`
`April 6, 2021
`
`
`Filed Electronically
`
`
`Ms. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary
`Federal Energy Regulatory
`Commission Attention: OEP/DHAC
`888 First Street, NE
`Washington, DC 20426
`
`
`
`
`
`Subject: P-2242 Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project License
`Article 17. Vegetation Management Plan. Section 4.7: Develop a comprehensive plan and
`schedule for promoting recruitment of dead wood habitat.
`
`Article 18. Wildlife Management Plan. Section 4.5: Develop a terrestrial Wildlife Habitat
`Management Plan.
`Request for Extension of Time: Changes to Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat and Dead Wood
`Habitat Due to Holiday Farm Fire and New Acquisition Opportunities.
`
`Dear Secretary Bose:
`
`On May 17, 2019, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued to the Eugene Water &
`Electric Board (EWEB) an Order Issuing a New License (167 FERC ¶ 61,152) for the Carmen-Smith
`Hydroelectric Project, Project No. 2242 (Project).
`
`Article 18 in Appendix G of the License requires EWEB to implement the Wildlife Management Plan
`(Exhibit D to the November 2016 Amended and Restated Settlement Agreement). Section 4.5 of the
`Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) requires EWEB to manage a minimum of 343 acres of Project and
`non-Project lands for terrestrial wildlife habitat. Within two years of License issuance, EWEB is to
`develop the Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, including “the number of acres to be managed and the
`habitat objectives for those acres.”
`
`Additionally, Article 17 in Appendix G of the License requires EWEB to implement the Vegetation
`Management Plan (Exhibit E to the November 2016 Amended and Restated Settlement Agreement).
`Section 4.7 of the Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) requires EWEB to develop, also within two years
`of License issuance, a “comprehensive plan and schedule for promoting recruitment of dead wood
`habitat…designed to increase the habitat quality and connectivity for wildlife species such as
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`

`

`invertebrates, mollusks, amphibians, woodpeckers, and mammals.” This plan will include staggered snag
`recruitment and 300 linear feet per acre of large downed wood.
`
`Initially, EWEB had identified the Leaburg Forest as providing the majority of the 343 acres of terrestrial
`wildlife habitat. In 2020, EWEB presented a process to the Wildlife Working Group (WWG) to pursue
`enhancement of the Leaburg Forest to satisfy these License requirements. While the WWG continued to
`consider this option, the idea of acquiring and managing other highly suitable private lands near the
`project area was also discussed. A recent wildfire in the area has significantly changed our opportunities
`to promote dead wood and other terrestrial wildlife habitat. This has prompted us to apply for
`extensions of time on these two plans and schedules.
`
`Impact of Holiday Farm Fire
`On September 7, 2020, under extremely dry and windy conditions on the west side of the Cascades
`mountains, a wildfire started along Highway 126 west of McKenzie Bridge near Vida, Oregon, known as
`the Holiday Farm Fire. The Holiday Farm Fire burned on Willamette National Forest lands, Bureau of
`Land Management lands, Oregon Department of Forestry lands, and privately owned lands. By October
`12, 2020, the Holiday Farm Fire had burned 173,393 acres and was 96% contained. EWEB had to cancel
`a planned site visit for the WWG to the Leaburg Forest scheduled for November 30-December 1, 2020,
`due to ongoing impacts from the Holiday Farm Fire as well as the risks of social gathering during the
`COVID-19 pandemic.
`
`The Holiday Farm Fire did not significantly affect the Leaburg Forest location and the forest’s vertical
`structure remains intact. In contrast, the fire dramatically affected nearby lands within the McKenzie
`River Watershed. EWEB, in conversations with WWG members, has realized that the opportunity to
`restore some of these burned lands may provide long-term benefits for terrestrial wildlife habitat, for
`reducing soil erosion, and for improving water quality, especially if we were able to seed and plant these
`lands quickly.
