouts remaining in the Complex and is listed on The National Register of Historic Places for its location, design, setting, material and workmanship; it is also listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. The lookout is perhaps best known for its association with Jack Kerouac, the "Beat" poet and novelist who staffed the Desolation Peak lookout in the summer of 1956. Several of Kerouac's writings, including The Dharma Bums and Desolation Angels were greatly influenced by the summer he spent there.

Though the Desolation Peak Lookout is the only structure of historic significance identified within the project area, it is not the only significant cultural resource. For thousands of years, bands of Skagit peoples, Nlakapamux (Lower Thompson), and other mountain-oriented native peoples roamed this area of the Skagit River Valley. These peoples hunted, fished, gathered plants and quarried a locally abundant variety of quartz called "chert". This chert, a metamorphic rock of marine origin, has been used, like flint, to manufacture stone tools and implements over a span of at least 8400 years. Recent archeological research has demonstrated that chert was collected from widespread deposits in the valley (Mierendorf 1993; Mierendorf et. al. 1998). The term "Hozomeen", derived from the Salish language, means "sharp, like a knife" (Mierendorf, 1993). Quarries of Hozomeen chert and other significant prehistoric sites are scattered across the mountainsides, and additional archeological sites will likely be documented.

Recreation and Visitor Use

Desolation Peak is a popular destination hike for many visitors due to its scenic grandeur and historic significance. Data from the NPS backcountry permit system indicate that since 1994, the average Visitor Use Night (VUN⁵) per season for the Desolation Peak backcountry campsite is 63. The average number of visitors per season who have spent one night at the Desolation peak backcountry campsite is 50. Primary data for day use of the area are not available because there is currently no quantitative system for monitoring day use. However, informal records maintained by fire management staff at the Desolation Peak lookout indicate an average visitation of 206 people/season. This statistic accounts only for visitors who "checked in" at the lookout while it was occupied. Backcountry rangers who are familiar with the area believe that at least 80% of the visitation is day use. Given these secondary data and assumptions, approximately 400 people (overnight users and dayhikers) probably reach the summit of Desolation Peak each season. Most of this visitation occurs during July and August.

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⁵Visitor Use Night (VUN): The primary statistic the NPS uses to account for backcountry overnight use. VUN is measured as the number of people in a party (x) times the number of nights (Y) at a location. A permit written for 2 people to camp for 3 nights would be 6 VUN.

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The Desolation-Hozomeen trail would traverse 8 miles of the Starvation Ridge cross-country zone. Overnight use of this zone is extremely limited. From 1992-2002, this wilderness camping zone experienced one party of five for one night in 1999, and one party of three for one night in 1994. An unknown number of day hikers might use this zone, but there are no primary data available to account for day use. Since most people would access the Starvation Ridge cross-country zone via the existing Desolation Peak trail, day use is probably accounted for in the (previous paragraph) estimate of 400 people per year.

Alternative B. Construct the Happy Creek Falls Millsite Trail

For the purpose of this impact analysis, the affected environment of this alternative is bounded to the north by Highway 20, to the west by the Happy Flat interpretive loop, to the east by the primitive trail to the Happy Creek Falls Millsite, and to the south by Happy Creek. The trail lies below in elevation and north of the wilderness boundary, which is delineated in that section of Ross Lake NRA by the 750 meter (2,460 foot) contour line.

Natural Resources

Beginning at the far (eastern) end of the Happy Creek boardwalk, the trail would climb a short distance out of the shallow drainage of Happy Creek, then traverse eastward along a series of bedrock terraces and benches that were "rasped and rounded" by the Cordilleran ice sheet during the last glaciation (Tabor and Haugerud, 1999).

Forest vegetation around the proposed trail is dominated by small to medium diameter Douglas-fir trees interspersed with lodgepole pine. The midstory is poorly developed, and the understory vegetation is sparsely dominated by young fir trees, salal, beds of sphagnum moss and extensive mats of kinnickinnick. The vegetation in the project area is sensitive due to the seasonally dry conditions and thin soils underlain by bedrock.

