Chapter2000_PlanningReportsBudgetsMonitoring

2000-1 WASHBURN COUNTY FOREST COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN CHAPTER 2000 – PLANNING, REPORTS, BUDGET, MONITORING TABLE OF CONTENTS 2000 NEEDS OBJECTIVE AND FORMAT………………………………………… 2000-3 2005 ANNUAL NEEDS FOR FIFTEEN YEARS……………………………………. 2000-3 2010 SUMMARY OF FIFTEEN-YEAR NEEDS………………………………….. 2000-3 2010.1 SILVICULTURE / PLANNED ALLOWABLE HARVESTS……………….. 2000-3 2010.2 OTHER SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS……………………………….. 2000-4 2010.3 EQUIPMENT NEEDS……………………………………………………….. 2000-5 2010.4 RECREATON PROGRAM NEEDS…………………………………………. 2000-6 2010.5 OTHER PROGRAM NEEDS………………………………………………… 2000-6 2010.6 FACILITIES………………………………………………………………….. 2000-7 2015 WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE & POLICY……………………………………… 2000-7 2020 ANNUAL WORK PLAN AND BUDGET………………………………………2000-8 2025 ANNUAL REPORTS OBJECTIVE & POLICY……………………………… 2000-8 2030 ANNUAL REPORTS……………………………………………………………. 2000-8 2035 PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS…………………………………………………. 2000-9 2035.1 FOREST PRODUCTS……………………………………………………… 2000-9 2035.1.1 Timber Sales…………………………………………………………… 2000-10 2035.1.2 Non-Timber Forest Products…………………………………………… 2000-11 2035.2 REFORESTATION, TSI, CULTURAL RECORDS……………………….. 2000-12 2035.3 RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS..…………………………………… 2000-13 2040 MONITORING………………………………………………………………….. 2000-14 2040.1 FOREST TYPES CHANGES……………………………………………….. 2000-14 2040.2 HARVESTING………………………………………………………………. 2000-15 2040.3 FLORA / FAUNA……………………………………………………………. 2000-18 2040.4 RECREATIONAL USES……………………………………………………. 2000-19 2040.5 HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE FORESTS AREAS…………………….. 2000-19 2040.6 ROADS AND TRAILS………………………………………………………. 2000-20 Approved by Washburn County Board of Supervisors October 19, 2021 No Revisions 2000-2 2000-3 2000 OBJECTIVE AND FORMAT The objective of this chapter is to provide guidelines which define the optimum level of activities that should be undertaken to achieve full potential benefits from the forest The format of this Chapter is to identify potential needs for the forest without regard to budgetary constraints or other limitations. The lists identify the forest potential in terms of public benefits, investments, opportunities and financial returns. Silvicultural needs are identified in previous chapters as well as forest reconnaissance information. Other needs shall be determined by the Committee and forest administrator. 2005 DETAILED ANNUAL NEEDS FOR FIFTEEN YEARS Annual silvicultural needs are identified in the Forest Compartment Reconnaissance printout. This printout is available in the Forestry, Parks and Recreation Department Office. This printout includes listings for timber harvests, tree planting and other forestry activities. Planned annual needs, as well as unanticipated needs will be identified and plans will be made for implementation as part of an annual work plan and an annual budget. Both the work plan and budget are prepared by the Forest Administrator and Committee and approved by the County Board of Supervisors. Annual work plans are forwarded to the DNR, through the County Forest Liaison, as required by 28.11(5)(b) and 28.11(5m)(b) Wis. Stats. The Outdoor Recreation Plan, Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), public input, and other local or regional planning documents will be used as resources in recreational planning and development efforts. The responsibility for recreational planning, development and maintenance on the County Forest will rest with the Committee. 