Bucks_Creek_Recreation_Management_Plan_Draft ... › Public › Lists › Calendar... · Web viewBucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric

PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

Bucks Creek Hydroelectric ProjectFERC Project No. 619

Recreation Management Plan

August 2019

©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Companyand the City of Santa Clara

PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

AND THE CITY OF SANTA CLARA

Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project

FERC Project No. 619


August 2019

©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Companyand the City of Santa Clara

Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619Recreation Management Plan

Bucks Creek Hydroelectric ProjectFERC Project No. 619


TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................

1.1 Background...........................................................................................................

1.2 Purpose of the Recreation Management Plan........................................................

1.3 Goals and Objectives of the Recreation Management Plan...................................

1.4 Contents of the Recreation Management Plan.......................................................

SECTION 2.0 RECREATION RESOURCES...................................................................

SECTION 3.0 RECREATION MEASURES......................................................................

3.1 Reconstructing Project Recreation Facilities Over the New License Term...........

3.1.1 General Site Design Considerations for Reconstructing Existing Facilities and Constructing New Facilities...............................................

3.1.2 Scope of Development for Reconstructed Project Recreation Facilities...................................................................................................

3.1.3 Scope of Development for New Project Recreation Facilities...............

3.1.4 Planning and Designing for Construction and Reconstruction of Project Recreation Facilities...................................................................

3.1.5 Avoidance, Protection, and Minimizing Affects to Sensitive Resource Areas.......................................................................................

3.2 Project Recreation Facility Improvements and Heavy Maintenance...................

3.2.1 Project Recreation Facility Improvements.............................................

3.2.2 Heavy Maintenance at Project Recreation Facilities..............................

3.3 Project Recreation Facility Operation and Maintenance......................................

3.3.1 Scope of Routine Maintenance at Project Recreation Facilities............

3.3.2 Fees.........................................................................................................

3.3.3 Reservations and Camping Permits........................................................

August 2019 Page i Table of Contents

Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

and the City of Santa Clara


3.4 Flow Information................................................................................................

3.5 Assess Sediment Accumulation at Sandy Point Boat Launch.............................

3.6 Public Access Near Bucks Creek Powerhouse....................................................

3.7 Visitor Information, Education and Interpretation Materials...............................

3.7.1 Project Recreation Facilities Map..........................................................

3.7.2 Project Recreation Facility Description Sign.........................................

3.7.3 Fee Schedule Sign..................................................................................

3.7.4 Site-specific Regulations Sign................................................................

3.7.5 Reservoir Boating, Fishing, and Aquatic Invasive Species Information Sign.....................................................................................

3.7.6 Interpretive Displays..............................................................................

3.7.7 Interpretive Programs.............................................................................

SECTION 4.0 TREATMENTS FOR RESOURCE IMPACTS RELATED TO PROJECT RECREATION USE................................................................

4.1 Resource Impacts Related to Project Recreation Use............................................

4.1.1 Engineering Measures..............................................................................

4.1.2 Restoration Measures...............................................................................

4.1.3 Public Education.......................................................................................

4.2 Treatments of Project Recreation Use Impacts......................................................

SECTION 5.0 RECREATION MONITORING PROGRAM..........................................

5.1 Project Recreation Facility Occupancy.................................................................

5.1.1 Campground Occupancy..........................................................................

5.1.2 Day Use Area Occupancy........................................................................

5.1.3 Management Actions................................................................................

5.2 Social Monitoring.................................................................................................

5.2.1 Recreation Visitor Survey........................................................................

5.2.2 Recreation Visitor Survey Content and Development.............................

5.2.3 Management Actions................................................................................

5.3 Bucks Lake Water Surface Monitoring.................................................................

5.3.1 Reservoir Boating Capacity Monitoring..................................................

Table of Contents Page ii August 2019




5.3.2 Recreation Visitor Survey......................................................................

5.3.3 Bucks Lake Water Surface Elevation and Surface Area........................

5.3.4 Management Actions..............................................................................

5.4 Monitoring Summary..........................................................................................

SECTION 6.0 ANNUAL RECREATION COORDINATION MEETING AND PLAN REVISION........................................................................................

6.1 Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting.............................................................

6.2 Plan Revision........................................................................................................

SECTION 7.0 REFERENCES.............................................................................................

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A. Project Recreation Facilities Tables

- Table A-1. Recreation Facilities at the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project*

- Table A-2. Recreation Amenities at the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project†

Attachment B. As-Built Site Plan Drawings (pdf of 22x34 format drawings)

- Overall Site PlanDrawing(s) of all FERC-approved Project recreation facilities

- Individual Recreation Site DrawingsAs-built recreation site plan

* A 2-column table that identifies all FERC-approved recreation facilities for each recreation site at the Project† A 9-column table that lists FERC-approved amenities and provides details concerning location, approval order, and status of

the amenity.

August 2019 Page iii Table of Contents




LIST OF TABLES

Table 2-1. Project Recreation Facilities under the New License (listed capacities and amenities are those existing at time of Plan development).........................

Table 2-2. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Classifications and the Associated Acceptable Level of Site Modification..............................................................

Table 3.1-1. Implementation Schedule for Plan Measures....................................................

Table 3.1-2. Guidelines for Content of Design Drawings...................................................

Table 3.3-1. Frequency for Performing Periodic Routine Maintenance of Project Recreation Facilities on NFS Land..................................................................

Table 3.7-1. Signs and Interpretive Displays at Project Recreation Facilities, Near Bucks Creek Powerhouse, and Two Non-Project Boat Launches...................

Table 4.2-1. Areas of Concern Identified in Licensees’ 2015 Recreation Use Impact Assessment........................................................................................................

Table 5.1-1. Direct Observations of Day Use Site Components...........................................

Table 5.4-1. Recreation Monitoring Program Summary.....................................................

Table 5.4-2. Type of Monitoring by Project Reservoir and Recreation Facility.................

Table of Contents Page iv August 2019




LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1-1. Project and Non-Project Recreation Facilities at Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project.........................................................................................

Figure 3.1-1. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area...............................................................................................

Figure 3.1-2. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Haskins Valley Campground (Campsites)................................................................................

Figure 3.1-3. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Haskins Valley Campground (Campsites and Amphitheater)...................................................

Figure 3.1-4. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Lower Bucks Lake Campground....................................................................................................

Figure 3.1-5. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area..........................................................................................................

Figure 3.1-6. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Mill Creek Campground....................................................................................................

Figure 3.1-7. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area...............................................................................

Figure 3.1-8. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Sundew Campground........

Figure 3.1-9. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at West End Cove Day Use Area..........................................................................................................

Figure 3.1-10. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Bucks Boat-in Campground....................................................................................................

Figure 3.1-11. Conceptual Drawing of Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail (Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area amenity)................................................................

Figure 3.6-1. Public Access Near Bucks Creek Powerhouse................................................

Figure 3.7-1. Example of a One-Panel Information Board...................................................

Figure 5.3-1. Bucks Lake Water Surface Areas for Monitoring...........................................

August 2019 Page v Table of Contents




Definitions of Terms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations

For the purpose of this Plan, the following definitions apply:

Term Definition

A

ABA Architectural Barriers Act of 1968

ABAAS ABA Accessibility Standards

AC asphalt concrete

Access Board Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

ADA Standards or 2010 Standards

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

B

BAOT boats-at-one-time

C

CDEC California Data Exchange Center

Conceptual Plan A preliminary graphic illustration of proposed facilities and utilities in relationship to existing site features, facilities, and utilities for the purpose of communicating proposed development ideas or alternatives. May include enlargements of the area using aerial photography or topographic maps that indicate placement and orientation of the proposed facilities.

Construction Installing or assembling a new fixed asset, or significantly altering, expanding, or extending an existing fixed asset to accommodate a change of purpose. This activity requires significant planning and implementation (generally over a 3- to 5-year period that includes, survey, design, implementation planning and permitting), that results in a new facility that did not previously exist or changes the site layout or footprint of an existing facility.

Definitions Page vi August 2019




Term Definition

Conversion Changing the type and placement of amenities provided at an individual site or recreation facility (e.g., removing existing amenities that support overnight use and replacing them with amenities arranged to support day use or changing a single-family campsite into a multi-family campsite).

D

DOJ Department of Justice

F

FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Final License Application

Application for a new license for Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 619), December 2016.

Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

FSORAG Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Area Guidelines

FSTAG Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines

H

Heavy maintenance Activities that arrest deterioration and may appreciably prolong the life of the asset. Repairing and replacing parts for the purpose of reducing breakdowns and avoiding premature need to replace parts to, at a minimum, attain the expected life of the fixed asset. Examples include, but are not limited to, installing a new roof, floor, or siding; replacing electrical wiring and heating systems; repairing and replacing pipes, pumps, and motors; repairing the paths, lands, walks, and walls of recreation facilities; replacing broken facility amenities (e.g., windows, toilet seats, fire rings, tables, wildlife resistant food storage lockers). These activities do not require significant planning and implementation timeframes, and generally enhance an existing facility without altering the site layout/footprint or involve constructing or installing a new basic fixed asset that does not require survey or design work.

hp horsepower

August 2019 Page vii Definitions




Term Definition

I

Improvement Construction, installation, or assembly of a new fixed asset, or the alteration, expansion, or extension of an existing fixed asset to accommodate a change of purpose or level of use. Improvements do not require significant planning and implementation timeframes, and (1) generally enhance an existing facility without altering the site layout/footprint or (2) involve construction or installation of a new basic fixed asset (e.g., wildlife resistant food storage lockers, signs, vehicle barriers, automatic shutoff water hydrants) that does not require survey or design work.

L

License year The number of full calendar years after license issuance (e.g., license year 1 is the first full calendar year after license issuance)

Licensees Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the City of Santa Clara, joint Licensees

LRMP Plumas National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan

M

Monitoring year The year preceding the due date for the Report on Recreation Resources

N

NFFR North Fork Feather River

NFS National Forest System

NRRS National Recreation Reservation System

O

O&M operations and maintenance

ORAR outdoor recreation access route

P

Definitions Page viii August 2019




Term Definition

PAOT people-at-one-time

Pave Surface treatment with asphalt concrete (AC)

Peak season Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Monday of Labor Day weekend

PFD personal floatation device

PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company

PNF Plumas National Forest

Project Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619

Project Area The geographic area defined in the Project license issued by FERC as needed for Project O&M and delimited by the Project Boundary

Project Boundary The boundary defined in the license issued by FERC for the Project outlining the geographic area needed for Project O&M

R

Reconstruction Removing and replacing existing infrastructure with new materials to return a damaged recreation development (e.g., campground, picnic area, boat launch) to its original capacity and purpose. Restores the recreation development to the beginning of its useful life. The decision to reconstruct a fixed asset or component is usually reached when this approach is more cost effective or more environmentally sound than repairing the existing asset. Examples include, but are not limited to, completely removing, redesigning, and rebuilding an entire development as well as treatments of individual site amenities such as replacing a restroom building, enlarging spurs, and increasing the turning radius of a road. May also be referred to as “replacement”.

Replacement Synonymous term for “reconstruction”.

Restoration Removing existing amenities and, as necessary, regrading, revegetating, restricting vehicle access, and providing educational signage to discourage use. The intent is to return the treated area to a more natural condition.

August 2019 Page ix Definitions




Term Definition

ROS Recreation Opportunity Spectrum: A tool used by Forest Service managers to classify NFS lands into six management class categories defined by setting and the probable recreation experiences and activities it affords including: Urban; Rural; Roaded Natural; Semi-primitive Motorized; Semi-primitive Non-motorized; and Primitive. PNF uses two categories for the Roaded Natural classification: (1) Roaded Natural and (2) Roaded Modified.

Routine maintenance Actions taken to keep fixed assets in acceptable condition. Maintenance includes performing minor repairs, painting, and preventive maintenance; replacing minor parts and structural components; and other activities needed to preserve a fixed asset so that it continues to provide acceptable service and achieves its expected life. Maintenance includes work needed to keep the facility in an ordinary, safe, and efficient operating condition. Examples of routine maintenance activities include: interior and exterior painting, repairing broken amenities (e.g., windows, tables, doors, fire rings, risers); replacing light bulbs and plumbing fixtures; cleaning, unplugging drains, greasing, servicing, inspecting, oiling, adjusting, tightening, and aligning motors; and maintaining the grounds (e.g., sweeping, raking, removing hazard trees, picking up trash, removing ashes from fire rings).

RV Recreational vehicle

S

Site Development Plan This plan presents a comprehensive graphic illustration of the facilities and utilities (both existing and proposed) to be built and is based on and consistent with the conceptual plan. The site development plan is based on an accurate survey, usually drawn to a scale ranging from 1” = 20’ or 1” = 100’, with appropriate contour information, and may also include descriptions or lists of features. This plan also identifies the site design details (e.g., picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, signage, road surface materials).

SUP special use permit

T

Trigger (noun) Threshold

Definitions Page x August 2019




Term Definition

Trigger (verb) Cause an event or situation to happen or exist

U

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

August 2019 Page xi Definitions




SECTION 1.0

IntroductionPacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the City of Santa Clara (City) (collectively referred to as Licensees), are filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) this Recreation Management Plan (Plan) in support of the Licensees’ Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project (Project), FERC Project No. 619. The Licensees are the owners of the Project; PG&E operates the Project and Licensees are jointly responsible for implementing the Plan. For the purposes of the Plan, “FERC Project Boundary” refers to the Proposed FERC Project Boundary described in Section E.6, Proposed Action of the Final License Application, unless otherwise noted. It is the intention of the Licensees to adjust the Project boundary when the license is issued by FERC to include any Project facilities that are not currently identified and exclude some areas and facilities.* Licensees will be jointly responsible for implementation of the Plan under the new license.

On May 6, 2019 Licensees entered into a Settlement Agreement with the Forest Service which specifically excludes certain facilities and lands from the Project. Under the terms of this agreement, the Forest Service assumes all responsibility for operating, maintaining, and addressing resource effects at:

Campsite nos. 4 and 5 of Bucks Lake Boat-in Campground;

Three Lakes Trailhead restroom; and

Mill Creek Trail and Mill Creek Trail Trailhead near Bucks Lake Inlet.

Because Licensees have no responsibility for these areas and facilities, it is Licensees’ intent to revise the Project boundary when a new license is issued to exclude these areas from the Project boundary as well as expand the Project boundary to include lands necessary for new or expanded Project recreation facilities.

1.1 Background The Project is located on Bucks, Grizzly, and Milk Ranch creeks, which are tributaries to the North Fork Feather River (NFFR). The Project is located entirely within Plumas County, California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, approximately 17 miles southwest of the community of Quincy. The Project consists of two developments that contain four dams, four reservoirs, and two powerhouses, and associated facilities.

* By Settlement Agreement dated May 6, 2019 between Forest Service and Licensees, facilities and areas will be specifically excluded from the Project. Under the terms of the agreement the Licensees have no future responsibility for operating or maintaining the existing (1) restroom at Three Lakes Trailhead, (2) site nos. 4 and 5 of Bucks Boat-in campground and (3) Bucks Inlet Trailhead (shown on Figure 1.1-1 along Bucks Lake Road and labeled “Mill Creek Trail Trailhead”).

August 2019 Page 1 Section 1.0




Two of the four reservoirs have water surface boating restrictions imposed by county ordinances. Boats exceeding 15 horsepower (hp) are not allowed to operate on Lower Bucks Lake * and boats exceeding 10 hp are not allowed to operate on Grizzly Forebay.†

Figure 1.1-1 shows these features as well as recreation facilities (Project and non-Project) at and near the Project. Refer to Table 2-1 in Section 2.0, Project Recreation Resources, for a list of the Project recreation facilities.

Lands within the FERC Project Boundary are a combination of PG&E ownership and National Forest System (NFS) lands (managed by U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service [Forest Service], as part of the Plumas National Forest [PNF]). The Project Area also contains a small area of private land.

* Plumas County Code of Ordinances, Title 10, Chapter 1, Section 10-1.12(e). Lower Bucks Lake. No person shall use, operate, or navigate any motor-propelled boat greater than fifteen (15) horsepower upon the waters of Lower Bucks Lake.

† Plumas County Code of Ordinances, Title 10, Chapter 1, Section 10-1.12(b). Lakes less than thirty-five (35) acres. No person shall use, operate, or navigate any motor-propelled boat greater than ten (10) horsepower upon any lake within the County which has an area of less than thirty-five (35) acres.

Section 1.0 Page 2 August 2019




Figure 1.1-1. Project and Non-Project Recreation Facilities at Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project




Efird, Carol, 07/15/19,

Moved MCTT label.


1.2 Purpose of the Recreation Management Plan The overall purpose of the Plan is to describe protection, mitigation, and enhancement measures for recreation resources that Licensees will implement during the license term and document consultation with state and federal agencies regarding these measures. To serve this purpose, Licensees developed this Plan in consultation with the Forest Service, other Federal and State Agencies, and local stakeholders during late 2016 and throughout 2017. The Plan includes the following major elements:

Recreation Facilities and Recreation Amenities tables to comply with FERC guidance document, Project Recreation Facilities Tables and As-built Site Plan Guidance (FERC 2014);

Description and implementation schedule for all planned actions related to recreation developments;

Description of operations and maintenance (O&M) responsibilities for all Project recreation facilities; and

Description of the consultation process with agencies and representatives of recreation interests, and the recreation monitoring program Licensees will implement throughout the term of the license.

1.3 Goals and Objectives of the Recreation Management Plan

The goals of the Plan are to (1) manage public recreation use of the Project’s recreation facilities over the term of the license, and (2) eliminate or minimize recreation-related Project effects within the Project Area. The Plan includes the following objectives to achieve these goals:

1. Provide recreation facilities that meet the needs of Project recreation users which are consistent with (1) state and federal requirements, (2) PNF Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP, USDA Forest Service 1988) guidance, including future amendments and revisions, and (3) Project resource management plans;

2. Address existing and future recreation-related resource impacts over the term of the new license;

3. Monitor recreation use over the term of the new license to ensure Project recreation users achieve quality recreation experiences and eliminate or minimize effects of Project-related recreation use;

4. Describe Licensees’ responsibilities related to recreation facilities and monitoring under the new license; and

5. Provide public flow information to support recreation use of Grizzly Creek downstream of Grizzly Forebay Dam.





1.4 Contents of the Recreation Management Plan This Plan includes the following sections:

Section 1.0 Introduction . Introductory information, including the purpose and objectives of the Plan.

Section 2.0 Existing Recreation Res o urces. Description of existing Project recreation resources, facilities, and land ownership.

Section 3.0 Recreation Measures. Description of the recreation measures, including those related to recreation facilities, the recreation facility O&M program, and providing flow information.

Section 4.0 Treatments for Resource Impacts Related to Project Recreation Use. Description of measures to address recreation-related resource impacts.

Section 5.0 Recreation Monitoring Program. Description of the proposed recreation monitoring program that defines how Project recreation facilities, use, needs, and recreation use impacts will be monitored and addressed over the new license term.

Section 6.0 Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting and Plan Revision. Description of the processes for annual consultation and assessing the need for future revisions to the Plan.

Section 7.0 References. List of references used to prepare the Plan.

