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Overarching Goals Reduce wildfire risk and protect communities Fire risk is high to extreme throughout the eastern, north- ern, and southern portions of the planning area due to high fuel loads and burn probability (Fig. 2). The eastern portion represents some of the highest fire risk in eastern WA. High risk areas on the southern edge are adjacent to the Cle Elum planning area and include private property. Fuels treatments are needed to break up the large patches of dense forest to reduce the likelihood of large crown fire and to facilitate protection of private property along Highway 970 and Teanaway Road. ln much of the central portion and within the 2017 Jolly Mountain Fire perimeter, fire is predicted to have low risk or beneficial effects due to reduced fuels and lower burn probability from exten- sive harvesting and fire effects. lncrease resilience and prepare for climate change By mid-century, the majority of the planning area is pro- jected to have moisture stress levels that are currently as- sociated with dry forest (Fig. 3). Substantial area in the southern end is projected to shift to non-forest over time. Moderate and low moisture stress levels are projected to remain on north-facing slopes and valley bottoms, pri- marily in the northern half. Treatments, as well as man- aged wildfires in roadless and other inaccessible areas, that reduce density and favor drought-tolerant species will support forest persistence into the future. S u sta in wild life ha bitot Habitat for dry forest, large tree, open canopy species (e.g. White Headed Woodpecker) is well represented in the planning area, although it is concentrated in large patches in the east and south. Habitat for species that depend on moist, closed canopy forest with large trees (e.g. Northern Spotted Owl) is in the middle or upper end of desired ranges, though it is overly abundant in eastern and central portions. ln high fire risk locations, reducing tree density and canopy cover will reduce crown fire potential and drought vulnerability, help maintain habitat in the most sustainable locations (Fig. 7), and broaden the spatial dis- tribution of open canopy habitat. Habitat for cold forest, large-tree, closed canopy species (e.g. American Mar.ten) is well represented but concentrated in large patches along the central part of the northern edge. En ho nce ru ra I eco nom ic developme nt Most of the higher priority areas for commercial treat- ments have road access and will produce significant tim- ber volume. Extensive harvesting by past owners in the Teanaway Community Forest has reduced wood produc- tion potential for the next 2-3 decades. Although warming trends and high burn probability will necessitate manag- ing for lower densities and fuel loads, long-term timber production will likely be possible in much of the commu- nity forest and adjacent USFS land. Reducing fire risk will help sustain recreation and tourism while reducing the potential of smoke affecting nearby communities. Current 1981-2010 Future 2041-2070 Moisture deficit I Low I Moderate I xtgtr I Very high Moisture deficit is a measure of water stress faced by plants. No-i-jr*. A Figure 3. Current (left) and future (right) moisture stress levels based on water balance deficit. Low levels are associated with moist and cold forest types, high with dry forest types, and very high with woodland or shrub-steppe. Future climate is based on a business as usual greenhouse gas emissions scenario (RCp g.5). Teanaway Landscope Evaluation Summaryr (2020) | poge 2