Soil and Water Resources The Sam Houston National Forest has identified specific wildland urban interface (WUI) areas within Compartments 33, 36, 37, 49, 57, and 66 that contain high fuel loadings. This report serves as a technical guide for the purpose of mitigating any adverse effects to soil productivity and/or water quality as a result of the proposed project. Project activities include reducing fuel loadings through mulching and prescribe burning a 200- foot wide shaded fuel break along the boundary on the. Recommendations are made according to the 1996 Revised Forest Land & Resource Management Plan for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines (FW-211) which states maintain soil erosion within tolerance levels for that soil type and minimize increases in stream turbidity and Texas Best Management Practices. The Sam Houston has numerous small perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams that occur throughout the project areas. Infiltration and permeability rates range from rapid to slow. The deep sands have rapid infiltration rates and those soils with clay at or near the surface have slower infiltration and percolation rates. Direct and Indirect Impacts Adverse affects to soils with a poorly suited mechanical site preparation will be mitigated by limiting operations during periods of excessive ground saturation or restricting operations on sensitive soils. Hydric soils should be avoided when they are associated with Streamside Management Zones (MA-4). Those compartments with hydric soils have been inspected to determine if wetlands are present. These areas are listed and will be forwarded to the Botanist for further determinations. They should be treated in the same manner as streamside management zones Management Area 4. Project activities on roads that are located on steep slopes, erodible soils, or stream crossings have the greatest potential for degrading surface water quality. Site characteristics, season of use, and the intended duration of use of a road should be considered when designing the construction of a temporary road and making improvements to an existing road. Following state Best Management Practices will help to mitigate any adverse affects to soil productivity and water quality. Controlling fire intensity is important in keeping most litter/duff from being consumed and exposing excessive amount of mineral soil on slopes. At the highest Fire Intensity Level (FIL) allowed, underburns expose no more than 20% mineral soils (VMEIS, p. IV- 82). To control fire intensity, prescribed burns are implemented under specific fuel and weather conditions. Impacts of prescribed burning on soil productivity include a small increase in soil ph and available nutrients (phosphorous and exchangeable calcium and magnesium) in the top 2 to 4 inches of mineral soil. The change in mineral elements status is related to the -1-
amount of these elements in the organic matter on the forest floor. Although burning tends to volatilize nitrogen in the combustion of fine and medium size fuels, the increases in nitrogen fixation in the soil compensates for losses to the atmosphere. The lower associated soil acidity stimulates microbe nitrogen fixation in the short term, while the larger size residual materials provides a continuing reserve of nutrients over the long term. Compartment 33 Summary by Map Unit Montgomery County, Texas Map unit symbol Map unit name Estimated Acres in Compartment Estimated Percentage Bb Bibb soils, frequently flooded 219.7 7.1% BlC* Betis fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes 66.3 2.1% Bo* Boy fine sand 68.6 2.2% FcC2 Latium clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes, eroded 79.1 2.6% FcD2 Latium clay, 5 to 8 percent slopes, eroded 13.7 0.4% Hs Bleiblerville clay 6.2 0.2% SuC Woodville fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent 680.3 22.0% slopes Tu Gladewater clay, frequently flooded 0.3 0.0% W Water 109.7 3.5% WkC Fetzer loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent 709.1 22.9% slopes WkD Fetzer loamy fine sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes 1,143.1 36.9% Totals for Area of Interest 100.0% The Bibb series consists of nearly level, deep, poorly drained, loamy soils. These soils are usually saturated with water during the winter months. These soils (frequently flooded) have slopes of less than 1 percent and occupy the flood plain of streams. They are not suited to mechanical operations, because they are flooded a number of times each year, and the water table is at or near the surface for 2 to 6 months during the cool season of the year. The Betis series consists of deep, somewhat excessively drained, rapidly permeable soils on broad interstream divides in the Coastal Plain. Slope ranges from 1 to 5 percent with an average slope of 4 percent. The surface thickness is more than 60 inches. Erosion hazard is slight because of relatively flat surface areas. Equipment limitations are moderate because of rutting hazards present during droughty seasons due to this soil being excessively drained. Excessive moisture loss is common during mechanical operations on this soil. This soil is moderately suited to trees, being best suited to pines. Seedling mortality is severe. If the site is prepared adequately and the competing vegetation is controlled, most seedlings survive. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service recommended management practices include prescribed burning and timber stand improvement. Avoid mechanical operations on this soil during excessive dry ground conditions. The Bleiblerville series consists of very deep, moderately well drained, very slowly permeable soils. These nearly level to gently sloping soils are on uplands. Permeability is very slow. Runoff is low on slopes less than 1 percent, medium on 1 to 3 percent slopes, -2-