In addition, this Plan includes the following attachments:

Attachment A. Project Recreation Facilities Tables

– Table A-1. Recreation Facilities at the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project*

– Table A-2. Recreation Amenities at the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project†

Attachment B. As-Built Site Plan Drawings consisting of:

– Overall Site Plan (Drawing[s] of all FERC-approved Project recreation facilities)

– Individual Recreation Site Drawings (As-built Recreation Site Plan‡)

* A 2-column table that identifies all FERC-approved recreation facilities for each recreation site at the Project† A 9-column table that lists FERC-approved amenities and provides details concerning location, approval order, and status of

the amenity‡ Site drawings are only included for existing, constructed Project recreation facilities. As-built site drawings for any new or

reconstructed Project recreation facilities will be filed with FERC within 90 days of completing construction/reconstruction.





SECTION 2.0

Recreation ResourcesThe Project includes four primary recreation areas, all of which are based around the four Project reservoirs: (1) Bucks Lake, (2) Lower Bucks Lake, (3) Three Lakes, and (4) Grizzly Forebay (Figure 1.1-1). The recreation sites associated with the Project are about 17 miles west of Quincy along the Oroville-Quincy Highway (also known as Bucks Lake Road). Plumas County maintains the road for seasonal access, allowing the road to be closed to highway vehicle traffic in the winter due to snow cover. Licensees conducted recreation relicensing studies and the study results report information about recreation resources from 2015 to 2016. Study results are reported in the following technical memoranda filed with the Licensees’ Final License Application (PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016):

TM-04 Whitewater Boating and Fishing Flow Assessment (RR-S2)

TM-16 Reservoir Level Assessment (RR-S3)

TM-27 Recreation Facilities (RR-S1)

TM-28 Reservoir Shoreline and Water Surface Use Assessment (RR-S1)

TM-29 Recreation Use Impact Assessment (RR-S1)

TM-30 Visitor Use (RR-S1)

TM-31 Recreation Questionnaires (RR-S1)

TM-37 Wildcat and Tobin Trail Assessments (RR-S2)

TM-41 Whitewater Boating and Fishing Flow Assessment (RR-S2), Phase 3, Grizzly Creek Whitewater Boating Flow Assessment

Licensees determined repair, maintenance, or reconstruction actions would be necessary to provide accessibility at all of the Project recreation facilities that were assessed during the relicensing studies (Technical Memo 27). Licensees conducted accessibility assessments at all Project recreation facilities except for Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area, Indian Rock Day Use Area, and West End Cove Day Use Area, which were reconstructed between 2005 and 2009 and designed to comply with Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Area Guidelines (FSORAG). All assessed facilities had some elements that were not in compliance with current accessibility standards.

Although Licensees have shared operation and maintenance responsibilities with the Forest Service for the existing Project recreation facilities under the license expiring December 31, 2018, Licensees will be responsible for operation and maintenance of Project recreation facilities under the term of the new license, unless otherwise agreed to with the Forest Service (Section 3.3, Project Recreation Facility Operation and Maintenance). Table 2-1 lists Tthe Project recreation resources and existing capacities and amenities as of the date of this Plan are shown in Table 2-1. This table does not listand facilities that will be constructed or existing facilities that





will become Project recreation facilities. This information is provided in Section 3.1, Reconstructing Project Recreation Facilities Over the New License Term. Definitions for the Forest Service Development Scale referenced in Table 2-1 are provided in Table 2-2.

Section 2.0 Page 2 December 2016




Table 2-1. Project Recreation Facilities under the New License (listed capacities and amenities are those existing at time of Plan development)

ProjectRecreation Facility Existing Capacitya Existing Amenities

Forest Service Development Scale

LandOwnership

Bucks Lake

Bucks Lake Inlet Parking

Informal parking for about 20 to 30 vehicles along shoulder of Bucks Lake Road between the Bucks Creek bridge extending west to the beginning of the cabins.

None; area available for parking is located along road shoulder NA PG&E

Haskins Valley Boat Launch 5 parking spaces (single vehicle)

Paved parking area Single-lane (14 ft), concrete boat launch Potable water 1 double-unit vault restroom (1 of

6 Haskins Valley Campground restrooms)

Paved parking area

NA PG&E

Haskins Valley Campground

65 campsites 2 host campsites

Tent and trailer sites Spurs Fire rings (some pedestal fire grills) Tables Potable water 6 double-unit vault restrooms (1 of

which is located at the Haskins Valley Boat Launch)

Wildlife resistant food lockers RV dump station (available for

public use)

NA PG&E





Edits respond to FS comments to add new facilities and state that capacities reflect those present when plan was developed.




LandOwnership

Hutchins Group Campground

3 group campsites (25 PAOT each) 1 host campsite Hutchins Group Campground Trail

(approximately 0.25 mi)

Tent and trailer sites Spurs Fire rings and pedestal fire grills Tables Potable water 2 double-unit vault restrooms Wildlife resistant food lockers Amphitheater

3 NFS land

Indian Rock Day Use Areab

2 picnic sites 8 parking spaces (single vehicle)

Tables 1 double-unit vault restroom Paved parking area

3c NFS land

Mill Creek Campground

11 campsites(including 1 host campsite)

Mill Creek Tie Trail (approximately 0.25 mi)

Tent and trailer sites Spurs Fire rings Tables Potable water 1 double-unit vault restroom Wildlife resistant food lockers

3 NFS land

Sandy Point Boat Launch 30 parking spaces (vehicle with trailer)

Single-lane (24 ft) concrete boat launch Courtesy dock Children’s PFD loan rack

3c NFS land

Sandy Point Day Use Area

30 picnic sites 1 host campsite 22 parking spaces (single vehicle)

Tables Pedestal fire grills 2 double-unit vault restrooms 1 4-unit shower with flush restroom Potable water

3c NFS land





Added to respond to FS comments.


Added to respond to FS comments




LandOwnership

Sundew Campground 23 campsites (including 1 host campsite)

Tent and trailer sites Spurs Fire rings Tables Potable water 2 double-unit vault restrooms Wildlife resistant food lockers

3 NFS land

West End Cove Day Use Area

3 picnic sites 6 parking spaces (single vehicle)

Tables 1 double-unit vault restroom Paved parking area

3dc NFS land

Lower Bucks Lake

Lower Bucks Lake Campground and Day Use Area

7 campsites

Spurs Fire rings Tables Wildlife resistant food lockers Informal boat launch and beach Unsurfaced access for launching and

shoreline use 1 single-unit vault restroom

2(boat launch and

beach area)

NFS land

3(campground)

Grizzly Forebay

Grizzly Forebay Campground (includes Grizzly Forebay Trail)

7 campsites Trail (approximately 0.77 mi)

Fire rings Tables 1 double-unit vault restroom Native surfaced shoreline trail

2 NFS land

Grizzly Forebay Gaging Station Trail Approximately 675 ft Metal stairs and native surfaced trail

below dam NA NFS land







LandOwnership

Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area 12 parking spaces (single vehicle)

Paved parking area Single-lane (12 ft), native and

compacted gravel surface car-top boat launch

1 single-unit vault restroom

2 NFS land

Three Lakes

Three Lakes Trailhead Approximately 9 undesignated parking

spaces Graveled parking area 1 single-unit vault restroom 2 NFS land

Approximately 1 mi Native surfaced shoreline trail

New Recreation Facilities to be Constructed

Planned Capacity Planned Amenities

Bucks Lake Boat-in Campground

Up to 5 campsites (at existing campsite no. 1)

Fire rings Tables 1 single-unit vault restroom (or other

Forest Service-approved design suitable for locations that cannot be accessed by wheeled vehicles)

Access routes to shoreline and connecting campground amenities

2 NFS land

Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail (amenity of Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area)

Approximately 1.5 mi Parking area capacity TBD near Sundew

Campground entrance Pedestrian and bicycle access Trail Class 4d NFS land

Notes: AC = asphalt concreteForest Service = USDA, Forest Serviceft = feetmi = mileNA = Not applicable or none assigned

a Number of existing designated campsites, picnic sites, parking spaces, or trail length.b This facility is also known as Indian Rocks Day Use Area.c Currently not rated in Forest Service facility management system. Development scale based

on emails from E. Brenzovich, Public Service Public Services Staff Officer to C. Efird, Senior







LandOwnership

NFS land = National Forest System landPAOT = people-at-one-timePFD = personal floatation devicePG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric CompanyRV = recreational vehicle

Recreation and Land Use Planner, Oakhurst, CA, dated June 19, 2015 and April 12, 2016.d Trail Class 4, highly developed. Tread wide and relatively smooth with few irregularities.

Single-lane with allowances for passing or double-lane for high traffic volume. Surfaced with native or imported materials; may be hardened. Additional details provided in Forest Service Handbook 2309.18, Trails Management Handbook, Chapter 10.

d By agreement between the Forest Service and Licensees, Licensees have no future responsibility for operating or maintaining the existing vault restroom and its location will be excluded from the Project boundary.





Table 2-2. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Classifications and the Associated Acceptable Level of Site Modification

ROS Class ROS Class DefinitionaDevelopment

Scale Level of Site Modification

Primitive

An essentially unmodified natural environment of 5,000 acres or more that is at least three miles from all motorized use, and that provides significant opportunity for isolation from the sights and sounds of man and a feeling of vastness of scale. Visitors have an opportunity to be part of the natural environment, encounter a high degree of challenge and risk, and use a maximum of outdoor skills.

1

Minimum site modification. Rustic or rudimentary improvements designed for protection of the site rather than comfort of the users. Use of synthetic materials excluded. Minimum controls are subtle. No obvious regimentation. Spacing informal and extended to minimize contacts between users. Motorized access not provided or permitted.

Semi-Primitive (non-motorized)

A predominately unmodified natural environment of a size and location that provides a good to moderate opportunity for isolation from sights and sounds of man. The area is typically 2,500 acres or more and at least 0.5 mi from motorized use. It presents an opportunity for interaction with the natural environment, moderate challenge and risk, and use of a high degree of outdoor skills.

2

Little site modification. Rustic or rudimentary improvements designed primarily for protection of the site rather than the comfort of the users. Use of synthetic materials avoided. Minimum controls are subtle. Little obvious regimentation. Spacing informal and extended to minimize contacts between users. Motorized access provided or permitted (in the motorized class). Primary access over primitive roads. Interpretive services informal.

Semi-Primitive (Motorized)

A predominantly unmodified natural environment in a location that provides good to moderate isolation from sights and sounds of man, except for facilities/travel routes for primitive motorized recreation travel. Visitor can experience at least a moderate challenge and risk, and a high degree of skill testing. The area is generally 2,500 acres or larger and not closer than 0.5 mile from better-than-primitive roads.







Roaded Natural (subclassified as Roaded Natural and Roaded Modified)

A predominately natural environment where resource modification and utilization practices are evident. Evidence of the sights and sounds of man is moderate and in harmony with the natural environment. Opportunities exist for both social interaction and moderate isolation from sights and sounds of man.

Roaded Natural—Those original Roaded Natural areas that are also coded as Foreground and Sensitivity Level I. These lands lie along the major travel ways and viewsheds. Nearly all developed sites are in this class. Paved roads and hardened sites are common. User interaction is moderate to high at developed sites.

Roaded Modified—Those Roaded Natural areas that are also coded as Middleground, Background or Unseen, and Sensitivity Level II or III. This is the general resource management area of the Forest, typified by pick-up trucks and many miles of dirt and gravel roads. Other than trails and trailheads, virtually no improvements are present. Users experience low interaction.

3

Site modification moderate. Facilities about equal for protection of natural site and comfort of users. Contemporary/rustic design of improvements is usually based on use of native materials. Inconspicuous vehicular traffic controls usually provided. Roads may be hard surfaced and trails formalized. Development density about three family units per acre. Primary access may be over high standard roads. Interpretive services informal, but generally direct.

Rural

A substantially modified natural environment. Sights and sounds of man are evident. Renewable resource modification and utilization practices enhance specific recreation activities or provide the protection of vegetative soil cover. 4

Site heavily modified. Some facilities designed strictly for comfort and convenience of users. Luxury facilities not provided. Facility design may incorporate synthetic materials. Extensive use of artificial surfacing of roads and trails. Vehicular traffic control usually obvious. Primary access usually over paved roads. Development density three to five family units per acre. Plant materials usually native. Interpretive services often formal or structured.







Urban

A substantially urbanized environment. Sights and sounds of man predominate. Urban class areas on the PNF will be managed according to the Rural class.

5

High degree of site modification. Facilities mostly designed for comfort and convenience of users and usually include flush toilets; may include showers, bathhouses, laundry facilities, and electrical hookups. Synthetic materials commonly used. Formal walks or surfaced trails. Regimentation of users is obvious. Access usually by high-speed highways. Development density five or more family units per acre. Plant materials may be foreign to the environment. Formal interpretive services usually available. Designs formalized and architecture may be contemporary. Mowed lawns and clipped shrubs not unusual.

Source: USDA Forest Service 2015Notes: ROS = Recreation Opportunity Spectruma Recreation Opportunity Spectrum definitions, PNF LRMP Attachment R (USDA Forest Service 1988).





SECTION 3.0

Recreation MeasuresThis section describes the recreation measures that will be implemented by Licensees for the Project during the term of a new license. This section is divided into seven sub-sections: (1) reconstructing Project recreation facilities over the license term, (2) Project recreation facility improvements and heavy maintenance, (3) Project recreation facility O&M, (4) new Project recreation facility development, (5) flow information, (6) sediment assessment at Sandy Point Boat Launch and (7) visitor information, education and interpretation. Any non-emergency actions undertaken with respect to implementing the recreation measures will be coordinated by the Licensees to identify constraints that need to be addressed through design and implementation considerations to ensure consistency with resource management objectives contained in other Project resource management plans (e.g., aquatic, biologic, cultural resources).

As a baseline for referencing improvements over the term of the new license, Licensees have provided tables listing the Project recreation facilities and amenities (Attachment A), and overall site plan and individual recreation site drawings (Attachment B) showing the existing layout, location, and amenities for each of the Project recreation facilities. These tables and drawings will be updated through the new license term to reflect changes resulting from facility construction, reconstruction, and heavy maintenance, and filed with FERC.

The scope of the Recreation Management Plan includes campsite spurs, trails, and boat launches of Project recreation facilities as well as any new facilities of these types that may be developed during the license term (Table 2-1). Because recreation facilities and roads are interconnected, the plans for these items are similarly connected. The scope of the Bucks Creek Project Transportation Management Plan includes access roads that connect main roads to Project recreation facilities (e.g., Sandy Point Day Use Area and Boat Launch) as well as internal circulation roads and parking areas within existing Project recreation facilities and any new facilities of these types that may be developed during the license term.

With regard to providing accessible Project recreation facilities, all recreation facilities designed, constructed, or reconstructed on PG&E-owned lands are required to comply with most current guidelines for buildings and facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990* and Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations Code† (Physical Access Regulations). All recreation facilities designed, constructed, reconstructed, or purchased on NFS lands are required to comply with the most stringent applicable accessibility standards and guidelines

* Standards that apply to places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and State and local government facilities. As of this date the most current guidelines are provided in the 2010 ADA Standards of Accessible Design (2010 Standards) (DOJ 2010).

† Building standards codes designed to comply with the requirements of ADA and State statutes.





(Architectural Barriers Act Accessible Standards* [ABAAS], FSORAG†, and Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines [FSTAG]).

The FSORAG and FSTAG provide guidance for maximizing the accessibility of outdoor recreation areas and trails in the National Forest System, while protecting the unique characteristics of their natural setting. Both guidelines include conditions for an exception and general exceptions that may be applied to some specific technical requirements. Guidance and documentation in accordance to the practices described in the FSORAG and FSTAG must be followed when applying conditions for exception. Conditions for exception are considered compliant with the most stringent application of the standards and guidelines, after Forest Service approval.

In addition, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires that no person be denied access to a program or activity just because the person has a disability. This act requires that any existing facility on NFS land that has to be entered by employees or the public to participate in the program or activity inside that facility is required to be in compliance with the applicable accessibility standards and guidelines.

Design of reconstructed or new facilities will also follow guidance provided in Forest Service Built Environment Image Guide (USDA Forest Service 2001).

3.1 Reconstructing Project Recreation Facilities Over the New License Term

The standard life of recreation facilities ranges from 20 to 30 years. Accordingly, Licensees will likely reconstruct Project campgrounds and day use areas (i.e., picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, wildlife-resistant food lockers, campsite spurs, signs, gates, and boat launches) one time during the new license term. Table 3.1-1 shows the schedule for replacing and reconstructing Project recreation facilities from 1 to 20 years after license issuance. Beginning in the 20th year after license issuance, the need for replacing or reconstructing Project recreation facilities will be discussed and planned, as may be necessary, during the annual recreation coordination meeting described in Section 6.1, Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting. All reconstructed Project recreation facilities located on NFS lands will remain public property and those located on PG&E-owned land will remain PG&E property. Table 3.1-1 presents the implementation schedule for Plan measures, including reconstructing Project recreation facilities.

* Standards that apply to all facilities covered by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 except residential facilities under the purview of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

† Guidelines to incorporate the Outdoor Developed Area Accessibility Guidelines developed by the Access Board and ensure the application of equivalent or higher guidelines, in order to comply with other existing Forest Service policies, including universal design.





Table 3.1-1. Implementation Schedule for Plan Measures

Facility or Activity(Development Scale)

Completion -Year After License Issuancein License Yeara

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Bucks Lake Boat-in Campground (2)

Remove amenities at existing site nos. 2 and 3b ●

Construct new sites at the location of existing site no. 1 ●

Bucks Lake Inlet Parking

Install additional signs ●

Grizzly Forebay Campground (2)

Perform trail maintenance ●

Install wildlife resistant food storage lockers ●

Fuel treatment ●

Reconstruct ●

Grizzly Forebay Gaging Station Trail

Perform trail maintenance ●

Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area(boat launch and parking area) (2)

Replace restroom (including ORAR) ●

Install signage ●

Reconstruct ●

Haskins Valley Boat Launch and Campground (NA)

Reconstruct boat launch ●

Install wildlife resistant food storage ●

Provide additional accessible campsite ●







1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Accessibility improvements (fixtures and surfaces) ●

Reconstruct campground ●

Add campsites and amphitheater ●

Hutchins Group Campground (3)

Reconstruct campground ●

Hutchins Group Campground to Lower Bucks Lake Trail-bring up to standard and incorporate as site amenity

●

Indian Rock Day Use Area (3)

Reconstruct day use area ●

Formalize trails ●

Lower Bucks Lake Campground (3)

Convert shoreline campsites and construct new campground capacity ●

Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area(existing Day Use Area with boat launch across the road from Camp Timberwolf) (3b c)

Reconstruct ●

Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area(conversion of existing campsite nos. 5 and 6) (3)

Construct ●

Mill Creek Campground (3)

Reconstruct ●

Mill Creek Tie Trail-bring up to standard and incorporate as site amenity ●







1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Replace Water System ●

Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area (3)

Construct Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail and parking area near Sundew Campground ●

Construct double lane launch ●

Reconstruct ●

Replace water system ●

Sundew Campground (3)

Reconstruct(includes adding capacity/multi-family sites) ●

Road Resurfacing(this should be in transportation plan) ●

Replace Water System ●

Three Lakes Trailhead (2)

Install vehicle barriers ●

West End Cove Day Use Area (3)

Construct accessible route, fishing pier/platforma shoreline access trail and fishing access facility, additional parking spaces

●

Reconstruct ●

Notes:a License year 1 is the first full calendar year after license issuance. All facility construction and reconstruction are scheduled for completion by license year 20 of the new license

term. Heavy and annual maintenance of Project recreation facilities will continue beyond license year 20 through the end of the license term.b By agreement between the Forest Service and Licensees, Licensees have no future responsibility for operating or maintaining existing site nos. 4 and 5 and upon license issuance

Licensees will revise Exhibit G drawings to reflect this agreement.b This is the existing Development Scale 2 day use area that will be reconstructed to Development Scale 3 standards.





