Executive Summary
Final
General Management Plan
Environmental Impact Statement
Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
June 1995
North Cascades National Park Service Complex
2105 State Route 20
Sedro Woolley, WA 98284
Final
General Management Plan
Environmental Impact Statement
Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
North Cascades National Park Service Complex
2105 State Route 20
Sedro Woolley, WA 98284
This Executive Summary presents an abbreviated version of the alternatives and environmental impacts contained in the Final General Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement (volume 1). Summary comparison charts and pertinent maps have been included.
PURPOSE AND NEED
The purpose of the federal action is to manage visitor use, natural and cultural resources, development, and operation of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (NRA) according to the enabling legislation and other laws and regulations affecting management of the national recreation area. The general management plan (GMP) and implementation plans that result from the environmental impact statement process will guide the management of the recreation area for the next 10 to 15 years. The GMP will replace those portions of the 1988 General Management Plan for North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (NPS, USDI 1988a) that deal with Lake Chelan NRA. The implementation plans, which have been prepared separately, will either replace existing plans or provide guidance for topics that do not currently have implementation plans. The implementation plans are as follows:
Sand, Rock, and Gravel Plan
Forest Fuel Reduction / Firewood Management Plan
Wilderness Management Plan
Transportation Plan
Stehekin Landing and Valley Development Concept Plans
Land Protection Plan
The final environmental impact statement (final EIS), with the inclusion of alternatives for the GMP and implementation plans specified above is published in volume 1.
Preparation of this document is required by, and adheres to a consent decree. On April 22, 1991, a consent decree was approved by and entered in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. The consent decree specified actions agreed to for resolving the dispute between the plaintiff, North Cascades Conservation Council, and defendants, Manuel Lujan, secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, James M. Ridenour, director of the United States National Park Service, Charles H. Odegaard, regional director of the United States National Park Service, Pacific Northwest Region, and John R. Earnst, superintendent of the North Cascades National Park Complex. The consent decree resulted from a lawsuit filed by the North Cascades Conservation Council (Civil Case No. C-89-1342D).
The final EIS analyzes the environmental consequences of the proposed action alternative, a no-action/minimum requirements alternative, and three other GMP and implementation plan alternatives for management and use of Lake Chelan NRA. The document provides a full discussion of the environmental impacts associated with the alternatives. Technical preparation of the EIS has been in compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality Other laws and executive orders that have directed this effort are described in the document text where appropriate. Site- specific environmental compliance will be done at a later time at the design phase as appropriate.
ISSUES AND CONCERNS
In developing this document, numerous issues and concerns were identified by the consent decree and through scoping. Several of these issues and concerns are listed below.
Protection of water quality
Water rights and protection of resources
Man-caused channel modification of the Stehekin River
Air pollution! acid precipitation impacts on resources
Protection of wetlands
Impacts of sand, rock, and gravel extraction on vegetation, wildlife, and scenic quality
Barging of sand, rock, and gravel from outside the recreation area
Amounts of sand, rock, and gravel available for private use
Forest fire management
Unnatural and dangerous levels of forest fuel accumulations
Cutting of green trees for firewood
Gathering of dead and downed wood for firewood
Amounts and sources of firewood
Barging of firewood from outside the recreation area
Impacts of additional electrical generation facilities on air quality and valley growth and development Protection of threatened, endangered, or rare species
Impacts of nonnative species
Impacts of grazing by horses on natural vegetation in wilderness
Impacts of campfires on meadow vegetation in wilderness
Impacts of removing dead wood used for campfires in wilderness
Cultural resource protection
Airstrip provision of access to the Stehekin Valley
Airstrip use for search and rescue and fire control staging
Airstrip use for emergencies
Airstrip provision of a special recreational experience
Safety of the airstrip
Impacts of the airstrip on scenic quality
Impacts of the airstrip on wetlands
Impacts of airplane use on natural sights and sounds expected by visitors
Impacts of access provided by the roads Impacts of road repair and maintenance on natural resources and the regional economy
Impacts of road closures
Impacts of accidental spills or leakage of toxic substances
Development by the National Park Service
Impacts of valley growth and development
Changes in the size and character of the Stehekin community
Impacts of development on sensitive and scenic natural areas
Adequacy and impacts of land protection plan
Adequacy and impacts of compatibility standards
Number and kinds of services provided by the National Park Service
Number and kinds of services provided by the private sector
PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE DRAFT DOCUMENT
The Draft General Management Plan / Implementation Plan Alternatives / Environmental Impact Statement for Lake Chelan National Recreation Area was made available for public review from August 26, 1994, to November 1, 1994. Approximately 750 copies of the document were distributed to agencies, elected officials, organizations, and individuals. In addition, three public hearings were held in Chelan, Seattle, and Stehekin, Washington, in October 1994. Approximately 950 comment letters and 107 oral comments were received during the comment period. The letters and transcripts of oral comments of agencies, elected officials, and organizations are reprinted in volume 2, Comments and Responses,o f the final EIS, and responses from the National Park Service are included where appropriate. Letters and transcripts from individuals that raised substantive comments are also reprinted, with NPS comments where needed.