`
`
`Current Progress
`EWEB and other Settlement Parties are considering substituting these fire-affected lands in the Wildlife
`Management Plan, including three units of burned private timberlands, each comprised of between one
`and three parcels, upstream of the Leaburg Forest and adjacent to the McKenzie River. To that end,
`EWEB is pursuing a joint project with McKenzie River Trust (MRT), which is already in the process of
`acquiring lands and restoring riparian habitat in three parcels along the McKenzie River referred to as
`Blue River, Quartz Creek, and Ennis Creek. EWEB is exploring the option of funding MRT to additionally
`acquire and restore adjacent, upland areas of these three units where there could be multiple resource
`benefits.
`
`EWEB has planned site visits for WWG members to the units planned for MRT acquisition in the first and
`second quarters of 2021. If this land option is approved by the WWG, EWEB would seek an amendment
`to substitute in the Wildlife Management Plan available lands of fire-affected properties through a
`partnership with MRT, with some part or combination of the Blue River, Quartz Creek and Ennis Creek
`units. Upon approval by the WWG and Commission of EWEB’s proposal and successful acquisition of the
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`

`lands by MRT, EWEB will develop management plans in concert with MRT to manage the lands for
`terrestrial wildlife and dead wood habitat.
`
`Consultation Record
`In a combined working group meeting on December 10, 2020, EWEB presented the option described
`above of partnering with MRT to purchase and conserve in perpetuity fire-affected lands, and WWG
`members expressed initial support. Noting that some areas of the potential land acquisition consist of
`steep slopes, the WWG also requested that EWEB consider future partnership to acquire properties with
`high quality early seral vegetation characteristics when available. EWEB also described that this process
`would likely require a Request for Extension of Time for License-required wildlife habitat documents.
`
`EWEB conducts consultation with other Carmen License Settlement Parties according to section 4.2 of
`the Settlement Agreement, which requires a minimum of 30 days for Settlement Parties to review
`consultation materials. Accordingly, EWEB initiated consultation on this formal extension request with
`all Vegetation and Wildlife working group members on February 24, 2021. Section 4.2.2 of the
`Settlement Agreement requires that EWEB convene a meeting of the working group during the
`consultation period; on March 8, 2021, EWEB convened the annual meeting of the wildlife and
`vegetation working groups, and discussed the proposed changes and extension request for the
`Terrestrial Habitat Management Plan and dead wood habitat plan.
`
`The working group is interested in the opportunity to restore the MRT parcels, and understands that
`pursuing any land acquisition is a process that takes extensive time. Some members are interested in
`determining if there may be options to proceed with some portions of the work at this time, while
`delaying full determination of additional acres until a later date.
`
`In addition, the Forest Service wildlife biologist at the McKenzie River ranger district reviewed this
`extension request and provided edits.
`
`
`Request for Extension of Time
`This Request for Extension of Time is based on the desire expressed by EWEB and members of the WWG
`for EWEB to pursue terrestrial wildlife habitat outside of the Leaburg Forest and the new opportunities
`for habitat improvement that have resulted from the fire.
`
`EWEB requests an 18-month extension to the Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat Management Plan and to the
`comprehensive plan and schedule for promoting recruitment of dead wood habitat. An 18-month
`extension to these interconnected License requirements would be until November 16, 2022. This
`extension will facilitate EWEB, McKenzie River Trust, Wildlife Working Group members, and FERC to
`review and discuss land acquisition and management that is designed to meet the terrestrial wildlife
`habitat and dead wood habitat requirements under the License.
