[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]






                                                   Revisable Final Draft




                  United States
                  Department
                  of Agriculture

                                                                             10

                                                                              n


                  Natural Resources
                  Conservation Service


                  Pacific Basin Area



                                                   MANAGEMENTPLAN
                                                   FOR
                                                   UGUM WATERSHED


                                                   TERRITORY OF GUAM





                                                   SEPTEMBER 1995










             QH
             541.5
             .E8
             M36
             '99,









                                                 Revisable Final Draft




                United States
                Department
                of Agriculture





                Natural Resources
                Conservation Service


                Pacific Basin Area



                                                 MANAGEMENT PLAN
                                                 FOR
                                                 UGUM WATERSHED


                                                 TERRITORY OF GUAM





                                                 SEPTEMBER 1995








                 United States                        Revisable Final Draft
                 Department
                 of Agriculture
    11@15                                             MANAGEMENTPLAN
                                                      ta,
                                                      FOR
                                                      UGUM WATERSIMI),
    (@P          Natural Resources
    1i
     "I          Conservation Service

                 Pacific Basin Area
                                                      TERRITORY OF GUAM





                                                  US Department of Commeme
                                            NOAA Coastal Services Center Library
                                                   2234 South Hrallbc=n Aveimue
                                                    Cilarleston, SC 20405-2413

                                                      Sponsored by:


                                Southern Guam, Soil and Water Conservation District


                              Guam Bureau of Planning, Coastal Management Program


                                        Guam Environmental Protection Agency





                                                      Prepared by:


                                        United States Department of Agriculture
                                        Natural Resources Conservation Service
                                              Pacific Basin, Agana, Guam


                                                   SEPTEMBER 1995






























































                       All programs and services of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its
                       programs on the basis of race, color, nation origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and marital and
                       familial status. Not all prohibited bases apply to an programs. Persons with disabilities who require alternative
                       means for communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA
                       Office of Communications at (202) 720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD).

                       To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250,
                       or call (202) 720-7327 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer.




























            This document was funded in part by
           the National Oceanic and Atmospheric                ORR
            Administratioin, Office of Ocean and
            Coastal Resource Management, and
              the Guam Coastal Management
               Program, Bureau of Planning,
           Government of Guam, through NOAA
                 grant award NA470ZO311



                                                            NEW 0@ C











                                            REVISABLE FINAL DRAFT


                                            MANAGEMIENT PLAN FOR

                                               UGUM WATERSHED

                                              TERRITORY OF GUAM


                                                    Sponsored by:
                                 Southern Guam, Soil and Water Conservation District
                               Guam Bureau of Planning, Coastal Management Program
                                        Guam Environmental Protection Agency


                                                     Prepared by:
                                        United States Department of Agriculture
                                        Natural Resources Conservation Service
                                             Pacific Basin, Agana, Guam

                                                   September 1995




                                                      Summary
                This document describes a series of management plans for the Ugurn Watershed,
                Territory of Guam. Four alternative management scenarios were developed during
                planning, including the Future Without a plan or no action scenario, the Maintenance
                scenario, the Improvement scenario, and the Reserve scenario. Scenario 2 or 3 are most
                recommended, the maintenance scenario will implement sufficient reactive controls to
                maintain the resources at the present level into the future. The improvement scenario has
                a proactive approach, and looks for prevention of natural and socioeconomic resource
                problems through the implementation of regulatory controls and conservation practices.
                The manaaement plans were based on the assumptions for resource needs and future
                growth in the area. The plans are general in nature and serve as a foundation and
                recommendations for all future planning and projects in the watershed. The awareness of
                the need to consider all resources and there interactions forms the background of the
                management plans, provides the impetus for ecosystem understanding and is the bases of
                all recommendations. The sponsors objectives of maintaining water quality while
                providing for the use of the watershed into future have been met. The different scenarios
                fulfill the objectives to different degrees. The most highly recommenced plan is the use
                of proactive control of the problems and solution to maintain and improve the natural
                resources in the watershed











                                    TABLE OF CONTENTS



                  SUNRAARY
                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
                       List of Tables, List of Figures, Appendices
                  WATERSHED AGREEMENT


             1.   INTRODUCTION                                          I
                       Purpose, Study Methodology, Participation

             ii.  PROJECT SETTING / WATERSHED DESCRIPTION               6
                       Location, Climate, Geology, Soils, Water, Land Ownership,
                       Land Use, Cultural Resources, Ecosystems, Socioeconomic


             III. WATERSHED PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES                  20
                       Existing Problems
                       Opportunities


             IV.  SCOPING OF CONCERNS                                   28
                       Public Concerns


             V.   FORMULATION OF SCENARIOS                              34
                       Formulation Process
                       Forecasting / Assumptions
                       Methodology for Planning / Philosophy

             VI.  SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS                                 37
                       Scenario I - No Action
                       Scenario 2 - Maintenance
                       Scenario 3 - Improvement
                       Scenario 4 - Reserve


             VII. SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES 49
                       Comparison of Scenarios
                       Risk and Uncertainty

             Vill. RECONDAENDATIONS                                     62
                       Management Measures
                       Supporting Programs

             IX   CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION                 69


                  LIST OF PREPARES                                      71
                  REFERENCES                                            72












                 LIST OF TABLES


                 A      EVALUATION OF IDENTIFIED CONCERNS                                      29
                 B      SOIL EROSION - CONTARISON OF SCENARIOS                                 53
                 C      SUMMARY AND CONTARISON OF ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS                        59



                 LIST OF FIGURES


                 I .    Ugum Watershed Locator Map, Guam.                                      5
                 2.     Soils of the Ugum Watershed, Guam.                                     8
                 3.     Slope Classes, Ugum Watershed, Guam.                                   9
                 4.     General Land Ownership, Ugum Watershed, Guam.                          I I
                 5.     Ecosystems, Ugum Watershed, Guam.                                      15
                 6.     Fires within the Ugum Watershed, Guam, 1979 - 1985.                    24
                 7.     Photos of Fire Scars, Southern Guam.
                 8.     Areas Best Suited for Dwellings within the Ugurn Watershed, Guam.      35



                 APPENDICES


                 A      Public Concerns
                 B      Public Meeting
                 C      Regulatory Framework
                 D      Technical Reports









                                                                   Agreement No. 68-9251-5-224





                                          COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
                                                 BETWEEN THE
                     BUREAU OF PLANNING, GUAM COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
                                                    AND THE
                               UN= STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                               NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
                                         (PACIFIC BASIN AREA OFFICE)
                    This AGREEMENT is made this -@06 day of            Z6c -
              19-M, by and between the Bureau of Planning, Guam Coastal Management Program,
              an agency of the Govenunent of Guam, on behalf of the Territory of Guam, (hereinafter
              referred to as "GCMP") and the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural
              Resources Conservation Service(Pacific Basin Area Office), (hereafter referred to as
              "NRCS11).

                    WHEREAS, GCW intends to engage the professional services of NRCS to provide
              assistance to GCMP; and

                    W'MIEAS, NRCS has communicated an interest in providing such service;

                    VirMESSETH, GCMP and NRCS deem it mutually advantageous to cooperate in
              this undertaking and in consideration of mutual covenants hereafter set forth, agree as
              follows:


                    SECTION 1. PURPOSE:


                    1.1    To develop a Watershed Management Plan for the Ugum
                           Watershed supported by baseline resource information
                           which will address the integrity of the Ugum River
                           watershed, and the condition of the stream and marine
                           systems, with minimal environmental impact from
                           development

                    1.2    The Management Plan will. address water quality and
                           non-point sources of pollution as wall as ecologic
                           conditions as outlined in Attachment A - Work Task
                           Description.

                    1.3    The final product will be a Management Plan based on
                           technical reports and the series of GIS produced maps









            Page 2 of 7
            Cooperative Agreement between
             GCMP and NRCS

                           generated during the resource assessment. The final
                           draft of the Management Plan will be provided to the
                           Bureau of Planning, Guam Coastal Management Program
                           by September 30, 1995.

                    SECTION IL SCOPE OF SERVICES


                    2.1    NRCS intends to fulfill its obligations as stated in
                           this agreement and agrees to perform all of the ser-
                           vices in connection with the project as outlined in
                           Attachment A - Work Task Description.


                    SECTION M.           AGREEMENT TERM


                    3.1    The agreement term shall commence upon the signature of the Governor
                           and continue until September XY, 1995.

                    3.2    This agreement may be amended as agreed to in writing by the parties
                           hereto, and shall be executed at least thirty (30) days in advance of the
                           effective date of the amendment.


                    3.3    NRCS cannot make commitments in excess of appropriated funds
                           authorized by law and administratively madeavailable. If NRCS cannot
                           fulfill the obligations because of appropriations, this agreement will
                           automaticaRy terminate and GCMP will proportioncdly reimburse NRCS for
                           its share of the cost incurred but not billed before the termination.


                    3.4    This agreement may be terminated by either party hereto by written notice
                           to the other party, if it is determinedthat the project is not being carried out
                           in compliance with the terms of this agreement Such written notice shall
                           be issued at least forty (40) days in advance of the effective date of the
                           termination.


                    SECTION IV.          COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES


                    4.1    GCMP will compensate NRCS the sum of Forty Seven Thousand Dollars
                           ($47,000) for services performed as outlined in Attachment A - Work Task
                           Plan.


                    4.2    NRCS shall be compensated by progress payments based upon








            Page 3 of 7
            Cooperative Agreement between
            GCMP and NRCS

                          satisfactory performance of services as set forth in the
                          Work Task Plan - Attachment A.


                           (a) preliminary schedule for completion of increments:

                                Twelve Thousand dollars ($12,000.00).

                          (b)   Upon receipt of second quarterly report and outline of management
                                plan:

                                Twelve Thousand dollars ($12,000.00).

                           (c)  Upon receipt of third quarterly report and listing of potential
                                conflicts between land- uses currently proposed for the watershed:

                                Twelve Thousand dollars ($12,000.00).

                           (d)  Upon receipt of the final draft Management Plan:

                                Eleven Thousand dollars ($11,000.00).

                   4.3    Fmal payment shall be made upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance
                          of all services as herein specified and performed under this Agreement.
                          Prior to the final payment, and as a condition precedent thereto, NRCS
                          shall execute and deliver to the GCMP a release, in a form approved by the
                          Government, of claims against the Government of Guam arising under and
                          by virtue of this Agreement.

                   SECTION V. NRCS AGREES:


                   A.     That there shall be no employee benefits occurring from this agreement,
                          such as:


                          S. 1 Insurance coverage provided by the government of Gua3n;

                          5.2 Participation in the government of Guam retirement system;

                          5.3 Accumulation of vacation leave or sick leave.


                   B. That there shall be no withholding of taxes by the Government of Guam.









            Page 4 of 7
            Cooperative Agreement between
             GCMP and NRCS

                   C.     To submit billings on a quarterly basis beginning January 1995 to GCMP
                          on Form NRCS-FW-l 5, Bill, for actual costs incurred and the bill shall be
                          sent to the following address:

                                 Bureau of Planning
                                 Attw Director
                                 P.O. Box 2950
                                 Agana, Guam 96910

                   SECTION VI. GCNP AGREES TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT
                          SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT:


                   6.1.   To provide assistance in getting participation by other Goverrunent of
                          Guam agencies.

                   6.2.   To provide NRCS with any mapping, photographic or GIS information
                          resources which exist in GCMP, or which can be obtained by GCMP,
                          necessary for the completion of this project.

                   SECTION V11. SCOPE OF AGREEMENT:

                   This agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing,
            between the parties hereto with respect to the retairunent of NRCS by GCN[P and
            contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to such
            retainment in any manner whatsoever. Each party to this agreement acknowledges that
            no representation, inducements, promises or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been
            made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any pcuty, which are not embodied
            herein, and that no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this
            agreement shall be valid or binding.

                   SECTION VM. RESPONSEBUM OF NRCS:

                   NRCS shall be responsible for the professional and technical accuracy of all work
            and materials furnished under this agreement. NRCS shall, without additional cost to
            GCNP, correct or revise all errors or deficiencies in their work.

                   SECTION IX. ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMEMr-,

                   NRCS may not assign this agreement or any sum becoming due NRCS under the
            provisions of this agreement, without the prior written consent of GCUP.








              Page 5 of 7
              Cooperative Agreement between
              GCIAP and NRCS

                     SECTION X. GENERAL COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS:

                     10-1. GCMP and NRCS shall be required to comply with an Federal and
              Territorial laws and ordinances applicable to the program or activities conducted under
              this agreement.

                     10.2. The program or activities conducted under this agreement will be in
              compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions contained in Titles VI and VII of the
              Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended: the Civil Rights Restoration act of 1987 (Public Law
              100-259): and other nondiscrimination statutes:             namely, Section 504 of the
              Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age
              Discrimination act of 1975. The will also be in accordance with regulations of the
              Secretary of agriculture (7 CFR- 15, Subparts A & B), which provide that no person in the
              United States shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion,
              marital status, or handicap be excluded bom participation in, be denied the benefits of,
              or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving
              federal financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture or any agency thereof.

                     10.3.    No member of/or delegate to Congress, or resident commi gi         n r, shall
              be admitted to any share or part of this agreement, or to any benefit arising from it.
              However, this clause does not apply to this agreement to the extent that this agreement
              is made with a corporation for the corporation's general benefit.

                     SECTIONM. ACCESS TO RECORDS AND OTHER REVIEW:

                     11. 1. GCMP shall provide NRCS or the Comptroller General or their authorized
              representatives access to and the right to examine all records, books, papers, or
              documents related to this agreement.

                     11.2. NRCS shall maintain all accounting records and other evidence pertaining
              to costs incurred and to make such materials available at their respective office at all
              reasonable times during the contract period and for three (3) years from the date of the
              final payment under the contract, for the inspection by the government of Guam.

                     SECTION XII. INDEM41TY:

                     NRCS agrees to save and hold harmless GCUF, its officers, agents,
              representatives, successors and assignees and other governmental agencies from any
              and a.U suits or actions of every nature and kind, which may be brought for or on account
              of any injury, death or damage arising or growing out of the acts or omissions of NRCS,
              NRCS's officers, agents, servants or employees under this agreement.








                Page 6 of 7
                Cooperative Agreement between
                GCUP and NRCS

                       SECTION)MI. MODIFICATIONS:


                       This agreement may be amended as agreed to in writing by GCN4P and NRCS.
                Any modification of this agreement will be effective only if it is in writing signed by the
                party to be charged.

                       SECTION MV. TERMINATION:



                       Either of the parties hereto, may, by written notice to the other, terminate this
                agreement in whole or in part at any time, either for convenience or default. Written
                notice shall be sent at least thirty (30) days in advance of the effective date of the
                termination. Upon such termination, all briefs, reports, summaries, completed work and
                work in progress, and such other information and materials as may have been
                accumulated by NRCS in performing this agreement shall, in the manner and to the
                extent determined by GCMP, become the property of and be delivered to GCMP. If the
                contract is terminated by NRCS, or by GCM[P for cause, prior to its completion, NRCS will
                be paid the reasonable value for services performed that are acceptable to GCN[P.

                       SECTION XV. SEVERABLE PROVISIONS:


                       If any provision of this agreement shall be deemed by a court of competent
                jurisdiction to be invalid, then such provision shall be deemed stricken from the
                agreement and the agreement shall be enforce according to its valid and subsisting
                terms and provisions.

                       SECTION XVI. GOVERNING LAW-


                       The validity of this agreement and of any of its terms or provisions, as well as the
                rights and duties of the parties to this agreement shall be governed by the laws of
                Guam.


                       SECTION XVU. EFFECTIVE DATE OF AGREEMENT:

                       This agreement shall take effect upon the date it is signed by the Governor of
                Guam and the date of this agreement shall be the date upon which the Governor affixes
                his signature.








          Page 7 of 7
          Cooperative Agreement between
          GCMP and NRCS

              IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this agreement on the
          dates indicated by their respective names.

          U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE    BUREAU OF PLANNING
          NATURAL RESOURCES                 GOVERNMENT OF GUAM
          CONSERVATION SERVICE:
          (PACIFIC BASIN AREA OFFICE)



          JOAN B. PERRY                     MICHAEL J. CRUZ V
          DIRECTOR                          ACTING DIRECTOR
          DATE:                             DATE: ) 2.4 q jr, 4
          AUTHORITY: S@il Conservation Act
          16 U.S.C. ï¿½590a-g (1982 & Supp. 1989)     CLEARED PE-)
          CERTIFIED FUNDS AVAILABLE:        CLEARED      I   "AEVIEW.-


          CARMELIN(C. BLAS                  tVANNI T. SGAMBELLURI
                                             ir
          Certifying Officer                 irector, Bureau Of Budget
                                            And Management Research (BBMR)
          Date:                             Date:   rjEr 2 q 1994
                      5lOlE50900ZF104-230
          Account No.:
          DocumentNo.: C50900009

          Vendor No.:
          Amount:  $47,000.00

                                                RNA' 'W'U'l
          APPROVED AS TO FORM:                        2


          DONALD PAUI=, Acdting            OZLFADA
          A77ORNEY GENERAL                           ROFGUAM
                                              P
        xax_@-                                         2t7

              /:ix-@OAF@z                        DEC 3 0 In
          Date:                             Date:                  TTE 7 CE ! U E D

                                                                    :D, E C 110 19 9









               Cooperative Agreement Between Bureau of Planning
               and Natural Resources Conservation Service



               WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN



               ATTACHMENT A




               WORK TASK DESCRIPTION




               Work Task

               Develop a Watershed Management Plan for the purpose of maintaining the
               natural resources including water quality in the Ugum Watershed.

               rime Frame: The Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide to
               the Bureau of Planning the final draft of the Management Plan by September
               30, 1995.

               Background

               The major objective of the project is to provide a watershed management
               plan supported by baseline resource information which will address the
               integrity of the Ugum River watershed, and the condition of the stream and
               marine systems, with minimal environmental impact from development.

               The Ugum Watershed Management Plan is a portion of the Ugurn Watershed
               Project. The Ugum Watershed Resource Assessment, will be completed by
               January 1995. The resource inventory data collected will be incorporated
               into and be used as the baseline information to develop the Watershed
               Management Plan.

               Task Procedure

               1.   Develop a Plan of Work(POW); detail the assignment of duties and
                    projected dates of completion, the POW is a dynamic planning tool
                    that can be modified as needed.

               2.   Identify problems; the identification of resource problems in the
                    planning area.

               3.   Determine objectives; identify and agree on the objectives of the
                    sponsors and land owners to be achieved through the planning
                    process.

               4.   Inventory resources; planning area is inventoried so the problems and
                    opportunities are defined and current resource conditions are
                    established.








               5.    Analyze resource data; the resource data from step 4 is analyzed to
                     clearly define the resource conditions and any problems associated
                     with their use.

               6.    Formulate alternatives; alternatives that will achieve the objectives,
                     solve problems, and take advantage of opportunities to improve or
                     protect resource conditions are formulated.

               7.    Evaluate alternatives; evaluation of the alternatives to determine their
                     effect in addressing the objectives and resource problems. This step
                     will include an evaluation of the potential effects on social, economic,
                     and environmental concerns.



               The Management Plan will address water quality and non-point sources of
               pollution as well as ecologic conditions including:

                     Sediment load at infiltration chambers and the
                     water treatment plant on the Ugum River.

                     Degradation of stream bank and ravine environment.

                     Erosion of agricultural lands.

                     Alternative management systems to be used in development of
                     private lands.

                     Sediment deposition in the lagoon.

                     Guidelines for chemical uses in the Watershed.

                     Protection of high value cultural and biological resources.

                     Public participation.

                     Treatment of the upper watershed.

                     Impact of wildfires.


               The final product will be a Management Plan based on the technical reports
               and the series of Geographical Information System (GIS) produced maps
               generated during the resource assessment. The plan will require an
               interdisciplinary approach of several areas of expertise to include; work
               organization and management, hydrology/watershed management, civil
               engineering,
               biology, soils, geology, GIS, forestry/agroforestry, erosion control,
               conservation/agronomy, and economics to evaluate conditions, project risk
               of various future developments, and recommend management options.
               Future implementation proposals will be suggested.










                                   ATTACHMENT B - SPECIAL PR         OVISIONS


             The signatories agree to comply with the following special provisions which are
             hereby attached to this agreement.

             1. Drug-Free Workglace

             By signing this agreement, the sponsors are providing the certification set out below.
             If it is later determined that the sponsors knowingly rendered a false certification, or
             otherwise violates the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the Service, in
             addition to any other remedies available to the Federal Government, may take action
             authorized under the Drug-Free Workplace Act.

             Controlled substance means a controlled substance in Schedules I through V of the
             Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 812) and as further defined by regulation (21-
             CFR 1308.11 through 1308.15);

             Conviction means a finding of (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of
             sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with responsibility to determine
             violations of the Federal or State criminal drug statutes;

             Criminal drug statLite means a Federal or non-Federal criminal statute involving the
             manufacturing, distribution, dispensing, use, or possession of any controlled
             substance;


             Employee means the employee of grantee directly engaged in the performance of work
             under a grant, including: (i) All direct charge employees; Oi) All indirect charge
             employees unless their impact or involvement is insignificant to the performance of
             the grant; and, (iii) Temporary personnel and consultants who are directly engaged in
             the performance of work under the grant and who are on the grantee's payroll. This
             definition does not include the workers not on the payroll of the grantee (e.g.,
             volunteers, even if used to meet a matching requirement; consultants or independent
             contractors not on the grantee's payroll; or employees of subrecipients or
             subcontractors in covered workplaces).

             Certification:


             A. The sponsors certify that it will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace
             by:    (a) Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture,
                    distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is
                    prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be
                    taken against employees for violation of such prohibition;

                    (b) Establishing an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees










                    about -


                            (1) The danger of drug of abuse in the workplace;

                            (2) The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;

                            (3)   Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee
                            assistance programs; and

                            (4) The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse
                            violations occurring in the workplace;

                    (c) Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the
                    performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by
                    paragraph (a);

                    (d) Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as
                    a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will -

                            (1) Abide by the terms of the statement; and

                            (2) Notifying the employer in writing of his or her conviction for a
                            violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later
                            than five calendar days after such a conviction;

                    (e) Notifying the Service writing, within ten calendar days after receiving notice
                    under paragraph (d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving notice,
                    including position title, to every grant officer or other designee on whose grant
                    activity the convicted employee was working, unless the Federal agency has
                    designated a central point for the receipt of such notices. Notice shall include
                    the identification number(s) of each affected grant;

                    (f) Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days of receiving
                    notice under paragraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so
                    convicted -


                            (1) Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up
                            to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the
                            Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or

                            (2) Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse
                            assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a
                            Federal, State or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate
                            agency;

                    (g) Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace









                    through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f).

                     (h) Agencies shall keep the original of all disclosure reports in the official files
                    of the agency.

             B. The sponsors may provide a list of the site(s) for the performance of work done
             connection with a specific project or other agreement.

             11. Certificati.Qn Regarding Lobbying (7) CFR 3018) (Applicable if this agreement
             exceeds $100,000) - The sponsors certify to the best of their knowledge and belief,
             that:


             (1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of
             the sponsors, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or
             employee of an agency, Member of Congress, and officer or employer of Congress,
             or a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the
             making of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any
             Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension,
             continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant,
             loan, or cooperative agreement.

             (2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid
             to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any
             agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee
             of a Member of Congress, in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or
             cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form -
             LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions.

             (3) The sponsors shall require that the language of this certification be included in the
             award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and
             contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients
             shall certify and disclosure accordingly.

             This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed
             when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a
             prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction - imposed by Section 1352,
             Title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the require certification shall by
             subject to a civil penalty of not less than $ 10,000 and not more than $ 100,000 for
             each such failure.

             Ill. Certificat@ion Regard i ng_Deba rment. Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters -
              Primary Covered Transactions, (7 CFR 3017).

             (1) The sponsors certify to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its
             principals:









                     (a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared
                     ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal
                     department or agency;

                     (b) Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted
                     of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a
                     criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or
                     performing a public (Federal, state or local) transaction or contract under a
                     public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission
                     of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsifation or destruction of records,
                     making false statements, or receiving stolen property;

                     (c) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by
                     a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of the
                     offenses enumerated in paragraph (1)(b) of this certification; and

                     (d) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/proposal has
                     one or more public transactions (Federal, State or local) terminated for cause
                     or default.


              (2) Where the primary sponsor is unable to certify to any of the statements in this
              certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this
              agreement.

              IV. Clean Air and Water Certification

              (Applicable if this agreement exceeds $ 100,000, or a facility to by used has been the
              subject of a conviction under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 1857c-8(e)(1)) or the
              Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(C)) and is listed by EPA, or is not
              otherwise exempt.)

              The project sponsoring organization(s) signatory to this agreement certifies as follows:

                     (a) Any facility to be utilized in the performance of this proposed agreement
                     is        is not____, listed on the Environmental Protection Agency List of
                     Violating Facilities.

                     (b) To promptly notify the Assistant State Conservationist (Administration)
                     prior to the signing of this agreement by the Service, of the receipt of any
                     communication from the Director, Office of Federal Activities, U.S.
                     Environmental Protection Agency, indicating that any facility which he
                     proposes to use for the performance of the agreement is under consideration
                     to be listed on the Environmental Protection Agency List of Violating Facilities.

                     (c) To include substantially this certification, including thus subparagraph (c),
                     in every nonexempt subagreement.










                                        CLEAN AIR AND WATER CLAUSE


                     (Applicable only if the agreement exceeds $100,000, or a facility to be used
                     has been the subject of a conviction under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 1857c-
                     8(c)(1) or the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. (1319(c)) and is
                     listed by EPA or the agreement is nit otherwise exempt).

              A. The project sponsoring organization(s) signatory to this agreement agrees as
              follows:


                     (1) To comply with all the requirements of section 114 of the Clean Air Act as
                     amended (42 U.S.C. 1857, et seq., as amended by Public Law 91-604) and
                     section 308 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et.
                     seq., as amended by Public Law 92-500), respectively, relating to inspection,
                     monitoring, entry, reports, and information, as well as other requirements
                     specified in sectio 114 and section 308 of the Air Act and the Water Act,
                     respectively, and all regulations and guidelines issued thereunder before the
                     signing of this agreement by the Service.

                     (2) That no portion of the work required by this agreement will be performed
                     in a facility listed on the Environmental Protection Agency List of Violating
                     Facilities on the date when this agreement was signed by the Service unless
                     and until the EPA eliminates the name of such facility or facilities from such
                     listing.

                     (3) To use their best efforts to comply with clean air standards and clean
                     water standards at the facilities in which the agreement is being performed.

                     (4) To insert the substance of the provisions of this clause in any nonexempt
                     subagreement, including this subparagraphs A. (4).

              B. The terms used in this clause have the following meanings:

              (1) The term "Air Actu means the Clean Air Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1857 et
              seq., as amended by Public Law 91-604).

              (2) The term "Water Act" means Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended
              (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., as amended by Public Law 92-500).

              (3) The term "clean air standards" means any enforceable rules, regulations,
              guidelines, standards, limitations, orders, controls, prohibitions or other requirements
              which are contained in, issued under, or other requirements which are contained in,
              issued under, or otherwise adopted plan as described in section 11 O(d) of the Clean
              Air Act (42 U.S.C. 1 857c-5(d)), an approved implementation procedure or plan under
              section 111 (c) or section 111 (d), respectively, of the Air Act (42 U.S.C. 1857c-6(c)
              or (d)), or an approved implementation procedure under section 11 2(d) of the Air Act









              (42 U.S.C. 1857c-7(d)).

              (4) The term "clean water standards" means any enforceable limitation, control,
              condition, prohibition, standard, or other requirement which promulgated pursuant to
              the Water Act or contained in a permit issued to a discharger by the Environmental
              Protection Agency or by State under an approved program, as authorized by section
              402 of the Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1342), or by a local government to ensure
              compliance with pretreatment regulations as required by section 307 of the Water Act
              (33 U.S.C. 1317).

              (5) The term ncompliance" means compliance with clean air or water standards.
              Compliances shall also mean compliance with a scheduled or plan ordered or approved
              by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Environmental Protection Agency or any air
              or water pollution control issued pursuant thereto.

              (6) The term "facility" means any building, plant, installation, structure, mine, vessel
              or other floating craft, location or site of operations, owned leased, or supervised by
              a sponsor, to be utilized in the performance of an agreement or subagreement. Where
              a location or site of operations contains or includes more than one building, plant,
              installation, or structure, the entire location shall be deemed to be a facility except
              where the Director, Office of Federal Activities, Environmental Protection Agency,
              determines that independent facilities are colocated in one geographical area.

              V. Assurance and Com[)Iiance


              As a condition of the grant or cooperative agreement, the recipient assures and
              certifies that is in compliance with and will comply in the course of the agreement
              with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders and other generally applicable
              requirements, including those set out in 7 CFR 3015, 3016, 3017 and 3018 which
              hereby are specifically set forth herein.

              VI. Examinations of Records


              Give the Service or he Comptroller General, through any authorized representative,
              access to and the right to examine all records, book, papers, or documents related to
              this agreement. Retain all records related to this agreement for a period of three years
              after completion of the terms of this agreement in accordance with the applicable
              OMB Circular.








                                                     INTRODUCTION




                 1.     INTRODUCTION



                        Purpose
                 The purpose of the Ugum Watershed Project is to maintain and protect surface and
                 ground water quality on a watershed - wide basis. The project is divided into three
                 phases: 1) the Resource Assessment; 2) the Management Plan; and 3) the implementation
                 of the Demonstration Projects.

                 The Ugum Watershed Project is a cooperative watershed project sponsored by the
                 Southern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), the Guam Bureau of
                 Planning (BOP) Coastal Management Program, and the Guam Environmental Protection
                 Agency (GEPA) with technical assistance provided by the US. Department of
                 Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly the Soil
                 Conservation Service (SCS).

                 This study is the Ugum Watershed Management Plan. The purpose of this Management
                 Plan is to provide management guidelines based on the documentation of the existing
                 condition of the Ugum Watershed compiled in the Resource Assessment, Ugum
                 Watershed, Guam (DeMeo et al., 1995).

                 The Ugum River is a major source of potable water for southern Guam and in light of
                 proposed development of the area will benefit from a management plan. The Ugum
                 Watershed Management Plan is an interdisciplinary, interagency management plan to
                 address the interrelationship of the resources and maintain the integrity of the Ugum
                 River Watershed. This management plan provides the basis for action necessary to
                 maintain Ugum River water quality and quantity required for operation of the Public
                 Utilities Agency of Guam (PUAG) water facility, and protect or enhance ecosystem
                 values and functions that may be affected by projected commercial, agricultural, and
                 residential development in the watershed. The management plan discusses issues related
                 to surface water quality and quantity, soil erosion, wildfires, and loss of wildlife habitat
                 as well as other ecological conditions and concerns.

                 The scope of the Ugum Watershed Project is long range and comprehensive. The
                 management plan will project present conditions and problems twenty years into the
                 future and suggest management measures. The total watershed approach will be applied
                 to assess current and potential future conditions, address identified problems, and
                 determine treatment and management needs to protect surface and ground water quality
                 and quantity.









                                                      INTRODUCTION



                          Study Methodology
                   This Management Plan is an interagency plan to control non-point source (NPS)
                   pollution and the natural resource base in the Ugum Watershed. The Management Plan
                   discusses the actions to prevent or reduce NPS water quality problems identified in the
                   Ugum Watershed Resource Assessment. The natural resources studies contained in the
                   Assessment included ground surveys and inventories, field studies, aerial photo
                   interpretation, remote sensing, Geographical Information, System (GIS) mapping and
                   analysis, and consultations with area experts and scientists.

                          Participation
                   The Guam Bureau of Planning (BOP) Coastal Management Program has provided
                   leadership in sponsoring the Ugum Watershed Management Plan. The Southern Guam
                   SWCD has also provided leadership in coordinating with USDA - NRCS, which
                   provided technical and planning assistance and prepared the Management Plan document.