CONCEPT AND DESCRIPTION
Under the proposed action, the rustic setting of Lake Chelan NRA would be part of a transition from the downlake recreational, residential, agricultural, and industrial setting to the very wild and natural North Cascades National Park. The use of recreation area resources by visitors and residents would be managed in order to preserve the natural, scenic, and cultural values of the area.
The National Park Service would not manipulate the Stehekin River or its tributaries nor manipulate woody debris except to protect public roads and bridges. Woody debris could be trimmed or turned in the lower 9 miles of the Stehekin River to allow safer recreational use of the river for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing if it did not alter the function or stability of woody debris accumulations and was permitted by the appropriate regulatory agency. Woody debris would not be removed from the river system in any case. The Park Service also would discourage private landowners from manipulating the Stehekin River or removing woody debris. If such actions would harm recreation area resources or would not be in compliance with local, state, or federal ordinances, regulations, or laws, the Park Service would take appropriate action.
The active sand, rock, and gravel borrow pit would be maintained at less than or equal to its current size. No new borrow pits would be opened. Old inactive borrow pits would be restored to natural-like contours and vegetative cover as appropriate. Allocation of pit material for private use would be based on available supply, resource impacts, and type of use. Pit material sold to the public would be at fair market value. No sand, rock, or gravel would be removed from the 100-year floodplain of the Stehekin River or its tributaries.
Fire suppression, prescribed natural fire, management-ignited prescribed fire, and selective manual fuel reductions would be used to improve wildland fire protection for human life and property; to manage for late- succession stage in ponderosa pine/Douglas fir forest; and to monitor and evaluate manual thinning and prescribed fire effects over time.
Human- and lightning-caused fires on the valley floor would be suppressed for the protection of human life and property.
Selective manual thinning and management-ignited prescribed fire would be used in forest fuel reduction areas to accomplish the following objectives:
Selective manual thinning would precede management-ignited prescribed fire treatment in some of the forest fuel reduction areas. Coniferous trees may be thinned in riparian communities within the fuel reduction areas.
The practice of woodlot cutting for firewood would be phased out over a two-year period while the forest fuel reduction areas are established.
When available, firewood would be provided from the following sources:
Firewood would be provided at fair market value. There would be no guarantee of firewood cordage per year. The firewood supply would probably diminish over the long term.
The Golden West Lodge and the High Bridge Historic District would be rehabilitated, and the Buckner homestead and orchard would be preserved. Significant parts of the Buckner collection should be acquired. Some artifacts should be maintained onsite for interpretation, and others should be stored in a curatorial facility constructed outside the valley but within Chelan County.
The airstrip would be operated under a special use permit with the Washington State Department of Transportation for private, noncommercial use by the public. Some NPS and concession seasonal housing, maintenance, and related facilities would be consolidated beside the airstrip in such a way as to not impair aircraft operations.
The Stehekin Valley road between the Landing and Harlequin Bridge would remain a two-lane paved road; from Harlequin Bridge to 9-Mile, it would become a single-lane, paved road with pullouts; from 9-Mile to High Bridge, a single-lane, gravel road; and from High Bridge to Cottonwood, a heavy-duty. high-clearance shuttle vehicle road.
Unconstrained private vehicle use would end at High Bridge. Private vehicle use from High Bridge to Bridge Creek would be allowed, but traffic flow would be regulated by season of year and/or hour of day. Public shuttle service would be provided from the Landing to Cottonwood. Only the public shuttle service, hikers, horses, and bicycles would be allowed to use the road from Bridge Creek to Cottonwood. The National Park Service would seek a concessioner to replace the NPS-operated public shuttle service. Frequency of shuttle service would increase over the current rate. Fare structure would provide discounts for frequent and local public shuttle users.
Company Creek road would be maintained in its current alignment. This road would be protected from river erosion at two locations with structures designed to withstand frequently recurring floods and made from rock, soil, and native vegetation.
Stehekin Landing would be redesigned to improve visitor flow and parking and to relocate lodging and other facilities away from geohazards. Relocation would occur as the end of the life cycle of structures was reached.
Land protection would emphasize high flood influence areas, wetlands, riparian areas, and high visual sensitivity areas.