`
`
`If you have any questions, please contact me at 541-685-7120, or scarlett.philibosian@eweb.org.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`
`

`

`Scarlett Philibosian
`Regulatory Specialist
`
`Enclosures:
`a) Carmen-Smith work group meeting summary for multiple working groups, Dec 10, 2020 (see
`item 2, “Terrestrial wildlife habitat update”)
`b) Notice of extension request consultation, Feb 23, 2021
`c) Carmen Smith 2021 Annual meeting summary, March 8 2021 (see item 18, “Terrestrial Wildlife
`Habitat updates”)
`d) Carmen-Smith Settlement Agreement vegetation and wildlife work group membership as of
`03/25/2021
`e) Draft EOT request with edits from Forest Service wildlife biologist
`
`cc:
`
`Carmen-Smith Wildlife and Vegetation working groups
`EWEB: Lisa Krentz, Chris Taylor, Records Retention Center
`
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`Carmen-Smith Work Group Meeting Summary for Wildlife; Roads, Waste Areas, and
`Staging Areas; and Recreation & Aesthetics Work Groups
`
`December 10, 2020
`9:30-11:05 am
`
`Materials distributed to relevant work groups
`1. Agenda
`2. Memo regarding potential new opportunities for the terrestrial wildlife habitat
`management plan
`3. Culvert assessment analysis report and plan for upgrade
`4. Proposed amendment to the Recreation and Aesthetics Management Plan (RAMP)
`5. Summary of substantive edits to the RAMP
`
`
`Meeting summary
`
`
`
`1. New EWEB Wildlife biologist update. EWEB is partly through the process of
`hiring a new wildlife biologist and more information will be shared when possible.
`
`2. Terrestrial wildlife habitat update. Patty presented an overview of different
`options potentially available to meet terrestrial wildlife habitat requirements. These
`options are also outlined in the memo previously distributed to the Wildlife working
`group.
`
`• Leaburg Forest, which was not significantly impacted by the Holiday fire, is
`still available if agencies want EWEB to pursue that option. Currently EWEB
`is looking at the Cogswell Creek Area for inclusion as wildlife habitat.
`• There are new, potential opportunities for up to ~460 acres of terrestrial
`wildlife habitat restoration, in partnership with the McKenzie River Trust
`(MRT). As part of its mitigation requirements, Bonneville Power Authority is
`funding MRT to acquire some land and restore riparian habitat in three
`parcels along the McKenzie River. MRT started the acquisition process in
`spring 2020. There are also some adjacent, upland areas of these three units
`that EWEB might be able to fund MRT to also acquire and restore (if the
`wildlife working group is interested). The three units are referred to as Blue
`River, Quartz Creek, and Ennis Creek.
`• Properties may or may not be required to be part of the FERC Carmen
`Project boundary.
`• Continuing with either Leaburg Forest or MRT acquisition options will likely
`require a FERC extension request, due to recent fires in the river valley.
`• Currently, the Leaburg Forest is already managed for wildlife habitat and/or
`sustainable timber. The potential MRT parcels substantially burned in the
`
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`Holiday Farm fire. The current timber industry owner is salvage logging about
`half of the Quartz Creek unit. The other two units are too steep to be salvage
`logged.
`• Ruby (Forest Service) noted that the MRT-acquisition area will be an
`intensive effort to restore, more so than would the Leaburg Forest, but could
`result in more total acres for wildlife habitat, which would be good. Of
`particular interest is the Blue River unit, which contains Western pond turtle
`habitat. It would be useful if EWEB could coordinate a field visit to the three
`potential upland parcels, especially because the Forest Service is not familiar
`with the Ennis Creek or Quartz Creek units. February or later when weather
`is good would be an appropriate time.
`• Daniel Dietz (MRT) noted that the upland portion of the Blue River parcel
`probably does not include potential pond turtle habitat. Ruby recognizes that
`BPA is funding restoration of the side channels themselves, but since the
`upland area is adjacent to the side channels, it would still be great to restore.
`• Bill Richardson (Rocky Mtn Elk Foundation) noted that if the upland areas of
`these three potential parcels have >20% slope, elk are unlikely to select that
`area for foraging, even if it contains the right plant forage species. Ruby
`noted that it might be possible to acquire the portions of the units that are
`<20% slopes and include some buffer around that as well. Scarlett to follow
`up on slope of most of the upland portions of the units, and how much
`variation?