                   An interagency team called the Ecosystem Based Assistance Team (EBAT) provided the
                   technical reports for the management plan. The Ecosystem Based Assistance Team
                   included seven members; from NRCS Pacific Basin, Reed Sims (soils/geology/wildlife),
                   Jay Cobb (engineering), Robert Wescom (forestry/vegetation/wildlife), and Robin
                   DeMeo (planning/coordinator/writing); from Hawaii NRCS Robin White (hydrology);
                   from GEPA Randy Sablan (wetlands); and Dr. John Brown (economics) with the
                   University of Guam. Each member provided technical reports based on the Assessment
                   for this management plan.

                   The Guam Bureau of Planning, Coastal Management Program is also sponsoring a
                   section 6217 Coastal Nonpoint Source (NPS) pollution project to determine the
                   recommended Best Management Practices (BMP's) or NRCS conservation practices.
                   The recommended BMP's will address resource problems in rural areas of Guam,
                   including the nonpoint source pollution problems found in the Ugum Watershed.

                   The GEPA is sponsoring a related project of BW Demonstration Projects
                   implementation in the Ugum Watershed. Demonstrations of up to eighteen USDA
                   NRCS conservation practices will be implemented over the next two and a half years in
                   the Ugum Watershed by the NRCS with the landowners cooperation.

                   An Ugum Watershed Steering Committee was formed among all sponsors to discuss
                   project progress and to direct the decision making process. The Steering Committee
                   members are the Southern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District, Guam
                   Environmental Protection Agency, the Guam Bureau of Planning, Coastal Management
                   Program and the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
                   Conservation Service. A Guam Watershed Committee is in the process of being created,
                   and the above agencies have agreed to participate in the larger committee covering the
                   island. The potential for the Guam Watershed Committee is to act as an interagency
                   committee to share project information in cooperative island resource planning.


                                                              2








                                                     INTRODUCTION




                  Others supporting the watershed planning efforts and providing technical assistance or
                  information included:


                  Public Utility Agency of Guam (PUAG) - The PUAG is responsible for all public water
                     production and supply on Guam. The PUAG provided access to the Ugurn Treatment
                     Plant and technical information about the water in the river and throughout the
                     treatment process.
                  Guam Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry and Soil Resources - is generally
                     responsible for urban and rural forestry on Guam and provided support and trees for
                     reforestation and windbreak projects for this project.
                  Water and Energy Research Institute (WERI) - is a research institute associated with the
                     University of Guam and provided technical support and expertise on the hydrology
                     and geology of the study area.
                  University of Guam - Marine Lab - Provided information on coral reef life and studies
                     of lagoon sedimentation, and down stream biota.
                  Guam Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatics and Wildlife - Provided
                     information on the animal species and the preferred habitat.
                  United States Geologic Survey (USGS) - Provided historical hydrology information of
                     the Ugum River.
                  The University of Guam, Guam Department of Land Management, The Territorial
                     Planning Council, the Village Mayors of Talofofo and Inaranjan, the Land Owners,
                     US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Planning, and developers - general project
                     area information.


                  Within the Ugum Watershed there are other projects, studies and related efforts. The
                  inventory of the wetlands and analysis of the functions and hydrologic effects within the
                  watershed is being conducted by Dr. Galt Siegrist of the Water and Energy Research
                  Institute, University of Guam. Another project has been started by the Guam Department
                  of Agriculture, Division of Forestry and Soil Resources of planting forest trees on the
                  badlands on the public lands within the Ugum Watershed. And another study is being
                  conducted which is gathering baseline data in connection with fresh water resources
                  within the Ugum and other watersheds of southern Guam by Guam Department of
                  Agriculture, Division of Aquatics and Wildlife.

                  The implementation of the Ugum. Watershed Management Plan will depend heavily on
                  the coordinated effort of all Ugum landowners and all local and federal agencies. The
                  landowners have primary responsibility in care and management of the valuable natural
                  resources in the Ugum Watershed. Sustainable development for economic gain and
                  natural resource management for conservation are compatible goals achievable through a
                  united effort.


                  Several local and federal agencies have responsibilities and jurisdiction over either the
                  development or the natural resource use in the watershed. The following is a brief partial



                                                            3








                                                       MTRODUCTION



                  listing of some of the agencies and the areas of responsibilities that may effect the future
                  of the Ugum Watershed.

                  The Guam Environmental Protection Agency has regulatory responsibility over all
                      environmental quality issues including nonpoint and point sources of pollution in the
                      watershed. These responsibilities extent from water quality monitoring and road
                      construction permitting, and from wetland protection to erosion control.

                  The Guam Bureau of Planning has authority to manage and develop a plan for the
                      territory. The Bureau of Panning, Coastal Management Program is responsible for
                      the coastal waters and reefs, and the Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program.

                  The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
                      has responsibility to provide technical assistance to the landowners on a voluntary
                      bases. As part of this effort there are certain programs available for the specific areas
                      of assistance.


                  Guam Department of Land Management has responsibility over the ownership and
                      regulation of use of real property. This agency also has authorities on the most
                      appropriate use of land and orderly growth.

                  United States, Army Corps of Engineers has regulatory responsibilities over for wetlands
                      permitting and determination on non agricultural lands.

                  Guam Department of Public Works has responsibilities and authorities on the highway
                      and transportation plan for the territory, right of way improvements and
                      requirements, and storm water disposal and drainage systems.

                  Public Utilities Agency of Guam manages the water resources to ensure safe drinking
                      water for Guam.


                  Guam Department of Agriculture has programs to conserve, develop and maintain the
                      agricultural sector. The Division of Aquatics and Wildlife has responsibilities in the
                      conservation of the natural resources and protection of the endangered resident and
                      wildlife species.

                  The Territorial Land Use Commission is a body appointed by the legislature the reviews
                      requests fro rezoning, wetland permits, and certain development projects.

                  The Territorial Planning Council heads the territory's comprehensive master planning
                      effort.









                                                              4







                   The Ugum Watershed

                           Guam, Mariana Islands


                                      Philippine Sea                                                                                       J
                                                                                                                                      0



                                                                                                             Dad  do










                                                                   A9 n










                                                                              Yona                                         Pacific Ocean





                                    r   Agat





                                                                                10fol



                                                                                                    Ugum Watershed
                                                                                            Total area wlthin Watershed: 19 square km, 1878 ha
                                                                                                      Total length of streams: 3 7 km




                                                                              rojon



                                                                                                     1 0 1 2 3 4 5 5 KILOMETERS



                                                                              Map prepared by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pacific Basin Office
                                                                                                     Source: USGS Quad Maps of Guam
                                                                                                 Projection: Modified Azimuthal Equidistant
                                                                                                               April. 1995



                 Figure 1. Ugum Watershed locator map, Guam.








                                                       PROJECT SETTING



                   11.    Project Setting



                          Location
                   The Territory of Guam is located in the Western Pacific, in the Marianas Islands chain.
                   Guam is the largest and the southernmost of the Marianas Islands. The Island of Guam is
                   approximately 6, 100 kilometers west - southwest of Hawaii and 2,600 kilometers east of
                   the Philippines. Guam is located at latitude 13 degrees 28 minutes North and longitude
                   144 degrees and 45 minutes East (Tracey et al., 1964). The island is about 48 kilometers
                   long and is 6 to 19 kilometers wide, lies generally on a north - south axes. The total area
                   is 54,908 hectares, or about 549 square kilometers.

                   The Ugum Watershed is located in southern Guam directly south of the Talof6fo and
                   Fena Watersheds (Figure 1). The Ugum Watershed stretches from Mount Bolanos that
                   rises to 378.5 meters and forms the western limits of the watershed to the Talof6fo River
                   near the Pacific Ocean in the east. Mount Bolanos includes the headwaters of the Atate
                   and Bubulao river systems which flow into the Ugum River.

                   The Ugum Watershed covers an area of approximately 18.9 square kilometers (7.33
                   square miles, 4,691 acres) of rolling hills with areas of very steep slopes. The 37
                   kilometers of rivers and streams in the Ugum Watershed flow from the mountains to sea
                   level where the Ugum River drains into the Talofofo River only 1,303 meters (4,275
                   feet) inland from the Talofofo Bay.

                           Climate
                   The island of Guam has a warm tropical humid climate generally influenced by the
                   northeast trade winds. Precipitation on Guam averages from 2,159 to 2,921 mm. (85 to
                   115 inches) per year. Approximately two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs during the
                   rainy season, July through November. Approximately 68 - 73 percent of the total annual
                   rainfall, runs directly off into the ocean (Ward et al., 1965). The wet season frequently
                   has periods of short duration heavy rainfall (Bureau of Reclamation, 1985).

                   The Intertropical Convergence Zone that passes over the island seasonally brings with it
                   disturbances that can become tropical storms or typhoons. The storm frequency during
                   the rainy season is commonly high. The yearly difference in frequency and intensity of
                   typhoons are attributed to El Nino / Southern Oscillation variations (Guard and Lander,
                   1993). Widespread flooding often follows the heavy rainfall from typhoons and intense
                   local storms. The heavy rainfall and strong winds create severe erosion, land slips and
                   sedimentation of stream and coastal zones.








                                                                6








                                                       PROJECT SETTING



                          Geology
                  The Ugurn Watershed is located in southern Guam, south of the Talofofo fault zone.
                  The structural province of south Guam, the Bolanos block, is formed by east-dipping
                  Miocene volcanic rocks, of fan-shaped Umatac formation (Tracey et al., 1964). The
                  Ugurn Watershed is the drainage system that empties the Ugum and Bubulao Rivers,
                  from Mount Bolanos to the Talof6fo River. The Ugum. River flows into the Talofofo
                  River approximately 3/4 of a kilometer from Talof6fo Bay. The Ugurn River valley was
                  created by lineaments stretching from Talofofo Bay to Merizo. Along the lineaments
                  many smaller faults in the volcanic rocks pass into long joint zones (Tracey et al., 1964).
                  The structural lines show as a series of knobs and ridges crossing topographic trends or
                  as fine fissures.


                  The Ugum Watershed consists of the volcanic uplands of steep dissected slopes east of
                  the mountain summits, and the gently sloping foothills cut by the major streams. The
                  watershed has a small area of limestone on the plateaus over the flood plain near the
                  mouth of the Ugum River, where it joins the Talofofo River.

                          Soils
                  The Ugum Watershed includes nine major soil series with 26 different soil phases or
                  mapping units (Figure 2). These mapping units group soils according to properties that
                  affect land use and management, such as slopes (Figure 3). Some map units are made up
                  of two or more major soils; these are soil associations or soil complexes and may include
                  miscellaneous areas such as Badlands. The soils in the Ugum area are represented by the
                  Agfayan, Akina, Atate, Inarajan, Pulantat, Sasalaguan, Togcha, and Ylig Series,
                  sometimes intricately interwoven, and the Badland land type, for further information
                  consult the Soil Survey of Territory of Guam (Young, 1988).

                  Soils in the Ugurn Watershed are derived chiefly from volcanic rock. This rock is a
                  mixture of highly compressed and heated volcanic ash and sand, which weathers down to
                  clay-sized particles as it becomes soil. The parent material, called saprolite, is nearly as
                  erodible by water as the soils that it develops. The soils have high clay content (from 45
                  to 90 percent) and very low soil pH. These volcanic clays have low bulk density,
                  roughly the same as water, which has a density of I gram per cubic centimeter (Young,
                  1988). The low bulk density of the soils means that they are highly sensitive to water
                  erosion, and that once particles are in suspension, they will remain in suspension
                  indefinitely. When water dislodges and carries the particles, they are not likely to settle
                  out as would, for instance, coral sand particles which are more dense. At the Ugurn
                  Water Treatment Plant, a flocculant is required to force the clay particles out of
                  suspension.

                  The year-round microbial and biological decomposition of soil organic matter provides
                  for rapid depletion of this valuable resource from the soil. Since volcanic soils and
                  minerals are inherently low in nutrient-holding capacity and available water-holding
                  capacity (Sanchez, 1976), soil organic matter is critical to sustained plant growth.


                                                                7







                                     Ugum Watershed
                                                                    Soils
                                                       Island of Guam




                                                                +                                                 +

                                                                                               40                                                         14
                                                                                                                                                                                                     416
                                                             17                                                                                                                          Is

                                                                                              Is                                                                                                2
                                                                        48


                                                                                                               9                               49
                                                                                                  40       IQ                        Is     41
                                                                                                                                                   Is


                 32OWN                                                                                 49                                 Is

                                                                         4
                                                                                               35


                                                                                        III



                                                                                  117

                                                                                                                                                                                                         LOCIUM


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    300

                                                                                                                                                                   LEGEND                                                       0
              + BMW                                                                                                +                                                      Soil Map Ung Boundary
           4200011                                                                                             46000                                                      River
                                                                                                                                                                          Shoreline                                             Mcp
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               In coop

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Soils recomp4


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  M@
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ove base
           Figure 2. Soils of the Ugum Watershed, Guam.







                                 Ugum Watershed
                                                   Slope Classes
                                                 Island of Guam








                                                                                                                                                                                V22












                J20DON









                                                                                                                                                   LEGEND

                                                                                                                                                         Watershed Boundary
                                                                                                                                                                                                        300
                                                                                                                                                         River
                                                                                                                                                         Shoreline                                   0

                                                                                                                                                         Slope Class Boundary
                                                                                                                                                         1  0 to 3 percent slopes                    Mcp Pr
           420DON                                                                                                                                        2  3 to 7 percent slopes                   (n coopet
                                                                                                                                                         3  7 to 15 percent slopes                  Soft lecor
                                                                                                                                                         4  15 to 30 percent slopes                   c4ass sP1
                                                                                                                                                         5  30 to 60 percent stop es
                                                                                                                                                                                                      MOM
                                                                                                                                                         6  over W percent slopes                 Cie based


          Figure 3. Slope classes, Ugum Watershed, Guam,








                                                      PROJECT SETTING



                          Water
                  The Ugum Watershed has abundant surface water resources and limited ground water
                  resources. The Ugurn Watershed has approximately 36.8 kilometers (23 miles) of rivers
                  and streams within the 18.9 square kilometer (7.3 square mile) drainage area. The
                  watershed is made up of volcanic basaltic-andesitic rocks except for a small area near the
                  mouth of the watershed close to the coast which is limestone. The groundwater within
                  the basaltic-andesitic rocks is not easily exploitable with the low hydraulic conductivity
                  of only 0.0432 centimeters per hour (0.034 feet per day) in the Malojloj area. (Mink,
                  1976). This value is more than a thousand times less than the conductivity of
                  argillaceous limestone (Mink, 1976). The groundwater which does occur within the
                  volcanic soils drains into the streams and rivers through seepage and flows eventually
                  into the ocean. For this reason, surface water is the major source of all water for use in
                  the southern portion of Guam.

                  The Ugum surface water has been studied for almost 30 years as a source of drinking
                  water for the south and as a supplement to the northern groundwater sources. The PUAG
                  Ugum water facility and treatment plant has been fully operational since November 1992
                  to tap this important source. The Ugum River water treatment plant is relied upon as the
                  sole source of water for its distribution area. It is currently the primary source of water
                  for the Ipan area of Talofofo village, and all of Inarajan, Merizo and Umatac villages.
                  There are plans to expand the distribution of Ugum River water to include the Talofofo
                  village center and areas along the cross island highway towards Agat to relieve dry
                  season pressure on the Fena reservoir (Personnel communication, Terry Johnson,
                  PUAG). The Ugum water plant can produce a maximum of 4 million gallons of potable
                  water per day (Mgd) in the rainy season.

                  The Ugurn River is not capable of providing for the 4 Mgd diversion at all times. Based
                  on the low flow year of 1983, the diversion of 4 Mgd is possible only 64 percent of the
                  time (GNT, 1989). A minimum downstream flow of 2 cfs is required by GEPA in the
                  permit for the PUAG Ugum River water plant to maintain downstream biota and to
                  minimize the environmental impacts to the levels of the natural low flows of the river.

                  The Ugum River water plant is currently being used as a sole source instead of the being
                  used as the intermittent source that it was designed to be. This can lead to pressures upon
                  PUAG to violate the minimum conservation streamflow of 2.0 cfs at the Ugum River
                  diversion dam in order to maintain continuous water service to the areas supplied by the
                  Ugum River water plant. These pressures can only increase as the area supplied by the
                  plant are expanded.

                          Land Ownership
                  Land ownership in the watershed is approximately 70 percent (1,329 hectares) private
                  and 30 percent (574 hectares) publicly owned (Figure 4). The public lands are in the
                  headwater areas of the upper Bubulao and Atate River systems and are owned by the
                  Government of Guam (29 percent), and the U.S. Naval Reservation (2 percent). The


                                                               10







                               Ugum Watershed
                                    General Land Ownerships
                                                Island of Guam





           +34M                                        +                                           +

                                 DOD
                             Naval          Uxi







                                                                                         Privaiely Oumed Land




             3200M                    c0VcUU            d                                          +

                                                                                             U_







                                          Bolana

                                                Cons            n
                                                       Ross     0                                                                                 LEGEND                              LOCO"
                                                                                                                                                                                                      300
                                                                                                                                                     Watershed Boundary
           + x0com                                     +                                                                                             Ownership Boundary                            0
        42MON                                                                                                                                        River
                                                                                                                                                     Shoreline
                                                                                                                                                     Road                                       Map prepc
                                                                                                                                                                                               in cowerah


                                                                                                                                                                                                  Modified
                                                                                                                                                                                             are based on


        Figure 4. General land ownerships, Ugum Watershed, Guam.








                                                      PROJECT SETTING



                  Bolanos Conservation Reserve makes up a majority of the public land holdings, all of the
                  Government of Guam land, (545 hectares). The U.S. Naval Reservation land is a narrow
                  portion of Fena Reservoir land (only 30 hectares) within the Ugum Watershed
                  boundaries on the northwest comer.


                          Land Use
                  The ownership of the headwater areas by government and the designation as conservation
                  reserves protects these areas and the resources they hold from development, helping to
                  maintain the health of the watershed and water quality. The headwater habitat of the
                  watershed is vital to maintaining water quality and water quantity. The public lands area
                  are generally steep, with slopes greater than 60 percent. The majority of the vegetation is
                  savanna grassland, which covers generally from the mountain tops to the ravine forest
                  along the bottom of the ravine surrounding the streams.

                  All of the privately owned lands are zoned "Agriculture" at present, or "Intensity 2"
                  under the I Tano'- ta Plan. The exception to this is the "Dan Dan Estates and Country
                  Clubs" land, which is zoned as a "Planned Unit Development" (PUD) for a proposed
                  resort at present or "Intensity 3 " under the I Tano'-to Land Use Plan.

                  The Dan Dan Estates project is in "approved, not constructed" status. The Dan Dan
                  Estates and Country Clubs proposed project plans for three 18 hole golf courses with
                  dwellings, restaurants and supporting structures. Approximately a third of the 213
                  hectare development project falls within the Ugurn Watershed boundaries. The location
                  of this project is in the headwater area in the back of the Ugurn Watershed, bordering the
                  south side of the Ugum River and the Bolanos Conservation Reserve. The rest of this
                  project development lies to the south of the Ugurn Watershed in the Dan Dan area.

                  Only 7 hectares of land is presently being actively farmed, as interpreted from the 1993
                  aerial photos. Field locations are shifted in response to soil productivity. Farming is
                  seasonal, typically in the early dry season. Many land owners have an interest in
                  increasing the amount of agriculture land in production. Presently, there are attempts to
                  subdivide and sell agricultural parcels within the Ugurn Watershed. Typical crops
                  include watermelon, beans and cucumber.

                  The lands within the Ugum Watershed have been more heavily used for agriculture in the
                  near past than at present. During the 1960's and 1970's much of what is known as the
                  Bubulao Ranch was used for grazing cattle and water buffalo (carabao), also pigs were
                  raised. Aquaculture ponds were constructed and freshwater Macrobrachiurn shrimp
                  cultivated for about five years during the same period. Many agricultural crops were
                  grown at the ranch including pineapple, watermelon, beans, taro, cucumber and other
                  melons.


                  Tourism is also present in the watershed both at Talofofo Falls, on the Ugum River and
                  the jeep tours of the wild lands. The Talofofo Falls has approximately 4,500 visitors a



                                                               12








                                                        PROJECT SETMG



                  year to this spectacular waterfall. The Jungle River trip has two daily boat tours up the
                  Ugum River from Talofofo Bay to share a taste of "traditional" Chamorro life. The
                  Safari Tours take tourists on jeep trails into the Upper Bubulao area to view the native
                  ravine forests and wildlife of Guam.


                  There are many other recreational uses of the watershed including hunting wildlife,
                  gathering fruits and betel nut, fishing and swimming. Another recreational use of the
                  watershed is off-road vehicle excursions.


                  The off-road vehicle use of this area has increased in recent years. The most obvious
                  indicator of this increased is the number of roads in the watershed. From the 1975 aerial
                  photos almost 33.6 kilometers of roads were documented (almost all unimproved) in the
                  watershed. By 1993 the total roads had more than doubled to more than 68.8 kilometers.
                  A large part of the increase is attributed to the off-road recreational use due to the nature
                  of the roads' patterns, which are often in clusters and circular. This activity poses a threat
                  to maintaining the vegetative covered by the increase in erosion from these highly
                  traveled areas.


                  Fire in the Ugum Watershed is related to human activity. There is evidence (Raulerson,
                  1978) that the fires which occur in this area are started by hunters. The savanna
                  grassland is burnt so the deer are attracted to the new shoots or as a means to exit an
                  otherwise difficult area to walk. The fire frequency records from the Fire Prevention
                  Division of Forestry Resources at the Department of Agriculture have been utilized with
                  the GIS system to map and record historic burning patterns. The fire frequency for the
                  period record, 1979 through 1985, documented a total of 138 fires in the Ugum.

                  The fire hot-spots in the Ugum Watershed are the headwaters area of the Atate River
                  with 8 fires, the area between Dan Dan and Talofofo Falls had 24 fires, the south middle
                  Ugum River area west of NASA had 8 fires, and the headwaters of the Bubulao River
                  had 12 fires during the period of record.

                  Fire has the effect of assisting the savanna grassland to rejuvenate and spread by burning
                  the ravine forest which cannot easily compete with the invading grassland. An increase
                  in soil erosion from newly burnt areas can be expected, especially if rains fall shortly
                  after the fire.


                          Culturai Resources
                  Prehistoric land use of the Ugum River area has been documented by Dye, Price, and
                  Craib, 1978 in Archaeological and Historical Reconnaissance Survey of the Ugum River
                  Valley, Guam, Marianas Islands. The survey of an area approximately 43 hectares (107
                  acres) surrounding the Ugum and Bubulao Rivers revealed eight areas of prehistoric
                  activity. Historic land use has not been documented for the period from Spanish contact
                  (1521) to World War 11. The Ugum Valley was utilized by Japanese soldiers as a place




                                                                13








                                                       PROJECT SETTING


                  of refuge during and after the War. Shoichi Yokoi, a Japanese sergeant, lived unnoticed
                  for 28 years in the Ugum valley, hiding in a cave near Talofofo Falls.

                  Other historic and prehistoric sites have been located in the Ugum. Watershed as noted by
                  the Government of Guam, State Historic Preservation Office.

                          Ecosystem Descriptions
                  Ecological systems within the Ugum Watershed describe the organization and
                  interactions of communities of living things with their environment. For planning and
                  management purposes the watershed was divided into four ecosystems; Ravine Forest,
                  Savanna/Badlands, Wetlands, and Riparian Areas (Figure 5). The ecosystems each have
                  unique processes and characteristics. The delineation of ecosystem boundaries by
                  dominant vegetation, and hydrology, as well as changes to energy flow and ecological
                  processes as a result of human intervention are indicators of ecological health.

                                  Ravine Forest

                  The Ravine Forest Ecosystem comprises areas with a predominance of woody perennial
                  vegetation, and covers 837 hectares or 44% of the Ugurn Watershed. Components of this
                  ecosystem are found in both large contiguous blocks as well as isolated batches of
                  forested areas. The ravine forest ecosystem is common along stream channels and all
                  slope classes. The term "ravine forest" refers to its frequent occurrence in ravines and on
                  steep slopes.

                  Relative to other ecosystems on Guam, the ravine forests are rich with both native and
                  introduced flora. Although relatively low growing, the vertical structure of the ravine
                  forest provide a range of micro-climates that encourage species diversity.

                  Past human activities have introduced many non-native plant species into the ravine
                  forest ecosystem, including the Areca catechu, the betel nut palm. As a result of repeated
                  human-induced and natural disturbances the ravine forest of southern Guam is a
                  secondary forest type as indicated by the widespread presence of Hibiscus tiliaceus,
                  Areca catechu, and Cocus nucifera. The original forest vegetation of southern Guam
                  cannot be discerned.


                  Where the ravine forest borders savanna grasslands periodic wildland fires affect species
                  composition of the ravine forest. Early secondary vegetation dominate and Miscanthus
                  floridulus (swordgrass) is often a dominant species in the understory.

                  The ravine forests of southern Guam occur on all soil mapping units within the planning
                  area, except Sasalaguan clay. Plant litter on the soil surface absorbs the energy of
                  raindrops and intercepts surface flow. Organic matter and biological activity in the upper
                  soil horizons increases the water holding capacity of the soil and plays an important role
                  in the storage and release of soil water into the Riparian ecosystem and the streams.




                                                               14







                                   Ugum Watershed
                                                           Ecosystems
                                                      Island of Guam

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .......... ...


































                                                                                                                                                                        LEGEND


                                                                                                                                                                                                                     LOCUM
                                                                                                                                                                               Watershed Boundary
                                                                                                                                                                 ................ River
                                                                                                                                                                               Road
           +                                                                                                                                                                   Trail
        42000M                                                                                                  460001A                                                        Shoreline
                                                                                                                                                                               Ravine Forest
                                                                                                                                                                               Savanna Grassland                                MCP prep
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               in cooperodi
                                                                                                                                                                               Riparian Area
                                                                                                                                                                               Wetland and Open Water                              Mocified
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             cre bmed on


        Figure 5. Ecosystems, Ugum Watershed, Guam.








                                                       PROJECT SETTING



                                  Savanna Grasslands
                  The savanna grasslands ecosystem comprises 777 hectares or 41% of the Ugum
                  Watershed with a predominance of grasses and ferns. Highly eroded barren areas that
                  support little to no vegetation (badland complexes) are included in this ecosystem. This
                  ecosystem occurs on all soil mapping units within the planning area, except Pulantat clay.
                  Components of this ecosystem are found in both large contiguous blocks as well as
                  isolated batches of grasslands. The savanna grasslands are common along ridgetops and
                  all slope classes. Periodic wildfires maintain this ecosystem in a early successional state.

                  The grassland communities are dominated by only a few species including Miscanthus
                  floridulus (swordgrass), Dimeria chloridifiormis, and Pennisetum polystachyon. Periodic
                  wildland fires favor grass species that can rapidly resprout and dominant the site before
                  wind disseminated seed becomes established.


                  If wildland fire is excluded for a few years, woody shrubs and trees, including Casuarina
                  equisetifolia may slowly become established in savanna plant communities. The woody
                  component is often destroyed once a wildland fire occurs.

                  It is generally accepted that the savanna ecosystem is a result of repeated disturbance
                  through land clearing and the periodic burning that has occurred since before the Spanish
                  colonization of Guam. Ecological succession resulting in an orderly process of
                  community development involving changes in species structure and community
                  processes with time is disrupted by the periodic burning, resetting the ecosystem
                  development back to the earliest pioneer stage. Regrowth of the grassland plant
                  community is usually rapid (within months). The cycle of vegetative growth and burning
                  does not permit a stabilizing of the ecosystem processes. High temperatures cause
                  organic matter to be decomposed faster than it is accumulated. Site quality in the
                  savanna has declined as a result of repeated burning. The soil surface has been
                  compacted by rains following the removal of vegetative cover and litter, resulting in a
                  decrease in the rate of water penetration. The ash is susceptible to being wind blown out
                  of the ecosystem, and susceptible to leaching and erosion by rainwater.

                  The badland scarps associated with the savanna are the result of the extreme effects
                  associated with frequent burning of the savanna and high rainfall. Soils within the scarps
                  are extremely low in pH approximately (4.2), calcium, phosphorous, and organic matter.
                  Even plant species adapted to harsh savanna sites, such as Miscanthusfloridulus, Dimeria
                  chloridiformis, and Gleichenia linearis, cannot survive in the extreme conditions found
                  within the badland scarps.

                                  Riparian Ecosystem
                  The riparian ecology is closely linked to the watershed morphology in that the associated
                  riparian plant communities follow an organized stream system from the upper watershed
                  to the sea. Riparian ecosystem processes are influenced by the movement of open water
                  in streams as well as subsurface flow from adjacent ecosystems. The riparian ecosystem


                                                                16








                                                      PROJECT SET71NG



                  extends 15 meters on stream orders 2 and 3, and 30 meters on stream orders 4 and 5 to
                  either side of stream channels, and comprises 159 hectares or 9% of the Ugurn
                  Watershed. The riparian ecosystem is located along the lower slopes, soils which have
                  eroded from the upper slopes are intercepted by the physical presence of vegetation in the
                  riparian zone. This results in an accumulation of soil in the riparian zone.

                  The riparian plant communities in the Ugum are longitudinal zoned with plant
                  communities similar to wetland and ravine forest ecosystems found in the higher stream
                  orders near the coast. Hibiscus tiliaceus, Cocus nucifera, and Barringtonia racemosa and
                  other species which are adapted to periodic inundated and waterlogged soil conditions are
                  commonly associated with riparian zones nearer the coast. The width of the riparian
                  ecosystem is widest near the coast where the influence of the stream extends well beyond
                  the stream channel.


                  In the upper watershed where volume of flow is much less, the savanna grassland
                  vegetation often dominates, and the width of the riparian ecosystem is much narrower.

                                 Wetland Ecosystem
                  Wetland ecosystems are those areas that are inundated by surface or ground water with
                  frequency sufficient to support a prevalence of vegetative or aquatic life that requires
                  saturated or seasonally saturated soil conditions for growth and reproduction. Wetlands
                  generally include swamps, marshes, mangroves, natural ponds, surface springs, estuaries
                  and similar such areas.


                  Wetlands are present on 117 hectares or 6% of the watershed within the ravine forest,
                  savanna grasslands, and riparian ecosystems. Wetlands plant communities are dependent
                  upon a constant source of water in their substrate. Within the Ugum watershed, wetlands
                  include marshes, bogs, and springs. For the purpose of this report, running water (lotic)
                  communities associated with streams are included in the wetland ecosystem.

                  The vegetation of wetland plant communities is strongly influenced by soils which are
                  waterlogged either frequently or seasonally. Plants existing within this ecosystem are
                  adapted to cope with waterlogged conditions. The wetland communities associated with
                  savannas are often dominated by a few grass and sedge species, including Pancicum
                  maximum, Phragmites karka, and Rhynchospora spp. In the ravine forest, wetland flora
                  may include woody trees including Hibiscus tiliaceous and Barringtonia racemosa.

                  Wetland ecosystems serve as a highly productive interface between terrestrial and open
                  aquatic systems, providing beneficial functions to both, and facilitating the flow of
                  energy, water and nutrients between them.

                  Wetland ecosystems that are surrounded by savanna plant communities can be affected
                  by wildland fires during drought periods. The higher moisture content with the wetland
                  plant communities usually result in lower combustion of above ground biomass and


                                                               17








                                                      PROJECT SETTING



                  rarely does a wildland fire completely consume the wetland plants. The net result of
                  these energy exchanges is that large quantities of energy is stored as soil organic matter
                  and in plant biomass (above and below ground).

                  Nutrient cycling in a wetland ecosystem differs from both the ravine forest and savanna.
                  Nutrients can enter the wetland ecosystem as either eroded sediment or as dissolved
                  minerals in subsurface flow from ecosystems above the wetland. Because of the hydric
                  nature of the soils, anaerobic soil conditions exist during periods of saturation which may
                  result in slow decomposition of organic matter, and higher levels of organic matter in the
                  soil than either the ravine forest or savanna ecosystems. The organic matter can serve as
                  a storage of nutrients.