The current capacity of concession services for food and lodging would increase somewhat. The Park Service would provide services essential for resource protection and visitor health and safety. There would be a fair-share charge for these services. Private contracts would be used where appropriate.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
The proposed action generally would have beneficial effects on natural river processes and habitat for fish and other aquatic species, including restoration of about 27 acres of the Stehekin River floodplain and reduced instream modifications. Acquiring interests in private lands would eventually provide additional long-term protection for another 149 acres of floodplain. Potentially hazardous conditions associated with flooding would be substantially reduced by relocating NPS facilities and acquiring land interests located in floodplain or geohazard areas.
Approximately 26 acres of habitat in or near wetlands would be restored where possible and another 63 protected by acquiring interests. Existing road disturbance and vegetation management activities to maintain the airstrip would adversely affect 6.7 acres of vegetated wetlands. Generally there would be beneficial effects on wetlands.
A total of 146 acres of riparian communities would be protected or restored, and up to 74 acres would be affected by prescribed fire. Given that there are only 936 acres of riparian land on the valley floor, this would be a major beneficial impact on community- level biodiversity in the valley.
A total of 140 acres of upland communities would be protected or restored, 9 acres would be lost, and 636 acres would be affected by prescribed fire and thinning.
The proposed action would enhance the integrity of existing native fish habitat and populations and would also help restore native cutthroat and bull trout populations in part of their historic habitat within the Stehekin drainage.
There would be no effect on existing bald eagle use of the area; possible effects on long-term recovery of the local population are unknown. Northern spotted owls and grizzly bears are not likely to be adversely affected, although impacts would be both beneficial and adverse. Gray wolves would be beneficially affected.
The proposed action would provide protection in addition to that provided by existing laws and regulations for water resources. Only minimal lakeshore erosion would be caused by wave action from boat or floatplane traffic compared to that caused by lake elevation fluctuation and natural wave action.
Compared to existing conditions, the proposed action would substantially increase some energy-related air pollutants within the Stehekin Valley. particularly for oxides of nitrogen if demand for electricity increases. Conversion to high-efficiency woodburning stoves and other energy conservation measures would help reduce some air pollutant emissions. Increases in dust and vehicle and prescribed fire emissions would adversely affect the recreation area's air quality.
Visual resources would be improved, while the opportunity to experience these resources by residents and visitors to the valley would become more confined as views from trails, the valley road, and the river became more enclosed and constricted.
A systematic and comprehensive program for the preservation, protection, and interpretation of cultural resources in the Lake Chelan NRA would be conducted in conformance with the park complex Resource Management Plan. The program would provide for the preservation of significant cultural resources illustrating the history of the area and for additional efforts directed toward management of the area's cultural resources and historic landscapes. One historic and two prehistoric archeological sites could be affected.
A wide spectrum of visitors would have diverse means of access to prime natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources without significantly affecting park resources or degrading the experiences of other visitors.
Moderate increases in visitor arrivals (40%-45%) would cause moderate increases in vehicular congestion and noise in the valley. Increased use would require increased maintenance of facilities, roads, and trails. Existing and proposed new facilities would meet the additional demand.
The proposed action would have moderate but positive effects on the regional economy. By 2007 visitor arrivals and lodging spaces would increase by about 40%. Visitor expenditures and total employment would increase by about 37%.
The net fiscal impacts on the Chelan County general and road funds would be a positive, resulting in a higher surplus in 2007 than in 1992. The school district is expected to have 24 pupils in 2007 and would generate a higher net fiscal surplus than in the 1992-93 school year.
Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) No. 1 supplies power on a chronically deficit basis for the Stehekin system. Power costs are a limiting factor to Stehekin growth. A rate increase may be necessary over the next 15 years.
NPS-provided activities and their costs would expand in response to growth in visitor use and development levels. These services include sewer and water at the Landing, waste disposal, and road maintenance.
The Park Service would require compatibility of uses and would pursue land acquisition as sellers became willing and funds became available.
CONCEPT AND DESCRIPTION
Under this alternative, Lake Chelan NRA would be a rural resort community where resources are used, within limits, by an expanding residential presence. This alternative is the 1988 GMP and supporting plans.
River erosion and flooding would be controlled only to protect life, health, existing public roads, and bridges. Immediate flood hazards to private property would be alleviated using minimum actions.
The currently active sand, rock, and gravel borrow pit would be reclaimed as new excavation occurred. The size of the pit would remain constant. New pits would be established if the existing pit was depleted. Mining of sand, rock, or gravel from the 100- year floodplain of the Stehekin River or its tributaries could occur only if there were no adverse impacts.
Where feasible, federal lands would be treated with prescribed fire to reduce fuels. A program would be implemented to reduce hazardous fuels adjacent to developments and private land. Naturally ignited fires burning under prescribed conditions would be suppressed in the lower Stehekin Valley.
Firewood would be obtained from harvesting 1-acre woodlots managed on an 80-year rotation for sustained-yield production. Administrative surplus trees cut by the National Park Service and driftwood from the lake also would be used as firewood.