Wildlife habitat along the trail is limited to species commonly associated with a dry, open-canopied Douglas-fir/lodgepole pine forest of relatively simple structure. The disturbance from Highway 20 probably limits the quality of the habitat for large mammal species and may cause regular mortality to herpetofauna and small mammals.

Threatened and Endangered Species

A list of species potentially found in the project area is included in Appendix B. Species that may be affected by the actions in the alternative are discussed below.

The forest conditions along the trail are unsuitable for spotted owls, however, the surrounding area has sufficient forested habitat. Spotted owl surveys in summer 2003 found no owls in the project area.

Northern goshawks have been confirmed in the area on several occasions (1977; 1994). The forest in the project area has suitable forage and nesting habitat, though no nests have been found.

Harlequin ducks could find suitable habitat in Happy Creek, though they have not been documented in the area.

Various other rare or listed species of birds and bats may be present in the project area.

Various rare large mammals could be present in the project area, including California wolverine, grizzly bear, Canada lynx, and gray wolves. The close proximity of the highway reduces the habitat quality for these species, particularly during the summer months.

Plant surveys have found no rare plants in the area.

Cultural Resources

The hydraulic energy of Happy Creek was harnessed to cut timbers for the Ruby Hydraulic Gold Mining Company, established circa 1898. A four-mile flume connected the millsite to the Ruby Creek Mining camp, now flooded by the waters of Ross reservoir. Remnants of the millsite include iron pipe and a belt drive wheel that powered the mill. Piles of decaying lumber are also present, along with the trench that carried the flume (Roy Zipp, NPS biologist, personal observation). The millsite has yet to be assessed for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. Irrespective of National Register eligibility, the millsite is a component of the NRA's cultural landscape.

Recreation and Visitor Use

There are currently no data on use of the Happy Creek boardwalk, though the consensus among park staff is that the boardwalk is underutilized byvisitors. The muted noise of traffic along Highway 20 is evident along the length of the proposed trail, though the highway is not visible. Hikers would get glimpses of Ross Lake about half way along the proposed trail.

Alternative C. Reroute the Panther Creek Trailhead

Natural Resources

The Panther Creek trailhead is on the south side of Highway 20 approximately 0.25 mile east of the Ross Lake Eastbank trailhead. Parking at the trailhead is limited to the shoulder of Highway 20. The topography around the area of the trailhead reroute is steep and rugged. Red alder is dominant along Panther Creek and Douglas-fir is dominant on the drier forested slopes.

Threatened and Endangered Species

A list of species potentially found in the project area is included in Appendix B. Species that may be affected by the actions in the alternative are discussed below.

Habitat for listed species of wildlife is poor given the young forest conditions and the highway disturbance. Mammalian species that could be present near the project area include grizzly bears, gray wolves, California wolverine, and Canada lynx. Habitat quality for these species is generally poor given the young forest conditions and the highway disturbance, particularly during the summer months.

The trailhead area was surveyed for rare plants during the summer of 2002. No rare plants were found or expected to occur because most of the area around the trailhead is recovering from the previous impacts of highway construction.

Cultural Resources

There are no known cultural resources in the project area.

Recreation and Visitor Use

The Panther Creek trail provides access to the southern portions of Ross Lake NRA and the South Unit of the park via Fourth of July Pass. The elevation of the project area (1,950-2,100 ft.) is below the elevation of the wilderness boundary, delineated in this area by the 750 meter (2,460 foot) contour line.

Data from the Complex's backcountry permit system indicate that average overnight use of the Panther Creek trail is 93 hikers per season (88 VUN). Backcountry patrol logs indicate that day use accounts for roughly 50% of trail users, so total trail use is estimated to be a minimum of approximately 186 visitors per season.

Alternative D. Construct a Loop Trail Around Roland Point

Roland Point lies on the southeast side of Ross Lake at the foot of Jack Mountain in Ross Lake NRA. Roland Point is not in wilderness. The Point is named after Tommy Rowland (also spelled Roland), an eccentric settler/miner who built a homestead in the area in late 1800s (Luxenberg, 1986).