This mirrors text from Jesus’ description


3.1.1 General Site Design Considerations for Reconstructing Existing Facilities and Constructing New Facilities

In general, existing Project recreation facilities will be reconstructed in-kind to provide the same level of development and visitor comfort while meeting current, applicable federal and state guidelines that exist during the design phase for these facilities and updating the facility. If planned construction activities are scheduled to begin more than 3 years after Forest Service design approval, the design will be revisited and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with current, applicable federal and state guidelines and reapproved by the Forest Service. In some cases the existing facility design will be adjusted to achieve objectives such as incorporating measures to address any recreation-related impacts to environmental resources, increasing capacity or redirecting recreational use. Before the design is prepared for reconstructing Project recreation facilities located on NFS land, Licensees will meet with the Forest Service to review the design and functionality of the facility based on current use patterns. Reasonable modifications will be made to the facility design to address the functionality of the facility in light of the current and projected future use and compliance of the facility with current design standards. Categories of modifications include:

Construction to expand the footprint of an existing facility by providing additional amenities;

Conversion to change the type and placement of amenities provided (e.g., change from overnight use to day use); and

Restoration to remove existing amenities and, as necessary, regrade, revegetate, restrict vehicle access, and provide educational signage to discourage use.

At facilities located on NFS land, modifications will be made to the existing facility design to address the functionality of the facility and achieve compliance with current design standards. Although modification may require expanding the facility footprint and adding small-scale features (e.g., gates) the design will remain within the scope of development appropriate for the development scale assigned to the facility. Consideration will be given to items such as:

Reconstructing, or replacing constructed features, including restrooms, gates, tables, fire rings, septic systems, water system features, barriers, retaining walls, site markers, bulletin boards, signs, entrance and fee stations, and wildlife resistant food storage lockers.

Complying with the applicable accessibility standards and guidelines.

Resurfacing paved roads, including: Providing asphalt concrete (AC) treatment of roads and spurs and sufficient subgrade and, where appropriate, providing turnouts at entrance stations, restrooms, trash bin pads, etc. and providing AC treatment of spurs when the circulation road is paved.

Lengthening and widening spurs.

Increasing turning radius to accommodate larger recreational vehicles (RVs) and/or vehicle with trailer combinations.





Replacing wood barriers with rock barriers of sufficient quantity to discourage vehicle use off of designated routes and protect resources.

Removing protrusions and providing graded living areas and tent pads; providing clear floor space around tables, wildlife resistant food storage lockers, and fire rings/pedestal grills.

Installing gates.

Reconstructing host sites to provide amenities that may include potable water, power source, sanitation (e.g., holding tank).

Installing signage that meets Forest Service standards to provide information about recreation facilities and opportunities in the area (including trails), vicinity maps, interpretive and resource protection information relevant to the area, emergency contacts, safety, and regulations (including water surface regulations).

Project campgrounds located on NFS land (Forest Service Development Scale 3 or higher) will be replaced in-kind unless excluded in this Plan or subsequently agreed to by Licensees and Forest Service. Licensees will provide the following facilities or features:

Roads and spurs with vehicle control barriers to prevent off road travel (except at walk-in or boat-in campgrounds or campsites);

Outdoor recreation access routes (ORAR);

Tables;

Fire rings and grills, where appropriate;

Lantern posts;

Wildlife resistant food storage lockers (at least 30 cubic ft);

Paved pads with wildlife resistant bins for trash and recyclable materials (except at boat-in and walk-in campsites);

Firm and stable tent pads and living areas;

Information boards;

Entrance station and sign;

Restrooms with security lighting (except at boat-in and walk-in campsites);

Site markers;

Host sites with potable water, power, sanitation facilities (e.g., vault), and external communication capability; and

10-ft-wide fuel break around the perimeter of facility annually cleared to bare mineral soil.





Project day use areas* located on NFS land (Forest Service Development Scale 3 or higher) will be replaced in-kind unless excluded in this Plan or subsequently agreed to by Licensees and Forest Service. Licensees will provide the following facilities or features:

Vehicle control barriers in parking areas to prevent vehicle use off of designated routes;

ORARs;

Tables with clear and level floor space;

Pedestal fire grills;

Information boards;

Entrance station and sign;

Wildlife resistant bins for trash and recyclable materials; and

Restrooms and showers, if present.†

Trailheads are not planned for reconstruction because performing routine and heavy maintenance is expected to provide suitable facilities without their reconstruction.

New Project recreation facilities located on NFS land will be constructed to provide the level of development for the facility that is consistent with the assigned ROS classification (Table 2-2) for the site while meeting current, applicable federal and state guidelines that exist during the design phase for these facilities.

On NFS land, Licensees will reconstruct existing or construct new Project recreation facilities after obtaining the necessary authorization from the Forest Service. Such authorization will make clear any conditions on acceptance of the improvements. Within 1 year of reconstruction, construction or as otherwise agreed by Licensees and the Forest Service, Licensees will convey to the U.S. ownership of the reconstructed or constructed Project recreation facilities.

On NFS land, Licensees will design and reconstruct existing or construct new Project recreation facilities consistent with objectives, consultation, and requirements that are contained in other Project resource management plans, including, but not limited to:

Bald Eagle Management Plan

Erosion Management Plan

Fire Prevention and Response Plan

Hazardous Materials Management Plan

Historic Properties Management Plan

Integrated Vegetation Management Plan

* Excludes trailheads and Bucks Lake Inlet Parking.† Note that four restroom units at Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area also have showers.





FS asked for a section about trailheads. I included a sentence consistent with subsequent text in 3.1.2 which explains:This section does not include Three Lakes Trailhead because there are no facilities that would be reconstructed at this development. Similarly, Project trails are not included in this section because they do not require reconstruction at this time. Licensees expect that performing routine and heavy maintenance at Three Lakes Trailhead and on the Project trails throughout the license term will provide suitable facilities without their reconstruction. However, unforeseen circumstances may require reconstructing a trail or portion of a trail during the license term.


Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog Management Plan

Transportation Management Plan

3.1.2 Scope of Development for Reconstructed Project Recreation Facilities

In addition to the general site design considerations described in Section 3.1.1, General Site Design Considerations for Reconstruction Facilities, Project recreation facilities will be redesigned before their reconstruction to accommodate additional capacity and address identified needs. This section describes the scope of the development for the Project recreation facilities over the term of the license. Implementation of the development described in this section will occur either (1) concurrent with reconstruction (Table 3.1-1); or (2) in a specific year after license issuance (Table 3.1-1). This section does not include Three Lakes Trailhead because there are no facilities that would be reconstructed at this development.* Similarly, Project trails are not included in this section because they do not require reconstruction at this time. Licensees expect that performing routine and heavy maintenance at Three Lakes Trailhead and on the Project trails throughout the license term will provide suitable facilities without their reconstruction. However, unforeseen circumstances may require reconstructing a trail or portion of a trail during the license term.

3.1.2.1 Bucks Lake Inlet Parking

Licensees will install signs listed in Table 3.7-1 at Bucks Lake Inlet Parking (Table 3.1-1). .

3.1.2.2 Grizzly Forebay Campground

Licensees will reconstruct Grizzly Forebay Campground to provide the same level of development and visitor comfort (Development Scale 2) (Table 3.1-1). Exhibit R-10 of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this campground. In addition to replacing facility amenities, reconstruction will include treating down trees and vegetation to reduce fuel loading. Fuel treatment methods are described in the Integrated Vegetation Management Plan.

3.1.2.3 Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area

Licensees will reconstruct Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area to provide the same level of development and visitor comfort (Development Scale 2) (Table 3.1-1). Exhibit R-12 of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility. Exhibit R-11 shows the location of Grizzly Forebay Gaging Station Trail, an amenity of this Project recreation area that will receive heavy maintenance consistent with trail class 2 level of development (USDA Forest Service 2008). One to two accessible parking spaces will be constructed near the shoreline along the access road leading to the boat launch (Figure 3.1-1).

* By Settlement Agreement dated May 6, 2019 between the Forest Service and Licensees, Licensees have no future responsibility for operating or maintaining the existing vault restroom and its location will be excluded from the Project boundary.





3.1.2.4 Haskins Valley Boat Launch

Licensees will reconstruct Haskins Valley Boat Launch (Table 3.1-1). The ramp will be reconstructed to comply with California Department of Boating and Waterways standards for a single-lane ramp and will extend to the same elevation of the existing ramp. Exhibit R-1a of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility.

3.1.2.5 Haskins Valley Campground

Licensees will reconstruct Haskins Valley Campground, including the water system to provide the same level of development, capacity, and visitor comfort* as well as additional amenities (Table 3.1-1) (Figures 3.1-2 and 3.1-3). Exhibits R-1a and R-1b of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility. In addition to replacing facility amenities, reconstruction will include:

Constructing up to 5 additional single-family (6 people-at-one-time [PAOT] per site) campsites and vault restroom. If site constraints preclude designing campsites with parking spurs, walk-in sites may be developed to meet the goal of providing a total of 5 campsites. A potential suitable location for these campsites is along the boat launch access road, between Haskins Bay and the access road for campsite nos. 54 to 65;

Converting the 5 existing walk-in campsite (nos. 25 to 29) to an amphitheater that can be used for interpretive and educational programs; and

Providing one 120-volt electrical outlet at each of about 20 campsites.

3.1.2.6 Hutchins Group Campground

Licensees will reconstruct Hutchins Group Campground, including the water system and amphitheater to provide the same level of development and visitor comfort (Development Scale 3) and at least the same capacity (75 PAOT) (Table 3.1-1). Exhibit R-2 of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility and the location of the trail leading to Lower Bucks Lake, an amenity of this campground. Objectives of redesigning this facility for reconstruction will include expanding areas for parking and increasing overnight capacity where site conditions allow. In addition to replacing facility amenities, reconstruction will include:

Performing maintenance and installing signage on the trail between Hutchins Campground and Lower Bucks Lake consistent with trail class 2 level of development (USDA Forest Service 2008); the trail will be an amenity of the campground.

* Although located on PG&E-owned land, development would be consistent with that described by Forest Service Development Scale 3.





Figure 3.1-1. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area





Figure 3.1-2. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Haskins Valley Campground (Campsites)





Figure 3.1-3. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Haskins Valley Campground (Campsites and Amphitheater)





3.1.2.7 Indian Rock Day Use Area

Licensees will reconstruct Indian Rock Day Use Area to provide the same level of development, capacity, and visitor comfort (Development Scale 3) (Table 3.1-1).* Exhibit R-3 of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility.

3.1.2.8 Lower Bucks Lake Campground

The existing 7-campsite campground has a capacity of 42 PAOT and the campsites are scattered along Forest Road 24N24 on the northern shoreline of Lower Bucks Lake. Exhibit R-4 of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility. Licensees will reconstruct Lower Bucks Lake Campground to address resource impacts from recurrent overnight use, accommodate multi-family overnight use, increase day use opportunities, and retain shoreline camping opportunities where such use can be accommodated. Licensees will develop the new campground with about 15 family campsites, host site, and 2 multi-family shoreline campsites (Table 3.1-1).

Licensees, in consultation with the Forest Service, developed a common design goal for the campground that increases overnight capacity at Lower Bucks Lake and improves the types of available amenities yet maintains the remote recreational setting adjacent to this small lake. This balance can best be achieved by a design that favors camping experiences for visitors using tents and short trailers. This design concept is also consistent with the existing service level of road access to the campground (FS Road 24N24), which is a single lane (12 to 15 feet wide) compacted dirt and gravel road with a rough surface and is not suitable for large RVs and long trailers. The preferred design would have spur lengths and turning radii on circulation roads that would maximize overnight capacity at this topographically challenging site. Licensees do not specify the length of vehicles or trailers that should be accommodated at this campground so as not to constrain the site design and will rely on the site design review and approval process (Section 3.1.4, Planning and Designing for Construction and Reconstruction of Project Recreation Facilities) to plan a campground that maintains the character of the area.

Among the site amenities listed below, Licensees will provide electricity at 3 to 4 campsites. The specific type of electric hook-ups will be collaboratively agreed to by the Licensees and Forest Service during the new license planning and design phase for this facility and should be consistent with the overall design goals described above. This design approach would maintain the remote setting visitors seek while providing a Development Scale 3 campground that is still consistent with the Roaded Natural ROS designation.

* Because of proximity to recreation residences, trash receptacles will not be provided at this day use area. At the time of Plan development trash receptacles are not provided at this day use area and pack-in/pack-out signage informs visitors to remove their trash; Licensees regularly patrol the site to pick up trash. This management approach adequately serves visitors and is not creating resource impacts. Trash receptacles may be added if a demonstrated need develops in the future.





I revised the footnote to explain trash service is not currently provided but could be added if need develops.


Reconstruction will include (Figure 3.1-4):

Constructing a new campground (Development Scale 3) located upslope of Forest Road 24N24 across from existing campsite no. 6. Target capacity for development is 15 family campsites and 1 host site. Because an objective is to maximize the number of campsites that can be provided within the site constraints (e.g., slope), the campground will not be designed to accommodate large recreational vehicles. Amenities will include:

– Potable water;





Figure 3.1-4. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Lower Bucks Lake Campground





– Electric hookups for three to four of the sites;

– Paved roads and spurs with vehicle control barriers to prevent off road travel;

– Tables;

– Fire rings;

– Lantern posts;

– Wildlife resistant food storage lockers (at least 30 cubic ft);

– Firm and stable tent pads;

– Site markers;

– Information boards;

– Entrance station, sign, and gate; and

– Restrooms with security lighting.

Constructing a host site at the campground with potable water, power, sanitation (e.g., holding tank), and external communication capability;

Treating dead or down trees and vegetation to reduce fuel loading within and immediately adjacent to the campground. Fuel treatment methods are described in the Integrated Vegetation Management Plan;

Eliminating overnight use at existing campsite nos. 1 and 2 and restoring the land at these locations to protect natural resources and discourage recurrent recreational use;

Converting existing campsite nos. 3 and 4 to two or three family campsites that could be reserved individually or as a multi-family campsite (Development Scale 3) (12 to 18 PAOT);

Converting existing campsite nos. 5 and 6 to a day use area (Development Scale 3) See development described in Section 3.1.2.10, Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area (New);

Converting existing campsite no. 7 to one multi-family campsite (Development Scale 3) (12 to 18 PAOT); and

Installing up to 3 vault restrooms along Forest Road 24N24 to serve the day use area (i.e., converted campsite nos. 5 and 6) and each of the two multi-family campsites (i.e., converted campsite nos. 3 and 4 and campsite no. 7).

3.1.2.9 Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area (Existing)

The existing Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area (Development Scale 2) consists of one vault restroom near the shoreline with no other site amenities. Exhibit R-5 of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility. The area lacks a defined area for parking and controls to prevent vehicle access to the shoreline and below the maximum water surface elevation. Campers from Camp Timberwolf (operated under permit from the Forest Service) also use this public day use area. Licensees will reconstruct Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area to address resource impacts





from unmanaged vehicle use, provide day use area amenities, encourage separate areas for public and Camp Timberwolf shoreline uses, and allow access for launching car top and small trailered watercraft (Table 3.1-1). In addition to replacing facility amenities (i.e., vault restroom), reconstruction with amenities for a Development Scale 3 facility will include (Figure 3.1-5):

Constructing a paved parking area with about 10 defined parking spaces (combination of single vehicle and vehicle with trailer spaces) and controls to prevent vehicle use off of surfaced internal access road, launch, and parking area;

Constructing up to 7 picnic sites with tables and pedestal fire grills;

Constructing a surfaced* boat launch to allow launching car top and small trailered watercraft; and

Installing entrance sign and information boards.

3.1.2.10 Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area (New)

Licensees will convert two existing campsites (nos. 5 and 6) into a new day use area with amenities for a Development Scale 3 facility (Table 3.1-1). Development will include:

Parking area to accommodate about 5 to 7 vehicles (without trailers);

Up to 7 picnic sites with tables and pedestal fire grills;

Signage; and

Shoreline access for hand launching watercraft.

3.1.2.11 Mill Creek Campground

Licensees will reconstruct Mill Creek Campground, including the water system to provide the same level of development and visitor comfort (Development Scale 3) (Table 3.1-1). Exhibit R-6 of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility. Objectives of redesigning this facility for reconstruction will include providing additional overnight capacity by reconfiguring the existing campground layout and relocating any areas used for the host site and parking to the upslope section of the circulation road (Figure 3.1-6). A potential suitable location for additional walk-in campsites is near campsite nos. 9 and 10. Licensees will install signage on the Mill Creek Campground Tie Trail between the campground and Mill Creek Trail. The Tie Trail will be a campground amenity and Licensees will maintain this trail consistent with trail class 2 level of development (USDA Forest Service 2008). Also, in conjunction with construction of the new trail described in Section 3.1.3.2, Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail, Licensees will install directional signage for the trail.

* Concrete is required for any portion extending below the maximum water surface elevation but AC may be used for above the maximum water surface elevation.





Figure 3.1-5. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area





Figure 3.1-6. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Mill Creek Campground





3.1.2.12 Sandy Point Day Use Area and Boat Launch

Licensees will reconstruct Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area, including the water system and host site to provide the same level of development and visitor comfort (Development Scale 3) (Table 3.1-1). Exhibit R-7 of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility. In addition to replacing facility amenities, reconstruction (Figure 3.1-7) will include:

Constructing a double-lane boat launch with a courtesy dock to comply with California Department of Boating and Waterways standards (i.e., widening the existing single-lane launch); and

Installing directional signage in conjunction with constructing the new trail described in Section 3.1.3.2, Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail. The trail will be an amenity of this facility.

3.1.2.13 Sundew Campground

Licensees will reconstruct Sundew Campground, including the water system to provide the same level of development and visitor comfort (Development Scale°3) (Table 3.1-1). Exhibit R-8 of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility. In addition, up to 2 multi-family campsites (12 to 18 PAOT per site) will be constructed. A potential suitable location for these campsites is west of existing campsite no. 22. Objectives of redesigning this facility for reconstruction will include providing additional overnight capacity by reconfiguring the existing campground layout and relocating any areas used for the parking away from the shoreline (Figure 3.1-8). Also, in conjunction with construction of the new trail described in Section 3.1.3.2, Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail, Licensees will install directional signage for the trail.

3.1.2.14 West End Cove Day Use Area

Licensees will reconstruct West End Cove Day Use Area to provide the same level of development and visitor comfort (Development Scale 3) (Table 3.1-1).* Exhibit R-9 of Attachment B shows the existing layout of this facility. In addition to replacing facility amenities, reconstruction will include enhancing shoreline and reservoir access (Figure 3.1-9):

Constructing a shoreline access trail and fishing access facility to accommodate fishing access at varying reservoir water levels (e.g., pier or structure with associated trail and multiple wide pullouts). The intent is for this facility to provide enhanced accessible fishing opportunities within the Project area. This facility will provide access to Bucks Lake from early spring thru September in most years to accommodate varying reservoir water levels. The size/capacity and shape of this facility will be determined depending on topographic and reservoir level constraints. If a pier or platform is not feasible due to topographic, reservoir level, or engineering constraints, then other designs that can accommodate a range of users may be considered. The envisioned development consists of a hardened

* Because of proximity to recreation residences, trash receptacles will not be provided at this day use area. At the time of Plan development trash receptacles are not provided at this day use area and pack-in/pack-out signage informs visitors to remove their trash; Licensees regularly patrol the site to pick up trash. This management approach adequately serves visitors and is not creating resource impacts. Trash receptacles may be added if a demonstrated need develops in the future





This is Jesus’ text description as modified (shown in TC) to incorporate, as appropriate, Amy’s revised text in her 7/19/2019 email.