and high on 3 to 5 percent slopes. Slopes range from 0 to 5 percent. The solum thickness is more than 80 inches. When this soil is dry, cracks up to 3 inches wide on the surface extend to about 50 inches. Cracks remain open for 90 to 150 cumulative days in most years. Cycles of micro-depressions and micro-knolls are repeated each 5 to 10 feet. Texture is mainly clay but may be silty clay. Limit mechanical operations during wet ground conditions. Operating machinery may present safety concerns during droughty seasons. The Boy series consists of nearly level to gently sloping, deep, moderately well drained soils that are sandy to a depth of 40 to 60 inches. These soils are on uplands. Slopes are dominantly 0 to 5 percent but in places range up to 7 percent. Boy soils have a low available water capacity. These soils are somewhat poorly drained. Runoff is negligible on 0 to 3 percent slopes, low on 3 to 8 percent slopes. In wet seasons, these soils are saturated in and just above the Bt horizon for periods from 2 to 4 months. Limit mechanical operations to dry ground conditions. The Fetzer series consists of deep, somewhat poorly drained, slowly permeable soils that formed in unconsolidated clayey and loamy sediments. These nearly level to sloping soils are on uplands. The soils have a perched water table near the surface for short periods during the winter and spring. Slopes range from 0 to 8 percent. Fetzer soils are mainly on concave lower slopes and receive additional water. A temporary perched water table is present in and above an average 24 inches during winter and spring. Limit mechanical operations to dry ground conditions. The Gladewater series consists of moderately deep clayey soils on flood plains. These soils formed in recent slightly acid clayey sediments. Slopes are from 0 to 1 percent. These soils are frequently flooded on nearly level soil is on flood plains. It is inundated about twice a year for a period of 3 days to 2 weeks. The surface layer is very firm. This soil is poorly drained and has a high available water capacity. The condition of the soil is poor and the soil can only be worked within a very limited range of moisture content. The root zone is moderately deep but is very difficult to penetrate. Frequent flooding and wetness are severe limitations, which can only be overcome by flood control and drainage measures. It has a high shrink-swell potential. Generally this soil is found on floodplains and usually flood during the winter and spring months. They are not suited to project activities since they are often associated with SMZs. Avoid mechanical operations on these soils. The Latium series consists of very deep, well drained, very slowly permeable soils. These soils are on gently sloping to moderately steep uplands. Permeability is very slow. Runoff is medium on 1 to 3 percent slopes, high on 3 to 5 percent slopes, and very high on slopes greater than 5 percent. Slope is dominantly 3 to 12 percent, but ranges from 2 to 15 percent. Solum thickness ranges from 40 to more than 60 inches. The soil is clay or silty clay throughout. This soil may have cracks which extend to more than 20 inches and are up to 2 inches wide on the surface that remain open 90 to 150 cumulative days in most years. Water enters this soil very rapidly when cracks are open, and very slowly when -3-
cracks have closed. Some areas may have micro-lows 1 to 3 feet wide and 2 to 8 inches deep, and micro-highs 10 to 16 feet wide that extend up and down slopes. The Woodville series consists of deep, somewhat poorly drained, very slowly permeable soils on uplands in the Coastal Plain. Slope ranges from 1 to 12 percent with an average slope of 3 percent. Typically, this soil has a fine sandy loam surface layer about 6 inches thick. The subsoil to a depth of 70 inches is clay. The surface crusts or puddles after heavy rains if the disturbed area contains subsoil material which is clay. Root development is restricted below the surface layer because of compaction and high clay content of the subsoil. The erosion hazard is severe. Restrictions during wet periods will help to reduce rutting hazards and keep the vegetation and soil in good condition. Over manipulation when the soil is too wet causes compaction and increases runoff. This soil is moderately suited to pine trees. Wetness and high clay content are moderate limitations mechanical operations. The high shrink-swell potential, low strength and wetness are the main limitations. When saturated, this soil does not have sufficient strength and stability to support mechanical equipment, but this limitation can be corrected by strengthening or replacing base material. Avoid these soils during wet ground conditions. If mechanical operations occur on slopes >8% revegetate immediately to reduce excessive soil loss. Compartment 36 Summary by Map Unit Montgomery County, Texas Map unit Map unit name Estimated Acres in Estimated symbol Compartment Percentage Bb Bibb soils, frequently flooded 18.8 1.9% Ga Garner clay 11.5 1.2% Hs Bleiblerville clay 9.3 1.0% SuC Woodville fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent 165.6 17.1% slopes W Water 186.5 19.3% WkC Fetzer loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes 228.2 23.6% WkD Fetzer loamy fine sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes 346.4 35.9% Totals for Area of Interest (map #1) 100.0% Bb Bibb soils, frequently flooded 171.9 5.4% Eu Betis loamy fine sand 8.7 0.3% FcC2 Latium clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes, eroded 12.8 0.4% Ga Garner clay 1.5 0.0% SuC Woodville fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes 22.1 0.7% W Water 199.9 6.3% WkC Fetzer loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes 1,642.8 51.6% WkD Fetzer loamy fine sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes 1,044.9 32.8% Totals for Area of Interest (map #2) 100.0% The Bibb series consists of nearly level, deep, poorly drained, loamy soils. These soils are usually saturated with water during the winter months. These soils (frequently flooded) have slopes of less than 1 percent and occupy the flood plain of streams. They are not suited to mechanical operations, because they are flooded a number of times each year, and the water table is at or near the surface for 2 to 6 months during the cool season of the year. -4-