Natural Resources

The topography of the point varies from rolling to steep, and prominent outcrops of igneous bedrock are located on the south side, below the summit (Tabor and Haugerud, 1999). Elevations of Roland Point vary from the level of the reservoir (1,602 feet at full pool) to the summit at 1,983 feet. Prior to the creation of Ross Reservoir, Roland Point was a ridge arm with a prominent knoll overlooking the Skagit River. Its present landform as a "point" is the result of inundation.

The lowland forest vegetation on Roland Point reflects the transition between the mild, wet conditions typical of the west side and the semi-arid conditions found east of the Cascade crest. In dry areas and around bedrock outcrops, dominant forest vegetation includes lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir with a sparse understory of lichen, moss and kinnickinnick. Ponderosa pine and even a few western white pine can be found around the Point's rocky summit. Although there is some evidence of logging around the remains of the Tommy Rowland homestead, most of the forest on the Point has old-growth characteristics. Of particular note is an impressive stand of Douglas fir/western red cedar on the southeast side of the point. Some of the ancient trees in this stand exceed 40 inches in diameter.

Excluding the reservoir, water resources on Roland Point are limited. On the east side of the point in a narrow draw lies a scenic, 2-acre palustrine scrub-shrub wetland dominated by Spiraea douglasii. A small, seasonal stream exits this wetland and flows northward into Ross Lake. The reservoir level varies substantially. The reservoir is at or near full pool in the summer months (July--September), but can recede more than 100 feet prior to filling from spring snowmelt. When the reservoir is low, the point is encircled by rock bands, mud flats and stumps. This seasonally inundated area is referred to as the "drawdown".

Threatened and Endangered Species

A list of wildlife species potentially found in the project area is included in Appendix B. Listed species that may be affected by the actions in the alternative are discussed below.

The vicinity of Roland Point has potential foraging and nesting habitat for bald eagles and spotted owls. No bald eagle aeries (nests) have been documented on the point, though eagles are routinely seen around the project area. Habitat on Roland Point proper is marginal for spotted owls given the relatively small acreage of the point. However, to the east of Roland Point along the Roland Creek drainage, an impressive stand of old growth Douglas-fir and western red cedar could provide foraging or nesting habitat for spotted owls. Park biologists surveyed Roland point and vicinity in 2002 to document the presence of spotted owls using standard survey methods. A single response was noted during the first survey, but the species type could not be confirmed. Further surveys found no owl responses. These results indicate spotted owls are probably not found in the project area.

No rare or listed mammals have been documented on Roland Point, but the habitat is potentially suitable for wolves, grizzly bears, lynx and other rare mammals. These species could move through the area, particularly during the shoulder seasons when disturbance from human activities on the reservoir is limited and prey are concentrated at low elevations.

There are no federally listed species of plants in North Cascades. However, there are a variety of state listed or rare plant species found in the park and some could be present in the project area. If this alternative were selected, rare plant surveys would be performed in advance of construction and the trail would be aligned to avoid adverse impacts to plants.

Cultural Resources

Roland Point has two historic cultural resources: the remains of the Tommy Rowland Homestead and the remains of a USFS lookout on the summit of the Point. Neither site has been evaluated for its historic significance. Although few remains of the Roland homestead are visible above ground, the site could be directly affected by visitation and artifact loss. The USFS lookout on the summit of Roland Point is no longer standing, though the footprint of a structure is still evident. The log outhouse is still standing, though in very poor condition.

All of Roland Point and its vicinity has been inventoried for archeological resources (Mierendorf et. al. 1998), some of which could be affected by trail construction. Several sites (listed as contributing properties to the Upper Skagit River Valley Archeological District) are nearby, but outside the area of potential effect.

Recreation and Visitor Use

Roland Point is a popular camping destination on Ross Lake. The Point has three boat-in campgrounds: McMillan Campground, Spencer's Point (located on an adjacent island) and Roland Point. A fourth hiker campground called Roland Creek campground lies on the eastern side of the point along the Eastbank trail. An unofficial hiker trail follows Roland Creek from the Roland Creek campground to the shore (or drawdown) of Ross Lake. Table 2 summarizes overnight use for these camps. The Roland Point is not in designated wilderness.