                          SocibEconomic
                  The population of the Territory of Guam has grown at a high rate in the last twenty
                  years. Guam's resident population in 1990 was 133,152. The annual rate of growth over
                  the last census interval (1980 to 1990) was 2.27 percent. This was up from a growth rate
                  of 2.2 percent during the 1970 to 1980 census interval (Guam Business News, 1994).

                  If the population growth rate of 2.27 percent per year is projected, the 1995 population is
                  approximately 145,660 residents. The population in 2015, the end of the projected
                  planning period, would be an estimated 233,400 island residents.

                  The projected growth rate of the island, as stated in the I Tano-ta, The Land Use Plan for
                  Guam by the Territorial Planning Council, is an estimated 2.85 percent annual growth
                  rate over the next twenty years. This would result in a total population of approximately
                  263,000 permanent residents in the year 2015 (Flores et al., 1993).

                  Currently, Guam's economy is driven by tourism, the most important source of the
                  island's outside income. The U.S. military is the second most important source of outside
                  income and a major source of employment. Non-military Federal expenditure also
                  provides significant amounts of off-island income.

                  Investment from off-island is another important source of income. Construction, often
                  driven by outside investors is a highly variable component it tends to be the most cyclical
                  component of the economy. Transportation and shipping also contribute to off-island
                  income.


                  In December 1994, the total island employment was 66,460 persons. The private sector
                  employed 46, 100 persons or 69.4 percent of the filled jobs on-island. Government
                  employed 20,360 persons or 30.6 percent of the filled jobs on-island. Thebreakdownof
                  the public sector employment was: 6,930 persons in Federal Government employment
                  and 13,430 persons in Territorial Government employment. The Government of Guam
                  is by far the largest single employer on the island (Department of Labor, 1995).




                                                               18








                                                     PROJECT SETTING



                  Private sector employment was divided into eight categories. The largest private sector
                  category is retail trade. It employed 12,930 persons or 19.4 percent of the island's
                  payroll. The second largest category was services with an employment of 12,380 or 18.6
                  percent of the island's payroll. The service sector was dominated by hotel employment.
                  The sixth largest category was wholesale trade. It employed 2,060 persons or 3.1
                  percent. Government, services, retail and wholesale trade together accounted for 71.8
                  percent of the island's payroll. Thus , the importance of government, including the
                  military, tourism and trade are clearly evident.

                  The third largest employment category in the private sector was construction. In
                  December, 1994, construction provided employment for 8,820 persons or 13.3 percent of
                  the jobs on-island. Construction is the most cyclical component of Guam's economy.
                  Employment in the construction industry peaked in 1991 at 12,060 persons. At that time,
                  it accounted for 18.2 percent of the island's employment. Many of the construction
                  workers on Guam are H-2, temporary workers from Asia, but the economic activity
                  generated by off-island investment and its associated construction activities plus military
                  construction projects has strong influences on the overall boom and bust cycles on Guam.

                  The fourth largest category was transportation and public utilities with 4,980 jobs or 7.5
                  percent of payroll. This reflects Guam's active tourism trade and its role as a regional
                  transportation center. The fifth largest category of private sector employment was
                  finance, insurance and real estate with 2,760 persons employed or 4.1 percent of payroll.
                  Manufacturing, primarily food preparation and printing, employed 1,910 persons or 2.9
                  percent of the island's payroll. Finally, the smallest component of the private sector was
                  Agriculture. It employed 260 persons or about 0.4 percent of the island's jobs
                  (Department of Labor, 1995).






















                                                              19








                                              PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES




                  Ill. WATERSHED PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES


                  The Ugum Watershed is in a fairly undisturbed state at present with no or few permanent
                  structures and little activity in the watershed. Even with this low level of disturbance and
                  the near pristine nature of the watershed there are natural resource problems. The major
                  problems and opportunities prioritized in public meetings, reported in the Ugum
                  Watershed Resource Assessment, and defined by the Ugum Ecosystem Based Assistance
                  Team, include:

                         Soil Erosion - Loss of productivity and deterioration of the soil resource base
                         due to excessive erosion, often from roads.

                         Fire - Loss of vegetative cover and increased erosion due to frequent wildfire in
                         the savanna grassland.

                         Water Quality and Quantity - Decrease in surface water quality due to the
                         increased sedimentation in the streams and near shore waters. Decrease in
                         available water quantity in the Ugum river due to changing vegetative cover and
                         possible changes in the hydrologic cycles.

                         Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection - Decrease in wildlife habitat due to the
                         changing vegetative cover in the watershed, changing land use and wildfire,


                         Existing Problems


                                Soil Erosion

                  Soil erosion is the major problem to be dealt with in the watershed. It is the primary
                  factor affecting sedimentation and water quality in the Ugum River and its tributaries.
                  Erosion occurs naturally on all soils, and at accelerated rates on tropical volcanic soils.
                  Young (1988) describes typical erosion rates that can be expected on each of the soil
                  types (series) on Guam. It should be noted that the erosion rates described are not
                  necessarily natural, but reflect historical human influences on the particular soils.

                  The term erosion is defined as the detachment of soil and rock particles by water, wind
                  and gravity. Erosion is occurring throughout the drainage area of Ugum Watershed. The
                  degree of erosion varies greatly from place to place and varies with vegetative cover.
                  The erosion rates are greatly influenced by human activities.

                  Soil erosion in the Ugum Watershed effects the productivity of the land and also
                  negatively impacts the quality of the water in the stream and the coastal areas.
                  According to the extensive soil erosion study, complied in the Ugum Watershed



                                                             20








                                                 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES



                   Resource Assessment, DeMeo et al., 1995, the soil erosion levels on the savanna
                   grassland, badlands, and unimproved roads are excessive.

                   The major sources of erosion recognized in the Ugum Watershed Resource Assessment
                   are: (1) sheet and rill, (2) road surface, and (3) stream channel. Sheet and rill erosion and
                   road surface erosion account for a majority of the total erosion in the watershed. The
                   sloped road surface erosion rate is reported as 27 times that of the ravine forest, this is
                   the highest rate within the watershed (DeMeo et al., 1995). The badland erosion is the
                   second highest at 20 times the erosion of the ravine forest. However, the greatest total
                   amount of erosion is from the savanna grassland, 48 percent of the total erosion in the
                   watershed due to the high rate and the large area (42 percent of the watershed) in
                   grassland (DeMeo et al., 1995).

                   Roads in the Ugum Watershed and its surrounding watersheds are usually found along
                   the ridges, with steep connecting roads that cross the streams between. The Akina soil
                   series occupies many of these ridges. Young (1988) reported a sustainable soil loss rate
                   of 6.8 metric tonnes per hectare per year for this soil; the sustainable rate is low because
                   the soil is generally less than 100 centimeters deep. This rate was determined for the
                   Akina series under grassland vegetative cover. DeMeo et al. (1995) used the Universal
                   Soil Loss Equation (Wischmeier and Smith, 1965) to estimate a current erosion rate of
                   70 tonnes per hectare per year occurring in the Savanna Grassland ecosystem; this
                   estimate shows that some degradation of the soil and the ecosystem is already occurring.
                   One hectare of road surface, exposing bare soil or saprolite (highly weathered volcanic
                   sedimentary rock), and running up and down a slope in the watershed was estimated to
                   erode at a rate of 729 tonnes per year. If the current trend of doubling the steep road
                   surface area within the watershed during the period 1975-1993 continues for the next 20
                   years, sediment yield to the Ugum River from this source will be over 15,000 tonnes per
                   year by 2015, as compared with the 1993 level of 7560 tonnes. The roads connect
                   naturally occurring badlands, exposing these areas to accelerated erosion. Uncontrolled
                   use of the roads and badlands for recreational driving purposes accelerates erosion rates
                   and prevents revegetation of sensitive areas. Many of the recreational vehicle drivers are
                   unaware of the consequences of their actions, and prefer starting new trails to following
                   existing ones.

                   Roads that currently follow the contour and thus do not provide channels for flowing
                   water nevertheless erode at a rate much higher than soil with vegetative cover. DeMeo,
                   et al (1995) estimated erosion from one hectare of level road surface to be 169 tonnes per
                   year, as opposed to 70 tonnes for grasslands and 27 tonnes for typical areas of ravine
                   forest. None of the roads observed in the watershed included drainage ditches or other
                   water-redirection devices. There is no master road plan for the watershed, and without
                   proper planning and design, similar statistics will be generated for future road expansion.

                   Agricultural clearing currently accounts for 25 to 40 hectares per year within the Ugum.
                   Watershed. These fields are on slopes of less than 7 percent. Residue is left on the
                   surface, and weed control is accomplished by light use of chemicals such as the product


                                                                 21








                                                 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES


                   Roundup@. Plowing does not follow the contours. At an estimated 45 tonnes per
                   hectare per year, the soil lost from agricultural fields is currently 1, 100 to 1, 800 tonnes.
                   We project that 200 to 500 agricultural homestead lots will be developed within the next
                   20 years, and that all of the land on these half-hectare lots will be cleared for cropping,
                   with small areas set aside for home development. These lots will probably be set up in
                   areas with less than 15 percent slopes. Potential erosion from agriculture could increase
                   to 60 tonnes per hectare per year given the likelihood of steeper slopes on some of the
                   lots. If 200 lots are settled and cleared, the amount of soil eroded from agricultural land
                   will increase to 6000 tonnes per year, a three-fold increase from current estimates. Water
                   quality will show corresponding degradation in the Ugum subwatershed, where the lots
                   are most likely to go in,

                   During golf course and residential subdivision construction, large areas of disturbed soils
                   are exposed, usually for short periods, during which soil erosion increases to levels
                   similar to those for level and sloping roads. The volume of sediment carried to wetlands
                   and open water is greatly increased during each rain event, resulting in plugs which
                   damage stream habitat and wildlife populations. It is common for construction sites on
                   Guam to stand bare for extended periods due to funding shortages, sudden downturns in
                   the Asian economy, infrastructure delays or equipment breakdown. Some sites are
                   abandoned for months or years. By Guam law, attention is given to erosion prevention
                   during active construction with such measures as silt fencing. However, these measures
                   require periodic maintenance. Abandoned sites do not receive this maintenance, and
                   erosion will increase before volunteer vegetative cover can stabilize the soil. The silt
                   fencing observed in the past three years at construction sites by the authors has been
                   improperly installed in most cases, and has not been an effective barrier.

                   One result of erosion is biomass loss due to root loss. In every hectare of soil in the top
                   15 centimeters, there are 22.5 metric tonnes of organic matter for each percentage point
                   of reported organic matter content. This would amount to 180 tonnes for each hectare of
                   Akina soil with a healthy grassland cover, assuming 8 percent organic matter, the middle
                   of Akina's range. By contrast, a hectare of badland or severely eroded Akina soil might
                   contain just over I percent organic matter, or 23 tonnes, a difference of more than 150
                   tonnes per hectare. Disturbed savanna soils lose organic matter by about 5 percent per
                   year in tropical Africa (Sanchez, 1976). Burning or clearing the vegetation removes the
                   replenishment source, and soil organic matter content will decline. Often, clearing
                   operations remove the upper layer of soil, accelerating organic matter loss.

                   If we consider that badlands or exposed soils in the watershed erode at an average rate of
                   547 tonnes per hectare per year - about 5 centimeters off the surface by sheet erosion -
                   and that the top layer of soil has the highest percentage of organic matter, 10 to 40 tonnes
                   can be lost each year from each hectare of this ecosystem if adequate grass cover is not
                   maintained.


                   Local residents have noted an increase in sedimentation of the river, the bay and the coral
                   reef over the years because of NPS pollution. When the soil becomes unproductive due


                                                                  22








                                                 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES



                   to erosion the vegetation type changes often from forest to savanna grassland, or from
                   savanna grassland to badlands. The ecology of the land changes also with less species
                   diversity and wildlife habitat is often negatively impacted. In stream aquatic habitat is
                   changed, the coastal reef can be smothered, and fish population decline (Rogers, 1990).

                   Sedimentation of the coastal reefs affects the corals photosynthetically, physically, and
                   chemically. The reduction in quantity and quality of solar radiation will affect the
                   growth and distribution of the corals (Richmond, 1993).

                   The affects of erosion and sedimentation are accumulative in that over time the impacts
                   from these processes are magnified and continue to worsen.

                                   Fire

                   The wild land fire problem relates to other problems such as changes in vegetative types,
                   loss of soil organic matter, lessening of soil productivity, loss of forest lands, loss of
                   wildlife habitat, increased erosion, increased sedimentation and changes in aquatic life of
                   the rivers.


                   Fires are a growing problem in the Ugum Watershed. Wild land fires in the watershed
                   are largely intentionally started, whether for hunting and food-gathering access or from
                   carelessness or recreation. The sum of all fires within each square kilometer in the
                   watershed for the period 1979 through 1985 (see Figure 6, data from Government of
                   Guam, Department of Agriculture's, Fire Prevention) shows clear "hot spots" where road
                   access is easiest, especially near the Dandan area in the Ugum and Upper Ugum
                   subwatersheds. The historic data indicates an average fire frequency of 160 hectares
                   (400 acres) per year, or an approximate burning of all the savanna grassland within the
                   watershed every five years.

                   The total kilometers in unimproved roads increased by more than 100 percent in the 18
                   year period from 1975 till 1993 in the watershed. There were 33.6 kilometers of
                   unimproved roads in 1975, and 63.4 kilometers of unimproved roads in 1993 in the
                   watershed.


                   Wild land fires usually occur in the Savanna Grassland ecosystem. The ecosystem is
                   dominated by buncligrasses. These areas are fire-prone during the dry season from
                   February to May; during late dry-season fires, the leaf litter that protects the soil surface
                   is usually burned off. The clay particles of these soils, derived from highly weathered
                   volcanic tuff (sandstone) parent material, typically aggregate into silt- or sand-sized
                   particles. At the soil surface, these particles are easily lifted and transported by storm
                   runoff. Water channels through burned-over areas were clearly visible several weeks
                   after a fire in 1995, along the ridge separating the Bubulao and Ugum Rivers. The slope
                   at the observation site was less than 7 percent. Steeper slopes could lose a portion of the
                   surviving vegetation simply through scouring, because the water channels are not
                   interrupted or blocked by vegetative or other barriers. The photos (Figures 7 a,b,c,d)



                                                                 23







                                                               Ugum Watershed
                                                                  Cumulative Fires, 1979-1985
                                                                                              Island of Guam





                              340MM                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  . . ....
                                                                                                                                                        . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                             . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                       . . ... ........ ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      . ...... ... .



                                                                                               Xx-@.
                                                                                                                                                                     K,  mi -   Xx
                                                                                                                                            0












                              32000M




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ..........
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                                                                                                                                            0                                                                                           .......




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                                                                                                                                            ............................
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          LEGEND
                                                                                                                                            ...........
                                                                                                                ....                           .... ..

                                                                                                                                            ........ ..
                                                                                                                .......                     ......................                                                                                                                                                                                                  LOCAT*h
                                                                                                                .......... .. .........     I.........
                                                                                                                ............ ....................
                                                                                                                ............                .. ....I.............
                                                                                                                ............ ....................
                                                                                                                ............                ....................
                                                                                                                ...........                 ....................
                                                                                                                                            . .. . .......                                                                                                                    -Watershed Boundary                                                                                                   3W
                                                                                                                                            ............
                                                                                                                .........                   ....... .........
                                                                                                                .........                   ....... .........
                                                                                                                                            ............                                                                                                                                            River
                                                                                                                ........ ................
                                                                                                                .......                     ................
                                                                                                                ........ ................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Road                                                                                        0
                                                                                                                ......                      ...........
                                                                                                                ......                      .....I....
                                                                                                                ......                      ...........
                                                                                                                .... ............
                              30DOOM                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Shoreline
                                                                                                                                                                                                   +
                                                                                                                                                                                             4500M
                   42000M
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Map prep-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Each block shows the                                                                                    in cooper
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              number of fires within
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              one square kilometer                                                                                                    D!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              over period of record.                                                                                 Modified Az
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             are based on th

                  Figure 6. Fires within the Ugum Watershed, Guam, 1979-1985.








                                                 PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES


                   show the ground cover one day, one month, two months, and five months after fires in
                   1995 in Southern Guam. The rills and water channels were relatively clear even five
                   months after a fire; no recent erosion was evident at time of observation, nor was there
                   any evidence that the soil would be stabilized before onset of the wet season two to four
                   weeks later. The only protection pioneer grasses afforded the site was 60-75 percent
                   protection from raindrop impact.

                   The swordgrass-dominated savanna vegetation is a fast growing pioneer community.
                   Because of the high rate of soil erosion under this vegetative cover, the ravine forest late-
                   successional community does not easily reestablish. When fires occur near the edge of
                   the ravine forest, some of the fringe plants are destroyed, creating a transitional edge
                   effect which is maintained by a conservatively estimated fire repeat cycle of 5 years. The
                   ravine forest cannot be expected to expand without the exclusion of fire.


                           Opportunities


                                  Water Quality and Quantity
                   The water resources within the Ugum River Watershed are sufficient in quantity and
                   quality to provide for partial fulfillment of our island's needs. Water quality and quantity
                   are affected by the increase in sedimentation and decrease in vegetative cover in the
                   watershed. The watershed acts as a catchment basin which funnels most of the
                   precipitation that falls in the area to the mouth of the watershed. The construction of the
                   treatment plant has allowed for utilization of some of these water resources. The
                   maintenance and preservation of the water quality and quantity into the future is the
                   stated objective of the sponsors and the aim of this study.

                   Water quality is critical on an island since resources are limited. The Government of
                   Guam and GEPA have placed a high priority on protecting the islands water quality at
                   the source (Flores/Barrett, 1993). The surface water quality of Guam is of generally high
                   quality. The parameters of concern for the Ugum River are mainly the turbidity of the
                   water and the presence of harmful microorganisms. After storms the high turbidity of
                   the surface water is the biggest problem facing treatment plants on Guam. Turbidity is a
                   measure of the clarity of the water and an indicator of the presence of suspended organic
                   and inorganic soil particles or sediment. The PUAG Ugum River water treatment plant
                   laboratory results for raw water turbidity averaged about 5 nephelometric turbidity units
                   (NTU) for the first three months of 1994.

                   The other area of general concern for water quality is microorganism contamination, the
                   past water samples from the Ugum River have very low levels of fecal coliform bacteria
                   (GNT, 1989). The amount of fecal coliform is used as an indicator for the presence of
                   potentially harmful bacteria.




                                                                25








                                              PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES


                  Housing or road construction, overgrazing by livestock and other human activities form
                  breaks in the riparian buffers. This creates undesirable paths which can channel storm
                  runoff laden with sediment directly into the Wetland and Open Water Ecosystem without
                  the benefit of vegetative filtering and particle capture. The soils throughout the Ugum
                  Watershed have at least 40 percent clay content, and once suspended in moving water,
                  clay particles are too light to settle out. A break in the riparian buffer is, therefore, a
                  direct sediment conduit from the highly eroding roads, badlands and burned-over
                  grasslands to Talofofo Bay and the surrounding coral reefs.

                  An opportunity exists with the implementation of this plan, to halt the degradation to the
                  watershed, start restoring the damaged ecosystems, and minimize future effects of human
                  activities. Thus insuring the continued high water quality, and a possible increase in
                  water supply for future generations.

                                Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection

                  Wildlife habitat is impacted by fires, erosion and changes in vegetative cover. The
                  objectives of this section are to describe the wildlife habitats based on the various
                  vegetation types and plant communities. The possible existence and distribution of the
                  different wildlife species within the watershed in relation to the ecosystems and habitats
                  will be discussed. The value and importance of the existing wildlife and habitats to the
                  maintenance of water quality will be examined. Possible management recommendations
                  for the Best Management Practices for the wildlife and the habitats are examined for
                  future management of the watershed.

                  The ecological importance of the various ecosystems and habitats to the maintenance of
                  the wildlife populations and the health of the watershed are well understood. However,
                  there have been few comprehensive studies of wildlife or biology in the Ugum study
                  area. These include Raulerson et al. (1978), Biological Study of the Potential Ugum
                  Dam Site, and the Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources of the Department of
                  Agriculture has various studies of the specific wildlife of this area. At present there is an
                  ongoing study by the Marine Lab, University of Guam (UOG), on the impacts to aquatic
                  organisms by the installation of the Public Utilities Agency of Guam (PUAG) Treatment
                  Plant on the Ugum River. The Raulerson et al. (1978) study inventoried the aquatic
                  organisms and terrestrial flora and fauna of the Ugum River and the Bubulao River area.

                  The two dominant wildlife habitats in the watershed are ravine forest and savanna
                  grassland ecosystems (Fosberg, 1960). Within these two dominant habitats are two more
                  specialized areas, those of the aquatic habitats (Figure 9) and agricultural land.

                  Historically there were few native species on Guam due to its natural isolation from other
                  land masses. The introduction of animal and plant species by people has, through
                  competition and predation, diminished the native species in number and variety. The
                  introduced brown tree snake has had a devastating impact on the native bird and bat
                  populations.



                                                             26








                                              PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES




                  The wildlife sighted during ground surveys within the Ugum Watershed include pigs, eel
                  in the rivers, shrimp and fish, as well as the birds: Black Francolin, the island swiftlet,
                  and Blue-breasted Quail. Deer and water buffalo signs were also identified. There were
                  numerous invertebrates and skinks sighted.

                  The Ugum Watershed can be considered one of the remaining relativity pristine
                  undisturbed areas on the island of Guam. At present there are no permanent structures in
                  the watershed except at Talof6fo Falls and at the Public Utilities Agency of Guam, Ugum
                  River Water Treatment Plant. The ravine forest is large and contiguous, supplying
                  potential habitat to many threatened and endangered species. The wetlands are prime
                  habitat for the Common Moorhen.


                  A specialist from the Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, Department of
                  Agriculture stated that the habitat is ideal for many of the wildlife species on Guam and
                  probably home to some of the uncommon or rare species (Wiles, 1994).

                  The Marine Lab at UOG is conducting a study of the in-stream biota to determine
                  variations in species from before and after the PUAG treatment plant operations started
                  in November 1992. The results are as yet inconclusive; however there are some
                  indications that the species diversity has changed. There appears to be more brackish
                  water species living below the PUAG weir now (Smith, 1994). The reduced downstream
                  flow volume may be causing a change to a more brackish aquatic habitat.

                  The possible impacts to the coastal marine habitat and species is another area of concern.
                  The sediment plume into Talofofo Bay is often visible and is well known. The plume
                  deposits sediment and nutrients on the fringing reef, inhibiting coral growth and
                  zooxanthallae activity. Under these conditions, coral colonies fail.

                  The watershed acts as an interrelating ecosystem in which ecological activities and
                  human interventions affect the watershed environment and quality. Virtually every
                  change that occurs benefits some wildlife species and harms others (Wenger, 1984).
                  Often the ecological impacts are far reaching. For example, fire on the upland savanna
                  will promote new growth of the grassland encouraging deer and carabao grazing.
                  Another effect of fires is the increased susceptibility to soil erosion, which adds to
                  sedimentation in the rivers and streams, possibly covering the coastal reef with silt. The
                  importance of the ravine forest and riparian ecosystem as wildlife habitat and as a
                  stabilizing agent within the watershed cannot be over-stated. The ravine forest acts as a
                  filter for rain, erosion, sediment and chemicals, diminishing nonpoint source pollution.








                                                             27








                                                  SCOPING OF CONCERNS




                 IV. SCOPING OF CONCERNS


                 The scoping process to identify the significant issues to be addressed or considered in the
                 development of the Ugum Watershed Management Plan was begun soon after the
                 planning commenced and continues through the planning process. Comments were
                 obtained from government agencies and from interested groups and individuals. The
                 scoping process included meetings with individuals, telephone contacts, correspondence,
                 and group meetings.

                 The inventory and forecasting phases of this study identified a broad range of
                 socioeconomic and environmental factors that were of primary concern in the watershed.
                 During the initial stages of the planning, in the Resource Assessment, the data was
                 gathered on the status of these resource concerns. Two public and agency meetings were
                 held to afford the affected publics the opportunity to participate in the planning and
                 scoping process. Twenty-six environmental, economic, social, and cultural concerns
                 were expressed during these meetings. The nominal group technique was used at the
                 public meeting to prioritize the concerns. A complete listing of the prioritized concerns
                 is given in the Appendix A of this plan.

                 The following, Table A, Evaluation of Identified Concerns, lists all the resource concerns
                 identified during the public meeting scoping process, the sponsors concerns and the
                 problems identified by the EBAT planning team, and their degree of concern and
                 significance to decision making for the project.

                 Potential effects on the four major concerns as defined by the Ecosystem Based
                 Assistance Team are discussed during the development of the alternative scenarios and in
                 the effects section of this report. The remaining concerns are evaluated only generally
                 for impacts from the potential future scenarios. Many of the concerns over lap and are
                 closely related, therefore most of the concerns are dealt with to some degree in the
                 scenario description and effects sections. The remaining concerns are briefly defined and
                 discussed as to impacts from the project area.















                                                            28









                                                    SCOPING OF CONCERNS



                                TABLE A - EVALUATION OF IDENTIFIED CONCERNS


                      Environmental, Economic, Social                Degree of Concern and Significance
                            and Cultural Concerns                             to Decision Making

                  Soil Erosion                                                        High
                  Fires                                                               High
                  Water Quality and Quantity                                          High
                  Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection                                High
                  Off Road Vehicle Impact                                             High
                  Sedimentation of Streams                                            High
                  Sedimentation of Coastal Waters and Reef                            High
                  Pesticides and Fertilizer Use                                       High
                  Development of Agricultural Use                                     High
                  Impact of Development                                               High
                  Land Use Conflicts                                                  High
                  Infrastructure Development Needs                                    High
                  Road Building and Grading                                           High
                  Wetland Protection                                                Medium
                  Threatened and Endangered Species                                 Medium
                  Cultural Resources                                                Medium
                  Water Rights                                                      Medium
                  Water Pressure                                                    Medium
                  Security of PUAG Intake Facility                                  Medium
                  Access to Public Lands                                            Medium
                  Interagency Coordination                                          Medium
                  Suitable Commercial Activities                                    Medium
                  Capturing Excess Water                                            Medium
                  Beautification of Watershed                                         Low
                  Regulation for Protecting the Resources                             Low
                  Access to Private Land                                              Low
                  Health Effects of Cattle Grazing                                    Low
                  Water Availability for Agriculture                                  Low
                  Flooding                                                            Low
                  Illegal Fishing and Hunting                                         Low
                  Affect of Recreation on Water Quality                               Low
                  Monitoring Development in Dan Dan Area                              Low


                                  High - Considered in the analysis of alternatives.
                                  Medium - Affected by some alternative solutions.
                                  Low - Consider, but not significant.





                                                               29








                                                     SCOPING OF CONCERNS


                  The first four concerns from the Evaluation of Identified Concerns - Table A, are defined
                  and discussed at length in the scenario descriptions and the effects section, these four
                  major concerns have been the focus of this report, and include many of these other
                  concerns. It is recognized that all of the natural resources and socioeconomic resources
                  interact and should be addressed as a whole. It is beyond the scope of this management
                  plan to solve in detail many of the concerns, however as much as possible from the
                  general natural resource conservation context of this plan each concern is addressed.

                  Off road vehicle impact - high
                  The off road vehicle impact in the watershed is considered high due to the fact that one
                  of the highest rates of erosion is from the fast expanding kilometers of unimproved roads.
                  The increase in recent years of the number and use of off road vehicles contributes to the
                  erosion and sedimentation problems, the fire problem and the destruction of the wildlife
                  and their habitat. All of these impacts are associated with the water quality.

                  Sedimentation of streams, coastal waters and reefs - high
                  The sedimentation of the streams, coastal waters and reefs is of high concern and has
                  been disc ussed in detail under the soil erosion problem and with the water quality
                  opportunity.


                  Pesticide and fertilizer use - high
                  The potential effects of using pesticides and fertilizers on environmental quality is of
                  high concern in the watershed. At present levels of use there has not been a problem. In
                  the future the potential for increased agricultural use of the land will necessitate the need
                  of conservation practices such as agrochemical mixing stations.

                  Development of agriculture use - high
                  The development of agriculture and its economical viability within the Ugum Watershed
                  is of high concern to the land owners. Several factors are involved in support of
                  agriculture development is the agriculture zoning in the watershed, however this may
                  change. Other areas of needed development are the use of water and a road system to get
                  in and out of the watershed.

                  Impact of development - high
                  The impact and potential adverse effects of rapid development of hotels, golf courses,
                  and condominiums within the Ugum Watershed to agricultural use is of concern to land
                  owners. The potential loss of the area for agriculture use if rezoning is allowed, could
                  change the agricultural lands into commercial development. This is not only of concern
                  from the land owners and farmers but from a resource conservation and water quality
                  prespective, also.

                  Land use conflicts - high
                  The potential land use conflicts within the Ugum watershed include many aspects. The
                  conflicts between preservation and exploitation of land use are present. Conflicts of
                  access to land parcels and use of water also need to be resolved.






                                                                30








                                                   SCOPING OF CONCERNS



                  Infrastructure development needs --Wgh
                  The infrastructure development needs (roads, water, sewer, electrical, etc.) within the
                  Ugum Watershed will need to addressed. Without planning of infrastructure it is more
                  likely to result in uncontrolled growth and possible pollution of the waters in the Ugum.

                  Road building and grading - high
                  The adverse effects of road building and grading within the Ugum Watershed are of
                  concern for the water quality. The road maintenance (grading) meets with restrictions
                  from EPA, this leads to less maintenance being completed. Properly designed roads with
                  drainage systems and covered surfaces for minimizing the erosion is the preferred
                  method. The planning and development of a complete road system in the Ugum would
                  help to solve these problems and allow for the revegetation of some of the highly erosive
                  roads which are not utilized.

                  Wetland protection : medium
                  Wetland protection is a major resource concern not only because of the protected status
                  of this resource, but also due to the potential hydrologic effects in the watershed.
                  Wetlands are water storage areas for the slow release of water into the river system when
                  times of drought. The wetlands are also the wildlife habitat of many threatened and
                  endangered species. Wetlands are federally and locally protected areas.

                  Threatened and endangered species - medium
                  The threatened and endangered species in the watershed are of concern partly due to the
                  lack of information on what species are present in the watershed. It is recommended that
                  the further studies be conducted on the existence of the threatened and endangered
                  species in the watershed, and that surveys for these species be a part of every
                  development effort and included in a detailed EIS..

                  Cultural resources - medium
                  Historic cultural resources are present in the watershed and the few studies which have
                  been completed in parts of the watershed have been recorded and mapped. Most areas
                  have not been studied, and a detail survey for cultural resources is recommended as part
                  of every development effort and a detailed EIS.

                  Water pressure - medium
                  Water pressure for domestic and agricultural use is a concern due to the low pressure of
                  the past. At times of low rain fall the supply of water into and out of the Ugum treatment
                  plant drops, this in turn lowers water pressure. As the demand for water rises with
                  population increases the need for larger water storage facilities, more intake from the
                  river when the water is at high enough levels, or a water reservoir may need
                  investigation.

                  Security of the PUAG intake facility - medium
                  Maintaining the security of the water intake site at the PUAG Ugum. treatment plant is of
                  concern. The water from this plant provides water for most of southern Guam. The
                  plant itself is closely monitored and therefore poses very little threat of contamination.

                  Access to public lands - medium
                  Access to public lands within the Ugum watershed is a concern found in the scoping
                  process. The back third of the watershed is Government of Guam, Conservation
                  Reserve. The access to the public lands is the same as all of the watershed there is no
                  improved road infrastructure and access is limited due to crossing of private lands.



                                                              31








                                                   SCOPING OF CONCERNS




                  Interagency coordination - medium
                  Coordination amongst government agencies for the implementation of the Ugum
                  Watershed Project is of major concern. It is recognized that the work of managing the
                  watershed resources will take the involvement and commitment of many Government of
                  Guam and Feral agencies. The structure of coordination and willingness of the Agencies
                  to participate are areas of future need.

                  Suitable commercial activities - medium
                  Commercial activities that are suitable within the Ugum Watershed must be determined
                  in the context of the management plan and the infrastructure and natural resource needs,

                  Capturing excess water - medium
                  The potential for capturing excess water in the Ugum Watershed in the form of a
                  reservoir or larger and more holding tanks is the concern as the water need increases in
                  the future of the area.