The Betis series consists of deep, somewhat excessively drained, rapidly permeable soils on broad interstream divides in the Coastal Plain. Slope ranges from 1 to 5 percent with an average slope of 4 percent. The surface thickness is more than 60 inches. Erosion hazard is slight because of relatively flat surface areas. Equipment limitations are moderate because of rutting hazards present during droughty seasons due to this soil being excessively drained. Excessive moisture loss is common during mechanical operations on this soil. This soil is moderately suited to trees, being best suited to pines. Seedling mortality is severe. If the site is prepared adequately and the competing vegetation is controlled, most seedlings survive. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service recommended management practices include prescribed burning and timber stand improvement. Avoid mechanical operations on this soil during excessive dry ground conditions. The Bleiblerville series consists of very deep, moderately well drained, very slowly permeable soils. These nearly level to gently sloping soils are on uplands. Permeability is very slow. Runoff is low on slopes less than 1 percent, medium on 1 to 3 percent slopes, and high on 3 to 5 percent slopes. Slopes range from 0 to 5 percent. The solum thickness is more than 80 inches. When this soil is dry, cracks up to 3 inches wide on the surface extend to about 50 inches. Cracks remain open for 90 to 150 cumulative days in most years. Cycles of micro-depressions and micro-knolls are repeated each 5 to 10 feet. Texture is mainly clay but may be silty clay. Limit mechanical operations during wet ground conditions. Operating machinery may present safety concerns during droughty seasons. The Fetzer series consists of deep, somewhat poorly drained, slowly permeable soils that formed in unconsolidated clayey and loamy sediments. These nearly level to sloping soils are on uplands. The soils have a perched water table near the surface for short periods during the winter and spring. Slopes range from 0 to 8 percent. Fetzer soils are mainly on concave lower slopes and receive additional water. A temporary perched water table is present in and above an average 24 inches during winter and spring. Limit mechanical operations to dry ground conditions. The Garner series consists of deep, poorly drained, very slowly permeable soils on uplands. Slope ranges from 0 to 5 percent with an average slope of 3 percent. This is gently sloping soil on the side slopes of upland plains. This soil is poorly drained. Runoff is medium. The surface layer is firm, slow to dry, and difficult manipulate. The erosion hazard is severe. This soil is moderately suited to pines or water-tolerant hardwood trees. When this clayey soil is saturated, there are severe limitations to use of equipment. Wetness, shrink-swell potential, clayey texture, and low strength are the main limitations. Low strength limitations can be overcome by strengthening or replacing the base material. The Latium series consists of very deep, well drained, very slowly permeable soils. These soils are on gently sloping to moderately steep uplands. Permeability is very slow. Runoff is medium on 1 to 3 percent slopes, high on 3 to 5 percent slopes, and very high on slopes -5-
greater than 5 percent. Slope is dominantly 3 to 12 percent, but ranges from 2 to 15 percent. Solum thickness ranges from 40 to more than 60 inches. The soil is clay or silty clay throughout. This soil may have cracks which extend to more than 20 inches and are up to 2 inches wide on the surface that remain open 90 to 150 cumulative days in most years. Water enters this soil very rapidly when cracks are open, and very slowly when cracks have closed. Some areas may have micro-lows 1 to 3 feet wide and 2 to 8 inches deep, and micro-highs 10 to 16 feet wide that extend up and down slopes. The Woodville series consists of deep, somewhat poorly drained, very slowly permeable soils on uplands in the Coastal Plain. Slope ranges from 1 to 12 percent with an average slope of 3 percent. Typically, this soil has a fine sandy loam surface layer about 6 inches thick. The subsoil to a depth of 70 inches is clay. The surface crusts or puddles after heavy rains if the disturbed area contains subsoil material which is clay. Root development is restricted below the surface layer because of compaction and high clay content of the subsoil. The erosion hazard is severe. Restrictions during wet periods will help to reduce rutting hazards and keep the vegetation and soil in good condition. Over manipulation when the soil is too wet causes compaction and increases runoff. This soil is moderately suited to pine trees. Wetness and high clay content are moderate limitations mechanical operations. The high shrink-swell potential, low strength and wetness are the main limitations. When saturated, this soil does not have sufficient strength and stability to support mechanical equipment, but this limitation can be corrected by strengthening or replacing base material. Avoid these soils during wet ground conditions. If mechanical operations occur on slopes >8% revegetate immediately to reduce excessive soil loss. Compartment 37 Summary