2010 SUMMARY OF FIFTEEN-YEAR NEEDS Projected needs for the Washburn County Forest and associated programs have been identified in numerous sections of this Plan. A summary of these needs is listed here. 2010.1 SILVICULTURE / PLANNED ALLOWABLE HARVESTS Aspen (see Section 825.9.1 for more detailed information) 900 acres per year 2021 – 2028 1000 acres per year 2029 – 2035 2000-4 Jack Pine (see Section 825.9.2 for more detailed information) 150 to 300 acres per year 2021-2026 (as markets permit) 75 to 100 acres per year 2027-2035 Northern Red Oak (see Section 825.9.3 for more detailed information) 350 acres per year all-aged regeneration harvest 300 acres per year even-aged intermediate treatments 200 acres per year even-aged regeneration harvests Northern Hardwood (see Section 825.9.4 for more detailed information 500 acres per year all aged regeneration harvests and even-aged intermediate treatments 50 to 70 acres per year even aged rotation harvests Red Pine (see Section 825.9.5 for more detailed information) 500 acres per year thinning 50 acres per year rotation harvest Swamp Hardwood (see Section 825.9.6 for more detailed information) Data indicates a 15 year need of 285 acres per year. Given lack of markets and emerald ash borer concerns, this Plan recommends managing as much acreage as markets will allow over the next 15 year period. Swamp Conifer see Section 825.9.7 for more detailed information) Manage on an “as needed” basis provided markets and contractors are available. White Birch/Other – manage on an “as needed” basis 2010.2 OTHER SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS Red oak scarification – 3000 Acres Jack pine scarification – 2250 to 4500 acres Northern hardwood scarification – 750 acres Red pine chemical site preparation – 750 acres Red pine mechanical site preparation – 750 acres 2000-5 Red pine hand planting – 750 acres Red pine chemical release – 750 acres Red oak prescribed burning – 2000 acres 2010.3 EQUIPMENT NEEDS INVENTORY REPLACEMENT Forest Administrator 4x4 ½ ton pickup 2023, 2031 Assistant Forest Administrator ½ ton 4x4 pickup 2029 Assistant Recreation Administrator ½ ton 4x4 pickup 2027, 2035 Forester 4x4 ½ ton pickup 2026, 2034 For. Tech 4x4 1 ton pickup 2024, 2032 For. Tech 4x4 1 ton pickup 2025, 2033 For. Tech 4x4 ½ ton pickup 2028 Recreation Officer 4 x 4 2030 Dozer 2030 Semi Tractor 2025 Equipment Trailer (semi trailer) 2035 5th wheel trailer 2022 Tractor 2024 Skid-steer 2022 Snowmobile (trail) 2027 Snowmobile (utility) 2028 ATV 2023, 2029, 2035 ATV 2024, 2030 UTV (forestry) 2025, 2030 UTV (parks) 2026, 2031 2000-6 2010.4 RECREATIONAL PROGRAM NEEDS Non-motorized trail mowing 50 miles annually Motorized recreational trail grading 140 miles annually ATV trail rehabilitation 10 miles annually Snowmobile trail relocations 5 miles annually Trail inspections 100 miles annually New trail developments 1 mile annually Boat landing upgrades 1 landing annually 2010.5 OTHER PROGRAM NEEDS Law enforcement 2500 hours per year County Forest Road grading 100 miles per year County Forest Road upgrades 5 miles per year Gates, Berms, Barriers 10 per year Signing 50 signs per year Board meetings, committee 150 hours Public Relations 100 hours Committee/County Board 100 hours Grants/Aids 200 hours Training 100 hours GIS /GPS 500 hours Forest Certification 100 hours Wildlife Management Projects 100 hours Flowage Structures 40 hours 2000-7 Road Construction 40 hours Intergovernmental Relations 40 hours Invasive Species 500 hours 2010.6 FACILITIES FACILITY NEED YEAR Forestry Office None Ant. Forestry Shop None Ant. Forestry Shop Storage New 2023 Park Ranger Res. None Ant. Park