                  Beautification of the watershed - low
                  How can the island beautification program be extended to the Ugurn watershed. This
                  concern was brought up at one of the public meetings. The idea of creating a park like
                  atmosphere and beautifying the watershed with planting of trees and flowering plants
                  would help to promote this area as a tourist and recreation destination.

                  Reputation for the protecting the resources - low
                  Special land use regulations are needed to protect the natural resources and values of the
                  Ugum watershed. The public is concerned for the protection of the resources and
                  realizes that regulations may posse the best options.

                  Access to private land - low
                  Many land owners in the watershed are concerned with the access to isolated parcels of
                  private land. This concern would be address with the installation of a master for road
                  and the establishment of right of ways to land locked parcels.

                  Health effects of cattle-arazing - low
                  The effects of grazing cattle in the watershed are of concern to the health risk of Giardia
                  being introduced to the drinking water. The present level of grazing in the watershed is
                  minimal and mostly from wildlife so there is little health hazard. However as the use of
                  the watershed increases close monitoring of the water quality and possible restrictions on
                  location and control of cattle grazing may be needed.

                  Water availabili!y for agriculture - low
                  The water for agriculture use in the watershed needs to be made available with minimum
                  restrictions. The majority of the private land is zoned agriculture in the watershed and
                  farmers need water to provide the economic gains of crop production.

                  Flooding - low
                  Flooding does occur in the watershed in the lower section in times of heavy rains. The
                  level of flooding and the flashiness of the floods pose little concern at present. The
                  factors in the watershed that could lead to flooding problems are loss of life or property
                  due to construction in the flood prone areas.

                  Illeizal fishiniz and huntiniz - low
                  Illegal fishing and hunting is of concern in the watershed and needs to be controlled.
                  There are several factors which combined to define this problem, the illegal hunting is


                                                             32








                                                  SCOPING OF CONCERNS



                 done without permission of the land owners, hunters often set fires which destroy
                 ecosystems and harm biodiversity, and the vehicles uses for access into the watershed
                 cause erosion.

                 Affect of recreation on water quality - lo
                 The activities in the watershed that have an adverse affect on recreation water quality are
                 of concern. The use of off road vehicles increases the erosion in the watershed and the
                 crossing the river repeatedly can cause streambank erosion.

                 Monitoring development in the Dan Dan area - low
                 Monitoring of all development in the watershed will be necessary to maintain and fulfill
                 the objectives of the land owners and sponsors of this project. The development activity
                 and housing planned in the Dan Dan area should be monitored under the Ugum
                 Watershed Project.





































                                                             33








                                              FORMULATION OF SCENARIOS




                 V. FORMULATION OF SCENARIOS


                 Alternative scenarios were formulated to address the maintenance and. protection of the
                 water quality and other natural resources in the Ugurn Watershed. Each scenario is an
                 outline or synopsis of the potential outcome or effects of a possible set of future actions
                 within the watershed. This section describes the formulation process of the four
                 scenarios for the future conditions of the watershed.


                         Formulation Process
                 The formulation process began by developing and evaluating the forecasted conditions
                 within the watershed without the implementation of a management plan. The Ecosystem
                 Based Assistance Team (EBAT) formulated the four future scenarios based on four
                 intensifying levels of management of the watershed. The future without management or
                 No Action scenario conditions serve as the basis for evaluating the effects of the
                 alternative future scenarios.


                 The time scale of the twenty year period from 1995 till 2015 is the scope of the
                 Management Plan for the Ugurn Watershed. The general forecasting and assumptions of
                 the projected future of the Ugum Watershed follow the current trends of population
                 growth, increased land use development, increased demand for water, increased
                 expansion of the unimproved roads, increased fire and increased agricultural use
                 expected on Guam. The projected parameters for this project are based on the population
                 growth and the land owners desire to develop their land in the Ugurn Watershed. With
                 the increase in total population for the island the pressure and need to develop this
                 undeveloped watershed will be increasingly greater.

                         Forecasting I Assumptions
                 The EBAT planning team assumed certain development within the watershed based on
                 the present zoning for land use in the watershed. It is assumed that in the next twenty
                 years the "Planned Unit Development" called the "Dan Dan Estates and Country Club"
                 will be constructed, and 80 to 200 hectares (200 to 500 acres) of land will be developed
                 into "Agricultural Lots". The Dan Dan Estates project is a 213 hectare (522 acres)
                 development including 54 holes of golf and supporting structures. Approximately a third
                 of the 213 hectare development project falls within the Ugurn Watershed boundaries.
                 The location of this project is in the headwater area in the back of the Ugurn Watershed,
                 bordering the south side of the Ugum River and the Bolanos Conservation Reserve. The
                 rest of this project development lies to the south of the Ugum Watershed in the Dan Dan
                 area (see Figure 8). Under the Agricultural Lots zoning each one acre of agricultural
                 land may have up to four residential houses built, with no requirement for roads, water,
                 or other infrastructure under agricultural zoning. Due to the relatively isolated nature of
                 the watershed and the present lack of road access the EBAT team assumed only the
                 above development.



                                                            34







                                   Ugum Watershed
                                  Areas Best Suited for Dwellings
                                                      Island of Guam





               3400M                                          +                                                 +



















               320"











                                                                                                                                                                   LEGEND


                                                                                                                                                                                                             LOCAMCM
                                                                                                                                                                         Watershed Boundary
                                                                                                                                                                         River
                                                                                                                                                                         Road
            + 30000M                                        hA6                                                +                                                         Trail                                                0
         42000M                                                                                             46000M                                                       Shoreline
                                                                                                                                                                         Best Areas                                     Ma=re
                                                                                                                                                            Criteria for Best Areas:                                              at
                                                                                                                                                               Slopes len than 15%
                                                                                                                                                               Only moderate or slight soil limitations                           Mc
                                                                                                                                                               for dweiling5 (in Soil Survey of Guam)           2000 meter tics bas
        L                                                                                                                                                      R-4ne Forest or S-anna GraWand e-ystenn
         Figure 8. Areas best suited for dwellings within the Ugum Watershed, Guam.








                                               FORMULATION OF SCENARIOS




                  This stated level of development is not an endorsement for development in the watershed
                  or a limitation an the development in the watershed. The actual level and nature of
                  future development and natural resource use in the watershed may differ, and will be
                  determined by the land owners and the regulatory agencies.

                  The demand on the surface water resources as a source of drinking water and for
                  agricultural development use inside and outside the watershed will also increase. The
                  kilometers of unimproved roads in the watershed is expected to double in the next twenty
                  years, from more than 63 kilometers in 1993 to 140 in the year 2015. The increased
                  access will add to the frequency of fires in the watershed, fires occur more often in areas
                  where there is the highest frequency of off-road vehicular traffic. The fire frequency has
                  historically been at an average rate of approximately 160 hectares per year, or if this is
                  extrapolated out, the total savanna grassland (approximately 800 hectares) bumsevery
                  five years. In the twenty year planning period all of the grassland is expected to bum
                  four times.


                         Methodology for Planning / Philosophy
                  The methodology and philosophy for the planning applied the above facts and
                  assumptions to four planning scenarios. The first scenario or No Action Scenario would
                  be the result of the natural progression of the development of the watershed without
                  planning. The second scenario or the Maintenance Scenario defines the minimum
                  management level necessary to maintain ecosystem functions, water quality and the other
                  natural resources at the present level while planning for the above stated development.
                  The third scenario or Improvement Scenario builds on the second scenario, adding more
                  conservation practices and focuses on improving the ecosystem functions and water
                  quality where possible. The fourth scenario or Watershed Reserve scenario reflects
                  maximum management of the watershed for preserving the ecosystems for a water
                  resource into the future.
























                                                             36








                                                   SCENMUO DESCRMTIONS




                   V1. SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS


                   This section describes, in general terms, the state of the watershed under the four various
                   levels of management. Four proposed management scenarios were developed by the
                   Ecosystem Based Assistance Team to be considered for the Ugum Watershed
                   Management Plan. Each scenario takes into consideration the land use trends that may
                   develop within the watershed over the 20 year planning period, from the date of this plan
                   to the year 2015. The following are descriptions of the scenarios which cover the
                   assumed overall development levels and the agricultural and housing placements, and the
                   main resource problems of the overall water quality and quantity, the soil erosion, roads,
                   fires, riparian buffers, and wildlife habitats defined under each scenario. The next
                   section will review the scenarios effects on all the resources and compare the scenarios to
                   each other.



                          No Action Scenario
                   The No Action Scenario or Future Without Scenario draws a picture of the estimated
                   likely out come of not implementing an organized management plan in the Ugum
                   Watershed. The No Action Scenario assumes that existing island wide trends for
                   development, resource use, the general overall management and land uses will continue
                   unabated in the watershed into the future. Under this scenario there is no plan for
                   mitigation measures and the watershed will continue to degrade at the present rate and
                   accelerate as development occurs.

                   Under the No Action Scenario, there would be no unified governmental policy towards
                   the management of the Ugum River Watershed. No additional environmental protections
                   would be undertaken within the watershed. No mitigation recommendations will be
                   offered under this scenario unless federal or Government of Guam laws are broken.
                   Often, the government reaction will occur too late for the local ecosystems to benefit,
                   and mitigation efforts may not be monitored. Riparian areas will suffer the most, since
                   water is a limited resource in the watershed, and water access may be sought for each
                   development effort independently.

                   It is important to note that the No Action Scenario does not mean that efforts to protect
                   ecosystems such as wetlands will cease or that resources such as wildlife and water
                   quality will receive less attention. It only assumes that a management plan will not
                   generally guide land uses and land use practices. In the absence of a formal Watershed
                   Management Plan it is hoped government agencies will create working relationships to
                   address the minimal protection standards for drinking water quality, however
                   government will play a largely regulatory role under this scenario in the watershed.

                   Without a watershed management plan, there will be no overall planning of any
                   mitigation required of developers that are allowed to use and fill wetlands within the


                                                               37








                                                   SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS



                   watershed. Nor will there be an overall plan for the maintenance of water quality within
                   the watershed.


                   On the other hand, the No Action Scenario would not place any additional restrictions
                   upon the owners of private lands within the watershed. They would be free to place their
                   property into any currently conforming use that would maximize their economic benefits.

                   The outcome of this scenario is to minimize the cost of government intervention in island
                   land use change and policy. This will encourage Guam's historical patterns of
                   development to continue. It is assumed under this scenario that current public education
                   efforts adequately prepare individuals for sound environmental decision making; that the
                   water quality of the Ugum River is sufficient for current uses and will remain so
                   indefinitely; and that there is no need to control wildfires in the Ugum Watershed or
                   elsewhere on the island.


                                  Development
                   Without a watershed management plan, there will be no guidance for the government in
                   the planning of infrastructure construction in the watershed. Roads, power lines and
                   waterlines will be built as demanded by political and economic pressures without regard
                   to the overall effect of the induced development upon the environment of the watershed.
                   This may lead to the more sensitive areas of the watershed receiving more development
                   or more intensive development than would be desired.

                   Under the No Action Scenario the housing / agricultural development of 200 hectares
                   (500 acres) will be placed without consideration for the ecosystems and overall
                   environmental effects. Under this scenario the land owners will build homes and place
                   their agricultural lots where ever is most convenient without regard for the over all
                   watershed or the water quality problems created. The outcome of this development
                   maybe housing and agriculture along or near the rivers and streams, and in areas of steep
                   slopes. The present zoning of most of the watershed, "Agriculture One", allows for up to
                   four houses per acre without infrastructure. The 200 hectares developed may result in
                   20,000 houses in the watershed possibly without sewer lines, improved roads, power or
                   water. Agricultural development that will accompany the housing development will be
                   implemented with only present levels of restrictions or controls. This is limited to
                   voluntary cooperation of individual land owners for the implementation of the
                   conservation practices on agricultural and other lands.

                                  Resort Development
                   It is assumed that the "Dan Dan Estates and Country Club" resort development will be
                   installed in the back of the watershed as planned some time in the next twenty years. The
                   golf courses may be constructed next to or near the Upper Ugum River.






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                                                     SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS



                                   Water Quality and Quantity
                   The No Action scenario conditions would potentially decrease the overall quality and
                   quantity of water in the streams and rivers. The coastal waters and reefs may also be
                   impacted by greater amounts of sedimentation from the Ugum River due to the increased
                   erosion in the watershed. Under these conditions in the watershed the usefulness of the
                   Ugum River as a drinking water source would be greatly diminished.

                                   Soil Erosion / Sedimentation

                   The level of soil erosion in the watershed would continue to increase with the new
                   uncontrolled development, increased unimproved road surface and increase fires
                   frequency and area burnt.

                   Without a watershed management plan, there would be no response to increased
                   recreational pressures on the watershed. It should be expected that recreational use of the
                   watershed would greatly increase over the next twenty years. This would lead to an
                   increase in the frequency and size of grass fires and an increase in the rate of conversion
                   of savanna grasslands to badlands, of ravine forests to savanna grasslands and an increase
                   in the sediment loading current upon wetlands and streams. Increased recreational use of
                   the watershed would lead to an increase in the number and mileage of unplanned jeep
                   trails in the watershed. Both the grass fires and the jeep trails will lead to higher rates of
                   soil erosion within the watershed and a loss of wetland functionality.

                                   Roads

                   The total unimproved road miles within the watershed will at least double at current
                   construction standards based on the pervious eighteen year expansion of roads already
                   documented. The current unimproved road construction has no road surface finishing, or
                   drainage, and are placement is without regard for slope or grade causing erosion damage.

                                   Fires

                   The estimated fire frequency under the No Action scenario will increase by 25 percent in
                   area burnt from the average historic 160 hectares (400 acres) per year to 200 hectares
                   (500 acres) per year. The savanna grassland (777 hectares or 41 percent of watershed)
                   would continue to be the main ecosystem effected, however the ravine forest (837
                   hectares or 44 percent of the watershed) would continue to be impacted by fire
                   encroachment on the edge of the forest.

                                   Riparian Buffers
                   The riparian buffer zone (presently 159 hectares or 9 percent of the watershed) along the
                   streams and rivers would be impacted by fire, agriculture, roads and development. The
                   level of erosion in the watershed would increase and the sedimentation into the streams
                   and rivers increase. With the decrease of area in ravine forest and riparian buffer strips
                   the overall quantity and quality of the wildlife habitat would decrease further threatening
                   the endangered and threatened wildlife species in the Ugum Watershed. The riparian



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                                                    SCENARIO DESCREPTIONS



                   areas will suffer misuse from development and agriculture over the next 20 years, the
                   encroachment into these areas will damage the sediment and water filtering capabilities
                   of these buffers.


                                  Wildlife Habitat / Wetlands

                   The wetland areas (presently 117 hectares or 6 percent of the watershed) would continue
                   to be protected in the No Action scenario under the present regulations and permitting.
                   The increases in fire frequency, increases in erosion rates and the decreases in ravine
                   forest and riparian areas would have negative effects on the wildlife habitat and wetlands.
                   The impact would be a reduction or damaging of the wildlife habitat and wetlands either
                   through direct loss of vegetation or by increase sedimentation of the wetlands.



                           Maintenance Scenario
                   The Maintenance Scenario is a watershed management plan that aims to maintain the
                   current levels of functionality of the watershed. The goal of the Maintenance Scenario is
                   to preserve the functions and benefits of the ravine forest, riparian areas, and wetland
                   ecosystems at existing levels, with no future loss in area or benefits. This is based on the
                   assumptions that the development will include needed conservation and environmental
                   protection measures aimed at maintaining watershed conditions and water quality at
                   current levels.


                   Under this scenario, we recognize that though imperfect, the Ugum Watershed is
                   functioning well at present and provides water of adequate quality to the citizens served
                   by the Ugum River Treatment Plant. A program of continuous water quality monitoring
                   in the lower Ugum River is necessary to fulfill the goal of maintaining the current
                   standard as development begins. It is also recommended that developers be encouraged
                   to monitor their own ground and surface water, so that problems can be pinpointed and
                   solved quickly.

                   A no net change in resource qualities is planned, yet only limited retrofitting for existing
                   problems will occur. This would mean that there be no increase in the rate of soil
                   erosion over present rates. There would be no loss of functionality of the wetlands
                   present in the watershed. There would be no decrease in the present utility of wildlife
                   habitat in the watershed. And finally, there would be no decrease in the water quality of
                   the rivers within the watershed.


                                   Development
                   The 200 hectares of housing / agricultural development would be installed in areas of the
                   watershed which would have minimum impact on the ecosystem functions and overall
                   health of the watershed under this scenario. The development would be concentrated in
                   areas of lesser slope and easier access to diminish the possibility of erosion and
                   degradation (see Figure 8). The figure, "Areas Best Suited for Dwellings", is based on
                   land of less than or equal to 15% slope, soil types designated with slight to moderate


                                                                40








                                                 SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS



                  limitations for building dwellings, and within the ravine forest or savanna grassland
                  ecosystems, this avoids building dwellings in the more sensitive riparian areas and
                  wetlands ecosystems. Most of the development over the next 20 years will probably be
                  concentrated in the savanna grassland ecosystem, so we expect relatively minor changes
                  in the functions performed by ravine forests. The ravine forest ecosystem is slated to
                  remain static in area under the Maintenance Scenario. The objective of agriculture under
                  this scenario is to promote sustainable agriculture through proper site location and
                  adoption of conservation practices. Government of Guam, through the Soil and Water
                  Conservation Districts, would actively support conservation planning on all agriculture
                  lands within the watershed. Zoning and land use policy would limit agriculture activities
                  to specific soils and slopes. A conservation plan would be required and practices
                  designed to protect and enhance wildlife habitat would be encouraged. Generally
                  agriculture fields would be located within the savanna grassland ecosystems on flat or
                  only gentle slopes.

                                Agricultural
                  The agricultural development under the Maintenance Scenario will include voluntary
                  implementation of necessary conservation practices. The total area in agriculture will
                  increase over present levels, however the impact to the watershed would not increase due
                  to the mitigation of any erosion or negative effects. Conservation plans would consider
                  the following practices:


                                Streambank and shoreline protection (580)
                                Tree planting (612)
                                Water- and sediment control basin (638)
                                Wildlife upland habitat management (645)
                                Wildlife wetland habitat management (644)



                                Resort Development
                  The "Dan Dan Estates and Country Club" resort development will be completed within
                  the planning period. Under this scenario there would be no increase in negative impacts
                  due to the construction or maintenance of this development. The final design, location
                  and construction of the project will reflect the appropriate conservation practices and
                  mitigation of impacts to maintain the ecosystem functions, and preserve water quality.

                                Water Quality and Quantity
                  The water quality would be maintained at present levels through mitigation of all projects
                  or effects which would affect the water quality. This would include mitigation of
                  agricultural chemicals, non point source pollution from roads and construction sites, and
                  sedimentation control.




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                                                   SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS




                   An educational program would be developed for land owners and farmers in the
                   watershed to teach them the importance of protecting the water quality. Before
                   construction permits are granted for any golf-courses or development in the watershed, a
                   water quality management plan specific to the development should be in place.

                   Water availability will continue to be highly seasonal, as in the No Action Scenario,
                   although may not worsen since Maintenance is the keyword here. Demand for the water
                   supplied by the Ugum will increase, bringing pressure for short-term solutions.

                                  Soil Erosion / Sedimentation
                   This plan would identify practices that could be used to control both on and off-site
                   erosion of farmland and other land uses. Erosion control and sediment plans are an
                   integral part of any commercial or residential development and must be followed
                   according to Guam law. These plans will prevent eroded soils from leaving the
                   construction sites or farmland and will reduce off-site sedimentation problems and stream
                   turbidity.

                                  Roads

                   The roads under the Maintenance Scenario would be maintained at present overall total
                   length or impact on the watershed. There would be new or different roads constructed
                   within the planning time, to accomplish the overall no change in road impact a plan
                   would be needed, A plan to control and mitigate the unimproved roads in the watershed
                   would be a part of the Maintenance Scenario. This would need to either limit the
                   creation and location of new roads and / or control the amount of soil erosion from the
                   actual mileage of unimproved roads within the watershed. The location of the roads
                   would need to avoid flood plains, steep slopes and river valleys whenever possible.

                                  Fires

                   The fire frequency and location within the watershed would be controlled and maintained
                   at no worse than present levels. This level of fire would allow for no more than the 160
                   hectares (400 acres) per year burnt as is the present yearly average. A fire control
                   program would need to be implemented as a part of the plan. The fire control would be
                   based upon maintaining the current frequency and distribution of fires to retain the four
                   ecosystems and maintaining the current rate of soil erosion within the watershed.

                   A policy of curtailing expansion of the savanna grassland ecosystem within this scenario
                   does not require fire eradication, but does involve intervention and control whenever the
                   grassland fires encroach on human habitation or other ecosystems. The public education
                   campaign, repeated during dry years, may cut fire frequency. However, the fire damage
                   is expected to be remained at the same level, about 160 hectares per year burned each
                   year within the watershed.





                                                               42









                                                    SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS



                                  Riparian Buffers
                   The riparian buffers under the Maintenance Scenario will focus on maintaining the
                   present level of functionality of these areas as critical wildlife habitat and protection for
                   threatened and endangered species. The existing procedures by Government of Guam
                   agencies include specifying a buffer strip of 3 to 8 meters along stream banks. The
                   Ecosystem Based Assistance Team has designated larger riparian buffer strips to insure
                   the integrity of the streams, the wildlife habitat and the sediment filtration function these
                   areas serve. The riparian buffer strips on stream orders 2 and 3 are 15 meters on both
                   sides of the stream, and stream orders 4 and 5 have buffers of 30 meters on each side of
                   the streams (see Figure 5, the Ugum Watershed Ecosystems). To maintain the present
                   level of riparian buffer strip benefits for the watershed all impacts to this area will need
                   to be mitigated.

                                  Wildlife Habitat / Wetlands

                   The wetland component of a management for maintenance level watershed plan would
                   focus on maintaining the water storage capacity of the wetlands in the short-run and
                   maintaining the habitat functionality of the wetlands in the long-run. Wetlands are
                   particularly valuable wildlife habitat, the watershed management plan may provide an
                   extra level of protection for these areas.

                   Wildlife habitat is now described by ecologists, not only in terms of total area, but also
                   according to its shape with respect to the landscape and its fragmentation.

                                  Conclusion

                   A maintenance level management plan will require at least: 1) a road management
                   component, 2) a fire control and education plan, 3) an infrastructure plan, 4) a wetlands
                   and wildlife habitat management component and 5) a water quality management
                   component.

                   The approach within this scenario is one whereby agencies and landowners recognize
                   ecological problems and processes and react to environmental degradation within the
                   traditional bounds of their activities or program oversight.


                          Improvement Scenario
                   The Improvement Scenario for management of the Ugum Watershed is named for the
                   goal of improving the ecosystem functions and minimizing the present problems in the
                   watershed. This plan provides the next level of protection and the highest level of active
                   participation for the owners and various agencies in the watershed management. This
                   scenario adds to the management measures of the maintenance scenario.






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                                                    SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS



                   The primary differences between the maintenance and the improvement alternative
                   scenarios is the focus on the minimizing and control of soil erosion, control of fires,
                   protection of wetland functionality and improving wildlife habitat in the watershed.

                   The Improvement Scenario would allow for the implementation of a number of
                   mandatory conservation practices and best management practices (BNT's) as well as
                   impose restrictions for land uses. This scenario also would strongly encourage a number
                   of conservation programs to be developed and implemented over the long term.
                   Resource and land management entities would play a critical and often determining role
                   in land use development and future policy making decisions. The watershed and all of
                   the ecological-components would be systematically monitored and evaluated for
                   preventative and remedial resource actions where resource agencies have clearly
                   identified duties (roles) and real time response modes to address any significant issues.
                   Selection of this management scenario would require that clients either direct the
                   ultimate implementation of the scenario prescriptions or seek a lead agency to accept the
                   primary stewardship role for watershed protection and conservation.

                   A necessary attribute of any plan to improve the different ecosystem functions in the
                   watershed is that such a plan would have to be proactive instead of reactive in its
                   approach. Under this scenario agencies and landowners would take aggressive actions to
                   protect and enhance ecological processes within the watershed. Active steps would have
                   to be undertaken in each of the primary areas of concern in order to improve the
                   parameter of interest.

                                  Development
                   Development should be limited to areas with suitable soils and slope. A map of suitable
                   areas for development based on soils and slope is shown in Figure 8. Erosion control and
                   sedimentation plans must be developed and maintained for any construction activity.

                   The Government of Guam has some control over the majority of development in the
                   watershed by controlling the pattern of infrastructure installation in the watershed. If a
                   potential developer wants power, water, and telephone lines, then the government can use
                   its control of these utilities to leverage the developer into conforming with the watershed
                   management plan in place.

                                  Agriculture
                   Agricultural lands will be required to have a resource management system such as a
                   conservation plan under this scenario. The use of buffer strips and filter strips around
                   fields to catch sediment and run off would be strictly enforced. Confined animal
                   facilities developed in the watershed would be required to have an approved waste
                   utilization plan. This plan would include the proper handling, storage and application of
                   waste. Agrochemical handling facilities would also be developed for each farm to
                   provide proper storage and prevent accidental spillage of chemicals and fertilizers.




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                                                    SCENARIO DESCREPTIONS



                   A Farmstead Assessment System would be implemented to help farmers to recognize the
                   potential for ground or surface water contamination on their farm. The program uses
                   step-by-step worksheets that rank each farmstead activity or structure that could cause
                   surface or ground water contamination. The assessment rates soils and geologic and
                   hydrologic features of the farmstead to give an overall picture of potential and actual
                   water quality problems.

                                   Resort

                   The "Dan Dan Estates and Country Club" resort development will be constructed with
                   every consideration for the conservation of the watershed and preservation of the water
                   quality. The developers will be responsible for developing and maintaining a
                   conservation plan in order to not only minimize negative impacts of the construction but
                   to improve on the present level of watershed problems. One possible beneficial impact
                   of construction of this project could be the improvement and expansion of the riparian
                   buffer zone in this very steep and sensitive area in the upper watershed.

                                   Water Quality
                   The water quality under this scenario is to be improved over present levels through
                   mitigation of all projects and retrofitting to diminish the present erosion and
                   sedimentation levels for improved water quality. This would include mitigation of all
                   activities in the watershed including construction of all kinds, agriculture and the use
                   agricultural chemicals, and road construction, repair and re-vegetation.

                                   Soil Erosion / Sedimentation
                   The Improvement Scenario would build on the practices identified in the Maintenance
                   Scenario to control both on site and off site erosion and sedimentation, and lessen the
                   present level of non point source pollution in the watershed. The erosion control and
                   sediment control plans developed for all activities will need to be strictly adhere to and
                   enforced. One possible means of obtaining a greater degree of protection of the
                   watershed and diminishing the erosion is by governmental incentive programs offered to
                   all those who input effective erosion control plans.

                                   Roads
                   Abandoned roads should be closed and future road development restricted as identified in
                   Maintenance Scenario. In addition, new roads must be designed and approved prior to
                   installation. GEPA would be the regulating agency. The designs must take into
                   consideration the need for appropriate surface water drainage and the re-vegetating of
                   disturbed areas.


                   One alternative for improving the number and placement of roads is to limit access or
                   control access by the construction of improved roads. These could be designed so that
                   they would not erode as badly as the present ad-hoc network. This would also provide
                   access for constructing fire-breaks and for fire fighting equipment. This alternative
                   would not be inexpensive.


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                                                     SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS



                                   Fires

                    Under the Improvement Scenario fire would be actively controlled. It is understood that
                    total control of fires would be unlikely, therefore the planning level calls for a reduction
                    in fires by 25 persent of the present level. The goal would be for only 121 hectares (300
                    acres) per year burnt instead of the 161 hectares (400 acres) per year at present. In the
                    management of fires, an- active effort to limit the number and scope of fires in the
                    watershed would have to be undertaken. Access would be provided for appropriate fire
                    protection. The construction of a network of improved roads would allow for more
                    active fire fighting than is possible at present. It would involve constructing and
                    maintaining access roads, constructing and maintaining fire-breaks and patrolling for fire
                    prevention. These roads must be carefully located and meet the design criteria for the
                    roads mentioned above. The need to restrict access to the roads is critical to prevent the
                    encouragement of fires in remote areas and the development of spur roads for
                    recreational purposes.

                    Since almost all of the fires are deliberately set, one approach might be to limit access
                    into the watershed. This approach would also solve the problem of the increasing
                    number of unimproved roads in the watershed. If adopted, it would be the least
                    expensive method of decreasing the number of fires and the mileage of unimproved
                    roads. The Government of Guam could accomplish this through a combination of direct
                    action in the conservation reserve and a set of property tax incentives for the private land
                    owners in the watershed.


                    Habitat loss from fires conversion of forest into grasslands would be minimized under a
                    plan of limiting access into the watershed. Additional habitat could be created by
                    planting the badlands on both government and private lands. The private landowners
                    would likely be more cooperative if there were a cost sharing by the government.

                                   Riparian Buffers
                    Under the Improvement Scenario the establishment and maintenance of the riparian
                    buffer strips would be very important. The riparian buffers strips of 15 meters on both
                    sides of stream orders 2 and 3 in the upper watershed and 30 meters on either side of the
                    stream orders 4 and 5 in the lower watershed are recommended. To establish maximum
                    benefit from the riparian ecosystem the forest buffer will need to be reinforced and
                    widened in areas.


                                   Wildlife Habitat and Wetlands
                    In addition to prevention of loss of wetland functionality in the watershed, the plan
                    would require an improvement in the number and functioning of wetlands in the
                    watershed. In all likelihood, this could only be achieved on private lands at the time that
                    the owners sought permits to develop their properties. Otherwise, the deliberate creation
                    of wetlands on private property would involve future restrictions on the owners' land use
                    options that the owners would not likely allow.



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                                                  SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS



                  Wetlands could be created in the conservation preserve without worry about future land
                  use concerns and options by the government. Creation of wetlands or planting the
                  badlands in the conservation preserve would be a very expensive endeavor because of the
                  inaccessibility of the area. Additionally, it would require the creation of access trails into
                  the area. However, the expense could be paid for by establishing a plan where wetlands
                  were to be created by developers who wanted to develop wetlands elsewhere on the
                  island, but who had no available alternative site upon which to create mitigation
                  wetlands.      Conclusion
                  The combined effort of these practices, if implemented would effectively shelter existing
                  ecosystems and enhance their processes and thereby maintain or improve existing water
                  quality levels. The management of the different elements is critical. If one element is
                  allowed to degrade several ecosystems within the watershed will be impacted.

                  The goals in this scenario are to: reduce the cost of ecosystem maintenance through
                  elimination of redundancy and work scheduling conflicts; increase forest cover in the
                  watershed; bring the entire public of Guam to a higher level of understanding of this
                  most pristine watershed, and thereby reduce the public impact on its ecological functions;
                  to provide a template for coordinated conservation projects, and assess their applicability
                  in other, more degraded watersheds.

                  In this scenario, the Ugum Watershed is viewed as a potential model ecosystem against
                  which watersheds across the island and throughout the Marianas can be compared. It is
                  planned that subsets of the conservation measures could be exported to other areas, with
                  better predictions for success. A clear hierarchy of functions and values for the entire
                  watershed will be developed by consensus, one that the watershed's managers can consult
                  as they contemplate the benefits of new activities.

                  Under this scenario, we recognize that the ecosystems represented within the watershed
                  are not as healthy as they could be, that through coordinated efforts by many individuals
                  and by effective use of funds, greater benefits can be derived from the watershed than are
                  currently possible.



                          Watershed Reserve
                  The Watershed Reserve scenario is offered as a means for comparison to the other
                  scenarios. The true benefit and cost of maintaining or improving the ecological quality
                  of the watershed may be most clearly seen in comparison to the cost of total
                  governmental control of the watershed.

                  The Watershed Reserve scenario would call for the purchase of all the private lands in
                  the watershed by the Government of Guarn, so the watershed may be controlled for
                  producing water. There are 1329 hectares of privately owned land in the watershed. The


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                                                  SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS



                  estimated present value for unimproved land in southern Guam from between $0.50 to
                  $6.00 per square meter. At these figures per square meter each hectare would cost
                  between $5,000.00 to $60,000.00 dollars, the total 1329 hectares of private land would
                  cost from $6,645,000. to $79,740,000. dollars. These figures are only a rough estimate,
                  the true value depends on many factors such as the availability of utilities and
                  infrastructure, and the land owners willingness to sell.

