C05_Addendum 1_2021 NEPA Report for TS Trail Bridges Project.pdf

— Decision Memo —

DECISION MEMO

2021 CHATTOOGA RIVER RD TRAIL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

U.S. FOREST SERVICE

CHATTAHOOCHEE-OCONEE NATIONAL FORESTS

CHATTOOGA RIVER RANGER DISTRICT

HABERSHAM, WHITE, & RABUN COUNTY, GEORGIA

DECISION

I have decided to authorize the design and repair or construction of twelve (12) trail bridges on the Chattooga River Ranger District that were destroyed or severely damaged during a storm event on October 30th, 2020. Implementation of this project will allow for the Chattooga River Ranger District to provide a safe recreational experience for the public, reduce the establishment of user-created trails, and reduce impacts to riparian vegetation and aquatic habitats.

These twelve bridges are located on seven non-motorized trail systems across the Chattooga River Ranger District and include: Sourwood Trail (TR-155), Lake Russell Loop Trail (TR-73), Panther Creek Falls Trail (TR-27), Bartram Trail (TR-164), Raven Cliff Falls Trail (TR-22), Lick Log Access Trail (TR-83), and the Chattooga River Trail (TR-54). Given the Raven Cliff Falls Trail Bridge is located within the Raven Cliff Wilderness, additional analysis and consultation in the form of a Minimum Requirements Analysis Framework (MRAF) workbook will be required prior to implementation. Upon completion of the MRAF, construction shall be authorized to construct a new Wilderness bridge or alternative stream channel crossing feature, and documentation will be included in the project record.

This decision will allow for the use of motorized equipment to utilize these trail systems to access proposed trail bridge locations to complete geotechnical drilling, for which the results will be utilized to finalize engineering designs and locations of each new trail bridge. The location of the new bridges will be located within the existing trail corridor unless the underlying geology will not meet minimum engineering safety standards of the bridge specifications.

This decision will further allow for the use of motorized equipment, such as track hoes and skid steers to remove the existing trail bridge infrastructure, install new footings and stabilization features, and placement of a new trail bridge span. Vegetation on both sides of the crossing may be disturbed and/or removed prior to and/or during construction. Best management practices to prevent nonpoint-source water pollution, such as brush barriers, silt fencing, and/or coir matting will be implemented to reduce erosion and minimize sedimentation.

PURPOSE & NEED/ PROPOSED ACTION

The purpose of this project is to re-establish a safe and sustainable trail infrastructure system on the Chattooga River Ranger District following the destruction and/or severe damage to 12 trail bridges during a storm event that occurred on October 30th, 2020. These trail bridges provided foot traffic access across small to moderate size stream channels, with generally steep walled channel banks. The loss of these 12 bridges has required the recreating public to either wade across the stream or find alternative crossings such as logs or large rocks. The Forest has observed extensive user-created trails where the public is crossing these stream channels. This has resulted in impacts to streambank stability, loss of riparian vegetation, and potential for increased sediment to aquatic habitats. The replacement of these bridges will eliminate the need for the public to utilize these user-created trails, thus result on improved riparian and stream channel habitat conditions.

In general, these streams channels are prone to high flow flood events that can pose a significant risk to the public while crossing without the use of a bridge. There is a need to collect site-specific data collection at each bridge location to assist in the engineering designs to ensure the Forest is providing a safe and sustainable recreational hiking experience. The final design of each bridge will further take into consideration the surrounding landscape and need to meet scenic integrity objectives for that given management prescription.

This Decision will authorize the design and implementation of the following trail bridges on the Chattooga River Ranger District. Trail Bridge site maps for each of the below listed trail bridges are included in Appendix A.

Lake Russell Loop Trail Bridge (1); 080306-73-0.10 (see Figure 1; Appendix A): Final design and location will be determined following geotechical drilling completed at the previous bridge location to establish 100-year flood plain and determine underlying geology. The new bridge will be constructed of glue laminate material. Access to site will be by foot from the Nancytown Lake spillway parking lot. Final bridge designs will be included in project record.

Lake Russell Loop Trail Bridge (2); 080306-73-2.18 (see Figure 1; Appendix A): Final design and location will be determined following geotechnical drilling completed at the previous bridge location to establish 100-year flood plain and determine underlying geology. The new bridge will be constructed of glue laminate material. Mechanical equipment to be used for geotechnical drilling and construction will not exceed a tread width 60”. Access to the bridge location will be along the existing trail prism where it crosses the spillway. Final bridge designs will be included in project record.

Sourwood Trail Bridge; 080306-155-1.8 (see Figure 1; Appendix A): Final design and location will be determined following geotechnical drilling completed at the previous bridge location to establish 100-year flood plain and determine underlying geology. The new bridge will be constructed of glue laminate material. Mechanical equipment to be used for geotechnical drilling and construction will not exceed a tread width 60”. Access will be from Red Root Road (FS Road #92) and use the existing trail prism to access the site. Bridge will be constructed using glue laminate timbers and drilling will determine final bridge designs. Final bridge designs will be included in project record.