Registration Kiosk New 2025 Parks Maintenance Building New 2022 Trail Rest Areas (2) New 2022, 2024 Youth Camp Lodge Remodel 2022 Youth Camp Cabins Remodel 2022-2024 2015 WORK PLAN OBJECTIVE AND POLICY The objective is to create annual work plans that will satisfy the needs identified in this Plan to the greatest extent feasible, consistent with program priorities established in the Mission Statement. The Annual Work Plan shall also complement and also give meaning to departmental budgets and other directives. The Annual Work Plan shall also give direction to sustaining a level of operations that considers the needs of the forest and the public in accordance with this Plan. 2020 ANNUAL WORK PLAN AND BUDGET 2000-8 Each year, an Annual Work Plan and Budget shall be prepared by the Forest Administrator with assistance from the Committee and DNR Liaison Forester. This Plan shall include detailed annual needs identified within this Plan. Annual Work Plans are approved by the County Board of Supervisors and forwarded to the Department of Natural Resources through the DNR Liaison Forester. Following approval by County Board, a copy of the Annual Work Plan will be appended to the official copy of this Chapter and added to the Washburn County website. Each year, an annual budget is required in accordance with county policy. The budget is reviewed by the Forestry, Parks and Recreation Committee, the Finance Committee and approved by the County Board of Supervisors. A summary of the annual budget will be appended to the official copy of this Chapter and added to the Washburn County website. 2025 ANNUAL REPORT OBJECTIVE AND POLICY The objective of annual reporting is to evaluate the progress of both long and short term goals on the Washburn County Forest. Annual accomplishments will be recorded as a historical record, to assist in future planning, and to provide documentation for both the County and the County Forest system. This information is invaluable in addressing public, County Board, and other inquiries on the operation of the Forest, as well as assessing progress on goals. 2030 ANNUAL ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORTS Annual Reports are to be drafted, presented to Committee and approved by the County Board of Supervisors annually. A copy of the Annual Report is to be appended to this Chapter in the official copy of this Plan and added to the Washburn County website, The Annual Report shall include, at a minimum, the following: 1. Timber sale accomplishments 2. Silvicultural activities 3. Recreational program accomplishments 4. Wildlife and fisheries projects 5. Revenues and expenditures 6. Grants and other special programs. 7. Other accomplishments of note 2000-9 2035 PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2035.1 FOREST PRODUCTS 2000-10 Year # of Sales MBF Sawtimber Cords Pulpwood Acres Cut Total Cord Equivalents Sale Value 2020 31 1385 51718 1953 54766 $2,848,068 2019 30 2267 53459 3249 58447 $3,555,106 2018 27 2085 54880 1246 59571 $3,172,079 2017 30 3325 53916 2288 57241 $3,208,652 2016 40 2192 47138 3655 52070 $2,887,244 2015 15 1879 42237 1529 46466 $2,084,060 2014 34 789 31609 2477 33581 $1,700,442 2013 34 1315 61038 2930 63997 $1,941,527 2012 48 1120 64728 4110 67248 $2,535,918 2011 44 1239 60135 3321 63231 $2,551,163 2010 50 1172 65898 3146 68477 $2,411,919 2009 63 1149 69232 3185 71763 $2,424,401 2008 41 1105 64887 3185 67125 $2,598,740 2007 56 1183 54797 2957 57107 $2,205,578 2006 28 1056 48938 1918 51264 $2,203,807 2005 44 1041 53315 2549 55614 $1,954,620 2004 51 828 42076 3185 44063 $1,213,423 2003 34 1312 57764 2057 61659 $1,834,591 2002 36 335 35677 