WSP12286 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ry~if131l8 RANGE Authorized livestock grazing could increase 9.5 percent from the present 169,000 AUM's to 185,000 AUM's grazed annually by the fifth decade. Range condition will be satisfactory in most areas with an upward trend. Intensive management is scheduled for 665,000 acres and extensive management for 259,000 acres. TIMBER As a result of the vegetation treatment program, programmed sales offered will increase to an average of 35.4 MMBF by the end of the second decade and could average 52.8 MMBF over the 50-year planning period. By the end of the first decade, management activities could create an average annual supply of 12,600 cords (or 6.3 MMBF) of firewood. WATER Average annual water yield will irtcrease by 8,000 acre-feet over current levels by the second decade. The average annual increase by the fifth decade will be 34,000 acre-feet. Most of the increase will come from vegetation manipulation. Increased water yields will be maintained or enhanced through application of management practices designed for these areas. HUMAN AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Plan will provide opportunities to contribute to human and community development programs. These include activities that provide youth with resource conservation work and related learning experiences. Adult employment and training programs, such as the Senior Community Service Employment Program and the Comprehensive Employment Training Act, are also provided. These programs help ensure equal employment opportunities for women, minorities, the elderly, and the handicapped. In addition to the programs that would be provided, the White River National Forest will continue to conduct the Volunteers in the National Forest program that provides opportunities for persons to contribute their talents and know- ledge to enhance Forest Service activities. The Forest will also participate in cooperative programs administered by state and local governments. MINERALS Mineral exploration and development is likely to increase based on market prices. Exploration and development for oil and natural gas is expected to increase in the future. Ninety-five percent of the Forest land outside of wildernesses and the Wilderness Study Area is available for minerals leasing, twenty-five percent of which cannot have surface occupancy. Wi thin wilder- nesses and the Wilderness Study Area, sixty percent of the total area is available for lease; however, only thirty percent of the total area can have surface occupancy. 35