Panther Creek Trail Bridge (1); 080306-72-1.38 (see Figure 2; Appendix A): Final design and location will be determined following geotechnical drilling completed at the previous bridge location to establish 100-year flood plain and determine underlying geology. The new bridge will be constructed of glue laminate material. Mechanical equipment to be used for geotechnical drilling and construction will not exceed a tread width 60”. Access to the Panther Creek Trail and the bridge location will be from an existing non-system road that intersects with Gibson Road in Habersham County. This non-system road terminates approximately 20’ from the Panther Creek Trail (Figure 2; Appendix A). The existing road prism will be brushed with hand tools for better access of trail equipment and be rehabilitated to pre-project conditions when work is completed. No new undisturbed areas will be used for access. In addition to repairs on bridge, an existing fill slope embankment failure shall be repaired. The failure is approximately 35’ length x 4’ wide x 6’ deep. Final bridge designs will be included in project record.

Panther Creek Trail (2); Bridge 080306-72-1.93 (see Figure 2; Appendix A): Final design and location will be determined following geotechnical drilling completed at the previous bridge location to establish 100-year flood plain and determine underlying geology. The new bridge will be constructed of glue laminate material. Mechanical equipment to be used for geotechnical drilling and construction will not exceed a tread width 60”. Access to the Panther Creek Trail and the bridge location will be from an existing non-system road that intersects with Gibson Road in Habersham County. This non-system road terminates approximately 20’ from the Panther Creek Trail (Figure 2; Appendix A). The existing road prism will be brushed with hand tools for better access of trail equipment and be rehabilitated to pre-project conditions when work is completed. No new undisturbed areas will be used for access. Final bridge designs will be included in project record.

Panther Creek Trail (3); Bridge 080306-72-2.11 (see Figure 2; Appendix A): Final design and location will be determined following geotechnical drilling completed at the previous bridge location to establish 100-year flood plain and determine underlying geology. The new bridge will be constructed of glue laminate material. Mechanical equipment to be used for geotechnical drilling and construction will not exceed a tread width 60”. Access to the Panther Creek Trail and the bridge location will be from an existing non-system road that intersects with Gibson Road in Habersham County. This non-system road terminates approximately 20’ from the Panther Creek Trail (Figure 2; Appendix A). The existing road prism will be brushed with hand tools for better access of trail equipment and be rehabilitated to pre-project conditions when work is completed. No new undisturbed areas will be used for access. Final bridge designs will be included in project record.

Bartram Trail-Becky Branch Bridge; 080306-164-18.84 (Figure 3; Appendix A.): Final design and location will be determined following geotechnical drilling completed at the previous bridge location to establish 100-year flood plain and determine underlying geology. The new bridge will be constructed of glue laminate material. Mechanical equipment to be used for geotechnical drilling and construction will not exceed a tread width 36”. Access onto the Bartram Trail will be from the intersection of the trail and Warwoman Road. In addition to repairs on bridge, an existing fill slope embankment failure shall be repaired. The failure is approximately 20’ length x 4’ wide x 6’ deep. Final bridge designs will be included in project record.

Bartram Trail-Dicks Creek Falls; Bridge 080306-164-9.250 (Figure 4; Appendix A.): Final design and location will be determined following geotechnical drilling completed at the previous bridge location to establish 100-year flood plain and determine underlying geology. The new bridge will be constructed of glue laminate material. Mechanical equipment to be used for geotechnical drilling and construction will not exceed a tread width 60”. Access will be via the Chattooga River/Dicks Creek Falls Trail from Sandy Ford Road. Equipment may drive around several large standing trees to mitigate potential residual damage from mechanized equipment.

This bridge location is located within the Chattooga River Wild & Scenic River Corridor. The final design will be complaint with the Wild & Scenic River Act, specifically objectives related to maintaining the Outstanding Remarkable Values (ORVs) within this section of the corridor.

Bartram Trail-Adeline Branch Bridge; 080306-164-2.74 (Figure 5; Appendix A.): This project will repair the existing bridge infrastructure, and stabilization of the streambanks to protect the bridge from impacts of high flow events. This will be achieved through installation of rock filled welded-wire gabion baskets on the streambanks. Ground based mechanical equipment, with tread widths not to exceed 60” will be utilized to complete these activities.

Access will be via Willis Knob horse trail from Forest Service Road 157.