`• Bill noted that the Leaburg Forest is not of great interest to Rocky Mtn Elk
`because the Forest management is not focused on early seral habitat and
`the forest does not have a clear nexus to the Carmen project. Scarlett
`reminded the work group that about 234 acres under the transmission line
`are already providing or slated to remain as early seral habitat, and the
`remaining 100ish acres are simply required to be managed for “terrestrial
`habitat,” not necessarily early seral for elk and deer.
`In the context of the Carmen vegetation and wildlife plan requirements,
`Shane Kamrath (Forest Service) supports MRT acquisition of 40 acres of the
`Northeast corner of the upland areas in the Blue River unit, which has pond
`turtle habitat. Update 12/11/2020: Shane also expressed concern about the
`other two units (Ennis and Quartz creeks) if they are restored to early seral
`habitat: this may actually increase elk mortality through collisions because
`these two units are near to feeder roads onto Hwy 126.
`• John Zauner (ODFW) will discuss these three potential units with the wildlife
`biologist at the Springfield office.
`• Daniel noted that MRT does have landowner permission to visit all three
`parcels. Scarlett to coordinate with Daniel for a field visit of these three units
`in Q1 2021 with interested wildlife working group members, while following
`covid safety protocols.
`• Ruby and Shane (Forest Service) asked if there is still a possibility to acquire
`private timber lands in the area adjacent to the Carmen t-line corridor, pole
`#s 89-94. This area is believed to not be affected by the recent fire. Bill
`Richardson agreed that this other parcel would be of great benefit to elk and
`deer. Update 12/11/2020: Shane also noted that it would be helpful if a
`parcel like this could have periodic prescription burns and be seeded with lots
`of low-growing grasses and forbs that are high quality elk forage. This land
`
`•
`
`Page 2 of 5
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`also has flat slope, southern exposure, and well drained soils, which are not
`always present underneath the T-line.
`• Patty noted that the landowner was not interested in selling last year, but she
`would be open to a terrestrial wildlife plan that specifically allowed for the
`possibility of acquiring this parcel in the future. Bill offered to reach out to the
`private timber landowner, but only if he has support from the wildlife working
`group and financial backing from EWEB. Patty to work with Bill, Shane, and
`other wildlife working group members to plan another inquiry to the
`landowner.
`
`3. Feedback on 2020 weed survey and dead wood habitat survey
`• Ruby enquired if EWEB is managing vegetation in the bare soil areas. Kris
`noted that EWEB has distributed over 50 lb of Forest Service-approved
`native seed mix in the Deer Creek portion of the T-line and in the area of
`McKenzie River Drive.
`• Ruby asked for information about the use of downed wood from this survey
`for in-stream habitat enhancement, because the wood is needed for
`terrestrial habitat. Kris and Scarlett noted that the surveyor screened all the
`downed wood for meeting the terrestrial downed wood criteria and/or the in-
`stream aquatic wood criteria, which is more restrictive. Right now EWEB has
`no plans to move this downed wood into streams.
`• Ruby asked if dead wood can be moved only to the extent necessary to
`provide access to the T-line and not further. Kris noted that it is entirely
`possible that downed wood gets left where it falls, or possibly is moved to a
`more wood-starved area along the T-line.
`• Scarlett noted that the surveyor found dead wood in only two areas: slightly
`downstream of the Trail Bridge dam, and near the downstream terminus of
`the transmission line.
`• Ruby enquired about the diameter of each survey point for weeds and
`downed wood. Kris to follow-up.
`• Ruby asked about the plan for creating snags, which is also dead wood. Kris
`noted that EWEB will be creating 500 snags in the T-line area, as well as a
`planning for the second recruitment and possibly a third. Each snag will last
`only 15-20 years. This planning will start in January 2021. Scarlett noted that
`the incoming wildlife biologist will also be involved on this project.