Same approach for documenting no trash service at this site.


meandering pathway (at suitable grade/width to meet accessibility requirements) extending betweenfrom the existing West End Cove facility amenities leading down toand the edge of the reservoir. The pathway would lead users to a transition structure, pier or platform to be built at or above the reservoir maximum operating level of 5,157 ft (PG&E Datum) along the shoreline. The top surface of the transition structure, pier or platform would likely be built 2 to3 ft above the maximum operating level to be resistant to wave action at a full reservoir. The transition structure, pier or platform creates a developed access area where users could fish from at full/near full reservoir levels. An accessible route of travel would continue to extend down to the lakebed beyond the transition structure, pier or platform traversing back and forth across the lakebed to a designed reservoir elevation that would accommodate use of the pathway (fishing) through at least September in most years. Along the lakebed pathway, regular bump-outs (wide areas) would will be developed to allow wheelchair or folding chair placement for fishing.

Constructing up to 6 additional paved parking spaces. Potential suitable location for these parking spaces is east of the existing restroom, along the road shoulder.





Figure 3.1-7. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area





Figure 3.1-8. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Sundew Campground





Figure 3.1-9. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at West End Cove Day Use Area





3.1.3 Scope of Development for New Project Recreation Facilities

Licensees will construct two new Project recreation facilities, Bucks Lake Boat-in Campground and Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail.

3.1.3.1 Bucks Lake Boat-in Campground

Licensees will construct Bucks Boat-in Campground at the north end of Bucks Lake on NFS land, across the inlet from Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area (Table 3.1-1) (Figure 3.1-10). The area where this campground will be developed currently serves as a boat-in campsite (i.e., campsite no. 1) managed by the Forest Service. Development will include:

A Development Scale 2 campground* with up to 5 family campsites (6 PAOT per site) with site markers, tables, tent pads, fire rings, and wildlife resistant food storage lockers. The campground would be operated using a reservation or permit system to manage and monitor use at this remote location;

Formalized and hardened access routes connecting the shoreline, campsites and all other campground amenities and components ;

An entrance sign and information boards; and

One vault restroom (or other Forest Service-approved design suitable for locations that cannot be accessed by wheeled vehicles).

Concurrent with campground development, Licensees will remove all amenities (e.g., fire rings, site markers) from the existing campsite nos. 2 and 3. Licensees will restore the sites to discourage overnight use (e.g., reslope land used for tent pads) and post with “no camping” signs.†

3.1.3.2 Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail

Licensees will construct this new shoreline trail between Sundew and Mill Creek campgrounds, including a parking area near the entrance to Sundew Campground (Table 3.1-1) (Figure 3.1-11). The trail will be designed consistent with standards for a Forest Service class 4 trail (USDA Forest Service 2008) and accommodate pedestrian and bicycle use. The trail will be considered an amenity of Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area.

* Although this area is not accessible by road, development scale 2 is appropriate for this setting because motorized access is provided by boat and the proposed amenities are necessary for resource protection.

† By agreement between the Forest Service and Licensees, Licensees have no future responsibility for operating or maintaining existing site nos. 4 and 5 and upon license issuance Licensees will revise Exhibit G drawings to reflect this agreement.





Figure 3.1-10. Conceptual Drawing of Planned Development at Bucks Boat-in Campground





Figure 3.1-11. Conceptual Drawing of Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail (Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area amenity)





3.1.4 Planning and Designing for Construction and Reconstruction of Project Recreation Facilities

Construction and reconstruction generally involve a 5-year, three-step planning and implementation process. Steps in this process include (1) site planning (design narrative and site conceptual plan); (2) preparing a site development plan and construction plan; and (3) contracting and constructing each facility. In addition, for all sites located on NFS land, reconstruction plans and recreation improvements (such as constructed feature replacement) will need to meet current agency standards and therefore require Forest Service approval. These steps, described below, are typical and variances may occur because of the complexity or simplicity of the improvement work.

Environmental analysis and permitting work does not fit clearly into any of the three planning and implementation steps below; and, in practice, can often span the first and second steps of the process. As a rule, construction (Step 3) will not occur until all environmental and permitting work is complete. However, the timing and scope of the environmental review and permitting work will vary between reconstruction of existing recreation facilities as compared to the construction of new facilities.

3.1.4.1 Site Planning

Licensees will plan and design projects in consultation with Forest Service at facilities located on NFS land to meet Forest Service national and regional direction, regulations, design and other applicable standards in place at the time of design, such as that included in, but not limited to: ABA, FSORAG; FSTAG, Forest Service directives (i.e., manuals and handbooks); and official correspondence. During initial planning and design, Licensees will meet with the Forest Service at each facility to collaboratively evaluate details about the site design such as spur dimensions circulation road locations, and layout. If planned construction activities are scheduled to begin more than 3 years after Forest Service design approval, the design will be revisited and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with current, applicable federal and state guidelines and reapproved by the Forest Service.

Licensees will plan and design projects on PG&E-owned lands to meet current applicable accessibility standards and guidelines (i.e., 2010 Standards or subsequent revision) for picnic tables, fire rings, pedestal grills, water hydrants, restrooms and other site amenities. Licensees will use the ROS assigned to adjacent NFS land as guidelines and generally accepted professional recreation guidelines for designing these facilities.

The planning phase consists of preparing a design narrative, site conceptual plan, and an environmental analysis (e.g., environmental assessment, decision memo), if the construction or reconstruction activities are not already assessed in the environmental documentation prepared for license issuance. However, the timing and scope of the environmental review and permitting work will vary between reconstruction of existing recreation facilities as compared to the construction of new Project recreation facilities. For reconstructing Project recreation facilities, Licensees anticipate the Project environmental documentation prepared by FERC for license issuance will meet the environmental documentation requirement, the permitting scope of work





will be well-known, well-defined and reconstruction will begin after 100 percent design (Step 2) is complete. For constructing new Project recreation facilities, Licensees expect additional environmental review and permitting will be necessary and will need to begin earlier on in the three-step planning process. This work will be done at the Licensees’ expense. Licensees expect environmental studies and analysis will be needed, particularly where new Project recreation facilities would be constructed outside the existing Project boundary. These studies and analysis may be necessary to determine mitigation measures to incorporate into the facility design (e.g., avoidance of sensitive resources) in Step 2 (Site Development Plan and Construction Plan).

The design narrative associated with the reconstruction of a recreation facility typically includes: (1) management objectives; (2) design criteria, including criteria for the type and color of materials and accessibility; (3) existing physical conditions; (4) any reconstruction and new construction; (5) anticipated management problems that design may minimize; (6) site capacity, durability, and protection; and (7) user safety.

The site conceptual plan presents a preliminary graphic illustration of proposed facilities and utilities in relationship to existing site features, facilities, and utilities. The site conceptual plan communicates proposed development ideas and/or alternatives. The site conceptual plan may include enlargements of the area that indicate placement and orientation of the proposed facilities and may include the use of aerial photography or topographic maps.

3.1.4.2 Site Development Plan and Construction Plan

During this step, Licensees will develop a site development plan that adapts the site conceptual plan to a detailed topographic survey that better represents actual, existing site conditions. This plan also identifies the site design details (i.e., picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, signage, and road surface materials). Table 3.1-2 outlines general guidelines for preparing the drawing plan sets.

Table 3.1-2. Guidelines for Content of Design Drawings

Level of Design Plan Detail Drawing Content

30 percent

Schematic design representing about 30 percent of the design plan development with: Title page; Notes and index page; Basic computer-aided drawings showing demolition plan and site layout plan; and Basic or standard construction details.

60 percent

Design development representing about 60 percent of the design plan development with: Comments on the schematic design addressed; Refined content of the Title, Notes and Index pages; Fully developed demolition plan and site layout plan, containing (1) dimensions,

callouts and notes, but they may not be complete; and (2) other plans such as grading and drainage, erosion control, electrical and lighting, and utilities;

Complete basic or standard construction details and developed site specific details’ but they may be incomplete; and





Level of Design Plan Detail Drawing Content

Product specifications and details, but they may be incomplete.

90 percent

Pre-final design representing about 90 percent of the design plan development with: Comments on the design development addressed; Refined and finalized dimensions, callouts, and notes; Refined and finalized construction details and product specifications

100 percentFinal design representing 100 percent of the design plans with:

Comments to the pre-final design addressed; and Forest Service approval (signed plan set)

The goal of this step is to develop: (1) design drawings for the proposed recreation improvements, and (2) an implementation schedule.

This step also involves developing a construction plan which:

1. Describes the proposed improvements, construction methods, equipment, crews, access routes, and timing;

2. Describes measures to avoid impacts to water quality and sensitive resources (i.e., cultural and biological);

3. Identifies permitting and other regulatory requirements needed prior to construction;

4. Identifies appropriate site-specific erosion and sedimentation control measures; and

5. Identifies necessary measures to provide appropriate recreation traffic and parking during the construction.

On NFS land, the Forest Service will approve the site development plan and construction plan prior to submitting the plans to FERC. Licensees will provide 30 days for the Forest Service to review and approve design drawings at the 30, 60, 90, and 100 percent completion (i.e., total of 120 days for review). Licensees expect FERC to complete its review and approval of the final plans within 60 days of submittal.

When new construction or expansion is specified in this Plan, the site capacities are estimates only and will be refined based on topographic conditions, resource constraints, design and accessibility standards and guidelines, relevant regulations, and, when located on NFS land, in consultation with the Forest Service.





3.1.4.3 Contracting and Construction

This step involves contracting, planning, and coordination in preparation for construction activities. For constructing and reconstructing Project recreation facilities located on NFS land, Licensees will commence construction after (1) consultation with the Forest Service to ensure construction activities are coordinated with the agency; (2) receiving plan approval from FERC and (3) receiving any required permits. Licensees will make a good faith effort to complete construction activities at any one campground or picnic area within 1 year, so that the facility (or portion thereof) is not closed for more than 1 calendar year. At new or altered Project recreation facilities located on NFS land, Licensees will revise Attachment B, As-built Site Plan Drawings for submittal to FERC and concurrently provide hard copy and electronic* versions of the “as-built” drawings to the Forest Service.

Licensees intend to complete as much work as possible during periods when the facilities are normally closed (immediately before and after the open season); however, it is expected that some work will require closing the recreation facilities during the typical open season to complete all the proposed work. If construction activities will take longer than 1 year and it is not overly disruptive or would unduly reduce the capacity of the area during a facility’s open season, Licensees will consider reconstructing individual campground loops separately. Furthermore, Licensees may choose to complete scheduled work prior to that specified in the implementation schedule for Plan measures (Table 3.1-1), particularly when substantial cost savings are possible (i.e., volume discounts, high mobilization or transportation costs). In this circumstance, Licensees will include these ahead-of-schedule work tasks in the site development plans as with all other normally scheduled work.

During this three-step process and at the annual recreation coordination meeting described in Section 6.0, Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting and Plan Revision, Licensees will consult the Forest Service about the implementation status of constructing and reconstructing Project facilities located on NFS land. For Project recreation facilities located on NFS land, the implementation schedule for constructing or reconstructing these facilities may be revised, as needed, upon agreement between Licensees and the Forest Service.

3.1.5 Avoidance, Protection, and Minimizing Affects to Sensitive Resource Areas

Sensitive resources (e.g., wetlands, culturally-sensitive sites, critical wildlife habitats, and sensitive botanical sites) at or near Project recreation sites can potentially be affected by construction or reconstruction activities. Site conceptual and development plans for recreation sites, will contain measures to avoid, mitigate, and/or minimize effects to sensitive resources as identified by resource surveys and as necessary to be consistent with Project resource management plans (e.g., Historic Properties Management Plan, Integrated Vegetation Management Plan, Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog Management Plan). Accordingly, necessary resource surveys may be needed early in the site planning process and may require consultation with resource and regulatory agencies, or analysis to prescribe appropriate mitigation. In particular, Licensees will review the conditions in the new license and Project resource management plans, during the development of

* Using “.dwg” format or other commonly used software format.





site concept plans and site development plans to identify any additional resource protection measures to be implemented during construction or reconstruction.

3.2 Project Recreation Facility Improvements and Heavy Maintenance

Licensees will improve recreation facilities to meet visitor needs and achieve consistency with LRMP management guidance, Forest Service facility standards, and current accessibility standards and guidelines. These improvements address near term needs related to items such as accessibility and safety that should not be delayed until when facilities are reconstructed. Recreation improvements include construction, installation, or assembly of a new fixed asset, or the alteration, expansion, or extension of an existing fixed asset to accommodate a change of purpose or level of use. Improvements may not require significant planning and implementation timeframes, and (1) generally enhance an existing facility without altering the site layout/footprint or (2) involve construction or installation of a new basic fixed asset that does not require survey or design work. Examples of recreation facility improvements may include changes to achieve accessibility at an existing campground or day use area; installing wildlife resistant food storage lockers, signs, and vehicle barriers; and changing power supply sources (e.g., generator to solar).

Licensees will also accomplish heavy maintenance to arrest deterioration and appreciably prolong the life of the facility.

3.2.1 Project Recreation Facility Improvements

Licensees will make improvements to existing Project recreation facilities that are scheduled for reconstruction 10 or more years after license issuance (Table 3.1-1).

3.2.2 Heavy Maintenance at Project Recreation Facilities

Licensees are responsible for all heavy maintenance identified in 2015 relicensing studies and additional heavy maintenance needs that emerge during the new license term as identified on an annual basis. Scope and schedule for addressing heavy maintenance needs at facilities located on NFS land that were identified during the new license term will be determined in subsequent consultation with the Forest Service. Depending on cost, some heavy maintenance items may be addressed by replacing a site amenity (e.g., restroom needs a new roof but also needs modifications for compliance with accessibility standards and guidelines so it would be replaced). The need for replacing or performing heavy maintenance at Project recreation facilities will be discussed and planned, as may be necessary, during the annual recreation coordination meeting described in Section 6.1, Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting. Items typically within the scope of heavy maintenance at Project recreation facilities exceed the technical capabilities of a host either in the quantity (e.g., all vehicle control barriers in a campground) or type of work. This type of maintenance requires support of a skilled licensed contractor.





3.2.2.1 Campsite Spurs, Boat Ramps, and Trails

Heavy maintenance activities related to these features typically include:

Resurfacing campsite spurs;

Replacing entire groups or sets of vehicle control barriers, fences, posts, rails, and gates (i.e., not individual components);

Replacing or repairing trail bridges and staircases; and

Replacing or performing major repair of boat ramps and retaining walls.

Asphalt Concrete Surfaces

Surfaces of some pathways, picnic pads, above-water portions of boat ramps, and campsite spurs at Project recreation facilities are paved with AC. Licensees will determine appropriate heavy maintenance treatments for these paved surfaces. Typically, either a slurry seal (liquid asphalt) or surface treatment (tar and chip) of the pavement will be necessary. Licensees will also repair curbs at the same time the paved surfaces are treated.

Aggregate Surfaces

Some pathways, picnic pads, and campsite spurs have aggregate surfaces. Heavy maintenance of these surfaces will involve regrading and replenishing aggregate.

Native Surfaces

Some pathways, picnic pads, camping pads, and campsite spurs have native surfaces. Heavy maintenance of native surfaces involves regrading.

Concrete Surfaces

Concrete surfaces are frequently used at restrooms, water faucets, trash bin pads, picnic site pads, and walkways. Concrete is also used for the portions of boat launch lanes that extend below the maximum water surface elevation. Heavy maintenance of concrete surfaces will be performed when the surface is damaged in a way that compromises the use of the feature, creates a safety hazard, or impedes accessibility.

3.2.2.2 Water Systems

During the new license term, Licensees anticipate that all water systems will need to be replaced at least one time. Heavy maintenance activities related to water systems will include replacing well pumps and casings, potable water tanks or pressure systems, supply and distribution lines, valves and faucets. However, during the planning for replacement of the water distribution system, Licensees will use current designs or technologies that can be reasonably implemented that would better serve recreation users, improve the operation, and minimize maintenance. Water sources (i.e., wells) will be replaced based upon need (e.g., developed recreation facilities they serve have an insufficient water supply).





The water systems serving recreation facilities currently function, however their long term reliability is uncertain because of their age. During consultation to develop this Plan, Licensees prioritized replacement of the four water systems serving the Project recreation facilities as follows: (1) Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area; (2) Mill Creek Campground; (3) Hutchins Group Campground (also serves Sundew Campground) and (4) Haskins Valley Campground. The schedule for replacing each of the water systems is shown in Table 3.1-1.

3.2.2.3 Campgrounds and Day Use Areas

Heavy maintenance at Project campgrounds and day use areas typically includes:

Replacing site amenities including picnic tables, benches, fire rings, grills, wildlife resistant food storage lockers, trash bins, and recycling containers;

Replacing damaged signage, information boards,* and fee tubes;

Replacing or retrofitting restrooms with models meeting current accessibility standards and guidelines (ABAAS, FSORAG, FSTAG on NFS land, 2010 Standards on PG&E-owned lands) of similar size (number of stalls). All flush restroom fixtures should be upgraded to contemporary low-flow flush technology. Evaluate needs of associated leach fields and mark them in the field;

Replacing septic systems, including leach fields. Evaluate alternative septic designs and technologies to improve the efficiency and reliability of existing restroom septic facilities;

Replacing potable water system components; and

Site leveling and removing obstacles, including for ORARs, as needed for compliance with accessibility standards and guidelines.

* Directional signs, entrance signs, information boards, and other signs will be replaced as needed, with similar messages. Signs and information boards need to meet applicable Forest Service, FERC, California Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (see Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices), and Licensees standards and guidelines in effect at the time of their replacement.





3.3 Project Recreation Facility Operation and Maintenance

Licensees are responsible for operating and maintaining all Project recreation facilities located on PG&E-owned and public land within the FERC Project Boundary.* Project recreation facilities include any new facilities FERC approves and Licensees develop during the term of the new license as well as existing Project recreation facilities which include: Bucks Lake Inlet Parking, Grizzly Forebay Campground, Grizzly Forebay Gaging Station Trail, Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area, Haskins Valley Boat Launch, Haskins Valley Campground, Hutchins Group Campground, Indian Rock Day Use Area, Lower Bucks Lake Campground, Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area, Mill Creek Campground, Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area, Sundew Campground, Three Lakes Trailhead, and West End Cove Day Use Area. PG&E will use a concessionaire to operate and maintain these Project recreation facilities that are usually open from May through September and, as allowed by FERC regulations, charge user fees to offset the costs associated with providing recreation facilities and services. Alternatively, Licensees may enter into an agreement with the Forest Service to fulfill responsibilities for operating and maintaining Project recreation facilities located on NFS land.