Table 2. Visitor Use Statistics for Roland Point (1996-2001)

Alternative E. Hozomeen Lakeshore Trail and Campground Road Realignment

Recreation and Visitor Use

Hozomeen is a semi-primitive visitor use area situated in Ross Lake NRA on the U.S.-Canadian boundary. Hozomeen is open to the public from the weekend before Memorial Day (Canada's Queen Victoria day) through October. Predominant visitor use is camping, boating and fishing. Many of the visitors to Hozomeen are Canadian citizens.

Visitor amenities at Hozomeen include a campground, a boat launch, several docks, and a trail leading to Hozomeen Lake and points beyond. Seasonal interpretive programs are provided at the amphitheater. Administrative facilities at Hozomeen include an employee housing area, a ranger station, and a variety of smaller structures including the historic Hozomeen game cabin. The only auto access to Hozomeen is via the Silver-Skagit Road, which originates near Hope, British Columbia. Boat access to Hozomeen via Ross Lake is limited to times when Ross Reservoir is at or near full pool.

In 2002, approximately 8,200 people visited Hozomeen. Roughly 48% of overnight visitors camped in RVs; 52% of visitors camped in tents.⁶ The percent day use is not known. The highest use was in July and early August.

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⁶Use statistics compiled by traffic counters and visual counts by rangers.

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Natural Resources

The project area lies in a transition zone between the former floodplain of the Skagit River (now the tailwaters of Ross reservoir) and the base of Hozomeen Mountain. The area has a westerly aspect, with slopes ranging from 0-10%. Soils are mesic to wet, moderately coarse, with large amounts of surface rock that were probably deposited as a lateral moraine during the last glaciation. Smooth bedrock outcrops are also present throughout the site.

The proposed 0.25 mile road realignment would depart begin just south of the A-frame Ranger Station and reconnect with the campground road immediately north of the Winnebago Flats portion of Hozomeen Campground. The realigned road would traverse the toe of a slope, about 75 yards east of its present location. The realigned road road would reconnect with the existing road on the north side of Howlett Creek.

Howlett Creek is a perennial stream with an average bank width of approximately 6 feet and a discharge of less than 5 cubic feet per second. The creek flows through a culvert under the existing road and then into Ross Lake immediately north of Winnebago Flats. The lower section of Howlett Creek is probably fish bearing given its low gradient and perennial flow, though it has not been surveyed for fish. The wetland is several hundred feet south of Winnebago flats, just east of the existing road.

The natural landscape around Hozomeen has been incrementally impacted by a variety of human activities including clearing of the international boundary, development, logging and the damming of the Skagit River to create Ross Lake. The forest along the Hozomeen road was logged around 1947, just prior to filling of Ross Lake reservoir. In anticipation of building the Ross High dam, parts of the area were evidently logged again in 1962.

The forest vegetation in the area of the proposed road consists of a dense second growth (approximately 35 years old) Douglas-fir dominated forest with a closed canopy. A few remnant old-growth specimens of Douglas-fir and western red cedar trees are scattered about the site. Some of these trees exceed 36 inches in diameter. Other common tree species include cottonwood, paper birch, vine maple, and alder. The forest has no defined midstory. The understory is well developed with common species such as Oregon grape and little pipsissewa emerging from a carpet of moss and lichen. Thickets of devil's club and an understory of bracken fern are common in the riparian zone of Howlett Creek.

Threatened and Endangered Species

A list of species potentially found in the project area is provided in Appendix B. Species that may be affected by management actions are discussed below.

Plant and wildlife surveys of the Hozomeen area⁷ in summer 2001 found no rare, threatened or endangered species. The habitat for rare plant and wildlife species is marginal given the disturbed, second-growth characteristics of the forest, the campground and administrative developments and the high amount of visitor use in summer. In the surrounding area, however, the habitat is potentially suitable for wolves, grizzly bears and other rare mammals. These species could move through the area, particularly during the off-season when Hozomeen is closed and prey are concentrated at lower elevations.