`• Ruby asked if the north part of Smith Reservoir will be surveyed in 2021. Kris
`noted that this area will be surveyed next year, because there will be a
`comprehensive survey of the Project area for weeds, culturally significant
`plants, and protected plant species simultaneously.
`• Ruby asked for information about the Norway maple surveyed at the
`Carmen-Smith Operations Office. Kris noted that it is an invasive maple. Kris
`to follow up with Krista if Forest Service would like this to be
`treated/removed.
`
`4. Consultation on culvert assessment analysis report and plan for upgrade
`• Dan Olmstead gave an overview of the methods used to assess all 140
`Carmen project area culverts for maintenance needs and for ability to pass a
`100-year flood. These methods are also described in Dan’s culvert report that
`is in consultation. Brandon Green (Forest Service) noted that the culvert
`evaluation looks good.
`
`Page 3 of 5
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`• Dan to email Kenny and Brandon another copy of the culvert report.
`• The survey found a multitude of minor maintenance needs for the culverts,
`which EWEB is working on.
`• The 100-year flood assessment found that most culverts are able to pass this
`amount of water. Five culverts need to be upsized or have more major
`maintenance to be able to pass a 100-year flood event. Brandon suggested
`that Dan consider if inlet controls, by installing bevels on pipes, might be able
`to increase a culvert’s ability to pass water.
`• Three of the five culverts are not on fish-bearing streams, and one of these
`three may be able to pass the 100-year flood once it is cleaned out and the
`road around it is repaired. This is because, once the road itself is built back
`up, relatively more water during an event would collect behind the road,
`increasing water pressure enough to transport the collecting flood water
`through the culvert.
`• Two of the five culverts are on fish-bearing streams, even though one of the
`culverts appears in the map to not be on a stream at all. One of the culverts
`on a fish-bearing stream along FR -252 already provides fish passage but it
`will need to be upsized to also provide 100-year flood capacity.
`• Brandon and Dan confirmed that the undersized culvert on FR -280 is on
`Forest Service land.
`• The RWMP (4.3) requires EWEB to prioritize culvert work based on “the
`potential impact and ecological value of the riparian resources affected.”
`Scarlett requested that working group members consider if one of the fish-
`bearing stream culverts is more important than the other, and also if any of
`the non fish-bearing stream culverts have relatively important ecological
`impact. Brandon noted that one of the culverts on a non-fish bearing stream
`that needs to be upsized is near the Deer Creek restoration area, which
`might present some relatively higher ecological impact. Brandon reminded
`EWEB that any new culverts need to meet Forest Service standards for fish
`(RBOW?)
`• Scarlett asked working group members to please finish reviewing by
`December 21.
`
`5. Consultation on proposed amendment to the Recreation and Aesthetics
`Management Plan
`• Recreation site prescriptions are proposed to be updated to align with current
`Forest Service direction, per RAMP sections 3.1, 5.3.
`• Universal Accessibility prescriptions are removed in some places to align with
`EWEB’s ability to meet current ADA standards. We are proposing to add
`Forest-Service specific UA standards to both shoreline trails (Smith and Trail
`Bridge).
`• Proposing to remove prescription for attracting recreators to potentially
`dangerous river reach conditions.
`• Carmen Diversion Reservoir prescriptions not changed (waiting for more
`information from FERC about long-term reservoir elevations).
`• Jon Erickson (Forest Service) noted that he will need more time review these
`proposed changes. Scarlett reminded working group members to finish
`reviewing by January 4.
`11:05 Meeting adjourned.
`
`
`
`Page 4 of 5
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`

`Invitee List
`First Name
`
`Last Name
`
`Organization
`
`Attending?