by Map Unit Montgomery County, Texas Map unit Map unit name Estimated Acres in Estimated Percentage symbol Compartment Ab Landman fine sand 12.0 0.7% BlC Betis fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes 8.0 0.5% Bo Boy fine sand 70.7 4.1% Cw Crowley fine sandy loam 5.0 0.3% Hs Bleiblerville clay 5.3 0.3% SuC Woodville fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 58.8 percent slopes 3.4% Tk Aris loam, heavy substratum 29.6 1.7% W Water 0.4 0.0% WkC Fetzer loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 657.9 percent slopes 38.0% WkD Fetzer loamy fine sand, 5 to 12 535.7 percent slopes 30.9% Summary by Map Unit Walker County, Texas Map unit symbol Map unit name Estimated Acres in Compartment Estimated Percentage 9 Depcor-Huntsburg association, gently 121.8 undulating 7.0% 10 Depcor-Huntsburg-Gunter association, 32.5 gently rolling 1.9% 22 Gunter association, undulating 12.3 0.7% -6-
Summary by Map Unit Walker County, Texas Map unit Map unit name Estimated Acres in Estimated Percentage symbol Compartment 32 Landman association, gently undulating 98.1 5.7% 34 Lufkin fine sandy loam, 0-1 percent slopes 33.4 1.9% W Water 49.6 2.9% Totals for Area of Interest 100.0% The Aris series consists of very deep, poorly drained, very slowly permeable soils. These soils are nearly level with slopes less than 1 percent. They occur on broad slightly depressed areas between relict stream meander ridges or mounds. Permeability is very slow, and runoff is low. These soils have a perched water table near the surface and some areas pond for periods of 30 days or more in most years, mainly in the winter and spring months. These soils have aquic conditions within 20 inches of the surface in most years. (These soils were formerly included in the Crowley series.) The Betis series consists of deep, somewhat excessively drained, rapidly permeable soils on broad interstream divides in the Coastal Plain. Slope ranges from 1 to 5 percent with an average slope of 4 percent. The surface thickness is more than 60 inches. Erosion hazard is slight because of relatively flat surface areas. Equipment limitations are moderate because of rutting hazards present during droughty seasons due to this soil being excessively drained. Excessive moisture loss is common during mechanical operations on this soil. This soil is moderately suited to trees, being best suited to pines. Seedling mortality is severe. If the site is prepared adequately and the competing vegetation is controlled, most seedlings survive. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service recommended management practices include prescribed burning and timber stand improvement. Avoid mechanical operations on this soil during excessive dry ground conditions. The Bleiblerville series consists of very deep, moderately well drained, very slowly permeable soils. These nearly level to gently sloping soils are on uplands. Permeability is very slow. Runoff is low on slopes less than 1 percent, medium on 1 to 3 percent slopes, and high on 3 to 5 percent slopes. Slopes range from 0 to 5 percent. The solum thickness is more than 80 inches. When this soil is dry, cracks up to 3 inches wide on the surface extend to about 50 inches. Cracks remain open for 90 to 150 cumulative days in most years. Cycles of micro-depressions and micro-knolls are repeated each 5 to 10 feet. Texture is mainly clay but may be silty clay. Limit mechanical operations during wet ground conditions. Operating machinery may present safety concerns during droughty seasons. The Boy series consists of nearly level to gently sloping, deep, moderately well drained soils that are sandy to a depth of 40 to 60 inches. These soils are on uplands. Slopes are dominantly 0 to 5 percent but in places range up to 7 percent. Boy soils have a low available water capacity. These soils are somewhat poorly drained. Runoff is negligible on 0 to 3 percent slopes, low on 3 to 8 percent slopes. In wet seasons, these soils are saturated in and just above the Bt horizon for periods from 2 to 4 months. Limit mechanical operations to dry ground conditions. -7-
The Crowley series consists of very deep, somewhat poorly drained, very slowly permeable soils. These soils, on broad, nearly level coastal prairies. They are nearly level to gently sloping with slope gradients mainly 0 to 1 percent but ranging to 3 percent. Runoff is high on 0 to 1 percent slopes and very high on 1 to 3 percent slopes. Permeability is very slow. These soils are saturated above the clayey subsoil at a depth of 0.5 to 1.5 feet from December to April in most years. Limit mechanical operations to dry ground conditions. The Depcor-Huntsburg association mapping unit is on upland interstream divides. Slopes are 1 to 5 percent. Some areas of Depcor and Huntsburg soils are large enough to be mapped separately. The soils, however, are so similar in use and management that mapping them separately is not justified. The Depcor has a convex surface and is in the more sloping areas of the unit. The surface area is very friable. The Depcor soil is moderately well drained. Permeability and runoff are slow. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone zone is deep and can be penetrated easily. The Huntsburg soil has a plane to slightly concave surface. It is in the less sloping areas of the unit. The surface layer is very friable. It is moderately well drained. Permeability is very slow and runoff is slow. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone is deep but is somewhat difficult to penetrate. The water table is perched. The Huntsburg soil has a clayey subsoil that shrinks and swells and has low strength. The Fetzer series consists of deep, somewhat poorly drained, slowly permeable soils that formed in unconsolidated clayey and loamy sediments. These nearly level to sloping soils are on uplands. The soils have a perched water table near the surface for short periods during the winter and spring. Slopes range from 0 to 8 percent. Fetzer soils are mainly on concave lower slopes and receive additional water. A temporary perched water table is present in and above an average 24 inches during winter and spring. Limit mechanical operations to dry ground conditions. The Gunter association are deep soils on uplands. Slopes are 1 to 8 percent. The surface layer is very friable. The Gunter soil is moderately well drained and has a low available water capacity. Permeability is rapid above the layer containing plinthite and moderately slow below. There is runoff. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The potential for pine timber is medium. Loblolly pine and slash pine are best suited. The sandy surface is a limitation. The Landman series consists of deep sandy soils on stream terraces. Slopes are 1 to 5 percent. The surface layer is very friable. The soil is moderately well drained and has a low available water capacity. Permeability is rapid in the loamy fine sand and moderately slow in the sandy clay loam. There is no runoff. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone is deep and is very easy to penetrate. Potential for pine is high. The sandy surface layer is a limiting factor for equipment use during droughty soil periods. -8-
The Lufkin series consists of deep clayey soils on stream terraces. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. This soil is somewhat poorly drained and has a medium available water capacity. Permeability is very slow, and runoff is slow. Soil condition is fair, and the soil can be worked within only a moderate range of moisture content. The root zone is deep, but generally roots are adversely affected by the wetness and the heavy clay subsoil. The potential is low for timber. Loblolly pine and short-leaf pine are best suited. It shrinks and swells with changes in moisture, it is wet during the rainy season. Wetness and the very slow permeability limit mechanical operations. The Woodville series consists of deep, somewhat poorly drained, very slowly permeable soils on uplands in the Coastal Plain. Slope ranges from 1 to 12 percent with an average slope of 3 percent. Typically, this soil has a fine sandy loam surface layer about 6 inches thick. The subsoil to a depth of 70 inches is clay. The surface crusts or puddles after heavy rains if the disturbed area contains subsoil material which is clay. Root development is restricted below the surface layer because of compaction and high clay content of the subsoil. The erosion hazard is severe. Restrictions during wet periods will help to reduce rutting hazards and keep the vegetation and soil in good condition. Over manipulation when the soil is too wet causes compaction and increases runoff. This soil is moderately suited to pine trees. Wetness and high clay content are moderate limitations mechanical operations. The high shrink-swell potential, low strength and wetness are the main limitations. When saturated, this soil does not have sufficient strength and stability to support mechanical equipment, but this limitation can be corrected by strengthening or replacing base material. Avoid these soils during wet ground conditions. If mechanical operations occur on slopes >8% revegetate immediately to reduce excessive soil loss. Compartment 49 Summary by Map Unit Walker County, Texas Map unit symbol Map unit name Estimated Acres in Compartment Estimated Percentage 2 Annona association, gently undulating 118.0 6.0 3 Annona association, gently rolling 334.7 17.0% 9 Depcor-Huntsburg association, gently 690.2 35.2% undulating 10 Depcor-Huntsburg-Gunter association, 660.6 33.6% gently rolling 16 Ferris clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes 29.8 1.5% 22 Gunter association, undulating 8.3 0.4% 27 Kanebreak soils, frequently flooded 119.7 6.1% 38 Pits 2.2 0.1% Totals for Area of Interest 100.0% The Annona association are deep loamy soils are on erosional uplands within interstream divides. Slopes are 1 to 5 percent. These soils are formed in stratified clayey and loamy sediments. These soils are somewhat poorly drained and have a high available water capacity. Permeability is very slow, and runoff is slow. Soil condition is only fair, and -9-
the soil can be worked within only a moderate range of moisture content. The root zone is deep but is very difficult to penetrate. It has medium potential for timber and is well suited to loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and slash pine. These soils shrink and swell as a result of wetting and drying. The Depcor-Huntsburg association mapping unit is on upland interstream divides. Slopes are 1 to 5 percent. Some areas of Depcor and Huntsburg soils are large enough to be mapped separately. The soils, however, are so similar in use and management that mapping them separately is not justified. The Depcor has a convex surface and is in the more sloping areas of the unit. The surface area is very friable. The Depcor soil is moderately well drained. Permeability and runoff are slow. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone zone is deep and can be penetrated easily. The Huntsburg soil has a plane to slightly concave surface. It is in the less sloping areas of the unit. The surface layer is very friable. It is moderately well drained. Permeability is very slow and runoff is slow. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone is deep but is somewhat difficult to penetrate. The water table is perched. The Huntsburg soil has a clayey subsoil that shrinks and swells and has low strength. The Ferris series consists of deep clayey upland soils. Slopes are 1 to 8 percent. Cracks extend to more than 20 inches in depth. The surface layer is firm. Runoff is rapid. Permeability is rapid when the soil is dry and cracked but is very slow when the soil is wet. Soil condition is poor, and the soil can be worked within only a limited range of moisture content. Low fertility, severe sheet and gully erosion, and slope make management difficult. The clay subsoil shrinks and swells with changes in moisture content. The clay texture, slow water movement, and many deep gullies restrict management. The Gunter association are deep soils on uplands. Slopes are 1 to 8 percent. The surface layer is very friable. The Gunter soil is moderately well drained and has a low available water capacity. Permeability is rapid above the layer containing plinthite and moderately slow below. There is runoff. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The potential for pine timber is medium. Loblolly pine and slash pine are best suited. The sandy surface is a limitation. The Kanebreak series consists of loamy soils on flood plains. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. These soils are frequently flooded. They are inundated about twice a year for periods of 2 to 7 days. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The texture of the surface layer varies from fine sandy loam to sandy clay loam. The soils are not uniform and do not occur in a regular pattern. These soils are somewhat poorly drained. Surface runoff are slow. Soil condition is good, but the soil can be worked within only a moderate range of moisture content. The root zone is deep and is easily penetrated. The series is flooded so frequently that mechanical operations should be avoided in these areas. Compartment 57-10-
Summary by Map Unit Walker County, Texas Map unit symbol Map unit name Estimated Acres in Compartment Estimated Percentage 2 Annona association, gently undulating 8.2 0.2% 3 Annona association, gently rolling 74.6 2.1% 9 Depcor-Huntsburg association, gently 935.7 26.4% undulating 10 Depcor-Huntsburg-Gunter association, 1,213.3 34.3% gently rolling 16 Ferris clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes 53.7 1.5% 22 Gunter association, undulating 526.3 14.9% 27 Kanebreak soils, frequently flooded 248.1 7.0% 32 Landman association, gently undulating 146.4 4.1% 33 Leson clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes 4.2 0.1% 37 Nugent soils, frequently flooded 0.9 0.0% 38 Pits 2.2 0.1% W Water 324.7 9.2% Totals for Area of Interest 100.0% The Annona association are deep loamy soils are on erosional uplands within interstream divides. Slopes are 1 to 5 percent. These soils are formed in stratified clayey and loamy sediments. These soils are somewhat poorly drained and have a high available water capacity. Permeability is very slow, and runoff is slow. Soil condition is only fair, and the soil can be worked within only a moderate range of moisture content. The root zone is deep but is very difficult to penetrate. It has medium potential for timber and is well suited to loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and slash pine. These soils shrink and swell as a result of wetting and drying. The Depcor-Huntsburg association mapping unit is on upland interstream divides. Slopes are 1 to 5 percent. Some areas of Depcor and Huntsburg soils are large enough to be mapped separately. The soils, however, are so similar in use and management that mapping them separately is not justified. The Depcor has a convex surface and is in the more sloping areas of the unit. The surface area is very friable. The Depcor soil is moderately well drained. Permeability and runoff are slow. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone is deep and can be penetrated easily. The Huntsburg soil has a plane to slightly concave surface. It is in the less sloping areas of the unit. The surface layer is very friable. It is moderately well drained. Permeability is very slow and runoff is slow. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone is deep but is somewhat difficult to penetrate. The water table is perched. The Huntsburg soil has a clayey subsoil that shrinks and swells and has low strength. The Ferris series consists of deep clayey upland soils. Slopes are 1 to 8 percent. Cracks extend to more than 20 inches in depth. The surface layer is firm. Runoff is rapid. Permeability is rapid when the soil is dry and cracked but is very slow when the soil is wet. Soil condition is poor, and the soil can be worked within only a limited range of moisture content. Low fertility, severe sheet and gully erosion, and slope make management difficult. The clay subsoil shrinks and swells with changes in moisture -11-
content. The clay texture, slow water movement, and many deep gullies restrict management. The Gunter association are deep soils on uplands. Slopes are 1 to 8 percent. The surface layer is very friable. The Gunter soil is moderately well drained and has a low available water capacity. Permeability is rapid above the layer containing plinthite and moderately slow below. There is runoff. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The potential for pine timber is medium. Loblolly pine and slash pine are best suited. The sandy surface is a limitation. The Kanebreak series consists of loamy soils on flood plains. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. These soils are frequently flooded. They are inundated about twice a year for periods of 2 to 7 days. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The texture of the surface layer varies from fine sandy loam to sandy clay loam. The soils are not uniform and do not occur in a regular pattern. These soils are somewhat poorly drained. Surface runoff are slow. Soil condition is good, but the soil can be worked within only a moderate range of moisture content. The root zone is deep and is easily penetrated. The series is flooded so frequently that mechanical operations should be avoided in these areas. The Landman series consists of deep sandy soils on stream terraces. Slopes are 1 to 5 percent. The surface layer is very friable. The soil is moderately well drained and has a low available water capacity. Permeability is rapid in the loamy fine sand and moderately slow in the sandy clay loam. There is no runoff. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone is deep and is very easy to penetrate. Potential for pine is high. The sandy surface layer is a limiting factor for equipment use during droughty soil periods. The Leson series consists of deep clayey upland soils. Slopes are 0 to 3 percent. When dry the soil has crack 0.4 to 4 inches wide at a depth of 20 inches. The soil is clayey throughout. Cycles of micro-depressions and micro-knolls are repeated at an average of about every 20 feet. The surface layer is firm. This soil is moderately well drained and has a medium available water capacity. Runoff is medium. Permeability is rapid when the soil is dry and cracked and is very slow when the soil is wet. Soil condition is fair, and the soil can be worked within only a very limited range of moisture content. The root zone is deep and is somewhat difficult to penetrate. The clay texture and the very slow permeability restrict mechanical use during wet ground conditions. The Nugent series consists of deep sandy soils on flood plains. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. These soils are natural levees adjacent to stream channels. They are inundated two or three times each year for periods of about 3 days to 3 weeks. Nugent soils have a variable surface layer ranging in texture from loamy sand to loamy fine sand. They are not uniform and do not occur in a regular pattern. These soils are excessively drained and have a low available water capacity. Permeability is moderately rapid, and runoff is slow. The soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone is deep and is very easy to penetrate. Avoid mechanical activities on these soils which are often associated with SMZs. -12-
Compartment 66 Summary by Map Unit Walker County, Texas Map unit Map unit name Estimated Acres in Estimated Percentage symbol Compartment 2 Annona association, gently undulating 2,013.6 21.8% 3 Annona association, gently rolling 582.1 6.3% 9 Depcor-Huntsburg association, gently 3,992.4 43.1% undulating 10 Depcor-Huntsburg-Gunter association, 768.7 8.3% gently rolling 16 Ferris clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes 434.8 4.7% 21 Gowker soils, frequently flooded 95.1 1.0% 22 Gunter association, undulating 47.1 0.5% 23 Houston Black clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes 0.3 0.0% 27 Kanebreak soils, frequently flooded 847.6 9.2% 32 Landman association, gently undulating 57.4 0.6% 34 Lufkin fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent 42.8 0.5% slopes 39 Redco clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes 297.9 3.2% W Water 74.8 0.8% Totals for Area of Interest 100.0% The Annona association are deep loamy soils are on erosional uplands within interstream divides. Slopes are 1 to 5 percent. These soils are formed in stratified clayey and loamy sediments. These soils are somewhat poorly drained and have a high available water capacity. Permeability is very slow, and runoff is slow. Soil condition is only fair, and the soil can be worked within only a moderate range of moisture content. The root zone is deep but is very difficult to penetrate. It has medium potential for timber and is well suited to loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and slash pine. These soils shrink and swell as a result of wetting and drying. The Depcor-Huntsburg association mapping unit is on upland interstream divides. Slopes are 1 to 5 percent. Some areas of Depcor and Huntsburg soils are large enough to be mapped separately. The soils, however, are so similar in use and management that mapping them separately is not justified. The Depcor has a convex surface and is in the more sloping areas of the unit. The surface area is very friable. The Depcor soil is moderately well drained. Permeability and runoff are slow. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone zone is deep and can be penetrated easily. The Huntsburg soil has a plane to slightly concave surface. It is in the less sloping areas of the unit. The surface layer is very friable. It is moderately well drained. Permeability is very slow and runoff is slow. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone is deep but is somewhat difficult to penetrate. The water table is perched. The Huntsburg soil has a clayey subsoil that shrinks and swells and has low strength. The Ferris series consists of deep clayey upland soils. Slopes are 1 to 8 percent. Cracks extend to more than 20 inches in depth. The surface layer is firm. Runoff is rapid. Permeability is rapid when the soil is dry and cracked but is very slow when the soil is -13-
