LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES – The December 10, 2021 tornadic events resulted in numerous storm-damaged trees and debris on the northern and southern ends of Land Between the Lakes. The primary intentions of our post-storm recovery efforts are to provide for user safety and safe operations where infrastructure or facilities exist. Efforts are underway to assess impacts, remove hazard trees, repair roads, reroute trails, clean shorelines, and clean up damaged and downed trees. You can learn more about our post-storm recovery work by reading through the tabs below, according to USDA Forest Service public news releases.
https://landbetweenthelakes.us/projects/
THE INFORMATION ON THIS POSTING IS FROM The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
What happened?
• On December 10, 2021, an EF-4 tornado impacted the northern part of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) in Lyon County, KY. The tornado entered the unit north of Hillman Ferry Campground and traveled northeast to Clay Bay.
• On the same evening, an EF-3 tornado hit the southern part of LBL in Stewart County, TN. It came ashore just south of Boswell Landing and exited the unit south of Brandon Spring.
• Through extensive remote sensing and ground surveys, we have identified approximately 7,000 acres of National Forest System lands affected by the two tornado events.
What was damaged?
• From the initial and ongoing damage assessments conducted by trained foresters, we have confirmed sizable and varied landscape impacts. While aerial and ground assessments have confirmed catastrophic landscape damage within the impacted areas, no structures were destroyed.
What recovery work has occurred so far?
• Our highest priorities in our recovery efforts are public safety and safe operations. Soon after the tornadoes, our staff worked to protect human life and safety through removing hazard trees in developed areas, rerouting and closing unsafe trails, and repairing and reopening roads for safe public access.
• We will continue to work closely with our neighbors, partners, and the public on our recovery efforts to make the recreation area safe, healthy, and resilient for years to come.
• Check the tab below in this table for ongoing updates on our recovery efforts.
Where can I find more information and stay updated on recovery efforts?
- Recovery and timber salvage project updates are posted on this page and through the official LBL Facebook (@LBLNatlRecArea) and Twitter (@LandBtwnLakes).
- Check the Alerts page for storm and recovery related closures and notices.
Recent post-tornado recovery efforts include:
- North and South Tornado Cleanup projects:
-Now that we have an understanding of the size and scope of the tornadoes’ impacts to the landscape, we can prepare for the North and South Tornado Cleanup projects in the next phase of our recovery efforts. The goal of these projects is to remove some of the damaged and downed timber in the tornado-impacted areas to protect life safety and promote resilient forests. To learn more, see the next tab labeled “North and South Tornado Cleanup Project” below. - Hazard Tree Removal:
-Efforts by trained Forest Service specialists to remove hazardous trees within the developed areas impacted by the December 2021 tornadoes have quickly restored access to almost all roads and facilities throughout the unit. The intent of hazard tree removal is to fell storm-damaged and dead trees along roads and developed areas to provide for access and improved safety. Hazard tree reduction along roads allows forest management, fire suppression, and post-storm recovery activities to continue safely within areas impacted by the tornadoes. Cutting hazard trees also allows storm-impacted areas to be safely reopened to public access.
-We strongly urge the public to not cut, clear, or remove any storm debris on their own, as these storm-damaged trees are extremely dangerous. - Trail Detours:
-Detours have been created around impassable portions of the North/South Trail. Portions of the Ft. Henry Trail System and North/South Trail remain impassable. Follow the Alerts page for the latest detour updates. - Road Repairs:
-While road clearing has been completed from recent storm damage, visitors should use caution on roads, as there is still repair work being done and there is damage along the roads. There is still the potential that trees could fall.
-If you come in contact with downed trees, please email lblinfo@usda.gov to report them. You can also message us on Facebook @LBLNatlRecArea. Please do not attempt to move, cut, or clear any storm debris as it is extremely dangerous. - Assessing Impacted Areas:
-From our initial assessments, we determined that we have sizable and different levels of landscape damage.