Authority for any entity, other than the Forest Service, to operate and maintain Project recreation facilities on NFS lands may require a special use permit (SUP) issued by the Forest Service. An annual operating plan will be developed by the entity responsible for operating and maintaining for all Project recreation facilities (i.e., Licensees or Forest Service) which will contain specific implementation information. A general outline of an annual operating plan includes, but is not limited to:

Operating season for each facility

Staffing and management

– Supervision and management

– Host locations and sites for which each host is responsible

– Personnel

– Employee training and conduct

– Uniforms and vehicle identification

Customer Service

Operations

– Pricing, fee collection and refunds

– Reservation system* Project recreation facilities include any new facilities FERC approves and Licensees develop during the term of the new

license as well as existing Project recreation facilities which include: Bucks Lake Inlet Parking, Grizzly Forebay Campground, Grizzly Forebay Gaging Station Trail, Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area, Haskins Valley Boat Launch, Haskins Valley Campground, Hutchins Group Campground, Indian Rock Day Use Area, Lower Bucks Lake Campground, Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area, Mill Creek Campground, Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area, Sundew Campground, Three Lakes Trailhead, and West End Cove Day Use Area.





For clarity, we moved the text up from the footnote.


– Water systems

Operation

Testing

– Occupancy records

– Measures to avoid interfering with normal recreation site use

– Standards for site facility cleaning and maintenance

All facilities

Restrooms (toilet pumping, septic maintenance)

Tables

Fire rings and grills

Grounds

Roads and trails

Barriers (parking, roads, etc.)

Site markers

Water hydrants

Trash receptacles (collection and disposal)

Signs, bulletin boards, and fee stations

Docks and platforms

Safety

– Safety inspections

– High risk conditions

– Removal of hazardous objects

– Identification and removal of hazardous trees

Signs and posters

– Entrance sign

– Title VI* compliance

Holder advertising

Fire prevention

Law enforcement and security

Emergency Response Plan

* Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives Federal funds or other Federal financial assistance.





Communication systems

Managing predators

Herbicides and pesticides

Recycling

Interpretive programs

Additional revenue-producing sales, services, and/or fees

Pre- and post-season inspections

3.3.1 Scope of Routine Maintenance at Project Recreation Facilities

Maintenance responsibilities include conducting routine maintenance activities to keep fixed assets in an acceptable condition by performing minor repairs, painting, and preventive maintenance; replacing minor parts and structural components; and other activities needed to preserve a fixed asset so that it continues to provide acceptable service and achieves its expected life. Routine maintenance neither materially adds to the value of the property nor appreciably prolongs its life and serves only to keep the facility in an ordinary, safe, efficient operating condition. Routine maintenance activities take place on daily and periodic bases and include providing supplies, tools, and materials necessary to clean, operate, and routinely maintain the facilities. Items typically within the scope of routine maintenance at Project recreation facilities are within the technical capabilities of a host either in the quantity (e.g., individual vehicle control barrier in a campground) or type of work. This type of maintenance does not require the support of a skilled licensed contractor.

Daily routine maintenance activities generally include:

Cleaning features within the footprint of the Project recreation facility including, but not limited to, campsites, picnic sites, fire rings, restrooms and parking areas;

Repairing broken amenities (e.g., windows, tables, doors, fire rings, risers, plumbing fixtures, individual (i.e., not a whole set of vehicle control barriers);

Replacing light bulbs;

Collecting fees;

Maintaining daily campground occupancy records;

Operating, maintaining, and performing minor repairs of potable water and septic systems;

Greasing, servicing, inspecting, oiling, adjusting, tightening, and aligning motors; and

Serving as a point of public contact.

Standards for cleaning recreation facilities located on NFS land will be consistent with Forest Service national and forest-specific standards and policies, which may change over time.





Currently, national Forest Service standards and policies for cleaning recreation sites are described in Cleaning Recreation Sites (USDA Forest Service 1995) and Meaningful Measures for Quality Recreation Management—Recreation Sites, National Quality Standards (USDA Forest Service 2002).

Table 3.3-1 lists the frequency for performing periodic routine maintenance of Project recreation facilities on NFS land.

3.3.2 Fees

At Project recreation facilities Licensees may charge “reasonable fees to users of such facilities in order to help defray the cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining such facilities” (18 C.F.R. § 2.7), and will maintain a comparable fee structure with other NFS campgrounds in the area. Because some of the Project recreation facilities are located on NFS land, Licensees will determine fees charged at these Project recreation facilities in consultation with the Forest Service (Section 6.0, Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting and Plan Revision).





Table 3.3-1. Frequency for Performing Periodic Routine Maintenance of Project Recreation Facilities on NFS Land

RoutineMaintenance Task Frequency Comments

Lower boat launch docks as the season progresses and removal when the ramps are no longer in the water

As needed, when water recedes End of season (remove)

May need to remove the dock if site conditions make the ramp unusable

Litter and trash collection within site boundaries

Daily at hosted sites 2 times/week at non-hosted sites

Remove all litter observed on the grounds. Particular attention will be given to the removal of all

glass, bottles, cans and similar objects that might cause injury to visitors

Do not perform litter removal in an occupied campsite Trash collection will be collected at a frequency that

does not encourage animal encroachment or cause receptacles to overflow or omit offensive odors

Receptacles will be wildlife resistant Two to four cubic yard dumpsters need to be dumped

at least once a week or before they overflow

Paint entrance signs, shields and frames Annually, prior to July 1st Use Forest Service approved materials Frames may have to be water-sealed instead of painted

Remove graffiti As needed Remove graffiti within 48 hours of discovery or notification

All ground steel/concrete fire pits will be maintained

Prior to opening As needed during the operating season

Concrete fire pits will have smooth finish with minor surface exfoliation or cracking evident

Internal grill will be securely fastened

Patch rodent and bird holes in wood restrooms, repair/replace screens

As needed, prior to opening each year Forest Service approved materials and standards






Maintain all posters in like-new condition on bulletin boards

Prior to opening As needed during operating season

Posters will not be curled, 'dog-eared', rippled or faded; temporary or press-on signs will be in good condition and professional in appearance

If site is under Licensee operation and maintenance, the Licensee will obtain a source from the Forest Service for posters; posters will be uniformly spaced on the bulletin boards, not grouped in one corner.

Return all displaced picnic tables to appropriate locations at all locations, anchor if necessary

Prior to July 1 Within 1 week of observance

Picnic tables will be cabled or chained in place by the leg or brace

Cables or chains will be of sufficient size to require a bolt cutter or similar tool for cutting

The cable or chain will be connected to a buried anchor that may be concrete, block or steel post or like material

No wood anchors will be used Anchors will be placed so they are not a tripping

hazard or otherwise cause injury; tables will have all 4 legs in contact with the ground; no legs will be propped up with rocks or other objects

No anchors will be needed if concrete models are installed

Raise picnic tables that have sunken into ground due to snow load

Prior to opening, annually All tables seating should be at appropriate height

All campsite markers will be straight with numbers clearly visible from roadway

Prior to July 1, annually Within 1 week of observance

Forest Service standards; Carsonite posts with reflectorized letters or numbers, or equivalent; posts and lettering will be in good physical condition

Remove trash from road Weekly, between Memorial Day and Labor Day

Twice monthly after Labor Day until facilities are closed for the season

Remove and dispose of trash off site






Replace all metal signs when they fadea Prior to opening, annually Within 1 week of observance

All metal signs will be legible and clearly visible at all times

The signs will be replaced when sunlight or other environmental factors has caused the numbers or letterings to appear weathered, discolored or bleached

Straighten, replace, reset, improve, and reinstall individual vehicle control barriers; make minor repairs of gates

By opening date As needed

Within and adjacent to sites; along the roads surrounding the reservoir; and along Project roads and trails where unmanaged vehicle use may occur

Remove human and pet waste Regular basis As needed

Waste will be removed on a regular basis to maintain acceptable site conditions

Note areas where this is a recurrent problem

Remove hazard trees Prior to opening As needed, during operating season

Forest Service standards and in compliance with Project Integrated Vegetation Management Plan

Brush, level, remove obstacles on trails Prior to opening As needed, during operating season

Forest Service standards and in compliance with Project Integrated Vegetation Management Plan

Activate, test, and obtaining permits for potable water system

Testing and permits obtained prior to opening

As required during operating season

Winterize facility—drain water systems, lock structures and gates, remove/store or cover signs

At end of season

Rake around fire rings and pedestal grills Prior to opening Rake needles away for 5 ft in all directions

Clean out inlets, outlets and inside of culvert pipes

At end of season Prior to opening, as needed

Forest Service standards; material removed will be placed in an area outside the stream environment zone

Sweep all areas of paved roads, parking areas and campsite spurs

Prior to opening As needed

Material will not be piled Material will be scattered; and Cones and limbs will be kept off roadways and

walkways for public safety






Cut back all vegetation sufficient to permit visibility to vehicles on roadway and allow vehicles use of the entire road

Prior to opening As needed during operating season

All shrubs, limbs and brush will be trimmed back to a distance no less than 6 ft from the edge of all roadways and spurs

Maintain all restroom doors in operating condition

As needed Interior and exterior of entry door Must be able to close and lock doors at all times Facilities will not be out of service longer than 5 days Use Forest Service approved materials

Inspect boat ramps, perform minor maintenance and remove debris

Bi-monthly Inspect for obstacles, deterioration, and safety hazards Safety hazards will be taken care of immediately

Maintain restroom roofs Prior to opening As needed during operating season

Make sure pine needles are removed before season starts, and buildup does not occur during season

To prevent structural damage, buildings must be leak proof at all times

Site inspections and safety remediation Inspect on a regular basis during the season Hosted facilities will be inspected on a daily basis Non-hosted facilities will be inspected bi-weekly and

include one weekend day All safety items identified will be remediated prior to

opening and, throughout the season within 48 hours of discovery, unless the severity is such that it would dictate closing the site

Pump restroom vaults and host site holding tanks at facilities with vehicle access, as needed

Beginning of season As needed

Vaults may need to be pumped at end of the season or at the beginning of season, if the restroom vault is subject to accumulation of water from snowmelt

Remove any trash from vaults when pumped

Pump restroom vaults as needed at boat-in and walk-in facilities

As needed End of season

Vaults may need to be pumped at end of the season or at the beginning of season, if the restroom vault is subject to accumulation of water from snowmelt

Remove any trash from vaults when pumped






Pump septic systems vaults at Sundew (host site) and Sandy Point (flush toilets and shower)

Every 5 years

Painting restroom buildings On a rotating basis Each building painted once every 3 years

Paint interior and exterior once every 3 years with Forest Service approved materials

Surfaces to be painted will be free of dust, dirt, scale or any other substance which may interfere with the adhesion of the specified coat. This may require sanding and smoothing

Forest Service approved paint at full strength

Paint trash bins, food lockers, recycling receptacles, and gates

As needed Paint with Forest Service approved materials Surfaces to be painted will be free of dust, dirt, scale or

any other substance which may interfere with the adhesion of the specified coat. This may require sanding and smoothing


Paint roadway signs and arrows Prior to July 1 As needed

All symbols will be in conformance with the “Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs and Pavement Markings” available from the Federal Highway Administration (see Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)

Arrows will be 12-ft-wide at the base; the wings will extend 10 ft from the outside edge of the base at a point 24 ft up from the bottom of the base; and the arrow portion will extend 24 ft from the point where the wings start

A high pressure air hose will be used to clean the pavement immediately prior to painting

Approved white traffic paint will be used to paint signs and arrows






Paint, stain or otherwise waterproof wooden picnic tables

On a rotating basis Each table treated once every 3 years

Forest Service Standards and approved materials; surfaces to be painted will be free of dust, dirt, scale or any other substance which may interfere with the adhesion of the specified coat. This may require sanding and smoothing


Remove ashes from fire rings and pedestal grills

When 2/3 full Cooled ashes will be disposed of offsite. Previously disposed ashes onsite (including those disposed of onsite by users) will be properly disposed of as described above.

Notes:a Sign installation only; responsibility for sign fabrication is a heavy maintenance item.





3.3.3 Reservations and Camping Permits

3.3.3.1 Campground Reservation System

As of 2017, visitors can reserve campsites at Hutchins Group (on NFS land) and Haskins Valley (on PG&E-owned land) campgrounds. All campsites at other Project campgrounds are currently available on a first come-first served basis. Consistent with Forest Service policy and at Project campgrounds on NFS land that have reservable campsites, visitors will make all reservations through the Forest Service reservation system. As of 2017, the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS, [available at www.recreation.gov]) provides this service. However, if a different system is being used during license implementation, it will be the system used during license implementation. Under contract with the Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the NRRS performs the function of campground reservation and remittance collection for public access to all Forest Service and federally-owned campgrounds. Under the NRRS, users are charged a reservation system use fee in addition to the campsite fee for family or group campground use. The reservation fee is set under terms of the service contract with a minor percentage of fee remitted to the Forest Service (Washington Office) and the remainder retained by the NRRS contractor.

If Licensees operate a Project campground on NFS land with reservable sites, reservation system fees will be retained by the Forest Service (Washington Office) and NRRS, while the entire campsite fee will be remitted to Licensees. Operational procedures for the NRRS will be developed and placed in the annual operating plan. Licensees will be responsible for acting on any issues related to non-reservation system customer service (e.g., camping complaints) while the NRRS will handle all matters related to reservation cancellations or date changes.

If the Forest Service operates the Project campgrounds with reservable sites on NFS land under agreement with Licensees, reservation system fees will be retained by the Forest Service (Washington Office) and NRRS, while the entire campsite fee will be remitted to the Forest Service. Operational procedures for the NRRS will be developed and placed in the annual operating plan. The Forest Service will be responsible for acting on any issues related to customer service (e.g., complaints, refund requests) while the NRRS will handle all matters related to reservation cancellations or date changes.

Under either entity’s operation, any walk-up campsite use fee will be paid on site using the honor system (e.g., the camper drops the fee and payment form into a fee collection drop-box). Fees will be periodically collected by the operating entity and added to reservation revenues for a determination of total campground revenues.

If Licensees operate the Project campgrounds on NFS Lands, actual daily site occupancy (i.e., by campground, number of sites occupied, total number of people, and percent occupancy by campground), and campground specific revenue data for all fee campgrounds will be submitted to the Forest Service as stipulated in the annual operating plan. Licensees will not be required to submit this information to the Forest Service if the Forest Service operates these campgrounds and does not provide visitor use and revenue documentation by campground to Licensees.





3.4 Flow Information One Project reach, Grizzly Creek downstream of Grizzly Forebay Dam to the confluence with NFFR, is navigable by some expert boaters and may provide angling opportunities. To enhance these opportunities Licensees will provide flow data to the public from U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gage NF22, an existing flow monitoring gage just downstream of Grizzly Forebay Dam. Licensees will make real-time flow data available to the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) (or at such time that CDEC is no longer viable, other similar entity that provides publicly available flow information as agreed upon by Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Water Resources Control Board, and Licensees). Licensees will provide, at a minimum, real-time flow information on an hourly basis.*

3.5 Assess Sediment Accumulation at Sandy Point Boat Launch

Licensees will annually assess sediment accumulation on Sandy Point Boat Launch when Bucks Lake is at its lowest expected elevation. Licensees will remove sediment from the ramp surface, above the existing water level if the depth and location of sediment appears to inhibit launching boats with two-wheel drive vehicles. If sediment is removed from Bucks Lake, sediment will be disposed of on non-NFS lands. If disposal on NFS lands is proposed, locations will be approved by the Forest Service.

3.6 Public Access Near Bucks Creek Powerhouse To facilitate recreational access to Bucks Creek near Highway 70, Licensees will develop and install signage that directs the public to park in a certain area near Bucks Creek Powerhouse on the southeast side of the bridge that crosses North Fork Feather River (Figure 3.6-1). If necessary, Licensees will install a gate to allow vehicles to cross the bridge and park in the designated area but restrict public access near the powerhouse. Licensees will maintain the area used for parking as needed (e.g., litter, sign maintenance).

* Flow information will be real-time and provided within 3 hours of the gage measurement.





Figure 3.6-1. Public Access Near Bucks Creek Powerhouse

3.7 Visitor Information, Education and Interpretation Materials

This section describes the signs and materials Licensees will provide at Project recreation facilities to provide visitor information, education, and interpretation at the Project. Licensees will develop signs and materials using universal design standards* and design signs to achieve a consistent appearance between the different types of signs and materials developed for the Project. For facilities located on NFS land, Licensees will submit drawings, designs, and content of signs and interpretive displays to the Forest Service for approval before installing any signs related to visitor information, education, and interpretation. Licensees will update the sign and material content over the license term, as necessary.

Signs will be made of weather resistant material or otherwise protected from damage from sun or water and will be posted on one-, two- or three-panel sets, depending on the number of signs necessary at each facility. Figure 3.7-1 provides an example of a one-panel information board.

* For facilities located on NFS land this includes the current Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service (USDA Forest Service 2013).





Table 3.7-1 lists the types of signs that will be provided at the Project recreation facilities, near Bucks Creek Powerhouse, and two non-Project boat launches.

Figure 3.7-1. Example of a One-Panel Information Board





Table 3.7-1. Signs and Interpretive Displays at Project Recreation Facilities, Near Bucks Creek Powerhouse, and Two Non-Project Boat Launches

Recreation Facility

Type of Information to be Provided on Panel(s)

Number of Panels to be

Provided at the Facility

(Not Including Interpretive

Displays)

Interpretive and/or

Education Displays(1 or 2

Panels/Display)(Section 3.7.6)

Project Recreation

Facility Map(Section 3.7.1)

Project Recreation

Facility Description

Sign(Section 3.7.2)

Fee Schedule Sign

(Section 3.7.3)

Site-specific Regulations

Sign(Section 3.7.4)

Reservoir Boating,

Fishing, and Aquatic Invasive Species

Information Sign

(Section 3.7.5)

Bucks Lake Boat-in Campground ● ● ● 3

Bucks Lake Inlet Parking ● ● ● 1-2 ●

Grizzly Forebay Campground ● ● 3

Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area ● ● ● ● 1-2

Haskins Valley Campground ● ● ● ● ● 3

Haskins Valley Boat Launch ● ● ● ● 2

Hutchins Group Campground ● ● ● ● ● 3

Indian Rock Day Use Area ● ● ● ● 2 ●

Lower Bucks Lake Campground ● ● ● ● ● 3

Lower Bucks Lake Day ● ● ● ● 2 ●





Recreation Facility





Displays)

Interpretive and/or



Project Recreation


Project Recreation


Sign(Section 3.7.2)

Fee Schedule Sign

(Section 3.7.3)


Sign(Section 3.7.4)

Reservoir Boating,


Information Sign

(Section 3.7.5)

Use Area (existing)

Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area (new) ● ● ● ● 2 ●

Mill Creek Campground ● ● ● ● ● 3

Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area ● ● ● ● ● 2 sets of 2 ●

Bucks Lake Shoreline Trail (parking area near Sundew Campground) (new)

● ● ● 1-2

Sundew Campground ● ● ● ● ● 3

Three Lakes Trailhead ● ● ● 2 ●

West End Cove Day Use Area ● ● ● ● 2 ●

Bucks Creek Powerhouse ●

Bucks Lake Marina(non-Project at Bucks Lake)

● 1-2

Lakeshore Resort(non-Project facility at

● 1-2





Recreation Facility





Displays)

Interpretive and/or



Project Recreation


Project Recreation


Sign(Section 3.7.2)

Fee Schedule Sign

(Section 3.7.3)


Sign(Section 3.7.4)

Reservoir Boating,


Information Sign

(Section 3.7.5)

Bucks Lake)





3.7.1 Project Recreation Facilities Map

The Project license requires developing, installing and maintaining conspicuous signage containing Project name, number, and owner as well as information about locations of the Project that are available for public use, use regulations and where to obtain additional information. Licensees will expand the functionality of this signage to enhance Project visitor information by incorporating a map approximately 4-ft by 4-ft in size, made of a durable weather-resistant material(s), covering the extent of land occupied by the Project into the license-required signage with the following:

Locations of and access roads to Project campgrounds, day use areas, and boat launches;

Locations of Project trails and trailheads as well as non-Project trails and trailheads for Mill Creek Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail;

Graphics and symbols that are easy to read that provide additional and appropriate information; and

Symbol of “YOU ARE HERE” corresponding to the location of the posted map.