The Golden West Lodge would be rehabilitated, and the Buckner homestead and orchard would be preserved. A small collection storage facility should be provided in the lodge or other NPS structure in the valley for storage of collection items.
The airstrip would be operated under a special use permit with the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The Stehekin Valley road between the Landing and Harlequin Bridge would remain a two-lane paved road: from Harlequin Bridge to Bridge Creek it would be maintained as a single-lane, gravel road; and from Bridge Creek to Cottonwood Camp, as a primitive road allowing safe vehicle passage. Company Creek road would be maintained in its current condition. Emergency repairs and reopening of the road following flood damage would be performed.
NPS and concession seasonal housing would remain at the Landing and throughout the valley. NPS administrative offices would remain at the Landing. NPS maintenance and related facilities would remain at the Harlequin Bridge area.
Land protection would emphasize wetlands, shoreline characteristics, high scenic quality. water quality, visitor access, restriction of unsightly development, and development on areas with gradients greater than 20%.
Services to accommodate existing and reasonable demand for expanded recreational experiences would be provided. The National Park Service would provide services essential for resource protection and visitor health and safety. Private contracts would be used where appropriate.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
This alternative would have the least beneficial effects on natural river processes and habitat for fish and other aquatic species. Less than 1 acre of the Stehekin River floodplain would be restored. Acquiring interests in private lands with the owner's consent would eventually provide additional long-term protection for another 61 acres of floodplain. Potentially hazardous conditions associated with flooding and other geological hazards would not be substantially reduced. The potential for designation of the Stehekin River as a wild and scenic river would not be compromised.
Only 10 acres of habitat in or near wetlands would be restored where possible and another 11 acres protected by acquisition. Road disturbance and vegetation management activities would adversely affect 11.7 acres of wetlands. River manipulation and erosion and runoff from roads could also adversely affect an unknown amount of wetlands. The no action/ minimum requirements alternative would have the least beneficial impact on wetlands.
A total of 25 acres of riparian communities would be protected, and up to 130 acres would be lost. This would be a major adverse impact on riparian communities in the valley. The community-level biodiversity of the park complex would be adversely affected through impacts from this alternative.
This alternative would provide only limited additional protection for existing native cutthroat and bull trout populations and would not reestablish native fish populations in the Stehekin drainage.
Gray wolves and grizzly bears would continue to be adversely affected from the upper valley road, the loss of riparian areas, and general high levels of human activity in the lower valley. Existing bald eagle use would not be affected. Northern spotted owls would be adversely affected from multiple sources. These would combine to possibly preclude the potential nesting use of the lower valley by owls. Potential and occupied northern goshawk nesting sites could be adversely affected from human activities. The harlequin duck would be adversely affected from the loss of riparian areas and the continued construction of river control structures. The species-level biological diversity of the park complex would be adversely affected through impacts from this alternative.
This alternative provides some protection in addition to that provided by existing laws and regulations for water resources.
Compared to existing conditions, the no- action/minimum requirements alternative would increase the total energy-related air pollutant emissions within the Stehekin Valley by 12%, particularly for oxides of nitrogen if demand for electricity increases. Conversion to high-efficiency woodburning units and other energy conservation measures would help reduce some air pollutant emissions. Prescribed fire emissions and increases in dust and vehicle emissions would adversely affect the recreation area's air quality.
The incremental development of public facilities as well as an expanding private residential presence associated with the no-action alternative would affect visual resources. The shoreline of the lake and private parcels of land located on the river or along the Stehekin Valley road would be developed to service visitors or for private residences. Demands by both residents and visitors for additional services and facilities would create changes to the resources in the valley. These changes would affect visually sensitive areas and key viewpoints.
Cultural resource management actions would be more limited than under the proposed action, resulting in the possible deterioration or loss of some cultural resources and elements of the historic landscape and the lack of an interpretive program.
Visitors would have diverse means of access to prime natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources without significantly affecting park resources or degrading the experiences of other visitors.
Moderate increases in visitor arrivals (30%) would cause moderate increases in vehicular congestion, noise, and potential accidents in the national recreation area compared to existing conditions. Increased use would require increased maintenance of facilities, roads, and trails. Existing facilities would meet the additional demand.
The no-action/minimum requirements alternative would have modest positive impacts on the regional economy. By 2007 visitor arrivals and lodging spaces would increase by about 30%. Visitor expenditures are projected to increase accordingly. When all direct, indirect, and induced affects are counted, total FTE employment, earnings, and output are projected to increase substantially above 1992 levels.
The net fiscal impacts on the Chelan County general and road funds would have a higher surplus in 2007 than 1992. The school district is expected to have 28 pupils in 2007, with a net fiscal surplus slightly lower than 1992-93 school year.
Chelan County PUD No. 1 operates the Stehekin system at a deficit. This would continue under this alternative.
