Sierra Pacific Industries clearcut THP near North Fork American River

PANORAMIO Photo by PaddleFish

THP 2-13-009 PLA (Square Root THP) Sierra Pacific Industries, 233 acres; 73% clearcut, 18% commercial thin, 5% shelterwood, 4% selection, misc roadside logging.  Long Canyon, Brushy Canyon (MD: T13N R12E Sec.3, 4, 6, 8, 10).  Winter operations, moderate erosion hazard, 3 unstable areas, road failure site, steep slopes up to 60%, steep roads, 3 oversized units, herbicides, 5 CA spotted owl territories within 1.3 mi, 4 goshawk territories within 2.8 mi, CA red legged frog within 1.25 mi, foothill yellow legged frog sightings, trees up to 103 years old.  Estimated public comment deadline: 04/29/13.

This THP is generally east of Sacramento and I-80, about 14 miles east of the community of Foresthill near the North Fork of the American River at an elevation of 3,400 to 4,500 feet.  Sierra Pacific Industries is planning a tractor and cable logging operation that will mostly clearcut and thin mixed conifer stands up to 103 years old.  The THP area contains some steep slopes and 3 unstable areas mostly from legacy mining impacts.  SPI is planning to build a temporary road around one of the unstable areas, and use ground based equipment on steep slopes over 65% in cable unit 101.  They are also requesting an exception to be able to construct and use temporary roads during the winter period, and to be able to use a skid road near a class II watercourse.  There were 4 goshawk territories reported in the area ranging from .1 mi up to 2.8 mi away, and 11 CA spotted owl territories reported in the area from .25 mi to 5.5 mi away. More information is available on the THP Tracking Center website.

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