3.7.2 Project Recreation Facility Description Sign

Licensees will develop a Project recreation facility description sign that describes each Project recreation campground, day use area, boat launch, and trailhead consisting of text and a facility map. The sign will identify the facility features and capacities and include pertinent safety and emergency information. The sign will be about 4-ft by 4-ft in size and made of durable weather-resistant material. All Project recreation facility signs will have a consistent format and appearance.

3.7.3 Fee Schedule Sign

Licensees will develop a sign that identifies the fee schedule and payment procedures for each facility that has a user fee. All Project recreation fee schedule signs will have a consistent format and appearance.

3.7.4 Site-specific Regulations Sign

Licensees will develop a sign that lists the site-specific regulations at a facility. Typically, this signage will include standardized regulations for each type of facility (i.e., campgrounds, day use areas, boat launches), but it may include additional information that is relevant only to a specific facility such as designated parking locations and pack-in/pack-out. All Project recreation facility signs will have a consistent format and appearance.

3.7.5 Reservoir Boating, Fishing, and Aquatic Invasive Species Information Sign

Licensees will develop a reservoir boating, fishing, and aquatic invasive species information sign that describes applicable reservoir boating and fishing regulations, safety information, and other relevant reservoir information. The sign will typically be located at developed boat ramp





facilities and made of durable weather-resistant material. All reservoir boating, fishing, and aquatic invasive species information signs will have a consistent format and appearance.

Licensees will implement a public education program at Bucks Lake, Grizzly Forebay, and Lower Bucks Lake about preventing introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. This program will include posting signage visible to the public at known access points for these areas, including (1) all Project and non-Project public boat launches at the three reservoirs; and (2) Project campgrounds and day use areas. This signage will list the following preventative actions.

Before leaving a water access site:

- Remove all plants and mud from watercraft, trailers, and equipment and dispose of all materials in the trash.

- Drain all water from watercraft, including motor, motor cooling system, live wells, bilges, and lower end unit.

- Dry all visible surface areas of watercraft and trailers.

- Dispose of all unwanted bait in trash. Do not dispose of bait in the waterbody.

Before entering a subsequent waterbody:

- Decontaminate watercraft and trailers, using current Cal Fish and Wildlife recommended protocols, which include:

Pressure wash watercraft and trailers with 140 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) water, including all boat equipment (e.g., ropes, anchors) that came in contact with water.

Flush engine with 140°F water for at least 10 minutes and run 140°F water through live wells, bilges, and all other areas that could contain water.

- Decontaminate recreational equipment and gear using current Cal Fish and Wildlife recommended protocols, which include any of the following:

DRY—Allow equipment/gear to dry thoroughly (i.e., until there is a complete absence of moisture), preferably in the sun, for a minimum of 48 hours.

HOT WATER SOAK—Immerse equipment/gear in 140°F or hotter water for a minimum of 5 minutes.

FREEZE—Place equipment/gear in a freezer at a temperature of 32°F or colder for a minimum of 8 hours.

– Avoid the release of plants and animals into a waterbody unless they came from that waterbody.





3.7.6 Interpretive Displays

Licensees will develop interpretive displays at selected locations. In general, each interpretive display will consist of one or two panels. Each panel will be approximately 3-ft by 4-ft in size and made of durable weather-resistant material. Notably, interpretive displays and information may not always fit a standardized presentation and some displays may warrant a different size and layout depending upon the message and materials being presented.

The subject matter for interpretive displays and educational messages should draw upon the content of other Project resource management plans and may include, but is not limited to: (1) Project history; (2) introduction and spread of non-native, invasive plants; (3) introduction and spread of quagga mussels and other non-native aquatic species; (4) self-inspections of boats and fishing equipment; (5) importance of rare natural vegetation communities; (6) importance of cultural resources; (7) wildland fire prevention; and (8) wilderness use. Interpretive information related to cultural resources will be developed in coordination with participating tribes and agencies following processes for consultation described in the Historic Properties Management Plan.

Interpretive displays should be constructed with an intended service life of about 5 years but replacement may occur sooner or later than 5 years depending on circumstances. Replacement will be discussed during the annual consultation meeting (Section 6.0, Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting and Plan Revision) and will consider several factors including, but not limited to: (1) condition of the display; (2) relevance and currency of the subject matter; and (3) changed site conditions (e.g., wildland fire).

3.7.7 Interpretive Programs

Licensees may enter into an agreement with the Forest Service to provide interpretive programs about the Project or Project resources. These programs would be delivered at Project facilities.





This Page Intentionally Left Blank





SECTION 4.0

Treatments for Resource Impacts Related to Project Recreation Use4.1 Resource Impacts Related to Project Recreation Use Licensees are responsible for mitigating Project recreation use impacts on natural and cultural resources along Project reservoir shorelines and near Project recreation facilities and Project infrastructure. Examples may include unauthorized activities (e.g., vehicle use off of designated routes, overnight use outside of developed facilities that is within 100 ft of watercourses, meadows and trails), as well as over using sensitive areas such as riparian areas along reservoir shorelines, introducing or spreading non-native, invasive plant and aquatic species and wildland prevention. Depending on the nature of the effects, it may be appropriate to employ engineering and restoration measures, which may be accompanied by visitor education signage. The nature of these types of impacts may require ongoing effectiveness monitoring (Section 5.0, Recreation Monitoring Program). Measures contained in other resource management plans, including new plans that may be developed or existing plans that may be revised during the license term, will be reviewed and incorporated into any actions Licensees take to address Project-related recreation use effects. At a minimum, these plans include:

Fire Prevention and Response Plan

Historic Properties Management Plan

Integrated Vegetation Management Plan

Transportation Management Plan

4.1.1 Engineering Measures

Engineering solutions are used as means of hardening a site to accommodate recreation use or discourage inappropriate use at locations where visitors are disregarding rules and regulations. Examples of engineering solutions include installing or reinforcing physical closures on routes that are not authorized for vehicle use, installing information signs, and constructing parking areas. The intent of implementing these measures is to accommodate the recreational use but provide for resource protection.

4.1.2 Restoration Measures

Restoration measures are proposed at sites where some type of use or user-created amenity exists (e.g., fire ring, trail, or trash receptacle) that is inconsistent with a Forest Service rule or regulation, inconsistent with Project operations, or is causing resource damage. Restoration measures may include routine actions such as removing user-created amenities such as fire rings, or shelves with the intent of discouraging a particular type or location of use. Depending on the site-specific treatment, signage may be included to further discourage visitor behavior that causes resource damage.





4.1.3 Public Education

Public education in the form of signs and printed materials are proposed where their use would, as appropriate, discourage or promote types of visitor use and behavior. Relevant educational messages may include, but are not limited to: (1) introduction and spread of non-native, invasive plants; (2) introduction and spread of quagga mussels and other non-native aquatic species; (3) self-inspections of boats and fishing equipment; (4) importance of rare natural vegetation communities; (5) importance of cultural resources; (6) wildland fire prevention; and (7) wilderness use. Education information related to cultural resources will be developed in coordination with participating tribes and agencies following processes for consultation described in the Historic Properties Management Plan.

4.2 Treatments of Project Recreation Use Impacts Licensees consulted with the Forest Service to determine what, if any, actions Licensees will implement at the sites identified during relicensing studies and developed an implementation schedule (Table 4.2-1). Licensees will consult with the Forest Service to determine the treatment and schedule for addressing any additional Project recreation use impacts identified over the new license term or if any treatment listed in the table needs modification (Section 6.0, Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting and Plan Revision).





Table 4.2-1. Areas of Concern Identified in Licensees’ 2015 Recreation Use Impact Assessment

Location Identified Concern Proposed Treatment

Year After License

Issuance and FERC

Approval of the Plana

Bucks Boat-in Campground

Campsite nos. 2 and 3 are located too close to water’s edge, Mill Creek Trail, and areas with sensitive resources

Litter

Remove amenities and restore these sites. Post signage prohibiting overnight use at these

sites. Remove existing site nos., 4 and 5 from the

Project Boundary. By agreement with the Forest Service Licensees have no future responsibility for operating, maintaining, or addressing impacts that may occur at site nos. 4 and 5.

11

Bucks Lake (various locations)

Vehicle use below high water lineb Continue consultation with Forest Service on steps to identify and post vehicle access point onto shoreline.

Post known unauthorized access points with “No Vehicles” signage.

Ongoing monitoring of the situation. If signage and public outreach does not solve

problem, Licensees propose, in consultation with Forest Service and based on site specific conditions, to physically block access points (i.e., boulders).

1

Grizzly Forebay

Multiple user-created trails and horseshoe pit Fire ring near boat launch

Install educational signage to stay on established trails.

Block and restore user-created trails and remove horseshoe pit.

Continued monitoring for unauthorized fire rings-removal when identified.

1





Location Identified Concern Proposed Treatment

Year After License

Issuance and FERC

Approval of the Plana

Indian Rock Day Use Area

Multiple user-created trails, some with erosion and amenities (e.g., rock work)

Litter

Install educational signage to stay on established trails; pack-in pack-out, and resource protection.

Block and restore user-created trails. Continue monitoring.

12

Lower Bucks Lake

Multiple user-created trails to north shoreline Dispersed overnight site on south shoreline

New, relocated campground will address the north shore issues.

Install educational signage regarding proper dispersed camping practices at dispersed site on south shoreline.

Continue monitoring.

6

Three Lakes

Undesignated road Multiple dispersed overnight sites and shoreline

access trails

Install educational signage to stay on established trails.

Block and restore undesignated roads. Formalize and maintain shoreline access trails

consistent with trail class 2 level of development (USDA Forest Service 2008).

Install educational signage regarding proper dispersed camping practices.

2

West End Cove Day Use Area

Multiple user-created trails, some with erosion and amenities (e.g., rock work)

Litter

Install educational signage to stay on established trails; pack-in pack-out, and resource protection.

Block and restore user-created trails. Continue monitoring.

10

Source: Final License Application, Volume III, TM-29 Recreation Use Impact Assessment (RR-S1)Notes: Forest Service = U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Servicea Treatments are scheduled to coincide with actions listed in Table 3.1-1, Implementation Schedule for Plan Measures.b Additional actions contained in the Shoreline Management Plan (PG&E 2007, reviewed 2014) related to vehicle use below the maximum water surface elevation.





SECTION 5.0

Recreation Monitoring ProgramLicensees’ monitoring program is designed collect data to (1) provide annual Project campground occupancy data to the Forest Service and (2) report monitoring results every 6 years in a Report on Recreation Resources. Licensees will conduct annual periodic monitoring,* as specified in this section beginning in the first full year after license issuance (license year 1) and conduct periodic (i.e., on a cycle of once every 6 or 12 years) monitoring beginning in license year 2, during the recreation season preceding the year when monitoring results will be compiled into the report—this is referred to as the monitoring year. All annual and periodic monitoring results will be compiledLicensees will in the Report on Recreation Resources, the first of whichbegin reporting monitoring results will be provided by January 30 of license year 3the year after the third full recreation season after license issuance†. Successive periodic monitoring and reporting will be repeated every six years from initial monitoring year thereafter throughout the license term.

The monitoring program is primarily focused on annually and periodically collecting periodic data throughout the term of new license to ensure Project recreation facilities: (1) meet visitor needs and recreational demand consistent with applicable land management guidance; (2) provide visitors with high quality recreation experiences; and (3) minimize recreation-related resource conflicts and impacts. The three categories of monitoring data to be recorded and reported include:

Project recreation facility occupancy—level of recreation use at Project recreation facilities (annually for campgrounds and day use areas every 6 years);

Social monitoring—identify visitor needs and preferences, use patterns, level of visitor satisfaction, and conflicts between user groups (every 12 years), and

Bucks Lake Water Surface Monitoring—level of boating use on Bucks Lake relative to capacity and trends (every 6 years).

For the purposes of monitoring data collection and reporting, peak season is defined as the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Monday of Labor Day weekend. Non-peak season is defined as May 15 through Friday of Memorial Day weekend and Tuesday after Labor Day to September 30.

* Only for monitoring data that is not annually collected and tabulated (e.g., campground occupancy).† If the license is issued after October 1 but before May 1 of the following year, the first monitoring year would occur in the

second year of the license term and the Report on Recreation Resources would be compiled in the third year after license issuance. But if the license is issued between May 1 and October 1 of the same year, the first monitoring year would occur in the third year of the license term and the Report on Recreation Resources would be compiled in the fourth year after license issuance. For example, if the license is issued on April 1, 2021, monitoring would be conducted in 2023 and the first Report on Recreation Resources would be compiled in 2024. If license is issued on July 1, 2021, monitoring would be conducted in 2024 and the first Report on Recreation Resources would be compiled in 2025.


Bucks Creek Project Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company



Prior to initiation of each type of monitoring (i.e., facility occupancy, social, and Bucks Lake Water Surface), Licensees will consult and reach agreement with the Forest Service to reach agreement on the detailed monitoring methods and protocols before initiating monitoring. In addition to the methods described in the Plan, topics to be discussed may include, but are not limited to, how Licensees will determine if a campsite or picnic site is occupied, logistical details of conducting observations and visitor surveys (e.g., campground host, Licensees’ staff), technological details of data collection (e.g., surveillance cameras, iPad, survey subscription service, web-based survey instruments) and adjustments to previous monitoring methodologies. However, for the purpose of comparing monitoring data over the license term of the license and identifying trends, Licensees will attempt to follow the methods and protocols used in the 2015 recreation relicensing study (PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016).

5.1 Project Recreation Facility Occupancy Project campground and day use area occupancies will be monitored. Campgrounds will be monitored for campsite occupancy. Day use areas (i.e., picnic sites, boat launches) will be monitored for parking area occupancy and, where applicable, picnic site or table occupancy. The facility occupancy rate is expressed as a percentage calculated by dividing the number of occupied sites by the number of designated sites available at the facility when it is open.*

5.1.1 Campground Occupancy

Each year, Licensees will calculate the occupancy for all Project campgrounds by using records collected by hosts or onsite managers of actual site occupancy and not interpolations of occupancy based on the total of fees collected or the number of reserved sites irrespective of whether they were occupied. Data will be reported annually to the Forest Service and compiled every 6 years in a Report on Recreation Resources(Section 5.0, Recreation Monitoring Program). The metric for reporting occupancy is the observed daily site occupancy, but records of campsite reservation system records and first-come/first-serve records from the fee tubes (if applicable) will also be reported. Methods for determining the campground occupancy include:

Data Collection Frequency : Daily during open season with annual tabulation and reporting once every 6 years.

Season : Campground open season (typically varies between May 15 and September 30).

Day Type : All days when campground is open for public use and under active operation and maintenance.

Indicator : Occupancy for each individual campground.

Data Collection Method : Direct daily observations of occupied campsites at hosted campgrounds

– Haskins Valley Campground

* Some Project facilities are available for the public use whenever the access roads are free of snow. However, for the purpose of monitoring, a facility is considered open when it is being actively operated and maintained (e.g., under concessionaire operation).





FS rev 55 footnotes this reference. I did not include the footnote because this reference is listed in the reference section.


Replaced with SA text. The effect of reverting to their text just rearranged sentence no. 1.


– Hutchins Group Campground

– Lower Bucks Lake Campground

– Mill Creek Campground

– Sundew Campground

Direct observations on stratified sampling schedule* at campgrounds that do not have hosts

– Grizzly Forebay Campground

– Reservation system records (i.e., PG&E’s records for Haskins Valley Campground and as provided to Licensees by the Forest Service for fee campgrounds on NFS land); and

– Any first-come/first-serve records via fee tubes (if applicable).

Data Collection Period : Occupied campsite observations 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

5.1.2 Day Use Area Occupancy

Licensees will observe and record recreation occupancy data at Project day use areas (i.e., parking areas, picnic sites, and boat launches) every 6 years. During each observation survey, Licensees will record the number of observed “at-one-time” occupied designated (e.g., striped) parking spaces and occupied picnic sites or tables, as applicable. Methods for determining day use area occupancy include:

Data Collection Frequency : Every 6th year beginning in license year 2 the second full recreation season after license issuance†.

Season : May 15 through September 30

Day Type : All days

Indicator : Percent of spaces or tables occupied at-one-time (e.g., parking area, picnic sites) and daily number of trailered launches and retrievals at Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area.

Data Collection Method : Direct observations on a stratified sampling schedule of site components (Table 5.1-1).

– 2 weekdays (Monday through Thursday) and 2 non-holiday Saturdays in June, July, and August

– 1 non-holiday weekday (Monday through Thursday) and 1 non-holiday Saturday in May and September; and

* Sampling schedule for unhosted campground occupancy is the same as that used for day use area occupancy: 2 weekdays (Monday through Thursday) and 2 non-holiday Saturdays in June, July, and August; 1 non-holiday weekday (Monday through Thursday) and 1 non-holiday Saturday in May and September; and 2 of the 3 Saturdays of peak season holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day weekends).

† Monitoring would be conducted the year preceding the due date for preparing the Report on Recreation Resources (Section 5.0, Recreation Monitoring Program).





– 2 of the 3 Saturdays of peak season holiday weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day weekends).

Data Collection Period : Between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Table 5.1-1. Direct Observations of Day Use Site Components

Project Recreation Day Use Area Monitored site component(s) Capacitya

Haskins Valley Boat Launch Parking area 5 parking spaces

Indian Rock Day Use Area Picnic tables, parking area 2 picnic tables and 8 parking spaces

Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area

Picnic tables, parking area, number of trailered watercraft launched and retrieved

30 picnic tables and 52 parking spaces (30 vehicle with trailer and 22 single vehicle)

West End Cove Day Use Area Picnic tables, parking area 3 picnic tables, 6 parking spaces,

Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area Parking area Undesignated spaces for about 20 single vehicles

Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area Parking area 12 parking spaces

Three Lakes Trailhead Parking area Undesignated spaces for about 9 single vehicles

Notes:a Existing site capacities are listed. Site capacities existing at the time of data collection will be used for occupancy calculation.

Peak season (Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Monday of Labor Day weekend) and non-peak season (May 15 to Friday of Memorial Day weekend and Tuesday after Labor Day to September 30) day use occupancy data will be sorted in the following categories:

Non-holiday weekdays (Monday through Thursday);

Non-holiday weekends (Saturdays); and

Holiday weekends (Saturdays).

5.1.3 Management Actions

During the annual consultation meeting (Section 6.0, Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting and Plan Revision) Licensees and will discuss with the Forest Service will discuss the compiled campground and day use occupancy monitoring data to determine if management actions are necessary to maintain a quality visitor experience and alleviate crowding or conflict at thesewithin Project facilitiesrecreation areas (see also Section 5.2.3). Management actions, including expanding and developing new campgrounds and day use areas, will be considered when indicator thresholds monitoring triggers* are achieved met, including expanding and/or developing new facilities/use areas.