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⁷Performed in advance of an urban interface fuel reduction project to ensure an adequate escape route along the road in the event of a wildfire.

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Cultural Resources

All of the Hozomeen area and its vicinity has been inventoried for archeological resources. Several sites listed as contributing properties to the Upper Skagit River Valley Archeological District are nearby, but outside the area of potential effect (Mierendorf et. al. 1998).

Alternative F. Construct Newhalem Creek Trail and Boardwalk

Natural Resources

The topography of the area is a flat alluvial terrace that extends from the floodplain edge of Newhalem Creek past the Visitor Center. The trail would follow the landform of the alluvial terrace until dropping into the floodplain of Newhalem Creek.

The first 2,400 feet of this proposed trail would follow an old logging road through a lowland forest of Douglas-fir, hemlock and western red cedar that is recovering from past logging. The trail would pass by several impressive specimens of old growth Douglas-fir and western red cedar trees that were apparently spared from logging. The understory vegetation is typical of a lowland, westslope forest and includes a mixture of salmonberry, elderberry, ferns, salal and several species of huckleberry. Nurse logs and decaying wood are thickly scattered about the forest floor. The last 600-foot section of the trail would drop into the floodplain of Newhalem Creek and traverse an elevated boardwalk to avoid floodwaters and minimize ground disturbance.

Threatened and Endangered Species

This project area provides potential nesting, roosting and/or forage habitat for several rare and listed species including spotted owls, bald eagles and harlequin ducks. No eagle aeries have been documented in the project area, and there is no evidence of past nesting activity. However, eagles are known to roost approximately 1 mile downriver of the project are during the winter months. Surveys of the area in summer, 2003 found a pair of barred owls, but no spotted owls.

Bull trout and salmon inhabit Newhalem Creek, including the reach adjacent to the project area.

The project area lies along a confluence of the Skagit River, Newhalem Creek and Goodell Creek. These tributary junctions could serve as dispersal corridors for rare wildlife species. such as wolverine, gray wolf or grizzly bear. These species probably do not inhabit the project area given close proximity of the Visitor Center, Newhalem Campground and various roads.

Cultural Resources

All of the project area and its vicinity has been inventoried for archeological resources, but none were recorded in this vicinity (Mierendorf and Harry 1993). It is possible that trail construction could reveal unknown archeological resources.

Recreation and Visitor Use

The presence of the Newhalem Visitor Center makes this area a major focal point for visitor use. The Visitor Center provides various educational and interpretive displays, a theater, a wide variety of educational and interpretive programs, and a spectacular scenic vista of the Picket Range. Recreational pursuits in the area include picnicing and camping; rafting/canoeing on the Skagit River; hiking various short trails, including a loop trail along the Skagit River and short trail to a prehistoric rockshelter. Seattle City Light also provides a variety of visitor amenities in adjacent historic town of Newhalem.

Average annual visitation to the Visitor Center and surrounding area (excluding highway 20 and the town of Newhalem) is 62,000 people per year. Visitation is highest in the summer months. Winter visitation, primarily associated with bald eagle watching, appears to be slowly increasing.

Alternative G. Improve the Desolation Peak Boat-In Trailhead (Environmentally Preferred Alternative)

The Desolation Peak boat-in trailhead is located on the east shore of Ross Lake in Ross Lake NRA. The trailhead is approximately 1,602 feet in elevation, the full pool elevation of Ross Lake. The trailhead lies below in elevation from the wilderness boundary, delineated in this area by the 700 meter (2,296 ft.) contour line. The boat-in trailhead is linked via a 0.2 mile spur trail to the main trail up Desolation Peak. The boat-in trailhead was probably established because it provides the shortest route from Ross Lake to Desolation Peak. The next closest access to Desolation Peak is two trail miles to the south via the Lightning Creek trail.