                  Under this scenario the land in the Ugum Watershed would be treated with the highest
                  degree of non active management of all the scenarios. No development or land
                  disturbance would be allowed. Controlled hunting and recreational use may be the only
                  activities. No road access would limit the erosion from the roads and diminish the
                  frequency of fire and the need to fight them. The Ugum Watershed may be managed as a
                  park like area, allowing non destructive access in per determined areas such as on
                  walking trails only.

                  The benefits to this approach to management of the watershed would be many, including
                  the increase water quality, increase rate of low flow, decrease peck flows and an increase
                  amount of water available for use. Increase in wildlife habitat, increase in wetland
                  functions, increased in vegetative cover, decrease in the amount of erosion and
                  sedimentation of the rivers and streams.





































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                                 SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES




                  VIL SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND
                         RESOURCES



                         Comparison of Scenarios
                  This section describes the economic, environmental, and social effects of each alternative
                  scenario. The focus is on those factors which have been determined in the scoping
                  process as the major concerns and opportunities for the Ugurn Watershed. The intent of
                  this section is to provide the analytical basis for the comparisons of the scenarios. The
                  resource and environmental concerns discussed at length below include the problems of
                  soil erosion along with Table B, Soil Erosion Comparison of Scenarios, and fires in the
                  watershed, and the opportunities of maintaining water quality and quantity, and the loss
                  of wildlife habitat. In addition to these comparisons there is Table C, Summary and
                  Comparison of Alternative Scenarios, which briefly addresses all of the high concerns
                  identified in the scoping process.

                         Soil Erosion
                  The soil erosion in the Ugurn Watershed under present conditions and in each of the four
                  possible scenarios taken into consideration in this management plan is summarized in the
                  Table B, Soil Erosion - Comparison of Scenarios, below. In the table the hectares of
                  each ecosystem and rates of erosion for each scenario are given.

                                 Existing Conditions - Soil Erosion
                  The existing condition of the soil erosion in the watershed have been discussed at length
                  in the Watershed Problems and Opportunities section of this document. Soil erosion is a
                  problem in the watershed in terms of the effect of diminishing water quality and
                  lessening the potential productivity of the land. In general terms the majority of the
                  present problem with soil erosion in the Ugurn Watershed is isolated to a few specific
                  human activities and types of vegetative cover.

                  The extensive study of the soil erosion in the watershed, compiled in the Ugurn
                  Watershed Resource Assessment, revealed that the savanna grassland, badlands, and
                  unimproved roads have excessively high rates of erosion. The highest rate of erosion in
                  the watershed comes from the sloped unimproved roads, at 729 tonnes per hectare per
                  year. The rate of erosion from sloped and level roads taken together is approximately
                  448 tonnes per hectare per year. The total area covered with unimproved roads more
                  than doubled in the last eighteen years in the watershed. Of the present human activity in
                  the watershed, which is minimal, the creation and use of unimproved roads has the
                  greatest impact in the creation of the soil erosion.

                  The second highest rate of erosion in the watershed is from the badlands, the rate of 544
                  tonnes per hectare per year make these critically eroded areas a major contributor to


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                                  SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES



                   erosion. The greatest overall contributor to total erosion and sedimentation in the
                   watershed is the savanna grassland. The grassland erodes at a lower rate than the other
                   major sources, however it covers 41 % of the watershed and therefore contributes the
                   majority of erosion in the watershed. Fire causes a temporary increase in savanna
                   grassland erosion at a rate of 1.6 times the normal erosion from grassland each year.

                                  Future Without - Scenario I - Soil Erosion

                   The future without scenario infers minimal action and lack of public and governmental
                   coordination, we would expect the soil resource to degrade as development occurs.
                   Clearing for road construction, road design, water withdrawals for irrigation and riparian
                   area usage will all be determined by developers as dictated by the needs and goals of
                   their projects.

                   The future without a management plan will generally result in an increase in erosion rates
                   and larger areas at higher erosion rates. As the agricultural and housing development
                   occurs in a random manner there will be an increase in overall erosion in the watershed
                   and greater sedimentation in the streams and rivers, as well as the coastal areas. It is
                   assumed that the unimproved road areas will increase at the historic rate, and more than
                   double in the next twenty years within the watershed. Also the rate of erosion of the
                   roads will increase by 25 percent to 560 tonnes per hectare. The easier access into the
                   watershed from the doubling of roads will increase the fire rate and area burnt by an
                   estimated 25 percent (to 200 hectares) over this planning period. The erosion rate from
                   fire will increase by 1. 8 percent the rate of the savanna grassland erosion. The savanna
                   grassland will increase in area an estimated 25 percent as the fires continue uncontrolled
                   burning into the ravine forest and riparian areas.

                   The stream bank erosion will increase by approximately 10 percent over the present rate
                   due to the increase in overall unimproved roads which will increase the number of stream
                   crossings. Another possible effect of the increase in road access and off road vehicles
                   traffic is the increase in erosion rate from the badland area (to 680 tonnes per hectare)
                   which are often frequented by such vehicles.

                                  Maintenance - Scenario 2 - Soil Erosion
                   The problems of soil erosion and sedimentation of the water ways under the second
                   scenario are to be maintained at present levels through the restriction of activities and
                   development to areas which are most appropriate. In addition, the implementation of
                   identified practices for conservation of soil in agriculture and construction of buildings
                   and roads will be aimed at maintenance of the watershed at present levels of quality. The
                   level of soil erosion will be maintained at present levels by mitigating any significant
                   effect on site and off site caused by the agricultural development and the resort
                   development in the watershed. The lands going into agricultural development and the
                   resort development will come mostly from savanna grassland and to a lesser extent from
                   ravine forest areas. Under this scenario the ravine forest area will decrease from the
                   present hectares by a small amount (30 hectares). The savanna grassland will decrease


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                                  SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES



                   from the present level by 250 hectares with this area being used for the agricultural
                   development along with the 30 hectares from the ravine forest. All other ecosystems
                   would stay the same in area.

                   Roads are expected to double under this scenario as under all the scenarios. The note
                   worthy difference is the use of road design and construction techniques to balance the
                   increased road area with erosion control measures such as road gullies, road surfacing
                   and road building along the contour. Other beneficial practices as putting the unused
                   roads or the highly eroding roads away will decrease the total erosion from the roads. In
                   this manner the increased total roads will not have an increased impact on the total
                   erosion. The erosion rate on the roads is projected to remain the same as present at
                   approximately 448 tonnes per hectare. All effects will be mitigated to the present level
                   of total erosion and sedimentation in the watershed.


                                  Improvement - Scenario 3 - Soil Erosion
                   The improvement scenario will decrease the erosion and sedimentation due to a high
                   level of active management and mitigation for all negative impacts in the watershed.
                   Under the improvement scenario the area in the ravine forest ecosystem will increase by
                   81 hectares over the present even with the planned implementation of the agricultural /
                   development. The agricultural / development will be constructed in the areas best suited
                   for dwellings, see Figure 8, these areas correspond with fairly level land with soil suited
                   for building. The savanna grassland area will decrease by 361 hectares from the present
                   to 416 hectares in grassland, this will be accomplished by the conversion of grassland to
                   agricultural use and revegetation of grassland to forested lands. The agricultural lands
                   will produce less erosion per hectare, lowering the rate of erosion of this land to 33.6
                   tonnes per hectare by use of conservation practices and conservation plans. The erosion
                   rate for roads will be lower by 25 percent from the present level, producing less total
                   erosion by use of improved construction and mitigation. The badland erosion rate also
                   will be lowered under this scenario by the improvement in the management of these
                   critically eroding areas. The erosion rate for the badlands will be 25 percent less than at
                   present, to a rate of 408 tonnes per hectare per year. The fire will also have a restricted
                   impact under this scenario due to the increase in active management of the fires and
                   public education campaign. The area burnt will be less by 25 percent less (only 121
                   hectares per year).

                                  Reserve - Scenario 4 - Soil Erosion

                   The reserve scenario will have an overall decrease in erosion due to the restricted use and
                   land disturbance in the watershed. The restricted access into the watershed under this
                   scenario will diminish expansion the roads and hold the total roads to approximately the
                   present level. The restricted access will help control the number of fires and total area
                   burnt The ravine forest will begin the process of expansion into the savanna grassland,
                   the area in ravine forest will increase to approximately 916 hectares, while the savanna
                   grassland will decrease in area to 696 hectares. The development would not be allowed




                                                                51




 I                        SCENARIO EFFECTS ON TEE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES
 I            under this scenario, there will be a great decrease in erosion with the lack of
              development.
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 1                                                52







                                   SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES



                              TABLE B - SOIL EROSION - COMPARISON OF SCENARIOS


                                Ecosystem or land type by area and erosion rate per scenario.
                                                   Present       Scen. 1       Scen. 2        Scen. 3       Scen. 4
                    Ravine          Hectares       837           707           807            918           918
                    Forest          Erosion        26.8          26.8          26.8           26.8          26.8


                    Savanna         Hectares       777           627           527            416           696
                    Grassland       Erosion        71.7          71.7          71.7           71.7          71.7


                    Riparian        Hectares       159           159           159            159           159
                    Ecosystem       Erosion        26.8          26.8          26.8           26.8          26.8

                    Wetlands        Hectares       117           117           117            117           117
                    Ecosystem       Erosion        0             0             0              0             0

                    Agriculture/    Hectares       20            280           280            280           0
                    Developmt       Erosion        44.8          143           44.8           33.6          0


                    Roads           Hectares       19            38            38             38            19
                                    Erosion        448           560           448            336           336


                    Badlands        Hectares       44            44            44             44            44
                    in SG area      Erosion        544           680           571            408           436


                    Fire            Hectares       161           200           161            121           80
                    in SG area      Changein       1.6 times     1.8 times     1.6 times      1.4 times     1.3 times
                                    Rate of SG
                                    Erosion


                    Streams         Kilometers     37            37            37             37            37
                    in Wetland      Erosion (28    1036          1139          1036           1036          1036
                    Ecosystem       T/Kra)

                    Total Erosion   Tonnes/        150,210       196,508       142,074        111,785       120,342
                                    Year


                    Total           Tonnes/        69,847        91,376        66,064         51,980        55,959
                    Sediment        Year


                   Note; Ecosystems as defined in Figure 5, with areas in hectares and erosion rates in metric
                         Tonnes / Hectare / Year. The total watershed area is 1890 hectares. The badlands areas
                         are mapped as part of the savanna grassland ecosystem, the area effected by fire is part
                         of the savanna grassland and is shown in rate change per area burnt of the savanna
                         grassland, and the stream areas are included in the wetland ecosystem.







                                                                   53








                                  SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES



                          Fire
                  The effects of fire in the Ugum Watershed under the existing conditions and in each of
                  the four possible scenarios for this management plan is summarized below. In general,
                  fire poses one of the greatest threats to the long term maintenance of the bio-diversity
                  and the ecosystems within the Ugum Watershed. The habitat destruction from fire is not
                  only a problem for the plant and animal species which may parish, but also a large
                  contributor to the water quality problems due to the increases in erosion,

                                  Existing Conditions - Fire
                  The existing conditions of fire in the watershed have been covered in the Watershed
                  Problems and Opportunities section. Fire is a problem in the Ugum Watershed on many
                  accounts. In most cases fire is intentionally set and therefore may be controlled or
                  eliminated. Fire causes temporary loss of vegetative cover, this in turn causes soil
                  erosion on the areas burnt, loss of wildlife habitat and potentially lessen the productivity
                  oftheland.


                  Loss of vegetative cover from fire establishes a cycle of savanna grass burning and
                  regrowing. The fires limit species diversity to only those species which compete with the
                  highly competitive sword grass under these conditions.

                  The loss of cover also leaves bare the soil which causes accelerated soil erosion and
                  sedimentation. Approximately 160 hectares are burnt per year within the watershed.
                  The rate of erosion has been determined to be approximately 1.6 times greater on bum
                  areas compared to the normal average savanna grassland erosion. This accounts for more
                  than 42 tonnes / hectare / year over the already high savanna grassland rate of 717 tonnes
                  / hectare / year.

                  The loss of wildlife habitat due to fire impacts all of the ecosystems in the watershed.
                  The savanna grassland is where the largest impacts are felt, but also the edge of the
                  ravine forest and riparian areas are burnt. The wetlands are also impacted by fires near
                  these sensitive areas by the change in vegetation cover and the increased sedimentation
                  into the wetlands.


                                  Future Without - Scenario 1 - Fire

                  The future without a management plan in the Ugum Watershed is likely to see the
                  present trends continue and accelerate as the pressure on the watershed resources increase
                  with population growth. Under this scenario, it is estimated that the area impacted by
                  fire will increase as access from more unimproved roads increases and population
                  pressure increases. Over the twenty year planning period an increase in fire frequency
                  and area burnt is expected. The estimate of 200 hectares burnt every year for a total of
                  all the savanna grassland burnt every four years. These fires would not just effect the
                  grassland, but would increasingly expand the grassland into more fragile ecosystems.
                  The fire would encroach into the ravine forest, riparian buffers and wetland areas. The
                  results of the increase of fire will mean a decrease in wildlife habitat, increase in erosion


                                                               54









                                  SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES



                   by 1.8 times the savanna grassland rate, decrease in soil productivity and decrease in
                   water quality over time.

                                  Maintenance - Scenario 2 - Fire

                   The maintenance scenario would have to balance the increasing tendency toward more
                   fires by an educational program and fire control to maintain the present level of area
                   burnt. The maintenance of the fire at present levels would result in 160 hectares burnt
                   each year adding 1.6 times the present rate of erosion to the savanna grassland burnt.
                   Under this scenario the effects of fire over the twenty year planning period would be
                   counteracted by an ever increasing campaign to maintain the fires at the present levels.

                                  Improvement - Scenario 3 - Fire
                   The improvement scenario would entail an active campaign to minimize fire to a level
                   lower than the present. It is recognized that fire would continue in the watershed due to
                   the activities of hunters and others who may set fire intentionally. An estimate of 120
                   hectares will be burnt each year under this scenario, this is a decrease of about twenty
                   five percent of the present level, and this will mean an increase of the savanna grassland
                   erosion rate to only 1.4 times the present rate. A public education program to address the
                   protection of the watershed and outline the problems caused by the fire will be necessary.
                   A active fire protection and prevention plan should be implemented, this may include fire
                   fighting, installation of living fire breaks, and the use of improved roads for access to
                   burning areas for fire fighting.

                                  Reserve - Scenario 4 - Fire

                   The reserve scenario would minimize access into the watershed and thereby decrease fire
                   to a rate of only 80 hectares burnt each year. The erosion rate increase would be 1.3
                   times that of the savanna grassland erosion. Under this scenario an active program of fire
                   fighting and public education would be required. The objective of this scenario, of
                   reserving the watershed for water quality and other natural resource protection, could
                   only be obtained with the suppression of fire.


                           Water Quality and Quantity
                   The water quality and quantity in the Ugum Watershed under the existing conditions and
                   in each of the four possible scenarios for the management plan are summarized briefly
                   below. In general terms water is not presently considered a problem in the watershed but
                   posses an opportunity for the resource agencies and landowners to maintain the quality
                   and quantity of water in the watershed in the face of likely development and impacts of
                   the future.


                                  Existing Conditions
                   The existing conditions of the water quality and quantity have been discussed at length in
                   the project setting section of this document and in the Ugum Watershed Resource



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                                  SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES



                   Assessment (DeMeo,. et al., 1995). The water quality meets the present standards
                   excepts in the area of sediment which must be flocculated out at the Ugum Treatment
                   Plant. There is little or no water quality problem in connection to excessive chemicals in
                   the water due to either agricultural or naturally occurring chemicals. The level of
                   agriculture is minimal in the watershed at present and the high cost of agrochemicals
                   reduces the use and threat of these chemicals to water quality.

                                  Future Without - Scenario I - Water Quality and Quantity
                   The future of the water quality and water quantity in the Ugum Watershed can be
                   projected to decrease as use of the watershed increase. Under the future without a
                   management plan the lack of controls on use and prevention of contamination of the
                   water will result in lower water quality and possible water quantity in the future. As
                   development occurs without the use of sufficient erosion control the level of
                   sedimentation of the water ways will increase. Furthermore, the possible wide spread
                   construction of homes and other building would add to the flashiness of the runoff in
                   times of heavy rains. The estimated outcome of this would be flooding and rapid runoff
                   of waters lowering the permutation of the water into the soils.

                                  Maintenance - Scenario 2 - Water Quality and Quantity
                   Under the maintenance scenario the erosion and sedimentation controls necessary to
                   maintain the present level of water quality and quantity would be incorporated into any
                   project potentially effecting these resources. What this would mean for the future
                   projects in the watershed would vary according to the nature and problems caused by the
                   project. However under this scenario the managing agencies would create the
                   mechanism necessary to implement erosion control and other pollutant controls as
                   needed.


                                  Improvement - Scenario 3 - Water Quality and Quantity
                   The improvement scenario for water quality and quantity recognizes the potential for
                   improving the water resources through proactive management in the watershed.
                   Potential methods of improving water quality include the expansion of the riparian
                   buffers around all water ways including rivers, streams, wetlands and head waters. Other
                   practices which will improve water quality include the use of filter strips along
                   agricultural fields and the planting of deep rooted trees over larger areas. The
                   establishment of more water reserves in the form of wetlands, ponds or reservoirs would
                   tend to feed the water more slowly through the ground and potentially increase the water
                   quantity in low rainfall months.

                                  Reserve - Scenario 4 - Water Quality and Quantity
                   The reserve scenario would not actively change water quality or quantity in the
                   watershed. The water resources would remain similar to the present level. The lack of
                   development under this scenario and the park like management of the watershed would
                   maintain the present conditions in the watershed.



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                                 SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES



                         Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection
                  The fish and wi!dlife habitat under the present conditions and the four potential future
                  management scenarios in the watershed are discussed below in general terms. The
                  resources of the fish and wildlife habitat have not been thoroughly studied, though
                  several past studies have been valuable and the present studies of species and habitat will
                  add to the bank of knowledge, generally there are many assumptions on the species
                  content and potential for threatened and endangered species in the watershed. Even with
                  this understanding it is widely thought among both plant and wildlife specialist that.the
                  habitat does exist in the Uguni to provide for many threatened and endangered species in
                  the watershed. The Uguni Watershed is presently in a fairly pristine state and posses one
                  of the best potentials of maintaining the habitat and bio-diversity of species for southern
                  Guam.


                                 Existing Conditions
                  The existing conditions of the fish and wildlife habitat in the Ugum are fairly
                  undisturbed. Many fresh water species exist in the clean waters of the Ugum river
                  system, however, present studies are pointing to the possible changes in the species
                  compassion. Likewise with the continual threat from introduces species both native plant
                  and animal species are struggling to maintain their niches in the various ecosystems.
                  Uncontrolled agriculture and other types of development pose a threat to these areas.
                  The existing conditions allow for development or land use without regard for wildlife or
                  habitat. In fact much of the off-road traffic is contributed to the illegal hunting of
                  carabao and deer in the watershed.


                                 Future Without - Scenario 1 - Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection

                  The future without a management plan in the Ugum Watershed will see the continuation
                  of the present trends of resource use and ever greater threat to the fish and wildlife
                  habitat. The estimated gradual destruction the ravine forest and riparian areas can be
                  expected without active planning and controls. Under this scenario the fish and wildlife
                  habitat will be negatively impacted, resulting in a loss of habitat and possible species.

                                 Maintenance - Scenario 2 - Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection
                  The fish and wildlife habitat will be protected to some degree under the maintenance
                  scenario. The effects on these habitats will be minimal due to the implementation of
                  sufficient controls to maintain the wildlife habitat at present levels while allowing
                  agricultural development in savanna grassland ecosystems where fewer impacts will be
                  felt.


                                 Improvement - Scenario 3 - Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection
                  The improvement scenario will take a proactive approach to maintaining and improving
                  the fish and wildlife habitat. Many conservation practices and proper planning will assist
                  in the habitat protection while allowing for wise use of the agricultural and development
                  lands in the watershed. An active campaign for the protection of the valuable fish and


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                                SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES



                  wildlife habitats including wetlands will be needed in the watershed to achieve the goal
                  of the improvement scenario.

                                Reserve - Scenario 4 - Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection
                  In the reserve scenario the fish and wildlife habitats will remain protected due to the lack
                  of disturbance allowed in the watershed. It can be expected that the forest habitat will
                  increase as the fires become less frequent with the restricted access into the watershed.
                  Likewise the riparian and wetland areas would remain at present levels without the
                  destruction that development may bring or the expansion that active conservation
                  implementation would bring.



                  The following table (Table C) summarizes the general effects and comparisons expected
                  under each scenario. The various ecosystems along with the major natural resource
                  concerns, problems and opportunities are compared. Several of the planning and
                  management measures are also listed for comparison.































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                                         SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES



                       TABLE C - SUMMARY AND COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS

                                                UGUM WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN


                       Effects                Scenario I              Scenario 2             Scenario 3             Scenario 4


                       Cost                   None                    Voluntary              Voluntary, local       Gov.Guarn
                                                                                             and federal            6 - 80 Million
                                                                                             programs, and
                                                                                             incentive
                                                                                             programs.



                       Ravine Forest          707 hectares and        807 hectares and       918 hectares and       918 hectares and
                       Ecosystem              less diversity          maintain diversity     improve diversity      maintain diversity



                       Savanna                627 hectares            527 hectares           416 hectares           696 hectares
                       Grassland
                       Ecosystem


                       Riparian Buffer        impacted by ag          159 hectares           159 hectares           159 hectares
                       Ecosystem              and development         maintained             improved


                       Wetland/Stream         impacted by fire        maintained at          improved with          improve with less
                       Ecosystem              and erosion             present levels         protection             disturbance


                       Soil Erosion           196,508                 142,074                111,785                120,342
                                              Tonnes/Year             Tonnes/Year            Tonnes/Year            Tonnes/Year



                       Sedimentation          91,376                  66,064                 51,980                 55,959
                                              Tonnes/Year             Tonnes/Year            Tonnes/Year            Tonnes/Year



                       Fires                  200 hectares            161 hectares           121 hectares           80 hectares



                       Water Quality          Adverse effect          No effect              Improve                No effect or
                                                                                                                    improve


                       Wildlife Habitat       Negatively              Maintained             Improved               Reserved,
                       and Wetlands           impacted                                                              improved


                       Roads                  140 kilometers,         140 kilometers,        140 kilometers,        63 kilometers, no
                                              with no design or       with minimal           with improved          new roads
                                              controls                design                 designed




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                                          SCENARIO EFFECTS ON THE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES




                       Public Education       none                    Program for fire       Program for fire       Program for fire
                                                                      retention              control and habitat    control and habitat
                                                                                             protection, etc.       protection



                       Measures               None                    Minimum land           Land treatment         Land treatment
                                                                      treatment
                                                                                             Pest and nutrient      Revegetation of
                                                                      Water quality          management             unused roads
                                                                      monitoring
                                                                                             Waste                  Maintenance of
                                                                      Minimum wetland        management             trails
                                                                      and wildlife           systems
                                                                      habitat protection
                                                                                             Road surface and
                                                                      Erosion and            ditch stabilization
                                                                      sediment control
                                                                      systems                Erosion and
                                                                                             sediment control
                                                                                             systems

                                                                                             Riparian buffer
                                                                                             management


                                                                                             Fire management

                                                                                             Water quality
                                                                                             monitoring


                                                                                             Wetland and
                                                                                             wildlife habitat
                                                                                             protection



                       Agriculture and        280 hectares,           280 hectares,          280 hectares,          Non allowed
                       Development            uncontrolled            limited to areas       limited to areas       No effect
                                              location, major         Best suited for        Best suited for
                                              impacts on all          Dwellings              Dwellings
                                              natural resources
                                                                      Minimum impacts        Resource
                                                                                             Management
                                                                                             Systems


                                                                                             Conservation
                                                                                             Plans


                                                                                             Farmstead
                                                                                             Assessment
                                                                                             System







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                                SCENMUO EITECTS ON TFIE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES





                         Risk and Uncertainty
                  Throughout the planning process the best available data was obtained and used in order
                  to minimize risks and uncertainties. When risk and uncertainty occur the projected future
                  and the cost and benefits may not be actualized as estimated. The major areas of risk and
                  uncertainty with regard to the project are discussed below.

                                Projected Future
                  The projected future of the conditions in the watershed are based on assumptions about
                  the population growth and economic need for the development of the Ugum Watershed.
                  The growth rate and pattern of development of the past twenty years on the island of
                  Guam are the model used to project both the population pressures and the economic
                  necessity to develop the watershed.

                                Assumptions
                  The assumptions of the costs and benefits of the implementation of the various
                  management plans are based on the best available data and information. Many years of
                  research have produced the resource assessment and the conservation management
                  techniques suggested in this report. The projection of the interaction and benefits of the
                  conservation practices have been performed in other location but have yet to be
                  demonstrated in the Ugum Watershed.



























                                                             61








                                                    RECOMNENDATIONS




                  Vill. RECOMMENDATIONS


                  The recommendations for the Ugum Watershed from the technical team the Ecosystem
                  Based Assistance Team are general in nature. The Maintenance Scenario 2, and
                  Improvement Scenario 3 are best suited for the goals of the sponsors and the landowners.
                  Scenario 4, the Reserve Scenario, while maintaining watershed quality would remove
                  control of the land from the present owners and cost the Government of Guam, this
                  planned scenario is not recommended. The purposes of the watershed plan, to maintain
                  water quality and watershed protection while maintaining productive agricultural land
                  and opportunity for development, will be met under either scenario 2 or 3 to various
                  degrees. The general recommendation follow the problems and concerns discussed in
                  this watershed management plan.

                  The implementation of the management measures would insure continued water quality
                  and maintain the ecosystems of the ravine forest, riparian buffer areas and wetlands that
                  are fundamental to the health of the watershed.


                  The project will make the area a better place to live by improving health and safety,
                  esthetics, and the economy. Properly constructed roads will improve traffic safety, last
                  longer, and need less maintenance. Erosion control should increase productivity and
                  incomes on farms, and decrease sedimentation of the water ways. Fire control and
                  prevention will minimize the damage and promote productivity of the land and
                  encourage the flourishing of wild plant and animal species. Water quality improvements
                  will make water treatment less expensive and insure continued production of this
                  important water supply for southern Guam. The proper development of the area will
                  insure economic benefits to the land owners and the entire area while maintaining the
                  valuable natural resources for future generations.

                  The general recommendations for management measures are followed by a related
                  section on supporting programs for conservation planning and activities. The listing of
                  possible funding and incentive programs which could be utilized to fund various
                  activities or projects in the Ugum Watershed is given. And the regulatory framework
                  which supports the watershed protection and enhancement activities are discussed in
                  Appendix 1.

                         Management Measures
                  For each of the management plan scenarios, except the No Action scenario, the
                  recommended management measures include both preventive mitigation and corrective
                  mitigation measures. The intensity'Of the mitigation measures increase as the level of
                  ecosystem protection increases. The following management measures support the intent
                  of the Ugum Watershed Management Plan and are provided to assist land owners and
                  agencies in the future decision making processes for the watershed.



                                                              62








                                                       RECOMNENDATIONS



                   Owners Association - The implementation of the watershed protection and enhancement
                   activities is strongly encouraged on a voluntary basis for all Ugum Watershed land
                   owners. The association of the Ugum land owners for the coordination of the
                   conservation and development activities would assist in the implementation of
                   management measures and the securing of local and federal assistance. Cooperative
                   agreements could be made with land owners, lease tenants, and responsible individuals
                   with special interests in the Ugum Watershed. This management measure should be
                   implemented either as an overlay to existing or new management measures or if nothing
                   else is accomplished mutual assistance in protecting the more sensitive ecosystems and
                   private property interests. Issues that could be addressed by a cooperative agreement
                   include, notification of resource damage (protocol), a process to involve resource agencies
                   in development planning, technical assistance for development design, wetland
                   determinations, technical advise, and many others as needed. This management should be
                   the basis for managing development and conservation activities in the watershed and all
                   parties involved need to agree to the general guidance provided.

                   Conservation Plans - The implementation of soil and water conservation plans that
                   reduce the loss of nutrients and fine soil particles will maintain and improve the soil
                   resource base and associated productivity. Reduction in on farm erosion will increase
                   farm productivity and decrease sedimentation of the water system. Erosion control for
                   new development and construction projects should necessarily be strict. The long term
                   conversion of badlands to savanna or forest ecosystems will provide positive impacts with
                   regard to efforts to limit soil erosion and sedimentation.

                   Fire Protection - The enactment of an active fire fighting plan for fire retardation and
                   prevention would reduce the erosion, help maintain water quality and protect wildlife
                   habitat from destruction. A plan for fire prevention and active protection of the more
                   sensitive areas should be considered for ravine forest, riparian areas and wetlands as well
                   as development areas.

                   Roads - A master plan for roads in the Ugum Watershed for road development and
                   maintenance would potentially lower the over-all erosion in the watershed. In as much as
                   possible, a master plan for roads should guide road development away from steep slopes,
                   rivers and wetlands. A road system that provides adequate access to various private lands
                   in the watershed while minimizing the roads and jeep trails that represent a duplication of
                   utility, will help guide development and reduce the current uncontrolled road and trail
                   development in the watershed. Various roads that are poorly planned in that they cross
                   rivers, streams and wetlands at multiple locations could be eliminated. Seldom used roads
                   that only serve or encourage access to poachers should also be eliminated and restored to
                   natural conditions. Any effort to reduce the shear number of roads in the watershed
                   should greatly contribute to erosion control.

                   Wildlife Habitat- Consideration for wildlife habitat within all the planning is highly
                   recommended for the Ugum Watershed. The protection of wildlife habitat including



                                                                 63








                                                   RECONMENDATIONS



                 ravine forest and riparian areas will result in the added protection for the native,
                 endangered and threatened species. The riparian wetlands are important habitat areas for
                 the maintenance of stream flows, water quality, stream water temperature regulation, the
                 important leaf, woody debris, and other organic material for downstream productivity and
                 habitat. Riparian habitat protection has developed substantially in other parts of the world
                 as a field of study and unique ecosystem component providing benefits to both terrestrial
                 and aquatic wildlife systems as well as for water quality maintenance. The protection of
                 riparian areas and riparian wetlands in the Ugum. Watershed will ensure that a natural
                 buffer exists between upland activities and aquatic systems, including the ultimate fate of
                 fresh water (quality) in the estuarine and marine environments. The regulatory mechanism
                 for protecting riparian wetlands is already in place through the Federal Clean Water Act,
                 however in those cases where riparian areas are not wetlands, the rules on buffers must be
                 adopted though the mandates and authority of the Watershed Management Plan.

                 Monitoring - Long term monitoring of stream flows, water quality, sedimentation and
                 potential pollutants should be implemented as early as possible in order to attain quality
                 background data for future watershed assessments. In addition, qualitative and
                 quantitative aspects of ecosystem and wildlife habitat health should be monitored.

                 Zoning - No unplanned zoning/land use changes for the watershed. All land use decision
                 making efforts should include watershed protection and management concerns and
                 constraints. The Ugurn Watershed Management Plan should be formally presented to the
                 Territorial Land Use Commission, Territorial Seashore Protection Commission, Chamorro
                 Land Trust Commission, Territorial Planning Commission, the Guam Legislature, and the
                 Governor. In addition, resource agencies such as the Department of Commerce must be
                 made aware of the plan since they promote the research and development of potentially
                 impacting aquaculture industries. It is very likely that several if not all of these land
                 management entities will acknowledge the plan as vital to land use decision making
                 including the wetland management and protection practices specified.

                 Public Education - One of the primary and proactive recommendations for watershed
                 management and natural resources protection overall is public education about resource
                 management and conservation. Conservation education should be a critical component of
                 a larger public education and landowner education effort for the Ugurn Watershed.