* This text is taken verbatim from the May 6, 2019 Settlement Agreement and cannot be changed. The word “trigger”, is a verb however in this text it is used as a noun. For clarification, when used in this context “trigger” means “threshold”.





Revised our text to read verbatim from SA.


5.1.3.1 Campgrounds

This Plan may be revised to include additional capacity within the Bucks Lake area if a predetermined campground occupancy threshold is achieved. Parameters to evaluate occupancy relative to the threshold and actions include the following:

Indicator Season : Memorial Day through Labor Day holiday weekends

Indicator Occupancy : Indicator oOccupancy is calculated as the total number of occupied sites on Friday and Saturday nights for each non-holiday weekend* in the indicator season divided by two times the total number of campsites in the indicator campgrounds (i.e., capacity for Friday and Saturday nights).† Indicator Ooccupancy is the average of all non-holiday weekend occupancies during the indicator season, excluding the highest and lowest occupancies, in the indicator season.

Indicator Conditions : Evaluation of indicator Ooccupancy evaluation will begin after all additional planned overnight capacity at Lower Bucks Lake Campground as described in Table 3.1-1 and Section 3.1.2.8, Lower Bucks Lake Campground, is constructed and available for use or in license year 10, whichever is sooner.‡

The single highest and lowest calculated non-holiday weekend occupancies during the indicator season will be omitted from the threshold trigger calculation to minimize anomalous influences (e.g., bad weather, group events) for a typical year. This would typically result in 10 weekends during the indicator season and does not include any holiday weekends. If the indicator season results in seven or fewer weekends to calculate the indicator occupancy, then this year will not be considered for the occupancy calculationtrigger monitoring purposes. Campground host sites are not included in the number of campsites in the indicator campgrounds. Occupancy data will be collected annually and calculated by the end of each indicator season if there are eight or more weekends on which to base an occupancy calculation, it will be calculated by the end of each indicator season.

Indicator Campgrounds Data Collection Methods : Occupancy data collection As described in Section 5.1.1, Campground Occupancy, indicator campgroundswill include the following family or multi-family (small group) campgrounds with hosts: Haskins Valley Campground, Lower Bucks Lake Campground, Mill Creek Campground, and Sundew Campground.

Indicator Trigger Threshold : The indicator threshold trigger is met when 80 percent or higher indicator occupancy is achieved in any three years out of a six-year rolling period. Six years of monitoring is not necessary if thetrigger threshold is achieved sooner.

* As of 2019, defined holiday weekends are Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. If Independence Day falls on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, the weekend nearest July 4 will be considered a holiday weekend. If Independence Day falls on a Wednesday, the immediately following weekend will be considered a holiday weekend.

† For example, where 40 of 100 campsites are occupied Friday night and 60 of 100 campsites are occupied Saturday night, the non-holiday weekend occupancy is 50 percent [(40 plus 60) divided by (2 times 100) equals 50 percent)]

‡ Construction is scheduled to be completed by license year 6.





FS rev. 55 has this phrase in parentheses. I did not revert to that style of presentation but the wording is verbatim.


FS rev. 55 text heading doesn’t describe what is in this bullet but text was reverted anyway.


FS rev. 55 text uses the number “7” instead of “seven”. Our convention in the Project style guide is that words are used for numbers one through nine unless a sentence includes two or more numbers at least one of which is greater than nine. In this case, numerals are used for all of them. So I did not revert to FS use of “7” in this case.


FS rev. 55 text includes “etc.” in the parenthetical phrase. The meaning of “Etcetera” is to convey that a list includes further, similar items. However, e.g., used in the beginning of the parenthetical, means “for the sake of example”. So if this is supposed to be listing examples, it is incorrect to say “etcetera” because that is not an “example”. Accordingly, it is incorrect so I did not add “etc” at the end of this parenthetical.


FS rev. 55 text places the footnote after “use” but footnotes are correctly inserted at the end of sentences. I did not conform to this incorrect use and left it at the end of the sentence, where it belongs.


Action if Indicator Threshold is Achieved Trigger is Met : In collaboration with the Forest Service, evaluate suitable and feasible locations to increase campground capacity. Initiate a planning process and schedule to increase capacity at a location(s) in the Bucks Lake area. Give Cconsideration to other Project monitoring data that has been collected prior to and during the corresponding six-year monitoring cycle.

Action s if Indicator Threshold is Not Achieved : Continue with annual monitoring and data collection.

5.1.3.2 Day Use Areas—Fishing Access

To meet the future demand for accessible fishing opportunities at the Project, this Plan may be revised to include a second fishing access facility (e.g., pier, trail with multiple wide pullouts, or other design) at a Project reservoir, that is at a location separate from the fishing access facility that will be constructed at West End Cove Day Use Area (Section 3.1.2.14). The process for determining the need for this one additional fishing access facility is described belowas follows.:

The determination will consider all of the following information:

– West End Cove fishing access facility monitoring data;

– All Project monitoring data, especially social monitoring data (described in Section 5.2, Social Monitoring);

– Planned and completed development of Project recreation facilities;

– Availability of suitable sites for different types of fishing access development;

– Forest Service recreation survey data from nearby facilities, if provided by the Forest Service (e.g., National Visitor Use Monitoring data collected every five years);

– Fishing license information and angler survey data, if readily available from California Department of Fish and Wildlife; and

– Recreation user trends in California and the United States.

After the 90 percent design drawings for the West End Cove fishing access facility have been reviewed and approved by the Forest Service, Licensees will convene a working group which includes the Forest Service to assess the need for a second fishing access facility.* after the 90 percent design drawings for the West End Cove fishing access facility have been reviewed and approved by the Forest Service.†, The working group will:

(1) Review and revise, as needed, (1) the day use area monitoring methods described in (Section 5.1.2, [Day Use Area Occupancy, to include monitoring observations at the West End Cove fishing access facility e.g., adding observation counts of the fishing access facility]) and (2) the social monitoring methods

* Design to begin two to three years prior to construction which is scheduled for completion license year 10.† Design to begin two to three years prior to construction which is scheduled for completion license year 10.





FS rev. 55 has this phrase in parentheses. I did not revert to that style of presentation but the wording is verbatim.


Deleting this diminishes reader orientation but text was deleted anyway.


Reverting to FS text looks odd because it places a phrase ending with a colon immediately below a phrase ending with a colon. But reverted to this awkward presentation anyway.


Doesn’t really make sense to use plural if there is only one action listed. It’s also not a parallel style to the previous bullet, which should be plural.


described in (Section 5.2.1, [Recreation Visitor Survey, e.g.,to include adding questions in the visitor surveys related to accessibility for fishing at Project reservoirs]).

(2) Develop parameters for assessing use of the West End Cove fishing access facility that establish indicator season, indicator occupancy, indicator conditions, data collection methods, trigger thresholds for management actions and management actions to that will be taken if thresholdstriggers are or are not achievedmet.

(3) Develop revised text for the Plan to incorporate changes resulting from the two sub bulleted items above(1) and (2).

The rRevised day use monitoring and threshold evaluation of thresholds will take effect as soon as the West End Cove fishing access facility is constructed and available for use.*

5.2 Social Monitoring Licensees will monitor social aspects of Project recreational use by conducting a recreation visitor survey to collect information every 12 years over the term of the license. The survey will collect information about: (1) visitors’ satisfaction with Project recreation facilities, opportunities, and management (2) perceived crowding of Project land and water surface areas; and (3) conflict between user groups. These indicators will be measured using a short, focused recreation visitor survey.

5.2.1 Recreation Visitor Survey

Licensees will conduct a recreation visitor survey at all Project recreation facilities every 12 years. Methods for conducting the recreation visitor survey include:

Data Collection Frequency : Every 12th year, in alternating periodic monitoring years beginning in the second monitoring year after license issuancelicense year 2.

Season : Memorial Day through Labor Day holiday weekends

Day Type : All days

Indicator : Visitor satisfaction and preferences; perceived crowding; and user conflicts.

Data Collection Method : Onsite, in-person recreation visitor surveys

– June, July and August

2 weekdays (Monday-Thursday) and 2 non-holiday weekend days (Saturdays) per month; and

– May and September

1 weekday/month (Monday-Thursday) and 1 non-holiday Saturday/month

* Construction is scheduled for completion in license year 10.





FS rev 55 says Recreation Management Plan. Plan is the equivalent and defined term and our convention is to use “Plan” so I did not revert to FS text.


– Holiday weekends

2 of 3 holiday Saturdays during peak season

Data Collection Period : Between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Licensees will calculate and report average response frequencies to each survey question (in percent) for peak and non-peak seasons by day type (weekday, non-holiday weekend and holiday weekend days).

Specific to survey responses about crowding, researchers have developed a relatively simple approach to measure perceived crowding (Heberlein and Vaske 1977) by asking respondents to indicate how crowded the area was at the time of their visit using the nine-point scale below:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Not at allCrowded

SlightlyCrowded

ModeratelyCrowded

ExtremelyCrowded

Two of the nine points on the crowding scale label the situation as uncrowded, while the remaining seven points label it as crowded, to some degree. The scale can be analyzed from various perspectives, but has traditionally been collapsed into two variables (1) not crowded and (2) any degree of crowding, which is the method used here. This approach provides a conceptually meaningful break point between those who labeled the situation as not at all crowded (scale points 1 and 2, a positive evaluation), and those who labeled the situation as slightly, moderately, or extremely crowded (scale points 3 through 9, a negative evaluation). Compiled response frequencies about perceived crowding will be interpreted using five distinct characterizations of crowding when the scale is collapsed into the two categories (i.e., uncrowded versus crowded) (Shelby et al. 1989).

Percent of Visitors Providing a Response of 3 through 9

Characterizationof Crowding

Under 35 No crowding; relatively unique low-density experiences

36 to 50 Low normal; unlikely to be a problem

51 to 65 High normal; experiences are approaching capacity

66 to 80 Over capacity; management probably needed

Over 80 Greatly over capacity; manage for high density or a sacrifice area

5.2.2 Recreation Visitor Survey Content and Development

The recreation visitor survey will collect basic information at all Project recreation facilities similar to that collected during the 2015 relicensing study for recreation resources (Technical Memo 31, Recreation Questionnaires [RR-S1], Attachment A, Survey Instruments, [PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016]). The intent is to prepare a short, focused survey instrument to collect





information about visitors’ (1) recreation activity participation and preferences, (2) zip code, (3) group size, (4) user conflicts, (5) perceived crowding, (6) accessibility, and (7) satisfaction with recreation facilities. The survey instrument will also include questions about Bucks Lake water surface and wait time to launch at Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area. Specific questions for the questionnaires will be developed in consultation with the Forest Service. However, for the purpose of comparing visitor responses over the term of the license and identifying trends, Licensees will attempt to include questions using the same wording and format (e.g., 9-point scale, degrees of agreement and disagreement) as the questions in the survey instruments used in the 2015 recreation relicensing study (PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016). Licensees intend to use a shortened version of the 2015 survey instrument to focus on collecting information relevant to implementation over the license term and increasing visitor survey participation by reducing respondent fatigue.

The sampling strategy will be designed to collect a sufficient number of survey responses to achieve a 95 percent confidence level with a confidence interval of ±5 percent in the data tabulated across all surveyed Project recreation facilities (which results in a target number of surveys of about 378 surveys, see methodology described in Technical Memo 31 [PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016]). The total number of surveys would be allocated among the Project recreation facilities commensurate with the estimated percentage of Project visitor use based on the content of the 2015 Project recreation visitor estimates (PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016) or other available and relevant recreation use information. For reference, Technical Memo 31, Recreation Questionnaires, Section 4.3.1 provides the methodology used to allocate the number of surveys conducted for the 2015 relicensing study (PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016). Licensees will provide the Forest Service a draft survey instrument and methodology for review and comment at least 90 days before initiating the survey effort.


During the annual consultation meeting (Section 6.0, Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting and Plan Revision) Licensees will discuss with the Forest Service the compiled visitor survey response frequencies to determine if management actions are necessary to maintain a quality visitor experience and alleviate either crowding or conflict at certain facilities. Land-based management actions may be considered when monitoring results indicate an average of 35 percent or more of the recreation visitors report user conflicts or an average of 65 percent or more of the recreation visitors report feeling crowded (a score of three or more on a nine-point scale). Examples of land-based management actions that may be considered include:

Providing additional visitor management and/or enforcement.

Providing adequate buffers between uses.

Expanding and/or developing new facilities/use areas (see also Section 5.1.3, Management Actions).

Providing increased visitor education.





5.3 Bucks Lake Water Surface Monitoring Monitoring the water surface of Bucks Lake will consist of (1) conducting direct observations of watercraft use and (2) evaluating recreation visitor survey responses (Section 5.2, Social Monitoring). Licensees will report the reservoir elevation and water surface area on the monitoring dates.

Data Collection Frequency : Every 6th year beginning in the second full recreation season after license issuance*license year 2.

Season : Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends

Day Type : All non-holiday Saturdays

Indicator(s) : Boats-at-one-time (BAOT) on Bucks Lake water surface and recreation visitor survey responses about crowding and user conflicts.

Data Collection Methods :

– BAOT—onsite observations of Bucks Lake water surface from a boat.

– Recreation visitor survey responses—tabulated response frequencies related to crowding and user conflicts on Bucks Lake water surface.

– Water surface elevation for each monitoring day.

Data Collection Period : BAOT observations between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and recreation visitor surveys at boat launches from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

5.3.1 Reservoir Boating Capacity Monitoring

Licensees will collect water surface use data at Bucks Lake every 6 years beginning in license year 2the second full recreation season after license issuance, to coincide with data collection for FERC Form 80 reporting monitoring results. For the purpose of comparing water surface use over the term of the license and identifying trends, Licensees will attempt to follow the same methodology and use the same data collection form for conducting the 2015 relicensing study (PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016). Data will be collected from a boat on one non-holiday Saturday day per month from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The numbers and types of active watercraft at one time (i.e., BAOT), by water surface area (Figure 5.3-1), will be recorded (see Technical Memo 28 Reservoir Shoreline and Water Surface Use Assessment [RR-S1], Attachment A, Data Sheets [PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016]).

* Monitoring would be conducted the year preceding the due date for preparing the Report on Recreation Resources (Section 5.0, Recreation Monitoring Program).





Figure 5.3-1. Bucks Lake Water Surface Areas for Monitoring

5.3.2 Recreation Visitor Survey

Licensees will concurrently collect water surface use observations and recreation visitor survey responses every 6 years. The recreation visitor survey described in Section 5.2, Social Monitoring, will provide monitoring data to assess crowding and user conflicts on Bucks Lake every 12 years and Licensees will supplement this data set by conducting additional recreation visitor surveys every 6 years thereafter at boat launches, only. The intent is to use the same set of survey questions about crowding and user conflicts for both survey efforts. Licensees will tabulate averages of the 9-point scale responses to each survey question about perceived crowding and user conflicts on Bucks Lake water surface from surveys collected at boat launches on the same days when direct water surface observations are conducted.

5.3.3 Bucks Lake Water Surface Elevation and Surface Area

Licensees will report the water surface elevation and corresponding water surface area on monitoring days using Bucks Lake Stage-Storage-Area Curves (PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016a).





Moved MCTT label.



Licensees will discuss the monitoring results and documented events, such as law enforcement contacts with Project visitors and complaints, to Licensees or Forest Service at the annual recreation coordination meeting (Section 6.0, Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting and Plan Revision) to discuss what, if any, potential management actions are necessary to address any identified issues related to carrying capacity, crowding, or user conflicts. Reservoir-based management actions may be considered for Bucks Lake when monitoring results indicate use is approaching capacity (i.e., more than 50 percent of visitors report feeling crowded [a score of 3 or more on a 9-point scale]) or is over capacity (i.e., more than 35 percent of the recreation visitors report user conflicts or more than 65 percent of the recreation visitors report feeling crowded [a score of 3 or more on a 9-point scale]). Examples of management actions that could be considered if Bucks Lake use is approaching capacity include: (1) designating water surface zones for specific types of uses (e.g., personal watercraft use); (2) establishing travel patterns for watercraft (e.g., counter clockwise direction); (3) providing increased boater education; and (4) limiting boat launch parking to developed parking spaces. If monitoring indicates Bucks Lake use is over capacity additional management actions may include: (1) providing additional visitor management and/or enforcement to ensure that uses do not exceed acceptable capacity standards; and (2) increasing boat ramp efficiency by adding or modifying ramp lanes, courtesy docks, parking spaces, staffing, etc.

Licensees will use the best available reservoir carrying capacity science to evaluate the recreation visitor survey responses and BAOT observation data. Additionally, for the purpose of assessing trends and level of use as compared to capacity, Licensees will review monitoring results relative to relicensing study results (Technical Memo 28, Reservoir Shoreline, and Water Surface Use Assessment [PG&E and City of Santa Clara 2016b]).

5.4 Monitoring Summary Table 5.4-1 summarizes the monitoring program described above and Table 5.4-2 identifies the type(s) of monitoring that Licensees will conduct at each facility. New Project recreation facilities that are not yet constructed but proposed over the term of the new license are included in Table 5.4-2 for reference.





Table 5.4-1. Recreation Monitoring Program Summary

Monitoring Criteria

Facility Occupancy Social Monitoring(Recreation Visitor Survey)

Bucks LakeWater Surface MonitoringCampground Occupancy Day Use Area Occupancy

Frequency Every 6 yearsa Every 6 years Every 12 years Every 6 years

Season Open seasonb (varies between May 15 and September 30)

Open seasonb (varies between May 15 and September 30)

Memorial Day–Labor Day Memorial Day–Labor Day

Day Type All days All days All days All non-holiday Saturdays

Indicator

Daily occupancy Percent of occupied parking spaces or tables at-one-time

Daily no. of trailered watercraft launched and retrieved at Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area

Recreation visitor survey response frequencies regarding: Visitor satisfaction Visitor preferences Perceived crowding User conflicts

BAOTRecreation visitor survey response frequencies regarding: Crowding User conflict

Facility Type

Campsites Parking area Picnic tables Launched/retrieved trailered

watercraft

All Project recreation facilities Reservoir Haskins Valley Boat Launch

and Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area

Data Collection Method

Fee campgrounds—daily direct observations

Grizzly Forebay Campground—direct observations on stratified sampling schedule (schedule same as for day use area occupancy)

Reservation system records First-come/first-serve records

Direct observations:June, July, and August 2 weekdays/month

(Mon-Thu) and 2 non-holiday Sat/monthMay and September 1 weekday/month (Mon-Thu)

and 1 non-holiday Sat/monthHoliday weekends 2 of 3 holiday Sat during peak

season

Onsite, in-person recreation visitor surveys:June, July and August 2 weekdays/month

(Mon-Thu) and 2 non-holiday Sat/monthMay and September 1 weekday/month (Mon-Thu)

and 1 non-holiday Sat/monthHoliday weekends 2 of 3 holiday Sat during

peak season

One non-holiday Sat/month: Direct, on water observations

of active water surface by zone Onsite, in-person recreation

visitor surveys (at Project boat launches only)





Monitoring Criteria

Facility Occupancy Social Monitoring(Recreation Visitor Survey)

Bucks LakeWater Surface MonitoringCampground Occupancy Day Use Area Occupancy

Data Collection Time Period

6 p.m.–10 p.m.(observations of campsite occupancy)

10 a.m.–5 p.m. 8 a.m.–7 p.m. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (BAOT) 8 a.m.–11 a.m.; 4 p.m.–7 p.m.