`
`Laddie
`Patty
`Christine
`Daniel
`Lauren
`Jon
`Krista
`Chandra
`Kenny
`Ann
`Brandon
`Matt
`Laurel
`Brad
`Andrew
`Al
`Shane
`Michael
`
`Mike
`Emily
`Laura
`Dan
`Scarlett
`Bill
`Ruby
`Darek
`Kris
`Andrea
`Andy
`Chris
`Jon
`Stan
`
`Tori
`Dave
`John
`
`
`
`
`
`Arient
`Boyle
`Champe
`Dietz
`Dusek
`Erickson
`Farris
`Ferrari
`Gabriel
`Gray
`Green
`Helstab
`Hillmann
`Houslet
`Janos
`Johnson
`Kamrath
`Karnosh
`
`Kennedy
`Long
`Ohman
`Olmstead
`Philibosian
`Richardson
`Seitz
`Staab
`Stenshoel
`Sumerau
`Talabere
`Taylor
`Thomas
`Van de
`Wetering
`Wilder
`Wiley
`Zauner
`
`EWEB
`EWEB
`Stillwater Sciences
`McKenzie River Trust
`Stillwater Sciences
`US FOREST SERVICE
`US FOREST SERVICE
`Trout Unlimited
`US FOREST SERVICE
`US Fish and Wildlife Service
`US FOREST SERVICE
`US FOREST SERVICE
`Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
`Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
`EWEB
`US FOREST SERVICE
`US FOREST SERVICE
`Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of
`Oregon
`Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
`US FOREST SERVICE
`EWEB
`EWEB
`EWEB
`Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
`US FOREST SERVICE
`Trout Unlimited
`EWEB
`Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
`EWEB
`EWEB
`EWEB
`Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
`
`EWEB
`Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
`Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
`
`Yes
`Yes
`No
`Yes
`Yes
`Yes
`No
`No
`No
`Yes
`Yes
`No
`No
`No
`Yes
`Yes
`Yes
`No
`
`No
`Yes
`No
`Yes
`Yes
`Yes
`Yes
`No
`Yes
`Yes
`No
`Yes
`Yes
`No
`
`Yes
`No
`Yes
`
`Page 5 of 5
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`

`Scarlett Philibosian
`
`From:
`Sent:
`To:
`
`Cc:
`Subject:
`
`Scarlett Philibosian
`Tuesday, February 23, 2021 6:01 PM
`Robert Bumstead; Christine Champe; Chandra Ferrari; Ann Gray; Brad Houslet; Al
`Johnson; Shane Kamrath; Michael Karnosh; Mike Kennedy; Bill Richardson; Ruby Seitz;
`Derek Staab; Andrea Sumerau; Stan Van de Wetering; Dave Wiley; John Zauner; Annie
`Birnie; Krista Farris; Laurel Hillmann; Ken Homolka; Chris Stine; Trevor Taylor; Kate Wells
`Patty Boyle; Kris Stenshoel; Tori Wilder; Lauren Dusek; Scarlett Philibosian
`Carmen-Smith Notice of consultation: extension of time request to develop the
`terrestrial wildlife habitat plan and dead wood habitat plan
`
`Hello,
`
`EWEB is planning a combined extension of time request to develop the terrestrial wildlife habitat plan and dead wood
`habitat plan. These commitments come from the wildlife and vegetation management plans, respectively. We are
`planning a combined extension request because these plans will be developed simultaneously, are connected to each
`other, and our reasons for requesting more time are the same.
`
`Please follow the link below to a draft extension of time request with a detailed explanation of the issue. We welcome
`your feedback.
`
`If you would like to comment on this request, please insert comments in the file itself on Sharepoint, and/or come to the
`consultation meeting. Please make any comments by 5 pm Friday, March 26. The consultation meeting is scheduled for
`Monday, March 8 (invite previously sent).
`
`Please read these directions:
`1. You will need to be signed in to the Carmen Sharepoint site to access these documents. If you are not able to
`sign in or the links don’t work, let me know.