wet. Soil condition is poor, and the soil can be worked within only a limited range of moisture content. Low fertility, severe sheet and gully erosion, and slope make management difficult. The clay subsoil shrinks and swells with changes in moisture content. The clay texture, slow water movement, and many deep gullies restrict management. The Gowker series consists of deep clayey soils on flood plains. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. This nearly level map unit is on flood plains. It is inundated about twice a year for periods up to 7 days. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The surface is firm. It is moderately well drained and has a high available water capacity. Permeability and runoff are slow. Soil condition is good, but the soil can be worked within only a limited range of moisture content. The root zone is deep and is easily penetrated. Frequent flooding and wetness are major limitations. Avoid these soils when associated with SMZs. The Gunter association are deep soils on uplands. Slopes are 1 to 8 percent. The surface layer is very friable. The Gunter soil is moderately well drained and has a low available water capacity. Permeability is rapid above the layer containing plinthite and moderately slow below. There is runoff. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The potential for pine timber is medium. Loblolly pine and slash pine are best suited. The sandy surface is a limitation. The Houston Black series consists of deep clayey upland soils. Slopes are 1 to 3 percent. Cycles of micro-depressions and micro-knolls are repeated each 12 to 19 feet. The surface is very firm. The Houston Black clay is moderately well drained. Runoff is medium. Permeability is rapid when the soil is dry and cracked and is very slow when it is wet. Soil condition is good, but the soil can only withstand mechanical operations within a limited range of moisture content. The root zone is deep but is somewhat difficult to penetrate. This soil shrinks and swells with changes in moisture content. The Kanebreak series consists of loamy soils on flood plains. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. These soils are frequently flooded. They are inundated about twice a year for periods of 2 to 7 days. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. The texture of the surface layer varies from fine sandy loam to sandy clay loam. The soils are not uniform and do not occur in a regular pattern. These soils are somewhat poorly drained. Surface runoff are slow. Soil condition is good, but the soil can be worked within only a moderate range of moisture content. The root zone is deep and is easily penetrated. The series is flooded so frequently that mechanical operations should be avoided in these areas. The Landman series consists of deep sandy soils on stream terraces. Slopes are 1 to 5 percent. The surface layer is very friable. The soil is moderately well drained and has a low available water capacity. Permeability is rapid in the loamy fine sand and moderately slow in the sandy clay loam. There is no runoff. Soil condition is good, and the soil can be worked throughout a wide range of moisture content. The root zone is deep and is very easy to penetrate. Potential for pine is high. The sandy surface layer is a limiting factor for equipment use during droughty soil periods. -14-
The Lufkin series consists of deep clayey soils on stream terraces. Slopes are 0 to 1 percent. This soil is somewhat poorly drained and has a medium available water capacity. Permeability is very slow, and runoff is slow. Soil condition is fair, and the soil can be worked within only a moderate range of moisture content. The root zone is deep, but generally roots are adversely affected by the wetness and the heavy clay subsoil. The potential is low for timber. Loblolly pine and short-leaf pine are best suited. It shrinks and swells with changes in moisture, it is wet during the rainy season. Wetness and the very slow permeability limit mechanical operations. The Redco series consists of deep clayey upland soils. Slopes are 0 to 2 percent. Undisturbed areas have micro-knolls 4 to 10 feet or more in diameter and 2 to 10 inches higher than the micro-depressions. The surface layer is firm. This soil is poorly drained. Soil condition is poor, and the soil can be worked within only a very limited range of moisture content. The Redco series shrinks and swells and has low strength. Mitigation and Monitoring Soil Productivity and Water Quality The following mitigation measures shall be implemented to ensure sustained soil productivity and water quality: 1. Install temporary structures (e.g., silt fences, hay bales, etc.) to control surface runoff and erosion, and reduce flood potential. 2. Limit activities during long periods of soil saturation to avoid excessive rutting (ruts deeper than 6 ) and compaction [MA-4-103(a)] on soils with a poorly suited rating for mechanical site preparation. These soils are not likely suited to log landings during wet ground conditions or when associated with a Streamside Management Zone (MA-4). 3. Avoid soils with a poorly suited rating for mechanical site preparation when they are associated with a MA-4. 4. Restrict activities in MA-4, Streamside Management Zones that could cause stream degradation or excessive soil erosion. 5. Avoid excessive slopes (slopes >8%) to minimize soil erosion. 6. Limit activities to designated crossings to prevent stream degradation. Temporary crossings should be removed immediately and the site promptly restored. 7. Minimize the number of stream crossings. 8. Logging debris in streams should be removed immediately. 9. Construct appropriate structures for protection of banks and channels of all streams. 10. Stream channels should not be used as skid trails. 11. Exposed soils should be re-vegetated immediately. Conclusion The proposed actions will serve to reduce fuel loading and safety hazards. Following the above mitigations will limit adverse effects to soil productivity and water quality. -15-
Continual monitoring by visual inspections will ensure site-specific mitigations are followed as outlined. It will also minimize the occurrence of increased erosion or sedimentation. Periodically the Watershed staff will do random ground-truthing inspections to ensure that The Plan and Texas Best Management Practices are followed. Direct questions and assistance requests to Cherie Edwards, Soil Scientist, at cherieedwards@fs.fed.us. If unavailable contact Chalonda Jasper, Soil Scientist Trainee, at cjasper@fs.fed.us. -16-