Services provided by the National Park Service and their costs would expand by the full-implementation year, 2007.
Community economic impacts would be favorable due to gradually increased commercialization of visitor services. The Park Service would purchase land as sellers became willing and funds became available.
CONCEPT AND DESCRIPTION
Under alternative A, Lake Chelan NRA would be a wild, natural area where resources and natural processes would be largely undisturbed and protected. Natural forces would be allowed to slowly remove evidence of manmade occupation.
Removal of existing river control structures would be pursued, and new river shoreline or bank protection structures on both federal and nonfederal lands would be prohibited. The removal or manipulation of woody debris from the river would be prohibited.
The mining of sand, rock, and gravel would be prohibited within the valley. All borrow pits would be restored to natural contours and vegetative cover.
Natural ignitions would be suppressed on the valley floor for the protection of human life and property. Management-ignited prescribed fire would be used to achieve desired stand conditions.
Woodlot cutting of firewood would stop immediately and the use of administrative wood would be phased out.
The Golden West Lodge would be rehabilitated; the associated historic cabins would be removed. The High Bridge Historic District would be rehabilitated. A minimum amount of Buckner artifacts should be acquired for interpretive purposed, and the remaining artifacts removed from Stehekin Valley by the family.
The airstrip would be closed and restored to natural conditions.
The Stehekin Valley road between the Landing and Cottonwood Camp would be converted to a trail. Nonmotorized modes of transportation would be used on this trail. Company Creek road would be converted to a trail.
All NPS and concession housing and maintenance and related facilities would be substantially reduced and located at the Landing. NPS recreation area headquarters would be in Chelan, and a reduced office space would remain at the Landing. All lodging would be removed. Appropriate areas at the Landing and other areas in the Stehekin Valley would be restored to natural conditions.
Land protection would involve acquisition, on a willing seller/willing buyer basis, or by eminent domain authority, all private lands within the recreation area. Acquisition would be with fee title purchase method.
Only those services that promote solitude and primitive recreational experiences would be provided. Services essential for resource protection and visitor health and safety would be provided.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
Overall, compared to the other alternatives, alternative A has the greatest long-term beneficial impacts on natural resources. For natural river processes and habitat for fish and other aquatic species, this would include restoration of 90 acres of the Stehekin River floodplain and removal of instream modifications. Acquiring private lands with the owner's consent would eventually provide additional long-term protection for another 167 acres of floodplain. Potentially hazardous conditions associated with flooding would be reduced substantially by removing NPS buildings, facilities, and roads, and acquiring private land now located in floodplain or other geohazard areas.
A total of 67 acres of habitat in or near wetlands would be restored where possible, and another 63 acres would be protected by acquisition. In addition, 315 acres of riparian communities and 247 acres of upland communities would be protected or restored.
Under this alternative, the integrity of existing native fish populations and habitat would be enhanced, and native cutthroat and bull trout populations would be reestablished in most of their historic habitat within the Stehekin drainage on NPS lands.
Both the upper and lower valley would be permanently protected and available as habitat for all species. For gray wolves, grizzly bears, Pacific fishers and possibly California wolverines -- all wide-ranging predators -- this is particularly important given the valley's unique geographic and ecologic position in the surrounding ecosystem. Potential nesting habitat for northern spotted owls, bald eagles, and northern goshawks would be available for recolonization, assisting in meeting the goals of recovery plans for the first two species. Harlequin ducks would not be displaced from important breeding habitat. Forest habitat for flammulated owls, Vaux's swifts, pileated woodpeckers, and western gray squirrels would be protected permanently.
Potential water resource impacts would be reduced substantially by restoring most land disturbance and minimizing use of fuels and other toxic materials. Only minimal lakeshore erosion would be caused by wave action from boat or floatplane traffic compared to that caused by lake elevation fluctuation and natural wave action.
Alternative A would have the greatest long term beneficial impact on air quality. Compared to existing conditions, alternative A would eventually decrease the total energy-related air pollutant emissions within the Stehekin Valley by 99%. Diminishing vehicle use and revegetation of disturbed areas would also gradually improve air quality. Natural wildland fires would adversely affect the recreation area's air quality.
Visual resources would be enhanced. The potential to experience these resources by visitors to the area would be limited because of the reduction in viewing opportunities due to the elimination of culturally manipulated open spaces and restricted views from the shoreline and the valley road / trail.
Cultural resource management actions would be limited, resulting in the deterioration or loss of significant historic landscapes and historic properties and the lack of an interpretive program. There would be no impacts on any known archeological sites.
Visitors would have more opportunities for nonmotorized activities and fewer opportunities for motorized activities. Elderly, sedentary, and disabled visitors would have few opportunities to experience national recreation area resources and values.