-We were fortunate to have a team of skilled forestry specialists from our Enterprise Department and the Shawnee National Forest assist with assessing damaged timber stands after the December 2021 tornadic events. The teams were comprised of Silviculturist Foresters, a Silviculture Technician, and multiple Forestry Technicians. These specialized crews mapped the perimeter of the damaged areas, took measurements from pre-designated locations, measured the diameter at breast height, length, percentage of defects in the trees, calculated the number of trees per acre (basal area), and marked trees in preparation for potential salvage sales. - Assessing Natural Resources:
-Wildlife staff have assessed several openlands (fields) across the north and south tornado paths and reported the northern path impacted more of the openland habitat than the southern path.
-Initial surveys were completed to assess impacts to watersheds, soil destabilization as a result of timber blowdown, and impacts to roads, culverts, and other infrastructure from increased runoff and sedimentation.
-The Christmas Bird Count was completed post-tornado and hosted by the Woodlands Nature Station. Bird counts at Land Between the Lakes surpassed our highest tally records for red-shouldered hawks, American crows, and white-crowned sparrows, and met our highest record of wood ducks. Additionally, we have two rare birds to report this year: a Golden Eagle (immature) and a Fish Crow. - Shoreline Debris Cleanups- Volunteers Needed:
-The Friends of Land Between the Lakes (LBLA) are hosting volunteer shoreline cleanups throughout the weeks and months ahead. We are so grateful to our volunteers who have worked hard to make these cleanups such a success thus far!
-If you are interested in helping with future LBLA shoreline cleanup events, please email: volunteer@friendsoflbl.org and/or follow the LBLA Facebook page: facebook.com/FriendsofLandBetweenTheLakes.
-Living Lands and Waters is also looking for volunteers. Please email Rachel Loomis at rachel@livinglandsandwaters.org for more information.
How can I have a safe visit to Land Between the Lakes?
- Numerous downed and damaged trees have resulted in impassible trails, dangerous conditions, and public safety concerns in impacted areas. Before your visit, check the Alerts page on our website for storm and recovery-related closures and notices. Maps and trail information are available at the Golden Pond Visitor Center and/or our website.
- Do not enter tornado-impacted areas. Storm-damaged trees can fall unpredictably, causing injury or death. You are responsible for your own safety. Use extreme caution when travelling through storm-impacted areas.
- Please do not attempt to move, cut, or clear any storm debris as it is extremely dangerous.
- While road clearing from the tornado damage has been completed, visitors should use caution on roads. Repair work is ongoing and there is the potential that trees could fall. Please report any downed trees to LBL as it is safely possible via phone (270.924.2000), email (LBLInfo@usda.gov), or Facebook Messenger (@LBLNatlRecArea).
Decision Memo
Decision Memo South Tornado Cleanup USDA Forest Service
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Stewart County, Tennessee
Purpose and Need:
Through extensive remote sensing and ground surveys, we have identified approximately 3,000 acres of National Forest System lands affected by the tornado event which occurred in December 2021. The timber salvage project is needed to remove damaged trees within the affected stands. This will include fallen trees and standing damaged trees. The primary purpose for removing damaged trees is for public safety. Secondary benefits include stand resiliency against insects and disease and opening the forest canopy to let in sunlight, thus encouraging natural regeneration of the stands. A tertiary benefit of the project will also provide marketable timber for the local economy. The efforts are situated in the far south portion of LBLNRA in Stewart County, Tennessee.
Proposed Action:
Activities would include the following:
- Commercial timber salvage of up to 3,000 acres within the project area. We anticipate only harvesting damaged stands which have been identified within the affected area.
- Return the affected area to a safe condition for public use. Authority This project is categorically excluded from documentation in an EA or EIS because it fits the following category: Applicable Category: Insect and Disease Infestation. Section 603 of HFRA (16 U.S.C.6591b) (FSH 1909.15, 32.3(5)) (DM Required)
Decision Memo
- Decision I have decided to authorize the activities described in the proposed action, including any modifications that resulted from environmental analysis and review of legal and regulatory compliance. I find that there are no issues which would warrant further analysis and documentation in an EA or EIS. I took into account resource conditions identified in agency procedures that should be considered in determining whether issues might exist: Decision Memo – Project Name Page 1 of 4
- ♦ Federally listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat, species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, or Forest Service sensitive species – Based on a BA, the proposed project was found not to have significant negative effects to species found within the project area.
