
The BLM 's Environmental Assessment concluded a Finding of No Significant Impact despite the fact that the entire project comprises dispersal habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl and alters habitat for two threatened fish species. The BLM issued a Decision Notice finalizing the project on 11/2/2005. Bark 's appeal of the decision was rejected on 1/19/2006. This project encompasses late seral stands and fragmented old growth and is not suitable for thinning. Additionally, the Butte Creek Timber Sale may be illegally moving forward without providing protections for rare animal and plant species required by the ruling of Judge Pechman of the U.S. District Court. Stay tuned as Bark is trying to determine how Butte Creek will be impacted.
As a tool, use 3 part Middle Cascades RA map (for $9). This project is in the middle part (there is a north and south part too). Or use a Salem BLM Recreation map. It is really easy to get to Maple Grove Road and Butte Creek Road and then you are on the timber sale maps. Go through Scots Mills and take Maple Grove Road after you cross Butte Creek. The Butte Creek forks to your right in a short while. Note that the Butte Creek Road and the road system to hop up into the C, E, F and Q units is very difficult to find.
An additional 6.8 miles of existing road would be renovated and improved. We encourage visiting the site to see exactly what this entails.
Reconstruction Miles: 1.4