1983 36430 $1,110,276 2001 26 301 30067 1454 30745 $585,527 2000 40 265 28635 1794 29231 $552,792 1999 47 183 27117 2334 27529 $648,401 1998 40 276 37183 2123 37792 $854,297 1997 65 257 34651 2642 35229 $624,153 1996 50 414 40822 2790 41741 $781,897 1995 40 475 41985 2260 43046 $784,709 1994 39 936 47528 2016 48464 $568,351 1993 53 461 47395 2981 48413 $569,668 1992 38 616 46037 1768 47424 $490,908 1991 69 545 35360 3357 36591 $317,996 1990 63 562 38025 2816 39320 $359,364 1989 66 439 33791 2786 33982 $285,679 1988 64 692 40535 2709 40992 $278,501 1987 64 187 16483 3291 16900 $283,984 1986 56 135 9992 3131 10290 $321,535 1985 78 476 87424 5005 88470 $259,209 1984 60 242 36726 2539 37259 $225,514 1983 87 307 31742 3016 32416 $242,039 1982 75 234 59971 6614 60486 $259,347 1981 66 306 25926 2403 26668 $156,455 1980 73 548 23119 1207 24509 $213,591 1979 50 331 22245 2138 22948 $190,626 1978 47 149 17099 1959 17427 $147,419 1977 46 157 23693 2231 24041 $143,781 1976 37 126 17730 1259 18008 $89,724 1975 41 27 18508 1898 18568 $74,966 1974 32 68 13245 986 13395 $71,800 1973 66 244 17275 1860 17811 $675,521 1972 47 118 9165 1306 9425 $39,537 1971 47 156 9089 918 9432 $52,575 1970 54 122 10163 600 10432 $76,479 2035.1.1 Timber Sales WASHBURN COUNTY FOREST TIMBER SALES 2000-11 2035.1.2 Non-Timber Forest Products Firewood Permits Christmas Tree Permits Bough Permits 2020 134 64 8 2019 100 27 5 2018 87 39 6 2017 85 57 11 2016 94 51 11 2015 82 21 4 2014 224 63 12 2013 253 63 20 2012 215 120 16 2011 251 27 17 2010 172 46 12 2009 247 45 20 2008 216 52 26 2007 145 40 31 2006 129 66 29 2005 158 50 20 2004 92 58 26 2003 92 71 22 2002 82 63 27 2001 66 81 26 2000 53 101 25 1999 47 141 25 1998 52 175 28 1997 55 80 60 1996 81 188 40 1995 98 220 35 1994 101 252 33 1993 122 256 24 1992 122 421 22 1991 164 309 33 1990 166 649 18 1989 134 649 32 1988 121 600 26 1987 138 540 321 1986 190 390 26 1985 204 290 16 1984 241 287 0 1983 249 288 0 1982 350 401 0 1981 434 283 0 1980 549 317 0 2000-12 2035.2 REFORESTATION, TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT, CULTURAL RECORDS (in acres) Chemical Mechanical Aspen Chemical Mechanical Prescribed Planting Seeding Release Release Pruning Maintenance Scarification Prep Prep Burning 2020 0 0 0 0 0 0 276 213 213 0 2019 98 68 0 19 0 0 130 0 0 0 2018 0 0 0 74 0 0 84 99 99 0 2017 0 0 72 18 0 0 97 0 0 0 2016 0 0 0 51 0 0 125 0 0 22 2015 0 41 0 106 0 0 312 0 0 20 2014 350 19 0 34 0 0 208 0 6 0 2013 66 2 133 34 0 0 57 332 347 0 2012 236 0 72 0 0 0 217 0 0 0 2011 0 32 0 100 0 0 76 218 218 0 2010 7 0 0 37 0 0 36 0 0 0 2009 245 0 0 90 0 0 177 0 0 0 2008 0 0 14 100 0 0 278 177 220 44 2007 70 0 0 0 0 0 62 0 0 0 2006 270 110 0 219 0 0 281 0 0 0 2005 0 8 11 60 0 0 181 229 219 20 2004 256 2 0 120 0 0 299 0 75 26 2003 0 2 0 168 0 0 188 0 236 75 2002 130 0 109 285 0 0 167 0 221 9 2001 172 7 0 42 0 3 125 0 0 0 2000 0 0 114 512 0 0 58 0 172 37 1999 277 0 397 277 0 125 98 0 58 31 1998 311 0 0 270 0 138 124 0 56 0 1997 113 40 0 400 0 0 0 0 0 0 1996 21 30 313 380 0 99 166 313 0 0 1995 180 149 0 31 0 0 99 0 0 0 1994 240 229 0 366 0 85 238 0 0 0 1993 345 146 116 531 11 70 231 186 0 0 1992 97 104 122 502 0 58 206 0 0 0 1991 363 136 76 471 0 238 51 0 0 0 1990 558 93 399 69 0 219 26 0 0 0 1989 504 21 34 718 0 345 144 294 0 0 1988 341 0 247 687 0 1554 0 277 0 0 1987 301 18 0 759 0 1010 0 0 0 0 1986 69 22 327 700 14 1220 0 0 0 0 1985 630 55 630 352 7 665 0 0 0 0 1984 503 74 532 467 54 1193 0 0 0 0 1983 490 0 478 300 0 1387 0 0 0 0 1982 576 4 428 124 0 1098 0 578 0 0 1981 570 38 0 13 11 940 0 0 0 0 1980 312 130 410 10 55 811 0 0 0 0 2000-13 2035.3 RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS The chart below illustrates recreational trail and facility development from 1980 to current. Projects not listed originated prior to 1980 and the County does not have sufficient records to illustrate year of origin. Year Project Description 2020 Totogatic Park Expansion 32 additional campsites 2019 Casey Loop ATV Trail 20 ATV miles 2013 Madge Snowmobile Trail 12 miles 2013 Totogatic Park Playground 2013 CN Bridge Overpass at 77 2012 Campground Reservation System 2010 ATV Trail 39 North 22 miles 2009 Stonybrook ATV Trail Rest Area 2009 Berry Road ATV Trailhead 2008 Harmon Lake ATV Trail 6 miles 2008 Shell Lake Grade ATV Trails 4.5 miles 2008 Harmon Lake Horse Trailhead 2008 Dugan Run Horse Trails 30 miles 2008 Wildcat Mountain Bike Trails 12 miles 2007 Stonybrook ATV Trail 12 miles 2006 Thayer Road ATV Trail 1 mile 2005 Park Model Trail - Totogatic 2005 Beaverbrook ATV Trail 6.5 miles 2004 Minong Rifle Range Improvements 2002 Totogatic Park Shower Building 2002 Birchwood Snowmobile Trails 21 miles 2000 Spider Lake Loop ATV Trails 12 miles 1999 Chippanazie Flowage Reconstruction 1999 Wild River Trail - Sarona Bathrooms 1999 Wild River Trail - Trego Bathrooms 1998 Wild River Muli-use Trail 40 miles 1994 Totogatic Park Fishing Pier 1993 Snowmobile Trail 8 West 8 miles 1993 Totogatic Park Pavilion 1992 Birchwood Snowmobile Trails 12 miles 1992 Welsh Lake Hunter Walking Trails 1989 Harmon Lake Snowmobile Loop 10 Miles 1988 Sawmill and Loyhead Canoe Trails 1987 Snowmobile Trails 11 Miles 2000-14 2040 MONITORING 2040.1 FOREST TYPE CHANGES The type changes listed in the table above do not necessarily represent a direct correlation to changes in habitat types on the landscape. There have been numerous efforts from 1995 to current that have increased the accuracy of forest reconnaissance. Better aerial photography, LIDAR data, state of the art GIS systems, and others have all contributed to better data. Changes to types such as swamp conifer, cedar, tamarack and others are a direct result of better mapping. Changes to jack pine are a combination of forest type loss as well as better mapping. There are also general increases that are due to land acquisition projects. estimated estimated estimated 1995 - 2020 1995 acres 2005 acres 2020 acres change in acres comments aspen 56990 56467 57109 119 Increase likely due to land acquisition bottomland hardwood 0 0 738 738 increase due to reconnaissance changes white birch 828 698 1119 291 increase due to site preparation efforts northern white cedar 667 852 1577 910 increase due to better reconnaissance campground 0 0 28 28 increase due to reconnaissance changes fir/spruce 1773 1641 1041 -732 increase due to better reconnaissance grass 442 590 432 -10 hemlock 29 32 32 3 lowland brush 9589 10158 10382 793 increase due to better reconnaissance non-forested wetland 7776 6894 8227 451 increase due to better reconnaissance northern hardwood 16486 16262 14374 -2112 increase due to better reconnaissance northern red oak 16216 16587 16444 228 increase due to better reconnaissance northern pin oak 413 486 1066 653 increase due to better reconnaissance jack pine 10705 9044 7437 -3268 decrease due to reconnaissance and loss red pine 8502 9154 10301 1799 increase due to reconnaissance and gain white pine 460 498 694 234 increase due to better reconnaissance right-of-way 4 99 537 533 increase due to better reconnaissance swamp conifer 4445 5888 3774 -671 increase due to better reconnaissance swamp hardwood 6615 7109 6556 -59 increase due to better reconnaissance tamarack 1685 1660 3405 1720 increase due to better reconnaissance upland brush 489 297 138 -351 increase