Slight decreases in visitor arrivals and closing the airstrip and roads would eventually eliminate most vehicular congestion, noise, and potential accidents in Lake Chelan NRA. All maintenance equipment and activities to support motorized vehicles on the roadway system would eventually be eliminated. Landing facilities would be modified to meet pedestrian needs.
Alter native A would have modest negative effects on the regional economy. By 2007 visitor arrivals would decline about 7% from 1992. Lodging spaces would decline substantially to about 27% of the 1992 level. Visitor expenditures would decline to a level somewhat below that in 1992. Total direct, indirect, and induced effects generate employment, earnings, and output below those for 1992.
The net fiscal effects for the Chelan County general and road funds would be the lowest of the alternatives. The school district is projected to have 14 pupils and the lowest net fiscal balance (revenues in excess of expenditures) of the five alternatives.
Chelan County PUD No. 1 would have a lower operating deficit and might even break even on operations. NPS-provided public services would decline especially in view of the withdrawal of concession-provided food and lodging.
Impacts on the community by the year 2007 would be slightly negative. The NPS pursuit of land purchase and compatibility of uses would be more stringent than in 1992. Business might switch to some extent to the private sector after NPS withdrawal from food! lodging provision. However, overnight visits would likely decline sharply without NPS support. Economic survival for non NPS local residents would be more difficult.
CONCEPT AND DESCRIPTION
Under alternative B, Lake Chelan NRA would be a rural woodland gateway to the North Cascades where the use of resources by visitors and residents would be limited in order to preserve the natural, scenic, and cultural values of the area.
Riverbank protection structures would be allowed for protection of existing improvements only if no adverse impacts on the natural environment would result. The National Park Service would only consider the removal of woody debris that was a recreational hazard.
The mining of sand, rock, and gravel in the valley would be prohibited, but material could be barged in from outside the valley. All old borrow pits would be restored to natural contours and vegetative cover as appropriate. No sand, rock, and gravel would be removed from the 100-year floodplain of the Stehekin River or its tributaries.
Fire suppression, prescribed natural fire, management-ignited prescribed fire, and selective manual fuel reductions would be used to improve wildland fire protection for human life and property; to manage for late succession stage inn ponderosa pine/Douglas fir forest; and to monitor and evaluate manual thinning and prescribed fire effects over time.
Human- and lightning-caused fires on the valley floor would be suppressed for the protection of human life and property.
Selective manual thinning and management ignited prescribed fire would be used in forest fuel reduction areas to accomplish the following objectives:
Selective manual thinning would precede management-ignited prescribed fire treatment in some of the forest fuel reduction areas. Coniferous trees may be thinned in riparian communities within the fuel reduction areas.
The practice of woodlot cutting for firewood would be phased out over a two-year period while the forest fuel reduction areas are established.
When available, firewood would be provided from the following sources:
Firewood would be provided at fair market value. There would be no guarantee of firewood cordage per year. The firewood supply would probably diminish over the long term.
The Golden West Lodge would be rehabilitated; the associated historic cabins would be retained. The High Bridge Historic District would be rehabilitated. A collections storage/museum curatorial facility should be constructed in Stehekin Valley.
The airstrip would be closed. Some NPS and concession housing, maintenance, and related facilities would be consolidated on and beside the closed airstrip.
The Stehekin Valley road between the Landing and Harlequin Bridge would remain a two-lane paved road: from Harlequin Bridge to High Bridge it would be reduced to a single-lane gravel road with pullouts; and between High Bridge and Cottonwood Camp the road would be converted to a pedestrian trail. Company Creek road would be maintained in its current alignment except for a 200-yard section that would be removed and replaced with a 0.9-mile section located away from active river erosion.
Stehekin Landing would be redesigned to improve visitor flow and parking and to relocate the lodging and other facilities away from the geohazards. Relocation would occur as the end of the life cycle of structures was reached.
Land protection would emphasize high flood influence areas, wetlands, riparian areas, and high visual sensitivity areas. Other land use control on private land would be done by Chelan County.
Services to accommodate existing and reasonable demand for expanded recreational experiences would be provided. The National Park Service would provide services essential for resource protection and visitor health and safety. Private contracts would be used where appropriate.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
This alternative would generally have beneficial effects on natural river processes and habitat for fish and other aquatic species, including restoration of 26 acres of the Stehekin River floodplain. However, instream modifications could adversely affect natural river processes and aquatic habitat. Acquiring interests in private lands with the owner's consent eventually would provide additional long-term protection for another 153 acres of floodplain. Potentially hazardous conditions associated with flooding would be reduced substantially by relocating most NPS facilities and acquiring land interests now located in floodplain or geohazard areas.
Approximately 18 acres of habitat in or near wetlands would be restored where possible and another 63 protected by acquiring interests. Existing road disturbance would continue to adversely affect about 1.2 acres of wetlands.