(recreation visitor survey)

Notes: BAOT = boats-at-one-timea Annual data provided at annual recreation coordination meeting. Annual data for the 6-year monitoring period compiled in the Report on Recreation Resources.b Facility is considered open when it is being actively operated and maintained (e.g., under concessionaire operation, fees charged).





Table 5.4-2. Type of Monitoring by Project Reservoir and Recreation Facility

Project Impoundment Type of Facility Recreation Facility or Site

Campground Occupancy

(Annual Tabulation/Reporting

Every 6 Years)

Day Use Facility Occupancy

(Every 6 Years) Bucks Lake Water Surface

Use(Every 6 Years)

Recreation Visitor Survey

(Every 12 Years)Parking

AreaPicnic Sites

Launch/ Retrievals

Bucks Lake

Reservoir surface ●

Campground

Haskins Valley Campground ● ●

Hutchins Group Campground ● ●

Mill Creek Campground ● ●

Sundew Campground ● ●

Day use area

Indian Rock Day Use Area ● ● ●

Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area ● ● ●

West End Cove Day Use Area ● ● ●

Boat launchHaskins Valley Boat Launch ● ●a ●

Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area ● ● ●b ●a ●

Grizzly Forebay

Day use area Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area ● ●

Campground Grizzly Forebay Campground ● ●

Lower Bucks Lake

Campground Lower Bucks Lake Campground ● ●

Day use area

Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area and Boat Launch (existing)c ● ● ●

Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area (new)d ● ● ●





Project Impoundment Type of Facility Recreation Facility or Site

Campground Occupancy

(Annual Tabulation/Reporting

Every 6 Years)

Day Use Facility Occupancy

(Every 6 Years) Bucks Lake Water Surface

Use(Every 6 Years)

Recreation Visitor Survey

(Every 12 Years)Parking

AreaPicnic Sites

Launch/ Retrievals

Three Lakes Day use area Three Lakes Trailhead ● ●

Notes:a Conduct additional recreation visitor surveys at Project boat launches concurrent with water surface observations to supplement recreation visitor survey responses—which are

collected every 12 years—to provide responses every 6 years about crowding and user conflicts on Bucks Lake.b Annual monitoring is triggered if periodic monitoring results indicate 50, or more, daily trailered launches or 50, or more, daily trailered retrievals on any non-holiday Saturday

during the peak season. c This is the Project day use area designated in the license expiring December 31, 2018d Project day use area to be constructed at campsite nos. 5 and 6 (site nos. as designated in the Project campground in the license expiring December 31, 2018).










SECTION 6.0

Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting and Plan RevisionIn addition to monitoring and providing a Report on Recreation Resources every 6 years (Section 5.0, Recreation Monitoring Program), Licensees’ approach to managing Project recreation over the new license term will include annually consulting with the Forest Service and evaluating the need to revise the Recreation Management Plan every 12 years.

6.1 Annual Recreation Coordination Meeting Licensees will schedule an annual coordination meeting with the Forest Service and other interested parties (e.g., Bucks Lake Homeowners Association, cultural resources stakeholders*) to discuss the measures needed to ensure public safety, manage Project recreation facilities and use, and meet Project visitor needs, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Licensees will coordinate with the Forest Service to determine a mutually agreeable date for the meeting, but in general, the meeting will be held within the first 90 days of each calendar year. Licensees will provide an agenda and a proposed meeting date to other interested parties in advance of the meeting. If the Forest Service is operating any Project recreation facilities, Licensees may request any available recreational use data, from the Forest Service, from the previous year for the facilities listed in this Plan.

The following topics will be discussed during the annual coordination meeting, at a minimum:

Annual O&M plans for Project recreation facilities;

Status of recreation projects from the previous year, including reconstruction of existing recreation facilities, and any other recreation measures or programs that were implemented;

Recreation facilities scheduled for construction or reconstruction and any other Plan measures or programs to be implemented, including:

– Logistical and coordination planning;

– Implementation schedule, including potential adjustments†;

– Coordination needs;

– Permitting requirements;

– Resources that will need to be protected from potential impacts associated with the implementation of the scheduled recreation projects; and

– Treatments for addressing recreation-related impacts.

* Refers to stakeholders involved in preparing, consulting about or implementing the Historic Properties Management Plan.† Forest Service approval is required for any revisions to the Implementation Schedule for Plan Measures ( see Table 3.1-1).

The revised schedule will then be submitted to FERC for approval.





Scope and schedule for addressing existing or emergent heavy maintenance needs at Project recreation facilities identified during the new license term;

Replacement of interpretive displays;

Accessibility issues and compliance;

Monitoring plans and schedule;

Available recreation use data; and

Review of the Report on Recreation Resources (every 6 years).

Within 60 days after consultation, Licensees will file a summary of the meeting with FERC, which will include the agenda, discussion points, Forest Service comments, and any agreements reached. Additional meetings may occur throughout each year as needed to implement the Plan.

6.2 Plan Revision Licensees, in consultation with the Forest Service and interested stakeholders, will review, update, and revise, as needed, the Plan every 12 years, concurrent with preparing the Report on Recreation Resources. Licensees may propose an update to the Plan if significant changes in recreation use or resources occur. Examples of such events that may trigger a need to revise the Plan include:

Revisions and updates to Forest Service or other applicable management plans.

Changes in road maintenance standards or other infrastructure that affect recreation use within the Project Area.

Achieving occupancy or other triggers where new, but previously unanticipated, facilities will be required.

Catastrophic natural events, such as major forest fires or natural disasters, and significant effects of social disorder.

New federal or state policies, regulations, and laws that significantly affect recreation resources in the Project Area.

Documented substantial changes in demographic use patterns (e.g., increases in size or amount of recreational vehicle use, changes in types of watercraft using Project reservoirs), visitor needs, recreation preferences, types or patterns of use, season of use, or other social factors affecting recreation use within the Project Area.





Sixty days will be allowed for the Forest Service and interested stakeholders to provide written comments and recommendations. After consultation and agreement with the Forest Service, Licensees will work with the Forest Service to file the updated Plan with FERC. The Licensees will include all relevant documentation of coordination and consultation with the updated Plan filed with FERC. If the Licensees do not adopt a particular recommendation by the Forest Service or interested stakeholders, the filing will include the reasons for not doing so. The Licensees will implement the Plan as approved by FERC.










SECTION 7.0

References Department of Justice (DOJ). 2010. Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible

Design. U.S. Department of Justice. Washington D.C. September.

FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). 2014. Project Recreation Facilities Tables and As-Built Site Plan Drawing Guidance. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Office of Energy Projects, Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance. Washington D.C. June.

Forest Service (USDA, Forest Service). 1988. Plumas National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, as amended in 2004 (Forest Service 2004) and 2007 (Forest Service 2007). Pacific Southwest Region, CA. Accessed January 30, 2018: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/plumas/landmanagement/?cid=fsm9_034925

Forest Service (USDA, Forest Service). 1995. Cleaning Recreation Sites, Publication 9523-1206. USDA, Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Program. San Dimas, California. December.

Forest Service (USDA, Forest Service). 2001. The Built Environment Image Guide for the National Forests and Grasslands. USDA, Forest Service, FS-710, September. Accessed December 5, 2017: https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ beig/01_frontmatter.pdf .

Forest Service (USDA, Forest Service). 2002. Meaningful Measures for Quality Recreation Management. Recreation Sites—National Quality Standards. USDA, Forest Service, National Headquarters. Washington, D.C. February 5.

Forest Service (USDA, Forest Service). 2004. Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment, Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision. USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region. Vallejo, California.

Forest Service (USDA, Forest Service). 2007. Sierra Nevada Forests Management Indicator Species Amendment, Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision. USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region. Vallejo, California.

Forest Service (USDA, Forest Service). 2008. Trail Class Matrix. USDA, Forest Service. Washington, D.C. October 16.

Forest Service (USDA, Forest Service). 2013. Sign and Poster Guidelines for the Forest Service. In Engineering Management Series 7100-15. October.




https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/beig/01_frontmatter.pdf

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/plumas/landmanagement/?cid=fsm9_034925


Heberlein, T.A., and J.J. Vaske. 1977. Crowding and visitor conflict on the Bois Brule River (report WISC WRC 77-04). University of Wisconsin Water Resources Center. Madison, Wisconsin. Accessed January 30, 2018: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89038559365;view=1up;seq=1

PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric). 2007. Reviewed 2014. Bucks Lake Shoreline Management Plan, Bucks Creek Project, FERC Project No. 619. Prepared August 2007 and approved by FERC January 9, 2009. Reviewed October 31, 2014, and approved by FERC December 11, 2014. San Francisco, California.

PG&E and City of Santa Clara. 2016. Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619, Final License Application, December 2016. Technical memos contained in Volume III, parts F1 and F2 (Accession nos. 20161212-5232(31820172) and 20161212-5232(31820174).

Shelby, B., J.J. Vaske, and T.A. Heberlein. 1989. Comparative analysis of crowding in multiple locations: Results from 15 years of research. Journal of Leisure Research. 11: 269- 291. Accessed January 30, 2018: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/ 10.1080/01490408909512227




http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01490408909512227

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01490408909512227

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89038559365;view=1up;seq=1

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89038559365;view=1up;seq=1


ATTACHMENT A

PROJECT RECREATION FACILITIES TABLES

August 2019 Attachment A





Attachment A August 2019




Table A-1. Recreation Facilities at the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 619)

RecreationSite Name Recreation Facilities

Bucks Development

Bucks Lake Inlet Parking Undesignated parking spaces along the shoulder of Bucks Lake Road; no facilities are provided. Planned: Site-specific regulation signs

Grizzly Forebay Campground Campground with 7 walk-in campsites with tables and fire rings; 1 double-unit vault restroom; approximate 0.77-mi, native surfaced access trail from parking area

Grizzly Forebay Gaging Station Trail

Approximate 675-ft-long trail below the dam with a native surface and metal staircase

Grizzly Forebay Recreation Area

Paved parking area with 12 single-vehicle parking spaces (including 1 accessible space); 1 single-unit vault restroom; boat launch with 1 native and compacted gravel-surfaced lane suitable for launching car top or small trailered boats

Planned: One to two accessible parking spaces near area used to launch boats

Haskins Valley Boat Launch Single lane concrete boat launch; paved parking area with 5 single-vehicle parking spaces Haskins Valley Campground amenities located at the boat launch: 1 double-unit vault restroom (this is 1 of the 6

campground restrooms) and potable water

Haskins Valley Campground

Family campground with 65 campsites (includes 2 accessible campsites, 60 with spurs for vehicles, and 5 walk-in) and 2 host campsites; 6 double-unit vault restrooms (1 of which is located at the boat launch); potable water; fire rings/pedestal grills, tables, wildlife resistant food storage lockers (some sites); RV dump station

Planned: Additional accessible campsite (total of 3); convert 5 walk-in sites to amphitheater; add 5 new family campsites and vault restroom along boat launch access roada and wildlife resistant food storage lockers at all campsites

Hutchins Group Campground Three group campsites (25 people-at-one-time each and includes 1 accessible group site) and 1 host campsite; 2 double-

unit vault restrooms; potable water; fire rings/pedestal grills, tables, wildlife resistant food lockers; amphitheater Planned: Include Hutchins Campground to Lower Bucks Lake Trail as a site amenity; increase capacitya

August 2019 Page A-1 Attachment A




RecreationSite Name Recreation Facilities

Indian Rock Day Use Areab Two picnic sites with tables; paved parking area with 8 single-vehicle spaces; 1 double-unit vault restroom

Lower Bucks Lake Campground Family campground with 7 campsites; fire rings, tables, wildlife resistant food lockers Planned: Relocating some overnight use to a new campground upslope of Forest Road 24N24 with same amenities and

vault restrooms (no. TBD); increased overnight capacitya

Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area

Unsurfaced area along the shoreline available for parking and launching car top or small trailered boats; 1 single-unit vault restroom

Planned at existing day use area: Up to 7 picnic sites, surfaced parking area, surfaced boat launch for launching car top and small trailered watercraft

Planned new day use area at converted campsites: Up to 7 picnic sites, surfaced parking area, compacted surfaced boat launch for hand launching car top watercraft, vault restroom

Mill Creek Campground Family campground with 10 campsites (includes 1 accessible campsite; 8 with spurs for vehicles and 2 walk-in) and 1

host campsite; 1 double-unit vault restroom; potable water; fire rings, tables, wildlife resistant food lockers Planned: Increased capacitya, include Mill Creek Campground Tie Trail as a campground amenity

Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area

Single-lane, concrete boat launch with courtesy dock; paved parking area with 30 vehicle-with-trailer parking spaces and 22 single-vehicle parking spaces (including 3 accessible single-vehicle parking spaces); 30 picnic sites (including 3 accessible picnic sites) with tables and pedestal fire grills; 2 double-unit vault restrooms; 1 4-unit flush restroom with shower; potable water; 1 host campsite.

Planned: Shoreline access trail between Sundew and Mill Creek campgrounds with parking and access point available at this location; expand to double-lane launch

Sundew Campground Family campground with 22 campsites (includes 1 accessible campsite) and 1 host campsite; 2 double-unit vault

restrooms; potable water; fire rings, tables, wildlife resistant food lockers Planned: Increased capacitya; trailhead parking for shoreline trail (see Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area)

Three Lakes Trailhead Gravel-surfaced parking area for about 9 vehicles; native-surfaced trail (~1 mi)

West End Cove Day Use Area Three picnic sites with tables (includes 1 accessible picnic site); paved parking area with 6 single-vehicle parking

spaces (includes 1 accessible space); 1 double-unit vault restroom Planned: Additional parking spacesa; fishing access facilityc

Grizzly Development

No recreation facilities

Attachment A Page A-2 August 2019




Notes: mi = mile(s)RV = recreation vehicleTBD = to be determined

a Number of additional sites depends on site conditions and will be determined during site design, including potential phased additions.b This facility is also known as Indian Rocks Day Use Area.c Design is to be determined; the objective is to provide an accessible route to the reservoir for fishing access.





Table A-2. Recreation Amenities at the Bucks Creek Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. 619)

Project No.

Development

Name

Recreation Amenity

Name

Recreation Amenity

TypeAmenity Status Latitude Longitude

FERC Citation

andDate Notes

619 Bucks Bucks Lake Inlet Parking Access Point Constructed N39°53’03.81

” W121°08’58.02”119 FERC

62,182 6/1/2007

Undesignated parking available along Bucks Lake

Road shoulder

619 Bucks Grizzly Forebay Campground Campground Constructed N39°53’32.04

” W121°17’09.90”67 FERC

62,210 6/3/1994

7 campsites (walk-in/boat-in); access trail

619 Bucks Grizzly Forebay Gaging Station Trail Trail Constructed N39°53’28.38

” W121°17’39.54”67 FERC

62,210 6/3/1994

Non-motorized trail (~675 ft)

619 Bucks

Grizzly Forebay Fishing Access

(Grizzly Forebay Recreation Areaa)

Boat Launch Area Constructed N39°53’28.08

” W121°17’22.88”67 FERC

62,210 6/3/1994

Parking, restroom, shoreline trail

619 Bucks Haskins Valley Boat Launch


” W121°10’51.24”18 FERC

62,553 3/31/1982

619 Bucks Haskins Valley Campground Campground Constructed N39°52’14.55

” W121°10’28.38”18 FERC

62,553 3/31/1982

65 campsites and 2 host sites

619 Bucks Hutchins Group Campground Group Camp Constructed N39°54’06.59

” W121°12’21.33”119 FERC

62,182 6/1/2007

3 group sites (25 PAOTs per site)

and 1 host site





Project No.

Development

Name

Recreation Amenity

Name

Recreation Amenity


FERC Citation

andDate Notes

619 Bucks Hutchins Group Campground Trail Trail Constructed N39°54’06.59

” W121°12’21.33”

Planned Project

recreation amenity

Non-motorized trail connecting

campground to Lower Bucks Lake (~0.25 mi)

619 Bucks Indian Rock Day Use Areab Picnic Area Constructed N39°53’17.14

” W121°12’10.06”130 FERC

62,059 1/20/2010

2 tables

619 Bucks Lower Bucks Lake Campground Campground Constructed N39°54’08.69

” W121°13’07.80”119 FERC

62,182 6/1/2007

7 campsitesc

619 Bucks Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area Access Point Constructed N39°54’01.52

” W121°12’38.15”119 FERC

62,182 6/1/2007

1 vault restroom; boat launch (car top and small trailered

watercraft)

619 Bucks Lower Bucks Lake Day Use Area Picnic Area Unconstructed N39°54’08.69

” W121°13’07.80”

Planned Project

recreation amenity

Vault restroom, picnic sites,c hand

launch

619 Bucks Mill Creek Campground Campground Constructed N39°54’40.42

” W121°11’13.47”119 FERC

62,182 6/1/2007

10 campsitesc and 1 host site

619 BucksMill Creek

Campground Tie Trail

Trail Constructed N39°54’40.42” W121°11’13.47”

Planned Project

recreation amenity

Non-motorized Mill Creek Campground Tie Trail (~0.25 mi,

connects toMill Creek Trail)





Project No.

Development

Name

Recreation Amenity

Name

Recreation Amenity


FERC Citation

andDate Notes

619 BucksSandy Point Boat Launch and Day

Use Area


” W121°11’12.60”67 FERC

62,210 6/3/1994

Includes co-located picnic area

619 Bucks

Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area, Bucks Lake Shoreline

Trail

Trail Unconstructed N39°54’16.00” W121°11’12.60”

Planned Project

recreation amenity

Non-motorized shoreline trail

between Mill Creek and Sundew campgrounds

(~1.5 mi)

619 Bucks Sundew Campground Campground Constructed N39°54’04.49

” W121°12’00.49”119 FERC

62,182 6/1/2007

22 campsitesc and 1 host site

619 BucksSundew

Campground, Trailhead Parking

Access Point Unconstructed N39°54’04.49” W121°12’00.49”

Planned recreation amenity

Parking area for Bucks Lake

Shoreline Traild

619 Bucks Three Lakes Trailhead Access Point Constructed N39°58’15.62

” W121°13’24.06”67 FERC

62,210 6/3/1994

Parking

619 Bucks Three Lakes Trailhead Trail Constructed N39°58’15.62

” W121°13’24.06”67 FERC

62,210 6/3/1994

Shoreline trail (~1 mi)

619 Bucks West End Cove Day Use Area Picnic Area Constructed N39°53’22.71

” W121°12’16.27”130 FERC

62,059 1/20/2010

3 tables

619 BucksWest End Cove Day

Use Area Fishing Access Facility

Reservoir Fishing Unconstructed N39°53’22.71

” W121°12’16.27”

Planned Project

recreation amenity

Accessible fishing access





Notes: FERC = Federal Energy Regulatory Commissionft = feetPAOT = people-at-one-time

a Corresponds with the wording on the facility entrance sign. b This facility is also known as Indian Rocks Day Use Area.c Potential increased capacity depending on site conditions and will be determined during site design.d Trailhead parking for shoreline trail listed under Sandy Point Boat Launch and Day Use Area










ATTACHMENT B

AS-BUILT SITE PLAN DRAWINGS [PDF OF 22X34 FORMAT DRAWINGS]

August 2019 Attachment B





Attachment B August 2019



Documents

Bucks_Creek_Recreation_Management_Plan_Draft ... › Public › Lists › Calendar... · Web viewBucks Creek Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 619©2019, Pacific Gas and Electric