due to better reconnaissance water 3813 4098 3836 23 rock outcrop 0 14 30 30 increase due to reconnaissance changes 147927 148528 149277 2000-15 2040.2 HARVESTING Aspen Acres - Washburn County Forest Work Plan Year Goal Established Sold Closed 2020 900 675 730 833 2019 900 546 893 1166 2018 900 1320 905 732 2017 900 806 1153 784 2016 900 723 905 1051 2015 900 684 445 367 2014 900 1041 1228 559 2013 546 713 640 1408 2012 307 704 332 1575 2011 900 1671 1982 530 Annual Average 805.3 888.3 921.3 900.5 Jack Pine Acres - Washburn County Forest Work Plan Year Goal Established Sold Closed 2020 50 112 112 91 2019 50 5 5 0 2018 50 23 23 2 2017 50 68 70 8 2016 50 0 32 32 2015 50 34 8 0 2014 50 38 82 169 2013 50 91 39 19 2012 0 7 7 220 2011 75 203 276 223 Annual Average 47.5 58.1 65.4 76.4 2000-16 Red Pine Acres - Washburn County Forest Work Plan Year Goal Established Sold Closed 2020 450 544 440 449 2019 400 762 568 410 2018 400 364 364 191 2017 500 407 488 593 2016 600 307 441 746 2015 600 686 615 222 2014 600 135 581 749 2013 600 852 453 333 2012 565 539 412 766 2011 600 676 909 223 Annual Average 531.5 527.2 527.1 468.2 Northern Hardwood Acres - Washburn County Forest Work Plan Year Goal Established Sold Closed 2020 500 341 488 614 2019 500 451 358 587 2018 500 782 755 507 2017 550 538 789 497 2016 600 382 393 1004 2015 600 665 407 411 2014 600 1105 1258 440 2013 600 701 778 344 2012 815 304 432 676 2011 600 583 333 191 Annual Average 586.5 585.2 599.1 527.1 2000-17 Red Oak Acres - Washburn County Forest Work Plan Year Goal Established Sold Closed 2020 650 2019 650 759 662 1002 2018 650 502 601 939 2017 650 701 844 511 2016 650 635 757 640 2015 650 516 440 468 2014 650 621 934 400 2013 650 681 742 906 2012 736 1100 489 1697 2011 650 862 962 831 Annual Average 658.6 637.7 643.1 739.4 Swamp Hardwood Acres - Washburn County Forest Work Plan Year Goal Established Sold Closed 2020 100 0 0 1 2019 100 0 0 2 2018 100 11 45 3 2017 100 96 100 10 2016 150 205 40 68 2015 50 0 0 20 2014 50 0 44 60 2013 50 27 45 102 2012 50 121 59 8 2011 50 0 29 34 Annual Average 80 46 36.2 30.8 2000-18 Other Acres - Washburn County Forest Work Plan Year Goal Established Sold Closed 2020 180 46 26 60 2019 180 74 74 74 2018 180 42 31 78 2017 180 61 78 61 2016 180 110 144 110 2015 180 42 15 29 2014 180 84 119 84 2013 180 133 123 60 2012 180 68 19 68 2011 180 57 80 57 Annual Average 180 71.7 70.9 68.1 2040.3 FLORA / FAUNA In general, monitoring of wildlife on the Forest falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources. Numerous wildlife surveys are conducted and document, although these generally will not impact the management of the Forest. Staff observations, however, show the following changes in wildlife:  A general increase in species diversity of non-game species  Increasing predator populations (bear, wolf)  A more inconsistent population distribution of deer  Increasing prevalence of endangered resources, either from population increases or increased study/observations With the exception of regeneration monitoring, Washburn County does not have any biotic inventory to document floral changes on the forest. Staff observations, however, show the following changes in plant compositions:  Decreasing diversity of native plant populations, likely due to herbivory  Decreasing percentage of sugar maple regeneration and increasing percentage of oak and ash  Increasing incidents of invasive species, especially buckthorn and honeysuckle. 