Natural Resources

The terrain around the trailhead is rocky, steep and regularly exposed to strong southerly winds. When the reservoir is at full pool (typically from July 4^th through Labor Day) the trailhead lies on the immediate shoreline of the reservoir. For the remainder of the year, however, the drawdown (seasonally exposed) portion of the reservoir separates the trailhead from the water via a steep slope of exposed bedrock, boulders, mud and woody debris. The drawdown area reaches its greatest extent prior to April 15^th. During this time, the trailhead can be separated from the reservoir by as much as 100 vertical feet.

Overstory vegetation around the trailhead consists of a dry, closed-canopy Douglas-fir forest. The riparian zone along the shoreline of Ross Lake includes a mixture of vine maple and alder interspersed with Douglas-fir trees. Common understory species include snowbrush, kinnickinnick, salal and patches of grasses and forbs.

Threatened and Endangered Species

The area around the trailhead is probably unsuitable habitat for all but the most common species of terrestrial wildlife due to disturbance from the reservoir, high visitor use during the summer season and the barrier created by the reservoir. However, the broader landscape provides potential habitat for several listed species including the gray wolf (endangered), grizzly bear (threatened), Canada lynx (threatened) and bald eagle (threatened). Other federally listed species of concern with suitable habitat include the California wolverine, northern goshawk and five bat species: Pacific Townsend's bat, small-footed myotis, long-eared myotis, Yuma myotis and long-legged myotis.

No gray wolves have been observed around the trailhead. However, sightings and tracks were reported around Hozomeen in the early 1990's, approximately 6 miles north of the affected area. No wolves have been seen in recent years, though they could pass through the area due to their great range and mobility.

No wolverine or lynx have been documented near the trailhead, though the entire area provides suitable habitat for these highly mobile species.

Bald eagles are routinely seen on Ross Lake during the summer months. Golden eagles are much less common, though they have been sighted a few miles north of the trailhead at Boundary Bay. No aeries (nests) have been documented in the area.

The trailhead falls within the Pasayten grizzly bear management unit, but grizzly bears have not been documented around the trailhead. The trailhead is considered a high use area since summer visitation exceeds 15 parties per week. Due to this high use, the area is not defined as core grizzly bear habitat and not subject to the "no net loss" provisions for grizzly bear recovery.

Of the five bat species in North Cascades, the Yuma myotis would be the most likely species to occur near the project area since it is closely associated with water. None of the bat species have been documented near the trailhead.

The fluctuating water levels along the shoreline of Ross Lake probably does not provide suitable habitat for most amphibians.

Mountain goats are occasionally seen in winter months along the lower cliff bands of Desolation Peak. These animals are not state or federally listed, though the population appears to be declining for unknown reasons.

No rare plants have been documented in the area.

Cultural Resources

The area of potential effect is within the boundaries of the proposed Upper Skagit River Valley Archeological District. Implementation of the project could affect a historic property listed as contributing to the significance of the district. The property is managed by the NPS to maintain characteristics of its integrity of location, setting, and association in a relatively unaltered forest slope ecosystem. The property is managed to minimize visitor effects, on-site interpretation is avoided, and its location is confidential. Prior to any ground-disturbing activity or implementation of this alternative, an archeological inventory and assessment of the area of potential effect will be conducted in compliance with guidelines of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Recreation and Visitor Use

In the summer, the boat-in trailhead is the most common point of access to Desolation Peak. There are currently no data on visitor use of the trailhead. However, based on backcountry permit data for Desolation Peak and fire lookout records, we estimate that a minimum of 400 visitors/season hike at least part of the trail. The trailhead receives its highest use from June through September. Many visitors access the trailhead using motorboats rented from the Ross Lake Resort.

A fraction of motor boat users who are aware of the mooring difficulties at the trailhead choose to dock at Lightning Creek and hike the extra 2 miles (each way) to avoid the docking dangers. On windy days with large waves, visitors using paddle craft often bypass the trailhead and beach their boats 200 yards south at an unsafe landing area made convenient by a prominent shoreline stabilization project. The trailhead is also commonly used by park staff as a point of departure for resource and fire management activities.