                 Education curriculum for conservation should be centered on ecosystem functions for
                 water quality protection, habitat protection, flood control, economic benefits, etc. as well
                 as the legal and economic consequences and costs of destroying (filling, dredging,
                 clearing, polluting) wetlands and water ways and other natural resources. When
                 landowners and the general public are aware of ecosystem functions that provide for a
                 certain "quality of life" they will then begin to form personal and community values about
                 the treatment, conservation and use of resources in the Ugum Watershed. Watershed
                 management/protection concepts formalized with this plan will provide the broad based
                 multiple use and functional benefit framework for understanding.



                                                            64








                                                       RECONMENDATIONS




                   Environmental Impact Statements - The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and
                   Environmental Assessment (EA) are the basic planning tools for environmental land-use
                   planning. EIS's are required by Guam Executive Order 90-10 and by the National
                   Environmental Policy Act, 1969 (NEPA) for federal projects and expenditures. EIS's
                   provide the basis for decisions, document the significant constraints to development and
                   mitigation necessary to minimize environmental impacts. It is strongly recommended that
                   an EIS be utilized for tall major land use projects in the Ugum Watershed.

                   Low Impact Land Use - Low impact and compatible land uses in or adjacent to sensitive
                   areas such as riparian areas and wetlands may provide viable development options if
                   planned for and implemented considering the ecosystem sensitivities. Ecotourism may be
                   promoted in Guam as a major marketing idea with the concept that tourism must be
                   integrated with natural ecosystems for long term sustainable yield. Nature tours and
                   wilderness appreciation are significant ingredients in the existing off-road touring
                   enterprise, however the tours cannot be considered as compatible with resource protection
                   due to unplanned and uncontrolled off-road impacts which are believed to cause
                   significant erosion.

                   Golf Courses - Golf course development if planned appropriately and managed with
                   environmental protection in mind could be considered a low impact use. Exceptions to
                   this view are related to undesirable impacts of pesticide and fertilizer use, temporary
                   construction impacts, and the loss of native forest and other resources. A golf course, in
                   order to be considered compatible or as having low impact on resources would have to
                   incorporate most the following design and operational features:
                       - be located almost entirely on existing badlands or savanna grasslands
                       - involve no loss of native wetlands or only minor modifications
                       - involve little if any irrigation from deep ground water and appropriate surface

                       sources
                       - should be managed pesticide and fertilizer free
                       - constructed in small incremental phases to reduce construction impacts

                   Ecotourism - Ecotourism and what might be considered Ecogolf are just two examples of
                   land uses that may feasibly be designed as compatible with sensitive ecosystems and other
                   resource systems. Some level of development will eventually be realized in the watershed,
                   therefore those uses that derive financial benefits to landowners yet only passively
                   consume resources while applying sustainable use management concepts, or convert less
                   desirable and stable ecosystems to stable ones should be emphasized.









                                                                 65








                                                     RECOMMENDATIONS



                          Supporting Programs


                                  Incentive Programs
                   The development of specific tax and conservation incentives or an incentive package that
                   addresses a variety of ecosystem protection and conservation programs should be
                   explored fully. Land owners and developers would be encouraged to conserve resources
                   if there were economic incentives to support the land use policies and regulations.
                   Opportunities for protection legislation should also include similar legislative efforts to
                   require a method of funding and compensating other affected parties.

                   The following programs include local and Federal sources which could or are being
                   utilized to fund various activities or programs to improve or protect natural resources on
                   Guam.


                   Agricultural Conservation Prosuamoffers cost sharing for soil, water and forestry
                   practices of long term benefit. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service must
                   approve the practice prior to funding, applications should be made to USDA Farm Service
                   Agency. The Farm Service Agency will pay up to 65% of the cost of soil, water and
                   forestry conservation practices to a $3500 annual maximum.

                   Clean Water Act Nonpoint (319(h)) Source Grants are available from the Guam
                   Environmental Protection Agency for nonpoint source management projects. Grants are
                   awarded for projects that demonstrate new, innovative, or fundamentally different best
                   management practices (BMPs) or other approaches to address nonpoint sources of
                   pollution. Funds for educational activities and cost sharing for farmers and ranchers may
                   also be provided.

                   Conservation Easements is provided for in Public Law 12-25, the Guam Land
                   Conservation Act. In most cases conservation easements are proposed as a form of
                   mitigation for environmental and natural resource impacts that occur as a result of
                   development. The dedication of a Conservation Easement in many ways provides a legal
                   and binding commitment to conserve land resources in exchange for otherwise undesirable
                   environmental impacts.

                   Conservation Reserve Program is available for cost sharing for creating or improving
                   permanent wildlife habitat, shallow water areas for wildlife, vegetative filter strips, or any
                   other practice that benefits fish and wildlife. The US Fish and Wildlife Service can
                   provide up to half the cost of practices which may result in little or no cash outlay for
                   cooperators. The landowner match for the cost share can be provided in labor, materials
                   or cash.


                   Guam Bureau of Planningoperates the Guam Coastal Management Program which has
                   section 6217 funding for nonpoint source pollution control projects.



                                                               66








                                                       RECONMENDATIONS



                    Guam Department of Agriculture has a revolving fund program for small loans to farmers
                    and fisherman in support of these enterprises. The Division of Aquatic and Wildlife
                    Resources advises on habitat and wetlands issues and species.

                    Guam Economic and Development Agencyhas a agricultural loan package available to
                    land owners for development and support of agricultural projects.

                    Forest Stewardship Incentive Program is available from Guam Department of Agriculture,
                    Division of Forestry and Soil Resources to private landowners with no more than 1000
                    acres of land with existing tree cover, or land suitable for growing such vegetation. Land
                    owners must have an approved Forest Stewardship Plan. Ten practices have been
                    approved for cost-sharing, including soil and water protection and improvement, riparian
                    and wetland protection and improvement, fisheries and wildlife habitat enhancement, and
                    rare, threatened and endangered species protection.

                    Property tax incentives may prove to be a viable method for relief from strict legal
                    requirements which limit land uses in wetlands, and a valuable method for promoting
                    conservation of riparian buffer areas. Special conditions must be incorporated in order to
                    receive tax credits (reductions) that are only available if wetlands and other sensitive areas
                    remain undisturbed and loss of credit if these areas are proposed to be damaged,
                    permitted, or otherwise. In addition, the federal tax code allows for tax deductions when
                    gifts of conservation lands are made to either private conservation groups or government
                    agencies in the form of conservation easements or wildlife preserves (US EPA 1992).

                    Soil and Water Loans are available to qualified applicants who are unable to obtain
                    sufficient credit elsewhere from USDA Farm Service Agency, at reasonable rates and
                    terms. Loans and technical management assistance is available to farmers and ranchers for
                    developing and conserving their land and water resources. Fund uses can include
                    establishing approved forestry practices and building erosion control structures.

                    Watershed Loans are available to local watershed organizations from the USDA Rural
                    Economic and Community Development agency in connection with the Natural Resources
                    Conservation Service approval. The purpose of the loans are to carry out plans to protect,
                    develop and utilize the land and water resources in small watersheds. Loans and advances
                    are made only to finance the local share of costs of improvements in watershed projects
                    approved under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act or in connection with
                    the I I watershed improvement programs authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944.

                    Wetland Mitiization Bankinizinvolves the setting aside of wetland and upland areas for
                    enhancement   mitigation and resource protection in exchange for permitted impacts at
                    other sites. The banking requires several key components; availability of land for
                    conservation in perpetuity, an established exchange rate and mechanism (rules), and
                    government assistance in the banking system. Resource managers find that banking offers
                    benefits where substantial commitments are made in a protected environment to restore,



                                                                 67








                                                    RECOMNMNDATIONS



                 enhance and provide for wildlife habitat. Large landowners in the Ugum Watershed might
                 be interested in banking wetlands for profit and tax incentives.

                 Wetlands Reserve Proszram is a Natural Resources Conservation Service program for the
                 purchase of easements from land owners with eligible agricultural land who voluntarily
                 agree to restore and protect the wetlands. The protection functions include improvement
                 of wildlife habitat, protection and improvement of water quality, and environmental
                 education.



                 Existing incentive programs and regulatory controls provide the supporting framework for
                 the protection of the natural resources in the Ugum Watershed, however the availability of
                 programs and effectiveness of regulation maybe limited. The legal mechanisms are in
                 place, but an enforcement and regulatory approach to management will not necessarily
                 ensure proper planning and consideration for the natural resources and the ecosystems,
                 instead public education and awareness, as well as planning assistance must be provided.

                 Best Management Practices that address project and site specific construction and
                 operation environmental protection during development will directly and indirectly result
                 in resource protection and reduced impacts. The management situation supported here is
                 that when modifications are proposed, resource agencies are involved in the guidance and
                 planning process, whereby the final outcome justifies minimal modification as the only
                 practical alternative for sound development.



























                                                             68








                                          CONSULTATION AND PU13LIC PARTICIPATION




                   IX. CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION


                   The purpose of this section is to document the opportunities provided for public
                   participation throughout the process of the preparation of the management plan. During
                   the process of the preparation of the Ugum Water Resource Assessment numerous local
                   and federal experts and references were consulted, as well as land owners and farmers in
                   the watershed. The State Historic Preservation Officer was consulted regarding cultural
                   resources in the watershed, maps were generated but not included for the protection of
                   these resources. The Guam Division of Aquatics and Wildlife was consulted regarding
                   the threatened and endangered species in the watershed, a listing of potential species is
                   provided in the Resource Assessment. The general public was informed and consulted in
                   the two public meeting and numerous informational articles and displays about the
                   project.

                   On the 17th of March 1994, the first public meeting was held at the Inarajan Community
                   Center, with 21 people in attendance from both the public and private sector. The
                   purpose was to introduce the project and determine public concerns in the watershed. A
                   second public meeting was held on August 18th, 1994 at the Talofofo Elementary
                   School, to report technical information and prioritize the public concerns (see Appendix
                   B). A total of 13 participants attended the second meeting. The concerns and planning
                   objectives were identified from returned scoping response sheets and the first public
                   meeting. The list of concerns were prioritized with the "nominal group method" in the
                   second public meeting, and placed in order of importance with seven major concerns for
                   the areas resources defined (see Appendix A). Public notification of both meetings was
                   made in the local newspaper, the Pacific Daily News (PDN), and all land owners were
                   notified by written letter.

                   An Ugum Watershed Steering Committee has been formed among all sponsors and meets
                   regularly to discuss project progress and to direct the decision making process. The
                   Steering Committee is made up of the Southern Guam Soil and Water Conservation
                   District, Guam Environmental Protection Agency, the Guam Bureau of Planning, Coastal
                   Management Program and the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural
                   Resources Conservation Service. The Steering Committee is expanding to include other
                   interested agencies and individuals as the project grows.

                   The Ecosystem Based Assistance Team was formed among technical staff from the
                   USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in the Pacific Basin, USDA
                   NRCS in Hawaii, Guam Environmental Protection Agency and the University Of Guam.
                   This team provided the technical background information used as a bases of the
                   management plan. The team was selected for the broad experience and expertise each
                   member could bring to this project.





                                                                69




   I                             CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
   I           This section will provide a summary and responses to significant written comments on
               this management plan
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   1                                               70








                                                               LIST OF PREPARES




                     LIST OF PREPARERS



                     Name                     Present Position         Education               Previous Positions       Other
                                              (years)                  Degree-Subject          (years)                  Qualifications

                     Dr. John W.              UOG - Associate          BS-Biology              Sea Grant/National
                     Brown                    Professor Ag.            PhD-Economics           Marine Fishery (3)
                                              Economics (6)

                     Jay B. Cobb              NRCS - Guam              BS-Ag. Eng.             Ag. Eng. (6)             PE-Civil Eng.
                                              Conservation             MS-Civil Eng.           Civil Eng, (3)           WY, GU
                                              Engineer (3)

                     Robin A. DeMeo           NRCS - Guam              BS-Tropical Ag.         Nur. Manager (4)
                                              Watershed Planner                                PC (2)
                                              (2)

                     Randel L. Sablan         GEPA -                   BS-Forestry                                      Wetland Delin.,
                                              Planner (5)                                                               EIA

                     Z. Reed Sims             NRCS - Guam              BA-Aquatic              Fish & Wildlife
                                              Soil Scientist (9)       Biology                 Biologist (1)
                                                                       BS-Fish &
                                                                       Wildlife Mgmt.
                                                                       MS-Soil Science


                     Robert W.                NRCS - Guam              BS-Natural              Silviculturist (16)      Regis. Prof
                     Wescom                   Forester (5)             Resources Mgmt.                                  Forester,
                                                                       MS-Natural                                       Cert.
                                                                       Resources -                                      Silviculturist
                                                                       Forestry

                     Robin White              NRCS - Hawaii            BS-Geology              Planning Geologist       RG - NC
                                              Planning Geologist       MS-Geoscience           (7)
                                              (3)                                              Physl Sci Tech (1)
                                                                                               Geophysical
                                                                                               Tech/Supvr/Mgr(4)













                                                                         71








                                                     REFERENCES




                 REFERENCES


                 DeMeo, R. A., Z. R. Sims, R. W. Wescom, and R. White. 1995. Resource Assessment
                 Ugum Watershed, Guam. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pacific Basin.
                 66 pp.

                 Department of Labor. Various. Current Employment Report. Tamuning, Guam.

                 Dye, T. S., S. T. Price and J. L. Craib. 1978. Archaeological and Historical
                 Reconnaissance Survey of the Ugum River Valley, Guam, Marianna Islands. U.S. Army
                 Engineer District, Pacific Ocean, Honolulu, Hawaii.

                 Flores, W. B. and Associates. 1993. 1 Tano'-Ta, The Land Use Plan for Guam. The
                 Territorial Planning Council, Guam. 152 pp.

                 Flores, W. 13. and Barrett. 1993. Guam Surface Water Development Study. Public
                 Utility Agency of Guam, Government of Guam.

                 Fosberg, F. R. 1960. The Vegetation of Micronesia. I. General descriptions, the
                 vegetation of the Marianas Islands and a detailed consideration of the vegetation of
                 Guam. American Museum of Natural History, Bulletin 64 (1): 1-76.

                 GNP and Associates. 1989. Environmental Impact Assessment for the Ugum River
                 Water Supply Development Project, PUAG Project No. W88-055-LOC, Government of
                 Guam.


                 GNP and Associates. 1989. MalqJlqJ. Inarajan Water Supply Development, PUAG
                 Project No, W88-005-LOC. Government of Guam.

                 Guam Business News. 1994. Business Almanac of Guam and the Northern Marianas.
                 Agana, Guam.

                 Guard, C. P. and M. A. Lander. 1993. The Assault on Guam by Typhoon Omar, Brian,
                 Elsie, Hunt and Gay: Characteristics and Forecast Challenges. 20th Conference of
                 Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology. Am. Meteorology Society.

                 Mink, J. F. 1976. Groundwater Resources of Guam: Occurrence and Development.
                 Technical Report No. 1, Water and Energy Research Institute of University of Guam.

                 Raulerson, L., M. Chernin, and P. Moore. 1978. Biological Study of the Potential
                 Ugum Dam Site, Guam. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pacific Ocean Division, Fort
                 Shafter, Hawaii. G9-10.405.

                 Richmond, Robert H. 1993. Coral Reefs: Present Problems and Future Concerns
                 Resulting from Anthropogenic Disturbance. American Zoological Journal. 33: 524-536.

                 Rogers, Caroline S. 1990. Responses of Coral Reefs and Reef Organisms to
                 Sedimentation. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 62: 185-202.




                                                          72








                                                     REFERENCES



                 Sanchez, P.A. 1976. Properties and Management of Soils in the Tropics. John Wiley
                 and Sons, New York.

                 Smith, Barry. 1994.  Personal Communications. Marine Lab, University Of Guam,
                 Guam.

                 Tracey, J. 1. Jr., S. 0. Schlanger, J. T. Stark, D. B. Doan, and H. G. May. 1964.
                 General Geology of Guam. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper No. 403-
                 A: 1, 104.

                 U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. 19.85. Potential Water Resources Development Guam.
                 Agana, Guam.

                 Ward, P.E., Hoffard, S.H., and Davis, D.A. 1965. Hydrology of Guam, Geological
                 Survey Professional Paper 403-H, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington. 28 pp.

                 Wenger, Karl F. 1984. Forestry Handbook. Section B, Forest Wildlife and Fish
                 Management. Second Edition. pub. John Wiley and Sons Inc. , New York. 1318 p.

                 Wiles, G. 1994. Check List of Terrestrial Vertebrates and Selected Terrestrial
                 Invertebrates of Guam. Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources, Department of
                 Agriculture, Guam. (Personal Communications).

                 Wischmeier, W. H., and D. D. Smith. 1965. Predicting rainfall-erosion losses from
                 cropland east of the Rocky Mountains. Agric. Handbook No. 282, USDA. U.S.
                 Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

                 Young, F. J. 1988. Soil Survey of Territory of Guam. Soil Conservation Service, U.S.
                 Department of Agriculture. 166 pp.
























                                                          73








                                                                APPENDIX - A



                     UGUM WATERSHED PROJECT
                     LIST OF PUBLIC CONCERNS


                     Prioritized at the second public meeting on August 18, 1994, held at the Talof6fo Elementary School.
                     Listed in order of rating, highest concern to lowest.



                     1.       What activities in the watershed can have an adverse affect on drinking water quality? 34/7

                     2.       What are the potential effects of using pesticides and fertilizers on environmental quality? 34/6

                     3.       How can the water resources within the Ugum Watershed Project be protected? 22/4

                     4.       How can agriculture remain an economically viable activity within the Ugum. watershed? 21/4

                     5.       What activities in the watershed can have an adverse affect on marine life and reefs? 18/5


                     6.       What are the potential adverse effects of rapid development within the Ugurn watershed to
                              agricultural use. 17/5

                     7.       What are the potential effects of the development of hotels, golf courses, and condominiums in
                              the Ugurn watershed? 16/4

                     8.       How can the potential land use conflicts within the Ugurn watershed be resolved? 15/4

                     9.       What are the infi-astructure development needs (roads, water, sewer, electrical, etc.) within the
                              Ugum watershed? 14/4

                     10.      Who has the water rights within the Ugum Watershed Project? 14/4

                     11.      How can water pressure for domestic and agricultural use be maintained at acceptable levels?
                              14/3


                     12.      How will the Ugum. Watershed Project affect security of the water intake site at the Uguin
                              PUAG site? 14/2


                     13.      How can access to public lands within the Ugum watershed be enhanced? 10/2

                     14.      How can coordination amongst government agencies be enhanced by the Ugum Watershed
                              Project? 9/3

                     15.      How can the adverse impacts of off-road vehicle use be minimized? 8/2

                     16.      What commercial activities are suitable within the Ugum. Watershed Project? 8/2

                     17.      What activities in the watershed can result in soil erosion? 8/2


                     18.      What is the potential for capturing excess water in the Ugum Watershed? 6/3

                     19.      How can island beautification program be extended to the Uguin watershed? 5/2

                     20.      What are the adverse effects of road building and grading within the Ugum watershed? 5/2








                                                                  APPENDIX - A



                      21.     What special land use regulations are needed to protect the resource values of the Ugum
                              watershed? 4/1


                      22.     How can access to isolated parcels of private land be enhanced? 4/1

                      23.     How does the Ugum Watershed Project relate to coastal water use planning? 4/1

                      24.     What is the risk of Giardia being introduced to the drinking water derived from the Ugum
                              watershed as a result of cattle grazing? 1/1

                      25.     How can water for agriculture use be made available with minimum restrictions? 1/1

                      26.     What factors in the watershed could lead to flooding? 1/1

                      The following public concerns were listed and voted for at previous public meetings or surveys, however
                      did not receive any votes at this meeting.

                              How can illegal fishing and hunting be controlled within the watershed?

                              What activities in the watershed can have an adverse affect on recreation water quality?

                              How can the development activity and housing plan in the Dandan area be monitored under the
                              Ugurn Watershed Project?

                              How can road maintenance (grading) be completed with minimum EPA restrictions?








                                       APPENDIX - B



                                UGUM WATERSHED PROJECT


                                PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES


                              TALOFOFO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


                               AUGUST 18, 1994    7:00PM




               I. Mayor Vicente S. Taitague of Talofofo opened the
                  meeting and welcomed the participants.

              II. Benny P. San Nicolas, Chairman of the Southern Guam
                  Soil and Water Conservation District introduced all the
                  speakers and reviewed the meetings agenda.

             III. Robin DeMeo, the Ugum. Watershed Project Coordinator
                  from the Pacific Basin office of the Soil Conservation
                  Service spoke about the overall objective of the Ugum,
                  Watershed Project. The objective is to address non-
                  point source pollution as a means to maintain quality
                  drinking water and conservation of the natural
                  resources in the area. An explanation of the
                  responsibility of each participating agency was
                  given, GEPA is providing financial support for Phase I,
                  the Resource Assessment, the Coastal Management Program
                  is providing partial funding for Phase II, the
                  Management Plan, and the Soil Conservation Service is
                  providing the technical expertise. Robin explained the
                  purpose of the project is to preserve the valuable
                  resources of the area through implementation of
                  conservation practices for control of the nonpoint
                  source pollution in the Ugum. Watershed. The location
                  of the Ugum Watershed is just south of the Talofofo
                  Watershed, and includes both the Ugum River and the
                  Bubulao Rivers and their tributaries, and stretches
                  from the top of Mount Bolanos to the mouth of the Ugum
                  River where it meets the Talofofo River. The Ugum
                  Watershed is approximately 7.3 square miles or 4694
                  acres, with 23 miles of rivers and streams. The land
                  ownership within the Ugum is about 1/3 government and
                  the remainder is privately owned. The Resource
                  Assessment, or Phase I of the Ugum, Project is half
                  completed, the ground surveys for determining the
                  present state of the natural resources are finished.
                  'We are examining the general areas of; geology, soils,
                  water quality and quantity, erosion and sedimentation,
                  vegetation types, and wildlife, as well as present and
                  past landuse.








                                       APPENDIX - B



                  The slides gave an overview of the watershed, potential
                  problem areas, and solutions. Robin discussed the
                  different vegetation types present in the watershed.
                  The potential problem areas discussed were the
                  badlands, road cuts and fire damage that showed signs
                  of erosion and may contribute to the sediment load and
                  water pollution. Robin suggested possibilities to
                  control the erosion such as reforestation.


                  Questions were entertained from the participants.
                  Rogue Aguon, of the PDN, a participant from the
                  Talofofo area, discussed his experiences of seeing
                  severe soil erosion that occurs within the Ugum, area.

             III. Colleen Simpson, the Plant Material Specialist with the
                  USDA Soil Conservation Service, explained some of the
                  techniques with plant materials that may be used as
                  solutions to control the soil erosion problem. Colleen
                  explained the wattling techniques and the type of
                  plant material that is used for wattling with the
                  visual aid of the slide show. Then Colleen got into
                  details on the actual installation of wattles with a
                  live size wattle bundle to show the participants.

                  Questions regarding the funding of the labor to install
                  the wattles were asked. Bob Wescom explained a little
                  more on the sites and steps that the plant material
                  would be concentrated on.


              IV. Mark Stacey, the Nonpoint Source Specialist with the
                  Guam Coastal Management Program, explained nonpoint
                  source pollution. The possibility of creating
                  regulations that would minimize the contribution of
                  nonpoint source pollution was discussed. Mark
                  explained the importance of vegetating the area. Some
                  of the pollution is endangering health and life, and
                  that soil is itself a pollutant in fresh water and
                  ocean water. He also touched on the lack of septic
                  tank testing and the danger to ground water purity.

               V. Terryl Kocsis, the GIS Specialist with the USDA Soil
                  Conservation Service, explained the functions of the
                  GIS Program using projectional pictures. She explained
                  the data that is needed for the GIS Program. Terryl
                  explained the process and methods of using GIS. She
                  also mention how and what type of data GIS could
                  analyze. Terryl presented computer generated maps that
                  were done with GIS system. The maps showed the types
                  of soils, vegetation and so forth that will be used for
                  this project.








                                      APPENDIX - B



              VI. Robert Wescom, Agroforester and Facilitator with the
                  Pacific Basin Area USDA Soil Conservation Service,
                  discussed his participation with the Ugum. Watershed
                  Project, and the Nominal Group Process of prioritizing
                  the public concerns. He posted and explained 29 public
                  concerns generated from the previous public meeting and
                  a survey dealing with the Ugum. Watershed that were
                  generated over the last 9 months period. Bob then
                  asked the participants to select the highest 7 of the
                  29 concerns which they hold as priority and to order
                  them from highest to lowest concern. After the
                  participants were done posting their priority concerns,
                  Bob reviewed the total votes and prioritized the
                  concerns by majority.

                  The meeting was closed with a few words from Benny San
                  Nicolas and Robin DeMeo.








                                                    APPENDIX - C REGULATORY FRAMEWORK




                        Regulatory Framework



                        The following is a summary of the Guam and Federal laws relevant to comprehensive planning and
                        environmental protection. This is not an inclusive list, but provides the structural foundation and
                        framework from which watershed protection and conservation activities function.


                        Bureau of Planning, Public Law 12-200 as amended by P.L. 20-147
                        Created the Bureau of Planning as a staff agency of the office of the Governor and is responsible for
                        developing plans, coordinating planning activities, and providing recommendations to the Governor.


                        Coastal Zone Management Act, U.S. Public Law 92-583, as amended by P.L. 94-370
                        The Guam Coastal Management Program (GCM1P) carries out mandates and programs of its federal
                        counterpart through Federal Consistency reviews, activities requiring federal permits and assistance.
                        Much of the program is focused on coastal planning and protection through the programs, and enforceable
                        development and resource policies.


                        Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly referred to as Clean Water Act), U.S. Public Law 92-500
                        as amended through 1992
                        The objective of this Act is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the
                        Nation's waters. Established broad and comprehensive rules, regulations, and authority for the protection,
                        maintenance, and improvement of water quality for all waters of the United States and specifics actions
                        (investigation, research, comprehensive programs, grants, etc.) necessary to address past, current and
                        future water pollution prevention efforts by Federal and state government.

                        Guam Code Annotated Title 10, Chapter 45 Guam Environmental Protection Agency Act (P.L. 11-191)
                        Establishes the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, the purpose of which is to provide a united,
                        integrated, and comprehensive program of environmental protection of land, water, and air resources for
                        public health, safety and welfare of our island.

                        Guam Code Annotated Title 10, Chapter 46 Water Resources Conservation Act Requires the conservation
                        and beneficial use of all surface and underground water resources, management of such resources to
                        prevent over pumping, and the maintenance, operation modification, abandonment, destruction, and
                        contamination of water wells (resources) as a result of extraction and establishment of all water resources
                        as property of the people of Guam.


                        Guam Code Annotated Title 10, Chapter 47 Water Pollution Control Act
                        Requires that the government of Guam conserve, protect, maintain, and improve the quality and potability
                        of public water supplies for the propagation of wildlife, fish and aquatic life, and for agriculturaL
                        industrial, recreational and other beneficial uses through the prevention, abatement and control of new or
                        existing water pollution sources.

                        Guam Code Annotated Title 10, Chapter 53 Guam Safe Drinking Water Act Requires the protection of
                        drinking water for public consumption in order to protect human health and safety to the greatest degree
                        practical.


                        Guam Executive Order 90-13 Protection of Wetlands
                        Declares that the official, interim wetland map for Guam shall be the National wetlands Inventory map,
                        US Fish and Wildlife Service, and that all government agencies shall utilizes the map in review of








                                                    APPENDIX - C REGULATORY FRAMEWORK



                        physical development projects. The appropriate government agencies, including the Guam
                        Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Planning complete a study of
                        wetlands, prepare public information, draft necessary legislation, rules and regulations or executive order
                        for protection of wetland resources, including water quality and wildlife habitat.


                        Public Law 20-147 Process for Comprehensive Development Planning in Guam
                                 Section I R/R GC, Chapter 11, Title LXV, Comprehensive Planning
                                 Section 2 R/R GC Section 13200, Chapter III, Title XIV, Territorial Land Use Commission
                                 Section 3 R/R GC, Chapter 1, Title XLV, Section 48002(a), Territorial Land Use Commission
                        Requires the government of Guam, through existing and newly established planning authorities, to
                        develop comprehensive land use plan(s) for the Territory of Guam and for the implementation,
                        administration, and enforcement of such plans.


                        Subdivision Law, Public Law 6-134 (21 GCA, Chawer 62)
                        Establishes certain minimum regulations and standards to control and regulate the development and / or
                        subdivision of any land for any purpose whatsoever.


                        Territorial Seashore Protection Act, Public Law 12-108, 1974
                        Declared that the Territorial Seashore Reserve is a distinct and valuable natural resource existing as a
                        delicately balanced ecosystem; that the permanent protection of natural, scenic, and historical resources of
                        the reserve is paramount. To this end the Act specifies that four (4) primary things must be accomplished:
                        (1) study the seashore reserve to determine ecological planning principals to ensure conservation, (2)
                        prepare a comprehensive and enforceable plan based on the study for long-range conservation,
                        management, and development of the reserve, (3) to ensure interim development will be consistent with
                        this law, (4) that the board of Directors, Territorial Seashore Protection Commission is mandated to
                        implement the provisions of the law.


                        Zoning Law of the Territory of Guam, Public Law 1-88, 1952 (21 GCA, Chapter 61)
                        Establishes certain minimum regulations for the protection of public safety, health and welfare whereby
                        such regulations encourage the most appropriate use of land, open space, air, light and prevent undue
                        concentration of population, and ensure adequate provisions for community services such as water,
                        schools parks and other public requirements.








                                                     APPENDICES - D




                  TECHNICAL REPORTS


                  The following technical reports have been provided by the Ecosystem Based Assistance
                  Team, the interagency interdisciplinary group of specialists. The Ecosystem Based
                  Assistance Team included seven members; from NRCS Pacific Basin, Reed Sims
                  (soils/geology/wildlife), Jay Cobb (engineering), Robert Wescom
                  (forestry/vegetation/wildlife), and Robin DeMeo (planning/coordinator/writing); from
                  Hawaii NRCS Robin White (hydrology); from GEPA Randy Sablan (wetlands); and Dr.
                  John Brown (economics) with the University of Guam.

                  The reports are provided here for completeness, and to enable the process of finalizing
                  this document. It is hoped that the detailed background information in these reports will
                  assist in the process of editing and coming to consensus on the content and context of this
                  document. The final draft of the Uguin Watershed Management Plan will include these
                  technical reports depending on the comments in the technical review.















                                                ECONOMICS BACKGROUND TECHNICAL REPORT


                                                                         FOR THE


                                                 UGAM RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN




                                                                         June 2, 1995







                                                                        Prepared by:
                                                                    John W. Brown, PhD
                                                       Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics
                                                               Agriculture Experiment Station
                                                                     University of Guam
                                                                   Mangilao, Guam 96923





                                                                        Prepared for:
                                                          Natural Resources Conservation Service
                                                               US Department of Agriculture
                                                                    Agana, Guam 96910












                   1.0 Introduction:


                   Guam is an island in the Western Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 6, 100 kilometers west-southwest of Honolulu
                   and 2,500 kilometers south-southeast of Tokyo. It has a population of 133,152 (US Bureau of the Census, 1990)
                   living on a land mass of 549 square kilometers (NRCS, 1995).

                   The island is totally dependent on its own resources for fresh water as the distance to continental water sources
                   precludes the economic importation of water. Generally, this is not a problem as the island receives an average
                   of 2,486 nun of rain per year (NOAA, 1992). Fresh water is stored in a limestone based aquifer under the
                   Northern half of the island and in the soils of the southern half of the island where it flows to the ocean as surface
                   water. The only surface water impoundment is the Fena. Valley Reservoir. The reservoir is located on the Maagas
                   River which is a tributary of the Talofofo River.