2000-19 2040.4 RECREATIONAL USES Throughout the last Plan period, sharp increases in recreational demands on the Forest were noted. Numerous existing programs were expanded as were several new recreational programs and facilities. Staff faced major pressure to develop motorized recreational trails during the duration of the last Plan and during the later years of the last Plan, significant pressures for non-motorized trails began to build. It is expected that recreational uses and demands will continue to increase through the duration of this Plan. Recreational program recommendations are included in Chapter 900 and within the Integrated Resource Management Units of Chapter 3000. Along with these recommendations for future projects, monitoring of impacts will be needed to try and address and mitigate the following:  Resource damage to trails and facilities  Introduction of invasive species  User conflicts  User safety 2040.5 HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE FOREST AREAS As identified in Chapter 800, this Plan does not recognize the presence of forests meeting the definition of High Conservation Value. This is based on consultation with regional DNR ecologists, examination of Natural Heritage Inventory data, and review of numerous documents referenced by the FSC program. This Plan does recognize that continued research is needed and there may be opportunities to identify certain areas as HCV in the future. During the prior planning period, several Exceptional Resource Areas were submitted to the Department of Natural Resources as potential HCV candidates and as a result of that submission, there are likely records that list HCV’s on the Washburn County Forest. As the HCV concept developed and more firm definitions were established, it became evident that our Exceptional Resource Areas, while unique, do not meet the threshold of HCV status. In addition, no adoption of HCV’s were ever formalized by the Forestry, Parks and Recreation Committee, or by the Washburn County Board of Supervisors. Both approvals would have been necessary as an amendment to the 2006-2020 Plan. 2000-20 This Plan continues to recognize the presence of “Exceptional Resource Areas”, as identified in Section 835. These areas are generally passively managed and these areas will be monitored with the goal of assuring that natural and artificial influences are not harming the unique characters of these sites and areas. While this Plan does not recognize the need for any extensive biotic inventory of these sites, monitoring will be done to assure that trespass encroachments, weather damage, invasive species or other impacts are not occurring. The following practices will be conducted on Exceptional Resource Areas:  Periodic site visits/walk through  Evaluation of any newly acquired aerial photography or other remote sensing products  Aerial inspection whenever staff are in aircraft surveying for other needs  Inspection of boundaries whenever staff is working in parcels directly adjacent  Collaboration with DNR, or other agency staff, that can provide monitoring and evaluation assistance. 2040.6 ROADS AND TRAILS Roads and recreation trails shall be monitored to assure that negative impacts are not occurring. At a minimum, the following monitoring/evaluations will be conducted and documented:  Inspection of all County Forest Roads (gas tax) annually as part of grading and patrol  Inspection of all motorized recreation trails at least annually  Inspection of all non-motorized trails at least every other year This Plan does recognize that additional road monitoring is needed for those forest roads that are not in the gas tax program or designated with a recreational use. It is a recommendation that road inventory and classification continue and that some program of monitoring be developed.