`2. Multiple people can edit the Sharepoint document simultaneously.
`2. Please insert comments (not in-line edits) in the word file.
`3. Whenever possible, limit edits to substantive issues (avoid grammar, formatting edits).
`4. Sharepoint will save your comments automatically.
`
`
`Extension of time request:
`https://kleinschmidtgroup.sharepoint.com/sites/projects/ewebcs/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx
`?RootFolder=%2Fsites%2Fprojects%2Fewebcs%2FShared%20Documents%2FMultiple%20Work%20Groups%2
`0Consultation%2FWildlife%20habitat%2Drelated%20extension%20requests&FolderCTID=0x012000B7E51122
`56A1E44D851423A61AAA8E77&View=%7B6E1CDD9A%2DA91B%2D4073%2DBEF5%2D4A0B728B72CC%7D
`
`Thank you,
`Scarlett
`
`
`—This message is sent to the Carmen-Smith Wildlife and Vegetation working groups. Please let me know if you would
`like to be removed, or if a representative should be added to this list.—
`
`1
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`
`
`
`
`Carmen-Smith 2021 Annual Meeting summary for:
`
`Wildlife Work Group
`Vegetation Work Group
`Transmission Line Work Group
`Roads, Waste Areas, Staging Areas Work Group
`
`
`
`March 8, 2021
`1:00-4:00 pm
`
`Materials distributed to relevant work groups prior to the meeting
`1. Agenda
`2. 2020 Annual Report
`3. Waste Area Procedures Plan (updated version)
`4. Extension of time request: easements for Project use of USDA Forest Service roads
`5. Staging areas design(s) for spawning channel construction
`6. Trail Bridge dam staging area design
`7. Treatment for Noxious/Invasive Non-Native Weeds and Revegetation/Enhancement
`Plan (TRP) (updated version)
`8. Transmission Line Management Plan (updated version)
`9. Botanical Resources and Dead Wood Habitat Survey Plan (Project Study Area)
`10. Combined extension of time request: comprehensive plan and schedule for
`promoting recruitment of dead wood habitat AND terrestrial wildlife habitat
`management plan
`11. Extension of time request: incidental take analysis for Northern spotted owl
`12. Extension of time request: conservation easements along the transmission line
`
`
`Meeting summary
`1. New work group members since December:
`• Jon Thomas at EWEB will be leading the Deer Creek t-line move project this
`year, in addition to continuing with the Roads & Waste work group.
`• Kate Wells at NMFS has joined the Carmen working groups Marc Liverman
`(now retired) was part of, including T-line and vegetation groups.
`• Lisa Krentz at EWEB is leading EWEB’s Generation department (Mike
`McCann retired).
`
`
`2. EWEB provided a list of projects that were fully completed in 2020. This included
`final versions about five plans, all of which may be periodically updated. They also
`started and completed the first construction project, which are the six natural
`resource protection gates on several Forest Service roads around the Project. Other
`commitments were also completed.
`
`
`3. EWEB completed a draft of its 2020 annual report, which covers all Carmen
`License-related work completed in 2020 and planned for 2021, expect for the
`Historic Properties commitments, which will be described in a separate annual
`report. Working groups did not have any feedback on the annual report at the
`meeting. Scarlett Philibosian (EWEB) noted that people can also submit comments
`Page 1 of 8
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`at two other annual meetings later this month, or directly on the report in the
`Sharepoint site by the end of the month.
`
`4. Consultation on extension of time request: easements for Project use of USDA
`Forest Service roads
`• Due to miscommunication, EWEB’s efforts so far to obtain formal “private” and
`“Forest” road authorization will not be useful for the final application. In January
`2021, we were also notified that formal surveys would be required as part of the
`easement.
`• Working group members did not have feedback about this extension request.
`Scarlett noted that people can view and make comments on the draft extension
`request letter to FERC through March 26.