- ♦ Flood plains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds – Based on soil, watershed, and hydrologic review, there are no negative impacts anticipated from the proposed project.
- ♦ Congressionally designated areas such as wilderness, wilderness study areas, or national recreation areas – There are no Congressionally designated wilderness or wilderness study areas in LBLNRA.
- ♦ Inventoried roadless areas or potential wilderness areas – There are no roadless areas in LBLNRA.
- ♦ Research natural areas – No established Research Natural Areas exist within LBLNRA.
- ♦ American Indians and Alaska Native religious or cultural sites – Review of records along with tribal consultation show that any actions from the proposed project should not result in any significant degree of effect.
- ♦ Archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas – There are no known prehistoric heritage sites or historic Native American sites within the areas impacted by the tornados. There are some historic heritage sites within the impacted area. The locations of those known heritage sites have been sent to the team coordinating salvage clean-up. No significant degree of effect is anticipated from the pROPOSED PROJECT.
Decision Memo
- Public Involvement This action was originally listed as a proposal on the LBLNRA Schedule of Proposed Actions and updated periodically during the analysis. The scoping period was initiated on March 21st, 2022 through April 19th, 2022. The scoping newsletter inviting public comment was sent to state, local governments, stakeholders, adjacent landowners, Native American Tribes and other interested persons. Native American Tribes who were contacted before and during the scoping period include: Absentee Shawnee Tribe
Cherokee Nation
Chickasaw Nation
Eastern Shawnee Tribe
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians An electronic mailing through GOV DELIVERY was utilized to increase transparency and reach an additional 322 subscribed individuals.
Decision Memo
The following list represents a portion of those who were notified of scoping:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers NRCS
USFWS
National Wild Turkey Federation The Nature Conservancy
KY Forestry Industry
TN Wildlife Federation
TWRA
TN Forestry Association (TFA) KY Nature Preserves Commission Kentucky Lock Resident Office Kentucky Heartwood
Sierra Club
Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever
This project was made available for meaningful public comment.
No public comments were received during the public scoping period or the immediate days following.
Findings Required by Other Laws and Regulations
This decision is consistent with the LBLNRA Land Management Plan. The project was designed in conformance with LRMP and HFRA guidance.
LRMP CONSISTENCY
This project is consistent with Goals 1 and 2 of the LBLNRA Land and Resource Management Plan (2004).
Goal 1: Prioritize projects to provide the greatest recreation, environmental education, and resource stewardship benefits.
Goal 2: Emphasize partnerships and cooperation with citizen groups, community businesses, private corporations, tourism organizations, and government agencies.
Administrative Review (Appeal) Opportunities
There is no objection process required under this authority.
Implementation Date
Implementation for this project is anticipated to begin in late April to early May, 2022.
Decision Memo
Decision Memo – Project Name Page 3 of 4
Contact
For additional information concerning this decision, contact: Andy Mowrey, Area Planner, LBLNRA, 100 Van Morgan Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, 270-924-2131.
Leisa Cook Date Area Supervisor
We make every effort to create documents that are accessible to individuals of all abilities; however, limitations with our word processing programs may prevent some parts of this document from being readable by computer-assisted reading devices. If you need assistance with any part of this document, please contact Land Between the Lakes NRA at 270-924-2000.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720- 6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Resource Management Projects
As part of carrying out the mission of the USDA Forest Service, agency resource specialists develop proposals that will enhance or maintain resource values on public lands, as well as generate products. In addition, the public may submit proposals for various uses and recreational events. A necessary part of the planning for these is environmental analysis and documentation, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and agency direction, the USDA says.