                   The Northern water lens is the primary source of fresh water for the island. Its water is of very high quality, and
                   the water is pumped directly into the distribution system needing only chlorination and fluoridation to render it
                   suitable for public consumption. The ability to distribute water from the northern water lens without processing it,
                   provides a very cheap water source for the island. Costs of the water are primarily associated with drilling the
                   wells, pumping the water and building and maintaining the distribution system. Thus, the northern water lens has
                   become the primary source of water for the northern and central population centers of the island.
                   There are two other primary, utilized alternative sources of fresh water on the island. The first alternative source
                   is the Fena Valley Reservoir which supplies the west coast areas of Agat, Santa Rita and the Apra Harbor Naval
                   Reservation. The second alternative source is the Ugam River which supplies the east and southern coastal
                   regions from 1pan, Talofofo to Umatac.

                   The three sources of water, the northern water lens, the Fena Reservoir and the Ugam River define what are
                   basically three separate water distribution systems. The systems are at best weakly connected and the current
                   ability to transfer water from one system to another is greatly limited (Pers. comm., T. Johnson, PUAG).

                   There is no impoundment of the Ugain River, and its dry season flow is maintained by the limited rains during this
                   period and by the natural water storage ability of the watershed. (Generally, the dry season is defined to be
                   February to April with November to January and May to June being considered transition periods from and to the
                   rainy season of August to October (see Figure 1)). During drought years, strearriflow in the Ugain River has
                   historically reached a minimum during the months of May through July (see Figure 2).

                   The Guam water authority, Public Utilities Agency of Guam (PUAG), has built a water treatment plant on the
                   Ugam River. This plant was sized to produce a maximum of 4 million gallons per day (MGD) of water from the
                      er. One condition of PUAG's permit for the Ugam River plant is the maintenance of a minimum streamflow of
                   2 cubic feet per second (CFS) (Pers. comm., T. Johnson, PUAG). PUAG's ability to extract water during drought
                   riv


                   years from the river will eventually be limited by its requirement to maintain the minimum strearnflow.

                   2.0 Purpose:

                   'Me purpose of this report is to provide economic background to a proposed management plan for the Ugam River
                   Watershed. 'Me management plan is to be written by the staff of the Natural Resources Conservation Service of
                   the US Department of Agriculture under sponsorship of the Southern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District,
                   the Guam Environmental Protection Agency and the Guam Bureau of Planning, Coastal Management Program.

                   3.0 Guam's Economy, Population and Water:

                   This sections first reviews the development of Guam's economy and the rate of population growth on the island.
                   It then uses these to examine the current water situation and to forecast the current water situation into the future.


                   3.1 Guam's Economy:










                  Prior to the Second World War, Guam primarily had an agricultural based economy. There was a small military
                  presence and a colonial government. In the nineteen thirties, Guam became a stop     on the Pan American seaplane
                  route to Asia. Most of the cash entering the economy came from he payrolls of the military and the colonial
                  government and from exports of copra (Thompson, 1947).
                  The Japanese invasion in December 1941 brought an abrupt end to this period. From December 1941 to July
                  1944, the Island was under Japanese control. The US liberated the Island in July 1944 and used it as a staging
                  base for the anticipated invasion of the Japanese mainland. The buildup for the planned invasion of the Japanese
                  mainland resulted in two immediate actions effecting Guam. The first was the stationing of over 200,000 Allied
                  troops on the island. The second was the appropriation of large areas of land on the island on which to base the
                  troops and their equipment. With the dramatic increase in military activity, there was a drastic increase in the
                  demand for local civilian labor. Almost any person who wanted a wage paying job on island could obtain
                  employment. Concurrently, the loss of large areas of private land to the US military meant that for many farming
                  was no longer a viable option. Thus, much of the local labor pool left the farms and entered the local wage
                  economy.


                  After the end of the Second World War, Guam's strategic location meant that it continued to be an important
                  outpost for the United States military. The colonial Naval Government continued, and the military continued to
                  be the primary source of income for the island's economy (see Figure 3) along with US government aid.
                  Government employment, both Federal and Territorial was the primary source of civilian employment. The
                  creation of the civilian Government on Guam in 1950 as a result of the passage of the Organic Act added
                  additional civilian employment to the economy.

                  In 1962, President Kennedy ended the military's control of civilian travel to and from the island. Tourism became
                  a possibility, it and started to develop a few years latter (see Figure 4). Currently, Guam's economy is driven by
                  tourism and it is the most important source of the island's outside income. The US military is the second most
                  important source of outside income and it is a major source of employment. Non-military Federal expenditure also
                  provides significant amounts of off-island income.

                  Investment from off-island is another important source of off-island income. Construction, often driven by outside
                  investors is a highly variable component it tends be the most cyclical component of the economy (see Figure 5).
                  Transportation and shipping are contribute to off-island income.


                  In December 1994, total island employment was 66,460. The private sector employed 46, 100 persons or 69.4
                  percent of the filled jobs on-island. Government employed 20,360 persons or 30.6 percent of the filled jobs on-
                  island. The breakdown of the public sector employment was: 6,930 persons in Federal Government employment
                  and 13,430 persons in Territorial Government employment. The Government of Guam is by far the largest single
                  employer on the island (Department of Labor, 1995).

                  Private sector employment was divided into eight categories. The largest private sector category is retail trade. It
                  employed 12,930 persons or 19.4 percent of the island's payroll. The second largest category was services with
                  an employment of 12,380 or 18.6 percent of the island's payroll. The service sector was dominated by hotel
                  employment. The sixth largest category was wholesale trade. It employed 2,060 persons or 3.1 percent.
                  Government, services, retail and wholesale trade together accounted for 71.8 percent of the island's payroll. Thus,
                  the importance of government, including the military, tourism and trade are clearly evident.

                  The third largest category in the private sector was construction. In December, 1994, it provided employment for
                  8,820 persons or 13.3 percent of the jobs on-island. Construction is the most cyclical component of Guam's
                  economy. Employment in the construction industry peaked in 1991 at 12,060 persons. At that time, it accounted
                  for 18.2 percent of the island's employment. Many of the construction workers on Guam are H-2, temporary
                  workers from Asia, but the economic activity generated by off-island investment and its associated construction
                  activities plus military construction projects has strong influences on the overall boom and bust cycles on Guam.









                  The fourth largest category was transportation and public utilities with 4,980 jobs or 7.5 percent of payroll. This
                  reflect Guam's active tourism trade and its role as a regional transportation center. The fifth largest category of
                  private sector employment was finance, insurance and real estate with 2-,760 persons employed or 4.1 percent of
                  payroll. Manufacturing, primarily food preparation and printing, employed 1,910 persons or 2.9 percent of the
                  island's payroll. Finally, the smallest component of the private sector was Agriculture. It employed 260 persons
                  or about 0.4 percent of the island's jobs (Department of Labor, 1995).


                  3.2 Guam's Population Growth:

                  Guam's population in 1990 was 133,152. The annual rate of growth over the last census interval (1980 to 1990)
                  was 2.27 percent. This was up from a growth rate of 2.2 percent during the 1970 to 1980 census interval (Guam
                  Business News, 1994).

                  If this trend rate of 2.27 percent per year is projected, the 1995 population is 145,660, and the population will
                  reach 166,700 in the year 2000. The estimated population in 2015, the end of the projections for this report would
                  be 233,400. These estimates are for the resident population of the island and do not include the transient, tourist
                  population, on the island at any given time.

                  3.3 Guam's Water Situation:


                  The vast majority of the island's population lives in the northern two-thirds of the island in the area serviced with
                  water from the Northern Water Lens. The current estimate of the sustainable yield (from the Northern Guam Lens
                  Study of 1982) of the Northern Water Lens is approximately 60 MGD . Because of the topology of the Northern
                  Guam Water Lens, the wells must be spread in their geographical distribution, and it is impossible to fully utilize
                  the full potential of the lens without a complete geographical distribution of the wells.

                  A large part of the Northern Water Lens lies under Anderson Air Force Base. In order to access the 17 MGD of
                  the lens potential that lies under the base, PUAG would require the Air Force's permission to drill on its property.
                  PUAG currently does not have this permission. There is currently an agreement between the Air Force and PUAG
                  for PUAG to purchase water from the Air Force at a minimum rate of 250 gallons per minute (0.36 MGD). Thus,
                  the actual quantity of water that PUAG currently has access to from the lens is 43 MGD, plus its purchases from
                  the US Air Force..


                  Table 1. shows the total island-wide supply of water for Guam in 1989. A rough update of this table for 1995
                  would be and increase in PUAG's supply from drilled deep wells by approximately 2 MGD per year for the six
                  years between 1989 and 1995. Plus, PUAG is currently obtaining about 2.1 MGD from the Ugarn River diversion.
                  Thus, PUAG's supply in 1995 is roughly 24 MGD from wells, 7 MGD purchased from the Navy, 2.2 MGD from
                  surface water, I MGD from springs and
                  13 MGD purchased from the Air Force or roughly 36 MGD total.










                    Table 1.           Water supplies on Guam in 1989



                                                          Wells              Springs Surface Total

                    PUAG                        18.33              0.71               0.07               19.11


                    US Air Force                5.19               ---                ----               5.19


                    US Navy                               0.70               1.0                12.0               13.70


                    Private                     2.82                                  ...                2.82


                    Total                                 27.54              1.71               12.07              41.32





                    Source: Water facilities master plan update. Barrett Consulting Group, 1992.



                    Table 2. Projected Average Total Water Demand in Maximum Month




                             Year               MGD                Year               MGD


                             1990               30                           2005               81


                             1993               55                           2010               88


                             2000               72                           2015               95




                    Source: Water facilities master plan update. Barrett Consulting Group, 1992, extended to 2015 by the author.

                    Total waler withdrawn from the Northern Water Lens might approximate 33 to 36 MGD in 1995. Additional
                    wells have been drilled into the lens at a rate of about 2 MGD/year in recent years. If this trend continues, PUAG
                    will be extracting roughly 34 MGD in the year 2000, and 44 MGD in the year 2005. Thus, It is an open question
                    as to the ability of the Northern Water Lens to support the water needs of the island's population centers beyond
                    the period from 2005 to 2010. Table 2 shows the most recent estimates of island-wide water demand that the
                    author was able to obtain.


                    Sometime in the interval between 2000 and 2015 (most likely between 2005 and 2010 the exact estimate of timing
                    depend on growth rates, estimates of the lens capacity and predictions of PUGA ability to reduce it the quantity of
                    water lost from its distribution system), Guam will need to develop water supplies in addition to the Northern
                    Water Lens.


                    Table 3. Estimated alternative water source development costs
                                                (1991 costs per 1,000 gallons of production)











                                                                  Interest &                 Operation                   Total
                                                                  Amortization      Maintenance &
                                                                                             Replacement

                    Deep drilled wells                            0.25                       0.24                        0.49


                    Surface water diversion              1.88                       0.40                       2.28


                    Dam and reservoir                             2.60                       0.36                        2.96



                    Source: Water facilities master plan update. Barrett Consulting Group, 1992.

                    Table 3 shows the estimates of costs for the two most likely (and least expensive)
                    additional sources water supplies for the island, surface water diversions and surface water impoundments. These
                    surface water sources only occur in the southern half of the island. The quantities of water that will be needed
                    early in the twenty-first century basically preclude the use of surface water diversions, and thus the Government of
                    Guam will be forced to build one and maybe two impoundments in the southern half of the island. The Ugain
                    River is, in the author's opinion, the most likely site for such a dam to be built. The actual location will depend
                    upon the availability of land for the site, the hydraulics of the system, the infrastructure costs and its placement in
                    PUAG's distribution system among other factors. PUAG is currently studying its options among the different
                    possible locations available (Pers. comm., S Khosrowpanah, WERI).

                    4.0 Southern Water Supplies and the Ugam River:

                    The Talofofo River system is the largest potential source of water in the southern end of Guam. It is currently
                    being utilized by both the Fena Valley Reservoir plant and Ugain River diversion water plant.

                    The Fena Valley Reservoir is being used at its dry season capacity and there has been a recent history of dry
                    season water shortages in its service area. There is a project to add capacity to the current Fena water system, but
                    this will be only a temporary measure in the long term goal of meeting the island's water needs.

                    The Ugain River Water Plant is being relied upon as the sole source of water for its distribution area, because of
                    the present design of the PUAG distribution system. It is currently the primary source of water for the 1pan area
                    of Talofofo Village, and all of Inarajan, Merizo and Umatac Villages. Also, there are short-term plans to expand
                    the distribution of Ugam. River water to include the Talofofo village center and areas along the Cross Island
                    Highway towards Agat. This is being considered to relieve dry season pressure on the Fena Valley reservoir
                    (Pers. comm.,, T. Johnson, PUAG). However, this relief is likely to be unreliable during those dry    seasons when
                    problems occur with the Fina Reservoir supply for the reasons already discussed.

                    The Ugam. River water plant was designed as an intermittent water source that was not expected to be able to
                    produce its full 4.0 MGD design capacity of water in drought years (see Figure 2). The permit for the Ugain River
                    Plant requires a minimum dry season conservation stream flow of 2.0 CFS downstream of the diversion and
                    allows for a maximum pumping of 7.0 CFS in the rainy season.

                    The historic minimum average monthly flow of the Ugam River was 3.2 CFS in May 1966 (NRCS, 1995). When
                    the conservation flow of 2.0 CITS is subtracted from this, the remaining water legally available to PUAG would be
                    1.2 CFS or approximately I MGD. Even without the conservation flow, 3.2 CFS is only 2.0 MGD.

                    In order for PUAG to average 2.0 MGD per day of water withdrawal while allowing for a 2.0 CFS conservation
                    flow over a month would require an average of 5.1 CFS of strearnflow for the month. Table 4 shows the historic
                    flows for the Ugain River as measured by a USGS gage near the present diversion dam. There are 18 years of










                   record displayed in the table. In I I months occurring in 5 different years, the measured strearnflow dropped belo,-N,
                   the 5.1 CFS required for PUAG to legally
                   utilize the Ugam River Plant at a 2.0 MGD level.

                   The Ugam River Water Plant is currently being used as a sole source instead of the being used as the intermittent
                   source that it was designed to be. This can lead to pressures upon PUAG to violate the minimum conservation
                   streamflow of 2.0 CFS at the Ugain River diversion dam in order to maintain continuous water service to the areas
                   supplied by the Ugain River Water Plant. These pressures can only increase as the area supplied by the plant are
                   expanded.

                   4.1 Water Demand in the Ugam River Plant's Current Service Area:

                   Our estimate of the current demand for the water from the Ugam River is based on the population of the four
                   villages that it serves (see Figure 6). The population of the four villages totaled 7,418 in 1990.

                   At a generous estimated household use rate of 150 gallons per person per day, the 1995 household water demand
                   four the four villages currently serviced by the Ugam River Water Plant would be approximately 1. 14 MGD.
                   Water demand for governmental, commercial, and agricultural and irrigation uses might increase this to
                   approximately 1.5 MGD or approximately 2.3 CFS of Ugam river flow. Total water demand in the four villages is
                   then about 200 gallons per capita per day. Assuming that 30 percent of the water pumped into the distribution
                   system is not delivered to the consumers, then approximately 2.1 MGD (3.25 CFS) will needed to be supplied by
                   the Ugam River Plant. Estimates of current production by the Ugarn River Plant is in the range of 2.1 to 2.2 MGD
                   (Pers. comm., T. Gamboa, PUAG).

                   The population of Guam has previously been estimated to be 233,400 by the year 2015. The population in the
                   four villages served by the Ugam River currently comprises about 5.6 per of the total population of the island.
                   This has been decreasing by about 0.75 percentage points every 10 years over the past 30 years. Thus, an estimate
                   of the population of the four villages in the year 2015 is 8,700.
                   The total water demand in the four villages would be approximately 1.74 MGD or approximately 2.7 CFS of river
                   flow in the year 2015. If PUAG can improve it loss rate of its distribution system, then all of the projected growth
                   in demand can by supplied from this recovered water and current river withdrawals would normally be sufficient
                   to cover future, forecast demand from the four villages.

                   In summary, once the minimum downstream conservation flow required by PUAG's permit is taken into
                   consideration, the estimated 1995 water demand of 1.5 MGD has already begun to push the limit of surplus water
                   available from the Ugam River during a drought year dry season. The Ugain diversion should not be expected to
                   be a fully reliable water source for the southern villages.

                   If the majority of water transmission losses are eliminated, then the Ugam River, normally, should be able to
                   supply the majority of the needs of its current service area through the year 2015. It is not expected that the Ugam
                   River diversion will be able to reliably supply areas other than its current service area in the future particularly
                   during drought years. In order to reliably provide water to other parts of PUAG's distribution system, the Ugam
                   River will need to be impounded. The most likely time-frame for this impoundment, if it occurs, is from 2005 to
                   2010.


                   5.0 Economic Activities Associated with the Ugam River Watershed:

                   Economic activities associated with the watershed are divided into two parts, current activities and projections
                   about future activities.


                   These activities are and will continue to be controlled by the limited access into the Ugam River Watershed.
                   Access from the north is via a dirt road off of Route 4A just north of Talofofo Village proper. This road is
                   normally passable only by 4-wheel drive vehicles. It is blocked to casual access at the Talofofo River by a private
                   landowner's gate. Access from the south is from Malojloj via the NASA Tracking Station Road and a dirt road










                   that leads to Talofofo Falls. Access from the east is via the Ugam River diversion road and access is limited by
                   first the PUAG gate and the at the Ugain River by a private land owner's gate. This is the only paved road into the
                   watershed and the only intrusion of electrical power lines into the watershed. There are no known PUAG water
                   distribution lines entering the watershed. All other access into the watershed is by jeep trails.

                   There are no permanent residencies in the watershed. Construction in the watershed has so far been limited to the
                   infrastructure required for the diversion dam and pumping station at the lowest part of the river, the road leading
                   to Talofofo Falls and a few temporary farm sheds in the Babulao district.



                   5.1 Current Activities:


                   The primary current benefit in terms of economic activities from the Ugam. River Watershed is the provision of
                   water for the four southern villages as discussed in the last section. Water is priced by PUAG in units of one
                   thousand gallons. The PUAG retail water price is $1.17 per unit. If PUAG is supplying 1.5 MGD of water from
                   the Ugain River, the retail value of this water would be at most only $640,000 per year. From Table 3, the cost of
                   water from a river diversion was $2.28 per 1,000 gallons at 1991 costs. If we value the water at what PUAG spent
                   in obtaining it, the 2.1 MGD of water that the Ugam. River Plant supplies is approximately $1.75 million at 1991
                   costs, or at 1995 costs, the operating budget alone for the Ugarn River Water Plant exceeds $2 million per year
                   (pers. comm., T. Gamboa, PUAG).

                   Tourism related activities are the second most important economic activity occurring in the Ugam River
                   Watershed. There are three known tourist related enterprises that occur at least partially in the watershed. The
                   Jungle River Cruise occurs primarily on the Talofofo River, but it enters the lower portion of the Ugam River
                   during part of the trip. This tour normally carries between 70 to 100 passengers per day. An estimate of a mean
                   number of passengers would be 80 (unnamed boat captain, pers. comm.). An estimate of the gross sales
                   associated with this activity would be 28,800 passengers per year at a retail price of $59.00 each or $1.7 million
                   per year.
                   The second most valuable tourist related activity is the jungle jeep tours operated by Safari Tours. Thejungle
                   tours occur primarily in the highlands between the Babulao River and the Saraasa River, but again a portion of the
                   tour does occur in the Ugam River Watershed. The tour averages approximately 20 passengers per day. At a
                   retail price of $55.00 per passenger, the gross receipts from the tour would be $400,000 per year (Manager, Safari
                   Tours, pers. comm.).

                   The third most valuable tourist related activity occurs entirely within the watershed. It is visiting the Talofofo
                   Waterfalls. An estimated 58 people per day or roughly 21,000 per year visit the attraction. The cost per visitor is
                   $4.00. Total admission receipts would be $84,000 per year. Additional sales might approximate $37,000 per year
                   based on an average concession expenditure of $1.75 per person.

                   The total retail value of tourist related activities occurring at least partially in the watershed would then
                   approximate $2.22 million per year.

                   Local recreational and harvesting activities in the watershed are important. Unfortunately, there is no method of
                   quantifying the economic value associated with them for this report. The harvesting of a variety of plant materials
                   would be included under the recreational activities heading. Among the items sought would be bettlenut, wild
                   yams, coconuts, breadfruit, mangos, guavas, cycads, pandanus leafs and nuts, wild anonas, hot peppers, bamboo
                   and piut. Much of the wild bettlenut harvested is sold. If an estimate of the quantities harvested could be made,
                   the retail price has recently ranged for $0.20 to $0.50 per nut.

                   Huming of both deer and wild pigs is another recreational activity in the uninhabited portions of the island.
                   Harvesting freshwater shrimp is a popular activity in the upper portions of the rivers of Guam. Often this occurs
                   in conjunction with swimming in the river. Fishing and crabing also occurs in the lower portion of the Talofofo
                   River below the confluence of the Ugam River. Two popular methods for valuing recreational hunting and
                   fishing activities are the expenditure method and the travel cost method.











                   Off-road driving of 4-wheel drive vehicles is a popular activity in the Ugain River Watershed. With many of the
                   other activities mentioned above, bettlenut gathering, hunting and shrimping, access is made into the watershed by
                   4-wheel drive vehicles. But, there is also a recreational activity of simply driving through the boonies in a jeep.
                   Most frequently this activity occurs in the dry season, however there is a ramy season component where the
                   primary purpose seems to be to test the vehicle against the mud.

                   TaIofofo Bay is the mouth of the Talof6fo River and it is where the water from the Ugam River reaches the sea.
                   This bay is the most popular surfing location on the island. It is not unusual to see nearly 40 surfers in the water
                   on a weekend afternoon during the dry season when the surf is up. A rough estimate of the average number of
                   surfers was made by the author by counting the number of surfers each day on the way home from work during
                   the latterpart of this study. On average 8-10 surfers were observed. If the true daily count is twice this and the
                   surfing season is 180 days long, then the bay is receiving approximately 3,000 visitor days from surfers. The bay
                   is occasionally used by windsurfers and jetskiers. No estimates of their numbers can be made. Very little scuba
                   diving occurs in the bay or in nearby waters because of the turbitity and the high dry season waves of the east
                   coast. Finally, the author has seldom seen any salt water fishing occurring in the bay, although this activity does
                   occur on the reef margins just north of the bay.


                   5.2 Future Activities:


                   The primary factor guiding future activities in the Ugam Watershed will be the development of access and of
                   infrastructure. Currently, access into the watershed is extremely limited as was discussed is section 5.0. This lack
                   of infrastructure provides the Government of Guam with a method of controlling and guiding the future course of
                   development in the watershed. Basically where there is access and infrastructure, development will follow.

                   This can be seen along the Ugam River diversion access road. The Government of Guam built a paved road from
                   Route 4 at Talofofo Bay to the Ugam River diversion dam site, and an electric line was installed to power the
                   pumps. A bridge was built over the diversion dam allowing access to the private lands on the other side of the
                   river. There is now residential construction occurring along this road and some of these houses will become the
                   first permanent residences in the watershed. This road may also provide the access needed to develop the lowest
                   reaches of the watershed in the area most proximate to the pumping station.

                   This is also the most attractive part of the watershed for residential development in terms of having the shortest
                   travel time to the population centers of the island. It seems reasonable to expect that this part of the watershed
                   will be the first part developed as a residential area. This area contains largest areas of relatively flat floodplains
                   in the watershed and may be particularly "ecologically sensitive" to development. Particular care should be taken
                   in reviewing plans and guidelines for prospective development in this area of the watershed. Development in this
                   area is likely to occur in the reasonably near future (within the next five years).

                   There is an approved Planned Unit Development (PUD), Dan Dan Estates and Country Club, sited on 213 hectares
                   in the Dan Dan area of Inarajan. Approximately one-third of this PUD is located in the Ugam Watershed (NRCS,
                   1995). The potential construction of this project would have two effects. The first effect is the direct impact of
                   the project upon the watershed. This would normally be well regulated as a part of the permitting process and it
                   should be reasonably well controlled. The second impact of the project is that the construction of access roads
                   and infrastructure for the project will open-up a part of the watershed to development that had been relatively
                   unaccessible. It will also provide the 4-wheel drive vehicles greater recreational access to the upper parts of the
                   watershed and in particular to the Government lands in the conservation district, The author considers it unlikely
                   that construction of this PUD will be begin in the shorl or intermediate term, but its existing approval does
                   represent a loss of control of development in the watershed.

                   Earlier, it was predicted that the Government of Guam would construct a dam and impoundment on the Ugarn
                   River. This project will most likely be accessed from the Dan Dan area of Inarajan. Construction of the dam and
                   water treatment plant will mean the construction of access roads and the installation of electric power lines into
                   the watershed. The most like timing of the initiation of the project was considered to be the intermediate term










                   (2005 - 2010). The construction of this project could decrease the cost of bringing infrastructure to the Dan Dan
                   Estates project, and thus, increase the probability of the Dan Dan Estates project being built. It will also open a
                   new area of the watershed to the construction of residential housing.

                   The third access route into the watershed is the northern route. Although this is currently the second most actively
                   used access, after Talofofo Falls, it is in many ways likely to be the last route into the watershed to be developed
                   with the infrastructure necessary for permanent residencies. The most likely near term development to occur
                   using this route is the development of agricultural subdivisions and it is unlikely that many of these small farms
                   will support residential structures. For the near and intermediate terms, the agricultural development that occurs
                   in the northem part of the watershed will likely remain "day farms" where the farmer lives elsewhere and only
                   occasionally stays ovemight on the ranch, because of the cuffent lack of infrastructure. In the long term, if the
                   Government of Guam subsidizes the installation to the necessary infrastructure, then there will be some residential
                   development in this area, but for the next 10 to 15 years, it is likely to remain a lightly used farming district.

                   Finally, as access improves into the watershed, there will be an increase in the recreational use of the area for
                   hunting, fishing and gathering activities as well as for recreational 4-wheel vehicle activities. These activities are
                   likely to spread into areas of the watershed that until now have seen very little use pressure.


                   1.0 Current and Future Management Imues in he Watershed:

                   The four southem villages are fortunate to have access to a water supply from a watershed in as pristine condition
                   as the current Ugam River Watershed. There are currently minimum human activities occurring in the watershed
                   and it is providing water of the highest possible quality.

                   The primary human activities affecting water quality are related to the recreational use of the watershed, There
                   are two related problems with the current recreational pattem of use of the watershed. The first is that the use of
                   off-road vehicles for access into the watershed is creating additional jeep trails at a rate that doubles their mileage
                   every 20 years (NCRS, 1995). These jeep trails are being formed in an uncontrolled manner and their formation
                   leads to higher rates of soil erosion in the watershed. Additional soil erosion is also created when recreational
                   users of the watershed bum the grasslands for hunting and ease of access. The buming of the grasslands can have
                   an additional effect of reducing the quantities of other more desirable ecosystems within the watershed. Both off-
                   road vehicle use and grassfires can contribute to the formation of the badland areas that are prevalent in southern
                   Guam.


                   Soil erosion creates or contributes to five problems in the watershed. The first of these is the loss of soil fertility.
                   This problem is most acute on agricultural lands, but also, a second problem is created when the soil loss leads to
                   loss of habitat from vegetation changes. The third problem with soil erosion is the loss of water storage capacity
                   in the watershed. As the amount of topsoil diminishes in the watershed, there is simply less storage capacity
                   available to provide dry season strearnflow. The fourth and fifth problems arise from the physical entrainment of
                   soil particles in the rivers of the watershed. The increased sediment load in the water creates additional water
                   processing costs for PUAG at its treatment plant. Plus, the additional sediment load settles out of the water when
                   the fresh river water enters the ocean. The siltation can diniinish coml populations and lead to lower fish
                   populations in the area effected by the silt.

                   In addition to directly leading to increased rates of soil erosion, grass fires can lead to habitat loss by converting
                   savanna grasslands to badlands, and by converting ravine forests to grassland. These habitat changes will reduce
                   the utility of the watershed for both wildlife and human use. They can also increase the mtes of soil erosion and
                   directly and indirectly decrease the water stor-age capacity of the watershed.                 I

                   If the Ugam. River Watershed could be maintained in its current state, then the vast mqjority of the watershed
                   management issues could be solved by dealing with the recreational users of the area. However, uses of
                   watershed will change with time and additional issues will arise in the future. Recreational use of the watershed
                   will intensify. Residential construction will occur, and current farming efforts will expand. Most likely, PUAG










                    will construct a dam and impound the river. The installation of the infrastructure of the water project will
                    accelerate the first three uses of the watershed and may encourage the construction of PUDs in the watershed.

                    Increased recreational use of the watershed will intensify current problems associated with grass fires and off-road
                    vehicle use. No additional types of management issues should arise with intensified recreational use of the
                    watershed.


                    Residential and PUD construction will introduce new management issues to the watershed. Primary among the
                    concerns will be the disposal of human and animal waste, loss of habitat and possibly loss of wetlands or loss of
                    their functionality, and road and site construction erosion. If residential construction occurs in flood prone area,
                    then flood control will become an additional watershed management issue for the first time.

                    Currently, farming is in the watershed is limited to about 14 hectares or 0.7 percent of the total area of the
                    watershed. This is not enough land area to affect the watershed in any significant manner. Farming activities are
                    likely to increase in the future. However, unless the nature of the farming activities changes from the cultivation
                    of crops to moderate to large scale animal husbandry, either on land or as aquaculture, the scale of farming is
                    likely to remain insignificant in the overall management of the watershed. Soil erosion from farmed areas would
                    play a minor role in the overall sediment load in the rivers of the Ugam Watershed. Leaching of plant nutrients or
                    biocides is not likely to significantly affect water quality.

                    Finally, construction of a PUAG water project will change the focus on the effect of soil erosion from one
                    concentrating on damage to the coral reefs and their fish populations to a focus on the effect of sediment loads
                    upon the usefully life of the impoundment and its water storage capacity. Construction of the impoundment also
                    will diminish the importance of the water storage capacity of the soils and wetlands in the watershed for
                    maintaining minimum streamflows for dry season water supplies.

                    7.0 Three Proposed Management Scenarios:

                    The technical committee proposed three alternative levels of management to be considered for the Ugam
                    Watershed Management Plan. The first of these was called the no action plan. The second was called the
                    maintenance plan and the third was called the improvement plan. Each of these will be briefly reviewed.


                    7.1 The No Action Plan:


                    The first alternative management plan for the Ugam River was called the No Action Plan (NAP). It basically
                    stipulates that no watershed management plan specific to the Ugam River Watershed be adopted by the
                    Government of Guam. This does not mean that there should be no environmental management exercised in the
                    Ugarn River Watershed, but rather that the environmental protections presently in place on Guam may be
                    adequate to protect the functions of the watershed.
                    Under the NAP, there would be no unified governmental policy towards the management of the Ugam River
                    Watershed. No additional environmental protections would be undertaken within the watershed. Without a
                    watershed management plan, there would be no response to increased recreational pressures on the watershed. It
                    should be expected that recreational use of the watershed would greatly increase over the next twenty years. This
                    would lead to an increase in the frequency and size of grassfires and an increase in the rate of conversion of
                    savanna grasslands to badlands, of ravine forests to savanna grasslands and an increase in the sediment loadings
                    current upon wetlands. Increased recreational use of the watershed would lead to an increase in the number and
                    mileage of unplanned jeep trails in the watershed. Both the grassfires and the jeep trails will lead to higher rates
                    of soil erosion within the watershed and a loss of wetland functionality.

                    Without a watershed management plan, there will be no guidance for the government in the planning of
                    infrastructure construction in the watershed. Roads, power lines and waterlines will be built as demanded by
                    political and economic pressures without regard to the overall effect of the induced development upon the
                    environment of the watershed. This may lead to the more sensitive areas of the watershed receiving more
                    development or more intensive development than would be desired.











                    Without a watershed management plan, there will be no overall planning of any mitigation required of developers
                    that are allowed to use of fill wetlands within the watershed. Nor will there be an overall plan for the maintenance
                    of water quality within the watershed.

                    On the other hand, the NAP would not place any additional restrictions upon the owners of private lands within
                    the watershed. They would be free to place their property into any currently conforming use that would maximize
                    their economic benefits. It should be expected that any watershed management plan that the present land owners
                    in the watershed see as placing undue or unreasonable burdens upon them will be strongly opposed in the political
                    process of adjudicating the proposed plan.