A total of 144 acres of riparian communities would be protected or restored, and up to 74 acres would be affected by prescribed fire. A total of 81 acres of upland communities would be protected or restored, and 636 acres would be affected by prescribed fire and thinning.
Alternative B would enhance the integrity of existing native fish populations and habitat and would also reestablish native cutthroat and bull trout populations in part of their historic habitat within the Stehekin drainage.
Impacts on threatened, endangered, or rare species are largely the same as those for the proposed action with the following exceptions. Three spotted owl nest sites would be better protected by the closure of the road between High Bridge and Bridge Creek. The closure of the upper valley road may benefit gray wolves, grizzly bears, Pacific fishers, and harlequin ducks.
Alternative B would reduce impacts on water resources compared to existing conditions. Only minimal lakeshore erosion would be caused by wave action from boat or floatplane traffic compared to that caused by lake elevation fluctuation and natural wave action.
Impacts on air quality would be the same as for the proposed action, except above High Bridge where vehicle-caused pollution would be less.
Under alternative B, visual resources would be improved. The opportunity to experience these resources by residents and visitors to the valley would increase because of the development of a vista and view clearing component to the vegetation management plan.
Cultural resource management actions would be limited, resulting in the deterioration or loss of significant historic landscapes and historic properties and the lack of an interpretive program. There is a possibility that one historic and two prehistoric archeological sites would be affected. No significant adverse effects are anticipated.
Impacts on visitor experiences would be the same as those for the proposed action, with greater access to river rafting and more limited access to interpretive activities.
Impacts on access and transportation would be similar to those for the proposed action.
Similar to the proposed action, alternative B would have moderate but positive effects on the regional economy. By 2007, visitor arrivals and lodging spaces would increase by 40%. Visitor expenditures and total employment would increase by about 37%.
The net fiscal impacts on the Chelan County general and road funds would have a higher surplus in 2007 than in 1992. The school district is expected to have 24 pupils in 2007 and would generate a higher net fiscal surplus than in the 1992-93 school year.
Chelan County PUD No. 1 supplies power on a chronically deficit basis for the Stehekin system. Power costs are a limiting factor to Stehekin growth. A rate increase may be necessary over the next 15 years.
NPS-provided activities and their costs would expand somewhat in response to growth in visitor use and development levels.
Impacts on the community would be generally favorable. The National Park Service would require compatibility and would pursue land acquisition as sellers became willing and funds became available.
CONCEPT AND DESCRIPTION
Under alternative C, Lake Chelan NRA would be a retreat/refuge/resort where resources and natural processes are showcased for the enjoyment of visitors.
Protection of existing public or private improvements threatened by river erosion and flooding would be allowed. Removal and manipulation of woody river debris that causes severe erosion problems or safety hazards, including hazards to recreational activity. would be allowed.
The currently active sand, rock, and gravel borrow pit would be reclaimed as new excavation occurred. The size of the pit would remain constant. New pits would be established if the existing pit was depleted. Mining of sand, rock, or gravel from the 100- year floodplain of the Stehekin River or its tributaries could occur only if there were no adverse impacts.
Selective manual forest fuel reduction techniques would be used in selected areas rather than management-ignited prescribed fire to reduce hazard forest fuel loadings. Human- and lightning-caused fires on the valley floor would be suppressed for the protection of human life and property.
Woodlot cutting would be stopped within the next two years to allow the establishment of Company Creek road designated firewood area.
Firewood when available would be provided from the following sources:
When fewer than 120 cords are supplied from administrative sources, an additional supply would be provided that, when added to the administrative wood, would not total more than 120 cords of firewood. The 120-cord limit should be reduced by an estimate of the amount eliminated by NPS conversions to other energy sources.
Selective cutting techniques would be used for the additional supply that comes from a designated area. These techniques are intended to retain the genetic stock of dominant trees of a species, preserve all existing layers of the vegetative community. and otherwise leave intact all elements and processes of the ecosystem.
All public lands within 250 feet of the Company Creek road or any historic roads on the south side of the river would be included within a designated area. The boundary of the designated area would be drawn on a map. No firewood cutting would be permitted in wetlands.
The Golden West Lodge, High Bridge Historic District, and Buckner homestead and orchard would be rehabilitated. A collection storage / museum curatorial facility should be constructed in Stehekin Valley.
The airstrip would be managed by the National Park Service for emergency use only.
The Stehekin Valley road between the Landing and Harlequin Bridge would remain a two-lane paved road: from Harlequin Bridge to High Bridge it would become a single-lane, paved road with pullouts; from High Bridge to Cottonwood Camp it would be maintained in its current condition except for some minor safety and comfort improvements. Company Creek road would be maintained in its current alignment except for a 300-yard section that would be removed, rehabilitated, and replaced with a 1.4-mile section located away from active river erosion.