`
`
`5. Waste area updates
`• Jon oriented the working group to the current waste areas in use or planned for
`future use at the Project—their relative location and general delineation. All of
`these waste areas are now described in the updated Waste Area Procedures
`document, which was also distributed to working group members earlier.
`• Two waste areas, at Peggy Creek and at Trail Bridge Access Road between t-
`line towers 8 and 9, are at least partially outside of the Project boundary. EWEB
`has applied for a special use permit at the Forest Service to be able to use these
`waste areas.
`• Chris Taylor’s group continues to perform waste area maintenance per the
`Waste Area Procedures (WAP) document
`• Scarlett asked Kenny Gabriel (Forest Service) if the Adit Road waste area, which
`is newly described in the Waste Area Procedures document, will need a planted
`visual buffer. Kenny thought this was unlikely because the trees along the main
`Smith Reservoir access road will probably be an adequate buffer—he will let
`EWEB know if otherwise.
`• There was no other feedback from the working group. Scarlett reminded people
`that they have through April 1 to make comments on the updated document.
`
`6. Staging area updates
`• Jon noted that EWEB’s staging areas within construction zones will not have
`a standalone plan, but we will notify the working group per the RWMP and
`send the staging area design for consultation. Staging areas outside of
`construction zones will have a standalone plan and design, and those plans
`will go to the working group for consultation.
`• Jon showed the working group the designs for the spawning channel and
`Trail Bridge dam staging areas, which were also previously distributed to the
`group. The spawning channel staging areas are currently scheduled to be
`used April 1, 2021 through 2023. The Trail Bridge dam staging area is
`currently scheduled to be used August 2021 through 2024.
`• There was no feedback from the working group on these two staging area
`designs. Scarlett reminded the working group that they have through March
`29 to send any comments, but as soon as possible is preferable because
`construction will be starting at the Spawning Channel soon.
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`• EWEB does not have current plans to use the Highway 126 staging area, but
`will let the work group know if that changes. Also, EWEB is planning a
`staging area for the 2021 Deer Creek T-line work, and that design is
`upcoming.
`
`7. Roads, Waste, Staging areas field inspection and maintenance
`• Chris Taylor (EWEB) noted that EWEB completed four repairs on roads and
`culverts in 2020.
`• Chris and his staff are planning to inspect the roads, culverts, and waste and
`staging areas in 2021, in time to develop the 2021 Annual Maintenance Plan this
`spring. This inspection will likely take place over multiple days; working group
`members should let Chris know if they would like to be part of the inspection.
`• EWEB performs routine maintenance needs without notifying the Forest Service,
`as allowed under the RWMP. EWEB notifies the Forest Service of any special
`maintenance needs, and the Forest Service inspects those particular locations
`prior to EWEB doing the maintenance/repair.
`
`8. Consultation on 2021 weed treatment plan update, TLMP update, and Plan for
`periodic plant surveys.
`
` •
`
` EWEB is proposing to update the Transmission Line Management Plan with
`current information about plant infestations in particular sections.
`• EWEB is proposing to update the Treatment for Noxious/Invasive Non-Native
`Weeds and Revegetation/Enhancement Plan (TRP). Kris Stenshoel (EWEB)
`gave an overview of the invasive plant work completed in 2020 and planned for
`2021, which is also detailed in the TRP.
`o Thistle, scotch broom, knapweed, and false brome are or will be targeted.
`The distribution of Scotch broom and false brome appear to be inversely
`related along the length of the Project boundary, with one species
`prevalent in the portion of the Project where the other species is less
`common.
`o The Oregon dept. of Agriculture provided some labor for invasive species
`work in 2020, but they are unlikely to be able to help again in 2021.
`• EWEB has drafted the Botanical Resources and Dead Wood Habitat Survey
`Plan, which details the survey of special status, culturally significant, and
`invasive plant species to be completed every five years, starting in 2021. The
`plan includes survey methods an