Chattooga River Trail-Lick Log Trail; Bridge 080306-54-6.79 (Figure 6; Appendix A.): Final design and location will be determined following geotechnical drilling completed at the previous bridge location to establish 100-year flood plain and determine underlying geology. The new bridge will be constructed of glue laminate material. Mechanical equipment to be used for geotechnical drilling and construction will not exceed a tread width 60”. Approximately 20 water diversion berms (3.5 depth 9' length x 5' wide) that are on this trail may require removal to allow mechanical equipment to access the bridge location. These water diversion berms will be reconstructed post-project to mitigate potential erosion and sedimentation. As this bridge is located within the Chattooga River Wild & Scenic River Corridor, the Forest will complete two design alternatives following collection of geotechnical drilling data. Both design alternatives will be completed by a certified architect, where the scenic integrity objectives and requirements under the Wild & Scenic River Act will be met. The design alternative that best meets the requirements of the WSR Act, scenic integrity objectives, structural integrity, and impacts to natural resources will be selected. Up to 6 trees may be removed due based on final design of the bridge at the current bridge site location.

Following completion of the bridge construction, barricade posts will be installed at the Lick Log Trailhead to eliminate illegal motorized access into the Chattooga River WSR by the public.

Chattooga River Trail-Pool Creek; Bridge 080306-54-0.75 (Figure 7; Appendix A.): Final design and location will be determined following geotechnical drilling completed at the previous bridge location to establish 100-year flood plain and determine underlying geology. The new bridge will be constructed of glue laminate material. Mechanical equipment to be used for geotechnical drilling and construction will not exceed a tread width of 60”. Access will be via the Chattooga River Trail on the north side of Highway 76. To allow for access of mechanical equipment, an approximate 280’ x 10’ wide section of vegetation located directly adjacent to Highway 76, and within the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) right-of-way, will be cleared. The area cleared of vegetation will be seeded with native species at the completion of the project. Although the location of the bridge is outside of the Chattooga River Wild & Scenic River Corridor, a portion of the Chattooga River Trail to be utilized to access this site is.

Sections of trail that are damaged or impacted by means of mechanical equipment access to the bridge location will be rehabilitated following construction of the bridge. Final bridge designs will be included in project record.

Ravens Cliff Wilderness Bridge (Figure 8; Appendix A.): The Raven Creek Falls Trail and location of the original bridge is entirely located within the designated boundary of the Raven Cliff Wilderness Area. Therefore, prior to any construction activities or final design approval, former bridge location a Minimum Requirement Analysis Framework (MRAF) would be completed. The MRAF will assist the Forest in ensuring the engineering design and construction activities will comply with the Wilderness Act and further identify necessary mitigations to reduce impact to the identified wilderness characteristics. The use of mechanized equipment to access or construct a bridge at this site is not authorized. In addition to the Wilderness Act, the design and construction of this bridge will comply with Forest Service standard bridge designs, while further considering the need to provide safe and reasonable access to public lands.

Alternatives may include reconstructing the new bridge using the same design and materials as the original wooden log structure. Additional alternatives may include the use of non-traditional designs such as placement of large steppingstones. Access will be via the Ravens Cliff Hiking Trail via foot traffic.

REASONS FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION OF PROJECT

This action is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental impact statement (EIS) or an environmental assessment (EA). The applicable category of actions is identified in agency procedures as NEPA Category 36 CFR 220.6 (e)(1) of the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, Chapter 30, Section 32.2. This category of action(s) is applicable because the scope of work involves construction and/or reconstruction of trails. Actions that fall in this category normally do not individual or cumulatively have a significant effect on the quality of the human environment and are therefore excluded from documentation in an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

No extraordinary circumstances exist in the project area. Forest Service interdisciplinary personnel have reviewed the "extraordinary circumstances" identified in 36 CFR 220.6(b) and have examined the potential effects. Specifically, I have considered the following in this determination:

• The potential effects of the proposed project on Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive (PETS) species and their habitats [36 CFR 220.6(b)(i)] is documented in the project-level Biological Evaluation (project file). Based on previous surveys in the project vicinity and existing habitat conditions, this project is not likely to adversely affect Indiana bats or their roosting/maternity habitat because the likelihood of their use of the area is discountable. This project is not likely to adversely affect the northern long-eared bat; there are no effects beyond those previously disclosed in the programmatic biological opinion on implementing the final 4(d) rule dated January 5, 2016, signed by Lynn Lewis.

• There will be no flood plains, wetlands or municipal watersheds affected by this decision [36 CFR 220.6(b)(ii)].

• This decision does not approve any project within a designated wilderness area not consistent with Wilderness Management. An MRAF to complete said work is also underway to analyze the least impactful way to reestablish a safe and sustainable stream crossing that is consistent with the Wilderness Act.

• There are no national recreation areas, inventoried roadless areas, or research natural areas affected by this decision [36 CFR 220.6(b)(iii, iv and v)].