Some NPS and concession seasonal housing, maintenance, and related facilities would be consolidated beside the airstrip in such a way as to not impair aircraft operations. The Landing would be redesigned to improve visitor flow and parking and to relocate facilities away from the geohazards. Lodging would be expanded and relocated from the Landing to the Rainbow Falls site.
Land protection would emphasize high flood influence areas, wetlands, and high visual sensitivity areas. Other land use control on private land would be done by Chelan County.
Services that promote expanded recreational experiences would be provided. Services to accommodate existing and reasonable demand for expanded recreational experiences would be provided. The National Park Service would provide services essential for resource protection and visitor health and safety. Private contracts would be used where appropriate.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
This alternative would generally have beneficial effects on natural river processes and habitat for fish and other aquatic species, including restoration of 16 acres of the Stehekin River floodplain. Instream modifications could adversely affect natural river processes and aquatic habitat. Acquiring interests in private lands with the owner's consent eventually would provide additional long-term protection for another 118 acres of floodplain. Potentially hazardous conditions associated with flooding would be reduced substantially by relocating most NPS facilities and acquiring land interests now located in floodplain or geohazard areas.
Alternative C generally would have beneficial effects on wetlands. Approximately 17 acres of wetlands would be restored where possible and another 63 protected by acquiring interests. Existing road disturbance and vegetation management activities to maintain the airstrip would adversely affect about 6.7 acres of vegetated wetlands.
A total of 70 acres of riparian communities would be protected or restored, and up to 74 acres would be affected by prescribed fire. A total of 53 acres of upland communities would be protected, and up to 837 acres would be affected by prescribed fire, thinning, and firewood cutting.
Alternative C would provide additional protection for existing native cutthroat and bull trout populations. Native fish populations may become reestablished in portions of the Stehekin drainage because of supplemental stocking and control of nonnative species.
This alternative would have the greatest impacts on sensitive wildlife species. Expected levels of development and human activity in the lower valley would represent a permanent loss of this area as usable habitat for the following species: gray wolf, bald eagle (nesting), grizzly bear, northern spotted owl (nesting), Pacific fisher, northern goshawk (nesting), and possibly harlequin duck The species-level biological diversity of the park complex would be adversely affected under this alternative.
Alternative C would reduce impacts on water resources compared to existing conditions. Only minimal lakeshore erosion would be caused by wave action from boat or floatplane traffic compared to that caused by lake elevation fluctuation and natural wave action.
Compared to existing conditions, alternative C would increase the total energy-related air pollutant emissions within the Stehekin Valley by 27%, particularly for oxides of nitrogen if demand for electricity increases. Conversion to high-efficiency woodburning units and other energy conservation measures would help reduce some air pollutant emissions. Increases in dust, vehicle, and prescribed fire emissions would adversely affect the recreation area's air quality.
Overall, the increased emphasis on commercial activities and the new development required to meet all future demands would place stress on the visual resources in the Stehekin Valley. In the short term, there are sufficient areas of low sensitivity, where visual resource constraints are minimal, to accommodate this demand. As the demand increased and development followed that demand, the possibility of development affecting visual resources also increases. In addition, more and more people would be encountered on the road, on trails, and at viewpoints and historic sites, thus affecting the visual experience.
Cultural resource management actions and their impacts would be the same as those under alternative B.
A wide spectrum of visitors would have diverse means of access to prime natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources with some impacts on park resources and the experiences of other visitors.
Major increases in visitor arrivals (105%-110%) would cause substantial increases in vehicular congestion, noise, and potential accidents in the national recreation area compared to existing conditions. Increased use would require increased maintenance of facilities, roads, and trails. New or improved facilities would be needed at the Landing to meet the additional demand. Alternative C would have the highest positive impacts on the regional economy. By 2007 visitor arrivals and lodging spaces would increase. Visitor expenditures are also the largest among the five alternatives. The total direct, indirect, and induced activities are projected to generate workers, earnings, and output at more than double those of 1992.
The net fiscal impacts on the Chelan County general and road funds would have a higher surplus in 2007 than in 1992. The school district is expected to have 32 pupils in 2007.
Service demands and costs would increase for the Chelan-Douglas Health District and Chelan County PUD No. 1, although these are funded by fees. NPS-provided services and costs would also expand substantially.
Community effects would reflect less stringent NPS policies regarding commercialization of visitor services, resource use compatibility. and land purchase. Local residents would have greater business opportunities, but might face competition from outsiders.
As the nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has basic responsibilities to protect and conserve our land and water, energy and minerals, fish and wildlife, parks and recreation areas, and to ensure the wise use of all these resources. The department also has major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.
NPS D-190 June 1995.
http://www.nps.gov/noca/lcgmp.htm