84 



aauatic naoitats for tne uniaue genetic stocks tnat evoivea witmn that soecific 

 geo-cnrnatic region. 



Key Watersheds are being identified by aetermining wnich watersneds are 

 important to "at risk" stocks, ana currently are in "gooa" conaition. cr have a hion 

 potential for restoration. Key watersneas wiil receive too priority for watershed 

 analysis, maintenance and restoration activities. 



Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs) wnere particular management 

 sensitivity is warranted are being aefined. RHCAs include the traditional riparian 

 corridor along permanent fish-bearing streams, and also include areas of unstable 

 soiis. wetlands, intermittent headwater streams, and other area; .vnere proDer 

 ecologic functioning is crucial to maintenance of the stream s water, seaiment, 

 woody debris and nutrient delivery systems. Based on regional averaaes 

 throughout the five state area, minimum interim widths for aelineation of RHCAs. 

 m the absence of site-specific information, are as follows: 



Fish bearing streams ana lakes = 300 ft 



Permanently flowing non-fish 



bearing streams = 150 ft 



Ponds, reservoirs, and 



wetlands > 1 acre = 1 50 ft 



Seasonally flowing or 



intermittent streams, 



wetlanOs < 1 acre. 



lanOslides and 



landslide-prone areas = 1 00 ft 



Modified Planning Direction is oeing developed to improve consistency of content 

 ana approach in Forest Service and BLM planning documents. 



Interim Standards and Guidelines for all National Forests and BLM aammisterea 

 Public Lands that support Pacific anaPromous fish stocks are being OevelopeP. 



Watershed Analyses will be conducted to identify "problem" areas that need 

 immediate, corrective management. Watershed analysis also will allow the 

 delineation of RHCAs to be tailoreb to site specific conditions, and will provide 

 the foundation for determining modifications to the interim standards and guidelines 

 necessitated by site specific conditions. Watershed analyses wiil be conducted in 

 two steps. Level I allows for timely assessment and modification of existing practices 

 and identification of "hot spots" that should immediately be targeted for maintenance 

 and/or restoration. Level II allows for a more complete assessment of cumulative 

 effects and refinement of RHCA delineation. Both Level I ana Level II watershea 

 analyses will be certified by appropriate line officers upon completion. Public 

 involvement in watershed analyses will be encouraged. 



PACFISH Strategy Executive Summary: Page ■ 7 