• This action is categorically excluded from the full review procedures under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. There are no historic properties affected [36 CFR 800.4(d)(l)], and thus no effect on the cultural resources by the project [per Cultural Heritage Review (project file)]. Therefore, the project will not affect American Indian or Alaska Native religious or cultural sites, archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas [36 CFR 220.6(b)(vi)].

• This action does not set a precedent influencing approval of future actions with significant effects. This action does not create highly uncertain, unique, or unknown environmental risks. The effects on the quality of the human environment are not likely to be highly controversial. Care has been taken to address known concerns and mitigate effects to the natural resources of the area under application.

• This action does not threaten to lead to violations of Federal, State or local laws imposed for the protection of the environment.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

Phone comments were solicited from the Chattooga Conservancy, Chattooga River Ranger District CoTrails Group, & The Bartram Trail Association and comments were positive.

Additional field trips to bridge locations were conducted with Chattooga Conservancy, and the Bartram Trail Association. Recognition for the need to replace these trail bridges was consistent with all parties. The need to implement trail bridges consistent with management guidelines set forth in the CONF LRMP, the Wilderness Act, and the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act was further a shared concern. All parties agreed that the design of trail bridges must not only meet all applicable engineering standards, but also the need to consider and adhere to achieving a minimal impact on the visual qualities of the surrounding landscapes.

FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS

This decision is consistent with the Forest Plan for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (Management Bulletin RS-MB 113A; January, 2004) as required by the National Forest Management Act of 1976. The trail bridge replacement project authorized by this decision is located within NFS lands designated by the Forest Plan as Management Prescriptions (MRx) Areas 4.F Scenic Area (Lake Russell Loop Trail Bridges), 9.H Management, Maintenance, and Restoration of Plant Associations (Sourwood Trail & Adeline Branch), 4.H Outstandingly Remarkable Streams (Panther Creek Bridges), 8.A.1 Mid to Late Successional Forest Emphasis (Pool Creek Bridge), and 2.A.1 Designated Wild Rivers (Dicks Creek Falls & Lick Log Creek Bridge).

This decision conforms to the relevant management prescription area emphasis, goals, objectives, and standards of the Forest Plan that apply to this type of action. The following Forest Plan direction applies to this action:

Forest-wide Direction:

• FW-070 - Implement current Georgia Rules and Regulations for Water Quality

Control for all projects as a minimum to meet water quality objectives. Georgia 's Best Management Practices for Forestry (BMPs) will be met or exceeded to meet water quality objectives. (Forest Plan, p. 2-22)

• FW-121 - Promptly implement mitigation measures. for recreation uses causing unacceptable resource impacts to return conditions to be within acceptable limits, or if not possible, stop the use and rehabilitate the affected areas. (Forest Plan, p.

2-33)

• FW-129 - During active projects, all trails, ditches, and other associated improvements in the project area are kept free of logs, slash, and debris. Any trail, ditch, or other improvement damaged by operations is promptly repaired. (Forest Plan, p. 2-33)

• Goal 31 - Provide a spectrum of high quality, nature-based recreation settings and opportunities that reflect the unique or exceptional resources of the Forest and the interests of the recreating public on an environmentally sustainable, financially sound, and operationally effective basis. Adapt management of recreation facilities and opportunities as needed to shift limited resources to those opportunities.

(Forest Plan, p. 2-31)

• Goal 32 - Provide for the physical security of the forest visitor commensurate with the recreation setting. (Forest Plan, p. 2-32)

• Goal 34 - Trails do not adversely affect soil and water resources. (Forest Plan, p. 2- 32)

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW (APPEAL) OPPORTUNITIES

As a result of two acts the Forest Service will no longer offer notice, comment, and appeal opportunities pursuant to 36 CFR 215 for catego1ically excluded projects.

These legislative changes and the new direction issued by the chief do not limit the public's ability to comment on Forest Service projects and activities. For categorically excluded projects, the Forest Service will continue to offer public involvement opportunity as per 36 CFR 220.

IMPLEMENTATION DATE

This decision may begin immediately following the issuance of this decision memo.

CONTACT

For additional information concerning this decision, contact: Gregg Slezak, Zone Silviculturalist via phone at (706) 754-6221 ext. 135 (Gregg.Slezak@usda.gov) or Ryan Foote at (706) 754- 6221 ext. 100 (Ryan.Foote@usda.gov).

Ryan Foote Date District Ranger

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

APPENDIX A - TRAIL BRIDGE LOCATION SITE MAPS

Figure 1: Lake Russell Loop & Sourwood Trail Bridge Map

Figure 2: Panther Creek Trail Bridges Map

Figure 3: Bartram Trail-Becky Branch Bridge Map

Figure 4: Bartram Trail-Dicks Creek Bridge Map

Figure 5: Bartram Trail – Adeline Branch Bridge Map

Figure 6. Chattooga River Trail- Lick Log Branch Bridge

Figure 7: Chattooga River Trail – Poole Creek Bridge Map