                    7.2 Management for Maintenance of Current Levels of Watershed Functionality:

                    The second alternative proposed by the technical committee was a watershed management plan that explicitly
                    sought to maintain the current levels of functionality of the watershed. This was called the management for
                    maintenance (MFM) plan. This would mean that there should be no increase in the rate of soil erosion. There
                    should be no loss of functionality of the wetlands present in the watershed. There should be no decrease in the
                    present utility of habitat in the watershed. And finally, there should be no decrease in the water quality of the
                    rivers within the watershed.


                    The first element of a MFM plan would have to deal with controlling the impacts of recreational activities within
                    the watershed. This would have to have two components. First, a fire control program would need to be
                    implemented as a part of the plan. The target level of fire control would be based upon maintaining the current
                    distribution of the four ecosystems within the watershed or it would be based upon maintaining the cur-rent rate of
                    soil erosion within the watershed. The level would be set by whichever goal required the most fire control. The
                    second element dealing with recreational impacts would be a jeep trail control/n-dtigation plan. Itwouldneedto
                    either limit the creation of new jeep trails or limit the amount of soil erosion from the actual mileage of jeep trails
                    created within the watershed.


                    The second element of a management for maintenance level watershed management plan would be an
                    infrastructure installation master plan. It could be as simple as a requirement that any infrastructure installed or
                    subsidized by the Government of Guam be placed on the ridgelines separating the river valleys. It would require
                    that roads and electric lines avoid floodplains and river valleys whenever possible and that consideration of the
                    effects of induced development be made when the PUAG dam and impoundment site is being planned.

                    The wetland component of a management for maintenance level watershed plan should focus on maintaining the
                    water storage capacity of the wetlands in the short-run and maintaining the habitat functionality of the wetlands in
                    the long-run. A set of guidelines as to where in the watershed the environmental planners are willing to allow
                    wetlands to be impacted and where they are not willing to allow adverse impacts. The guideline should provide
                    suggestions as to where mitigation or restoration efforts should be located, if such efforts are allowed in exchange
                    for damage to wetlands in other parts of the watershed. Wetlands that are particularly valuable habitat should be
                    delineated, and the watershed management plan should provide whatever extra level of protection that is possible
                    to these areas.


                    Finally, the watershed management plan should have a water quality protection component. The primary reason
                    for developing the Ugam River Watershed Management Plan is to protect the Ugarn River as a source of safe
                    drinking water for the people of Guam. Turbidity from soil erosion is only one component of water quality.
                    When consideration is being given to drinking water standards, turbidity is only of minor importance as it is easily
                    dealt with by modem water treatment plants. In water source management, the primary concern is the protection
                    of the water source from contairtination with toxic chemicals. These may come from many human activities. All
                    activities except agriculture that use any form of toxic compound should be carefully evaluated before permits are
                    granted to allow them into the watershed. Crop production and golf courses are already permitted or present in
                    the watershed. A education program should be developed for farmers in the watershed to teach them the
                    importance of protecting this particular body of water. Before construction pernifts are granted for any golf-










                  courses or PUDs in the watershed, a water quality management plan specific to the development should be in
                  place.

                  Human and animal waste can introduce both infectious agents and nutrients into a water source. It is not likely
                  that sanitary sewers will be installed as part of the watershed's infrastructure in the foreseeable future except as a
                  part of the development of a large PUD. Small PUDs, individual residences and animal husbandry operations will
                  require septic systems for the processing of their sanitary wastes. A necessary part of the water quality component
                  will be specifications for septic systems and their siting within the watershed.

                  Thus, a maintenance level watershed management plan will require a least the following: 1.) a recreational impact
                  component, 2.) an infrastructure plan, 3.) a wetlands management component and 4.) a water quality management
                  component.





                  7.3 Manazement for Improvement of Current Levels of Watershed Functionality:

                  The highest level of protection considered by the technical committee was called the management of
                  improvement (NEI) alternative watershed management plan. The primary differences between the maintenance
                  and the improvement alternatives focused on the control of soil erosion, control of grassfires, loss of wetland
                  functionality and improving habitat in the watershed.

                  A necessary attribute of any plan to improve the different ecosystem functionalities in the watershed is that such a
                  plan would have to be proactive instead of reactive in its approach. Active steps would have to be undertaken in
                  each of the primary areas of concern in order to improve the parameter of interest.

                  In the management of grassfires, an active effort to limit the number and scope of grassfires in the watershed
                  would have to be undertaken, Since almost all of the grassfires in uninhabited parts of southern Guam are
                  deliberately set, one approach might be to limit access into the watershed. This approach would also solve the
                  problem of the increasing number of jeep trails in the watershed. However, it would be politically unpopular and
                  difficult to enforce on Government of Guam lands and nearly as unpopular and difficult to enforce on those
                  private lands where there has been historic public access. If adopted, it would be the least expensive method of
                  decreasing the number of grassfires and the mileage of jeep trails. The Government of Guam could accomplish
                  this through a combination of direct action in its conservation reserve and a set of property tax incentives for the
                  private land owners in the watershed.

                  An alternative to limiting access is controlling access by the construction of jeep trails. These could be designed
                  so that they would not erode as badly as the present ad-hoe network. This would also provide access for
                  constructing fire-breaks and for fire fighting equipment. This alternative would not be inexpensive. It would
                  involve constructing and maintaining fire-breaks, constructing and maintaining access via jeep trails and
                  patrolling for fire prevention and for enforcement of jeep trail use. Before this alternative could be initiated, the
                  issue of easements into the watershed would have to be clarified.


                  In addition to prevention of loss of wetland functionality in the watershed, the NTI plan would require an
                  improvement in the number and functioning of wetlands in the watershed. In all likelihood, this could only be
                  achieved on private lands at the time that the owners sought permits to develop their properties. Otherwise, the
                  deliberate creation of wetlands on private property would involve future restrictions on the owners' land use
                  options that the owners would not likely allow.

                  Wetlands could be created in the conservation preserve without worry about future land use options, if the
                  government were to choose to do so. Creation of wetlands or planting the badlands in the conservation preserve
                  would be a very expensive endeavor because of the inaccessibility of the area. Additionally, it would require the
                  creation of access trails into the area. However, the expense could be paid for by establishing a plan where










                   wetlands were to be created by developers who wanted to develop wetlands elsewhere on the island, but who had
                   no available alternative site upon which to create mitigation wetlands.

                   Habitat loss from fires conversion of forest into grasslands would be minimized under a plan of limiting access
                   into the watershed. Additional habitat could be created by planting the badlands on both government and private
                   lands. As long as the plantings were not to be wetlands, the private landowners would likely be more cooperative
                   if there were a cost sharing by the government.

                   Finally, if the NVI alternative were to be chosen, the Government of Guam can control the vast majority of
                   development in the watershed by controlling the pattern of infrastructure installation in the watershed. If a
                   potential developer wants power, water, and telephone lines, then the government can use its control of these
                   utilities to leverage the developer into conforming with whatever watershed management plan that is in place.

                   8.0 Evaluating Changes in the Watershed:

                   Changes in the watershed are most easily assigned an economic value when they can be linked to changes in an
                   output of the watershed upon which society places a direct value. Any gain in fish harvests from decreased
                   sediment loads on the coral reefs would have as a minimum value, the value of the fish in the market.

                   Similarly, if an acre of wetlands in the watershed retains an acre-foot of water from the rainy season and releases
                   it as additional river flow in the dry season, and if this acre-foot of water allows PUAG avoid the cost of
                   developing an alternative water source, then the economic benefit of the wetland as a water storage device would
                   be the cost avoided over the planning period of the analysis.

                   In both cases, the information necessary to perform the analysis is not available. We do not how the addition or
                   subtraction of an acre of wetlands changes the dry season flow patterns in the watershed. Nor do we know how
                   much a ton less of soil would increase the fish harvested from the waters of and surrounding Talofofo Bay.

                   The loss of soil fertility from agricultural lands can be valued by estimates of changes in the productive capacity
                   of the soil, However, loss of fertility of un-farmed lands must be calculated by more indirect measures. One
                   measure would be the amount that people willing to pay both to prevent the loss of habitat value from any
                   induced vegetation changes and to preserve the value of the land as a potential agricultural area for future
                   generations.

                   If the water treatment plant can deal with changes in water quality, then the cost of a decrease in water quality is
                   the additional treatment costs to process it. Unavoidable decreases in water quality cannot be valued directly.
                   Since decreases in water quality are not traded in a market, we need an indirect estimate of how much the
                   consumers would have to be paid to leave them indifferent between the old, clean water and the new dirty water.
                   Both indirect and direct measurement procedures have been developed in the economics literature. An excellent
                   summary of these is provided in "The Benefits of Protecting Rural Water Quality: An Empirical Analysis" by
                   Cruchfield et al. (1995).

                   If the services associated with a particular change in land use such as creating a wetland are jointly produced, as
                   would be the water storage, flood control, prevention of soil erosion, and habitat services, then the social values
                   associated with all of the services are additive. Additive valuation means that the failure to assess a value for any
                   one of the multiple services rendered by the wetland would produce an under estimate of the benefits gain from
                   creating or preserving the wetland, This would bias the valuation process, and in general, lead to less wetlands
                   being created or preserved than would be socially desirable.

                   Overall there is no readily available information that would allow the estimation of the differences in benefits and
                   costs between the three management plans. Some of the estimates could be made with a considerable expenditure
                   of time and money. Once the plans are fully developed, then the first step would be to quantify the effects on
                   each plan upon the parameters of interest. Once the changes in the parameter were specified, the evaluation










                   process could begin. However, the reality is that neither the time, money or information on the effects of the three
                   plans is available.



                   9.0 Recommendations:


                   The author realizes that his participation in the technical committee was solicited with the expectation that he
                   would be able to provide some quantitative valuations that could be used to make choices between the different
                   management options under consideration. In light of his failure to provide this information, he would like to offer
                   some recommendations of an intuitive nature. They are based more on opinion and profession judgement than
                   anything else. The recommendations are as follows:




                   1. Neither the management for improvement plan or the no action plan should be adapted.

                   The watershed is providing water of excellent quality and any attempt to improve the quality is likely to prove
                   overly expensive for the gains made. The Talofofo Bay system has been copping with high sediment loads in the
                   rainy season for a long time. Additionally, sediment loading is not a major problem for the water treatment plant.
                   However, a comprehensive management plan for the watershed is needed. 11 may not need a plan that allows for
                   no degradation of any of the aspects of the watershed as the management for maintenance plan does, and no
                   degradation may well be wishful thinking under any scenario for the future, but an overall watershed management
                   plan should be put into place.

                   2. Explicit consideration should be given to possibility of a PUAG impoundment in any plan formulated.

                   It is the author's opinion that a water storage impoundment will be built in the Ugam. River watershed within the
                   next twenty years. It should be a part of any watershed management plan put into place for the Ugam. River
                   Watershed.


                   3. The management plan should provide the Government of Guam clear guidance as to the installation of
                   public infrastructure into the watershed.

                   The pattern of public infrastructure that is built in the watershed will determine the pattern of development that
                   occurs in the watershed for all but the very largest developments. Since the author feels that it is unlikely that any
                   large scale PLJDs will be built in the watershed in the near future, virtually all development in the watershed will
                   be controlled by the availability of public utilities and roads.

                   4. Serious consideration should be given to limiting access by recreational off-road vehicles into the
                   watershed.


                   The possibility of providing the private land owners in the watershed with property tax breaks in exchange for
                   their limiting (not eliminating) the use of recreational off-road vehicles on their property should be considered.
                   The proliferation of fires and jeep trails would be eliminated at a minimum cost. If this program was voluntary,
                   there would be no imposition upon the right of the involved land owners.













                 References:


            Barrett Consulting Group. 1992. Guam PUAG Water Facilities Master Plan. Agana, Guam.

            Brooks, Donovan. 1994. Military: Downsizing Guam. Pacific Daily News. March 18, 1994: pg 9.

            Bureau of the Census. 199 1. Census '90. 1990 Census ofPopulation and Housing, Social, Economic and Housing
                    Characteristics - Guam. 1990 CPH-6-G. USDOC, ESA. Washington DC.

            Crutchfield, Stephen R., Peter M. Feather and Daniel R. Hellerstein. 1995. 7he Benefits ofProtecting Rural Water
                    Quality. USDA, ERS, Ag. Econ. Rpt. 701, Washington DC.

            Department of Commerce. Various. Guam Annual Economic Review, Tamuning Guam.

                 Department of Labor. Various. Current Employment Report. Tamuning, Guam.

            Economic Development and Planning Division. 1994. Summary of General Tourism Statistical Information, Vol 5, No
                    2.. Department of Commerce, Tamuning, Guam.

            Guam Business News. 1994. Business Almanac of Guam and the Northern Marianas. Agana, Guam.

            GVB. Various. GVB Annual Statistical Report. Guam Visitors Bureau. Tamuning, Guam.

            NOAA. 1993. 1992 Local Climatological Data: Guam. National Climatological Data Center, Ashville, NC.

            NRCS. 1995. Resource Assessment: Ugam Watershed, Guam. USDA, NRCS, Agana, Guam.

            Thompson, Laura. 1947. Guam and Its People. Greenwood Press, Westport, Conn.










                  Figure Headings-z

                  Figure 1.

                  Mean monthly rainfall on Guam. Source: NOAA 1993.

                  Figure 2.

                  Ugam River streamflow as measured at USGS Gage 8550 from October 1952 to September 1970. The data from
                  this gage was used because its location is closest to the current Ugam River Diversion. Median and minimum
                  observations are shown along with lines for two levels of water extraction by the Ugam River Diversion. These
                  lines include a 2 CFS downstream flow as required by the PUAG permit. Source: NRCS, 1995.

                  Figure 3.

                  Total, and active duty military workforce on Guam in the post WWII period. The overall percentage of the local
                  workforce on active duty has been steadily decreasing since the Second World War. Source: Brooks, 1994.

                  Figure 4.

                  Total visitor arrivals on Guam and the number of hotel rooms on-island. The Growth of tourism and hotel rooms
                  on Guam has been fairly steady over the past 23 years and it is expected to remain in a pattern of strong growth
                  for the foreseeable future. Source: GVB, Various; Department of Commerce,. Various; Economic Development
                  and Planning Division. 1994.

                  Figure 5.

                  Construction permits issued each year on Guam. The total value of all permits and the number of residential
                  permits are shown. Source: Department of Commerce,. Various.







                  Figure 6.

                  The population of Guam has been growing steadily during the post-war period as can be seen from the overall
                  population bars. However while the population in the four southern villages serviced by the Ugam River Water
                  Plant also has been growing over the same period, it has no, been growing at a rate equal to the overall growth
                  rate of the island's population, and the proportion of the population living in these four villages has decreased
                  since the 1960 census. Source: Bureau of the Census. 1991; Department of Commerce. Various.












                        J. B. Cobb                                                                                         USDA-
                        NRCS





                                               Technical Report - Ugum Watershed Plan
                                              Ecologically-Based Assistance Team - Engineering Discipline


                        1.0 Watershed Resources and Values: Ecosystem Descriptions

                        The purpose of this report is to identify those activities occurring within the Ugum. Watershed, how they
                        may change over time, and how they affect existing resources. To understand how different resources are
                        impacted in the watershed requires a knowledge of its' physical characteristics and interaction with
                        ecological systems.

                        1. 1 Ecosystem Descriptions

                        The watershed is divided into four ecosystems which describe the organization and interactions of
                        communities of living things with their environment. Each ecosystem is characterized by its own unique
                        processes. The ecosystems for the Ugum Watershed are divided as follows: Ravine Forest,
                        Savanna/Badlands, Wetlands, and Riparian Areas."The Ravine Forest Ecosystem comprises areas with a
                        predominance of woody perennial vegetation of low stature. Components of this ecosystem are found in
                        both large contiguous blocks as well as isolated batches of forested areas. Understory vegetation is
                        tolerant to low light microenvironmental conditions. This ecosystem occurs on all soil mapping units
                        within the planning area, except Sasalaguan clay. The Ravine Forest Ecosystem is common along stream
                        channels and all slope classes." Wescom

                        "The Savanna Grasslands Ecosystem comprises areas with a predominance of grasses and ferns.
                        Inclusions of highly eroded barren areas that support little to no vegetation (bad-land complexes) are
                        included in this ecosystem. This ecosystem occurs on all soil mapping units within the planning area,
                        except Pulantat clay. Components of this ecosystem are found in both large contiguous blocks as well as
                        isolated batches of grasslands. The Savanna Grasslands are common along ridgetops and all slope classes.
                        Periodic wildfires maintain this ecosystem in a early successional state. " Wescom

                        "The Riparian Ecosystem extends to either side of stream channels. As with other ecosystems, solar
                        energy is the primary energy source to the ecosystem and the ecological processes within the riparian
                        zone is similar to those described for the other ecosystems. Because the riparian ecosystem is located
                        along the lower slopes, soils which have eroded from the upper slopes are intercepted by the physical
                        presence of vegetation in the riparian zone. This results in an accumulation of soil in the riparian zone.
                        Wescom


                        Wetland Ecosystem - "Those areas that are inundated by surface or ground water with frequency
                        sufficient to support and under normal circumstances does or would support a prevalence of vegetative or
                        aquatic life that requires saturated or seasonally saturated soil conditions for growth and reproduction.
                        Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, mangroves, natural ponds, surface springs, estuaries and
                        similar such areas. " Ref. ?


                        1.2 Watershed Physical Characteristics










                        There are several different watershed characteristics that must be identified and analyzed to determine
                        the suitability of different materials for development and their susceptibility to degradation. The geology,
                        soils, and hydrology of the watershed will be reviewed to provide baseline information for determining
                        the impacts of existing and future activities in the watershed.

                        1.2.1 Geology

                        The Ugum. Watershed and the southern part of Guam in general consists of mountains and hills of
                        dissected volcanic rocks. These rocks are highly weathered and relatively impermeable. The area is
                        predominately underlaid by the Bolans pyroclastic member. The highest part of this watershed is Mount
                        Bolanos at an elevation of 379 meters above mean sea level.


                        1.2.2 Soils


                        The understanding of soils is necessary to determine appropriate land use. Foundations, crops grown,
                        septic systems and road beds are all effected by underlying soils. A thorough knowledge of soil
                        mechanics associated with land use practices is necessary to protect against soil failure. The USDA Soil
                        Conservation Service has developed a Soil Survey of the Territory of Guam which provides important
                        information on the physical and chemical characteristics of soils for the island. The soils identified in the
                        Ugum Watershed are represented by the following Series: Agfayan, Akina, Atate, Inarajan, Pulantat,
                        Sasalaguan, Togeha, and Ylig.

                        The Agfayan, Akina, and                soils are located on ridgetops and sideslopes and are shallow and
                        well drained. It was formed from residuum derived from marine deposits of tuffaceous sandstone. These
                        soils are poorly suited to agricultural and urban use. The steepness of slope and erosional hazard are its
                        main limiting features. Improperly designed roads are quickly eroded. Fires are also a problem for these
                        soils as they expose it to the erosive effects of rainfall. Fires also increase the rate of runoff accelerating
                        erosion.


                        The             soils are located on valley bottoms and are deep soils that are poorly drained. These soils
                        are clay throughout and are derived from volcanic material and marine sediment. This soil is suited for
                        cropland, homesites, urban development and wetland wildlife habitat.

                        The            soils are gently sloping to steep soils that are well drained, shallow and found on
                        dissected plateaus and hills. This soil is made up of clays and silty clays throughout and is underlaid with
                        limestone at a depth of 25 to 51 centimeters. Agriculture is limited by the shallow depth of the soil and
                        its' steep slope. However, the soil may be appropriate for low density homesite development,
                        recreational development, limited agriculture, and wildlife habitat.

                                      soils are well drained and located on volcanic uplands. It is strongly acid to slightly acid
                        and has a slow permeability. These soils are mainly used for subsistence and commercial fanning. This
                        soil is also poorly suited for hornesite development due to its' high shrink swell potential.

                        The Togcha soils are usually found on the lower sides of slopes. They are silty clay soils that are very
                        deep and well drained. The permeability is very slow to moderate. It is moderately well suited for
                        subsistence farming, commercial farming, grazing, and homesites.

                        The Ylig soil is clay that is commonly found in valley bottoms and depressional areas. It is very deep and
                        somewhat poorly drained with a moderately slow permeability. This soil is also moderately suited for
                        subsistence farming, commercial fanning and grazing. It is also poorly suited for homesite development
                        because of its high shrink-swell potential and seasonally high watertable.

                        1.2.3 Hydrology











                      The Ugurn Watershed is located in Southern Guam and covers an area of approximately 11. 8 square
                      kilometers (7.33 square miles, 4691 acres). It is characterized by rolling hills and areas of very steep
                      slopes. The Ugum. Watershed has 37 kilometers of streams and rivers that spread from the mountains to
                      sea level. DeMeo U"m Resource Assessment


                      Surface water hydrology is the study of the distribution, properties and effects of water on the earth's
                      surface. Several factors influence the hydrologic cycle and surface water flow. Water holding elements of
                      this cycle include, but are not limited to the following: vegetation, land surface (slope), soil,
                      atmosphere, streams, and aquifers. (Engineering Hydrology by Ponce, pp 1-2). Changes in activities or
                      land use in the Ugurn Watershed has an effect on the timing and the amount of water that is released
                      through the river system.

                      The USGS had one gaging station operating near the outlet of the Ugum Watershed. This gage, number
                      8850, was in operation from 1953 to 1970. The following frequency table using a Log Person Type III
                      distribution was generated from this data:

                                                           PEAK FLOW RATES (CFS)

                                                                     Return      Period (years)
                               2                  5                 10                 25                 50                 100


                              436                707                935               1,285              1,598              1,959


                      Changes in peak flow rates may occur from increased activities in the Ugum Watershed. Surface water
                      that is normally intercepted by vegetation and absorbed by the soil will quickly runoff should vegetation
                      be removed. This could accelerate and increase surface water flows from precipitation events. Severe
                      erosion could result from a combination of exposed soil and increased flow rates. Flooding may also
                      become a potential problem from increased flows. Additionally, the loss of detention storage resulting
                      from cleared land could reduce the volume of water in the Ugum River during dry periods.

                      2.0 Resources Conseguences

                      This section will identify the various activities occurring in the watershed, the resource problems
                      associated with those activities and estimate future impacts associated with expansion of these activities.

                      2. 1 Agriculture

                      It is estimated that approximately 25 to 40 hectars (ha) are being cleared per year for agriculture.
                      Presently, the farm land is located in two areas. One is near the mouth of the Ugurn River and the other
                      is in the center of the watershed. Both of these areas are located in Ravine Forest Ecosystem.

                      The typical crops grown in the watershed include watermelon, bittermelon, cucumber, beans and
                      eggplant. These crops are grown during the dry season and require irrigation. Typically a pump and
                      pipeline system are used to uniformly distribute water over the fields. A drip line is used to apply
                      irrigation water directly to the crops.

                      Problem's associated with agriculture include clearing of land, irrigation, and chemical applications.
                      Clearing large areas exposes soil to degradation from erosion. During high intensity precipitation events
                      sheet and rill erosion can greatly reduce topsoil on farmed areas. Sloped areas have the greatest potential
                      for erosion. Additionally, cleared areas reduce habitat for various species of wildlife. Presently, the
                      number of acres cleared per year is minimal and has little impact on sediment loading to the Ugum. River.










                        Approximately 1324 ha are zoned for agriculture development in the watershed. It is estimated that over
                        a 20 year span between 250 and 500 homestead lots will be developed. It is assumed that only 50 percent
                        of this area will be cleared and utilized for agriculture. This will increase the total acres in production
                        from 40 ha to 662 ha. It is estimated that erosion on agricultural land may be increased by as much as
                        6000 tonnes.


                        Chemical applications by their very nature are a concern and will continue to be so as agricultural
                        activities occur in the watershed. The amount and type of chemicals currently used to control weeds and
                        pests and fertilize is minimal. If used properly, these chemicals pose little threat to the environment and
                        may be used safely. No current problems have been identified in the watershed related to agricultural
                        chemical use.


                        2.2 Recreation


                        There are several different recreational activities that take place in the Uguin Watershed. These include
                        tourism, hunting, hiking, and recreational vehicle use.

                        Talofofo Falls relies on tourism and is the only commercial recreational area within the Ugurn Watershed
                        Boundary. It has a complete infrastructure including, a road, power, water, and septic waste disposal.
                        Both the water and power are provided by the Government of Guam. The falls are located just below the
                        confluence of the Bubulao and Ugum River.

                        Another commercial activity in the watershed is Safari Tours. This business transports tourists on a four
                        wheel drive adventure through different ecosystems within the watershed. Often they make trails that are
                        in poor locations, poorly drained, and not maintained. This has created sever erosion problems on many
                        roads and ultimately led to their abandonment. These activities will only increase over time. The Safari
                        Tours operation will continue to increase the number of roads in the watershed which will ultimately
                        increase soil erosion and off-site effects of sedimentation.


                        The hunting of wild pigs and deer occurs throughout the watershed. This activity along with hiking are
                        not directly detrimental to the physical environment but are responsible for the development of small jeep
                        trails that are used for access to remote areas. These are often located in areas of sever slope and poor
                        soils and are extremely susceptible to erosion since no provision is made to control surface water. If
                        provisions are not made to limit the number of roads this activity will probably continue.

                        Talofofo Falls will see and increase in tourism but will not directly affect the resources in the watershed
                        unless additional areas are cleared and the operation expanded. Indirect effects may be residential
                        development activities that are not part of Talofofo Falls operation but benefit from its' infrastructure.

                        Another future activity that could materialize in the next 20 years is the development of the Dan Dan
                        Resort and golf course. It is estimated that 152 acres of the Upper Ugurn subwatershed will developed.
                        This will also increase future use by providing access and infrastructure for development.

                        Private recreational activities, all terrain vehicles, are and will continue to be a problem in the watershed.
                        Typically, this activity is limited to the badlands where little or no vegetation exists. The constant use of
                        vehicles in these areas creates roads or paths were water is quickly channelized. The concentrated flows
                        erode surfaces to form gullies which continue to degrade and transport sediment to low lying areas. This
                        affects water quality, turbidity, and ecosystem processes. As access is improved into these areas the use
                        will increase prompting increased erosion.




                        2.3 Fires










                        Fires in the Ugum Watershed usually occur during the dry season from February to May. Nearly all the
                        fires are intentionally set either out of carelessness or to facilitate hunting activities. These fires
                        predominately occur in the Savana/Badland Ecosystem where climate conditions and fuel are favorable
                        for burning.

                        Fires are responsible for removing vegetation ftom. large areas and making them more susceptible to soil
                        erosion. It may also affect the surface hydrology of the area by increasing surface runoff. This could in
                        turn accelerate erosion of the exposed areas and deposit sediment in the Ugum River increasing turbidity
                        levels. The future will probably not see an increase in fires but will also not see a decrease unless actions
                        are taken to prevent or protect against them. The development of the area for residential or commercial
                        purposes including agriculture will facilitate the need to protect against fires in the future.

                        2.4 Development

                        Developments can be divided into several areas including, resorts, residential, municipal, and roads.
                        Resorts were covered in the section on recreation, and roads, due to their large impact, will be addressed
                        in the following section.

                        Residential development is limited to only a few homesites located in the lower watershed. These have
                        been developed only after the completion of the Public Utility Agency of Guam water treatment facility
                        for the Ugum. River. The installation of the treatment facility provided the infrastructure for the
                        development of these homes. In the future, as infrastructure is expanded within the watershed, new home
                        sites will be constructed.


                        There are several problems associated with home or residential construction that impact the watershed.
                        These include: clearing of land, soil erosion, storm water management, and infrastructure development.
                        The clearing of land, soil erosion, and storm water management are all closely related. Whenever home
                        sites are selected and cleared for development it exposes the disturbed area to potential erosion and
                        increases storm water runoff.


                        The influence of infrastructure is a more systemic problem that affects future development of the
                        watershed and thereby indirectly affects the amount of erosion occurring. The construction of water and
                        sewer lines may directly affect erosion rates if proper erosion control measures are not implemented
                        during construction.


                        2.5 Roads


                        Roads are one of the major areas where active soil erosion is occurring. There are presently
                        approximately 69 kilometers of roads in the Ugum Watershed. Of this total, approximately 32 kilometers
                        are on level ground and 37 kilometers on sloping ground. DeMeo "Resource Assessment". The roads
                        tend to transect each ecosystem in an effort to access remote areas for hunting or for recreational
                        purposes. Few of the roads were installed to any type of standard and there has been little attempt to
                        control surface water. All roads in the watershed except for the road leading to the entrance of the pump
                        station for the water treatment facility have untreated road surfaces that cut through existing soil strata
                        and may or may not have a base course of crushed coral.

                        The greatest problem associated with roads in the Ugum Watershed is erosion. Without proper water
                        control roads are quickly eroded to the point they are not passable without grading. Often many of these
                        roads are abandoned after the first year due to deep gullying. Another problem is with the displaced
                        sediment from eroded roads that are deposited in streams and rivers. It causes increased turbidity in the
                        rivers reducing water quality and increasing water treatment costs.


                        3.0 Summary










                                                           Summary of Resource Problems


                         Description       Impacted
                                          Ecosystem
                                        Ravine Forest Savanna            Riparian          Wetland
                        Agriculture                       Badland         Areas
                          Clearing            x                x               x
                          Erosion             x                x               x                x
                          Chemical            x                x               x                x
                        Use
                        Development
                          Erosion             x                x               x                x
                          Storm               x                x               x                x
                        Water Runoff
                        Fires
                          Control             x                x               x
                        (access to)
                          Erosion             x                x               x                x
                        Roads
                          Erosion             x                x               x                x
                        Off Road
                        Vehicle Use
                          Erosion             x                x               x                x








                      4.0 Recommended Mitigation Measures and Their Impacts

                      The following is a description of practices that way be used to correct or prevent the problems described
                      above. It is important to realize that a particular practice may not be adequate in itself to solve a specific
                      resource problem, but may require the implementation of an entire system of practices. Vegetation is also
                      an integral part of most engineering practices involving erosion control and should be incorporated as
                      part of a complete erosion control system.



                      4.1 Erosion Control


                      Soil erosion and its impact to water quality are the greatest concerns for the Ugum Watershed.
                      Accelerated water erosion from roads, development, agriculture and as a result of fires are the significant
                      contributors. Several practices have been developed and may be implemented to control or prevent soil
                      erosion from occurring. The following is a list of practices developed by the NRCS that may be used to
                      address erosion concerns:



                                          PRACTICE NAME
                        Access Roads
                        Sediment Basin
                        Diversion












                         Grade Stabilization Structure
                         Land Grading
                         Heavy-Use Area Treatment
                         Grassed/lined Waterways
                         Hillside Ditch
                         Structure for Water Control
                         Critical Area Planting
                         Vegetative Filter strip
                         Mulching
                         Firebreak



                        It is important to recognize that no one practice will usually solve soil erosion problems but requires a
                        combination of practices integrated into an overall management system.

                        Agricultural lands should have a Resource Management Plan developed that would help to identify
                        resource concerns and possible preventive or corrective measures. The management plan would should
                        show a landowner's property, existing and proposed activities, and would list future actions that are
                        needed to protect his livelihood and the natural resources. If confined animal facilities are developed
                        within the watershed they must have appropriate waste management systems that would also be integrated
                        into the Resource Management Plan for the farm.

                        All other development needs an erosion control plan for preventing erosion both before and after
                        construction. Components of the erosion control plan should include a description of the project, site
                        plan, construction schedule, stormwater drainage system, temporary erosion and sedimentation control
                        measures, permanent erosion and sedimentation control measures, and erosion and sedimentation
                        facilities maintenance procedures. Guam Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Manual, GEPA. 1986.

                        4.2 Roads


                        Roads require special consideration since they require more than just erosion control measures.
                        Consideration needs to be given to slope, obstacles, grade, buffer strips, soils, drainage, stream
                        crossings, seasonal construction limitations, and maintenance. Road Building Guide For Small Private
                        Roads by Robert A. Dellberg. Proper designs, incorporating the considerations mentioned above, are
                        needed to Prevent serious erosion problems from occurrina on existing or newly constructed roads.


                        The importance of road drainage can not be over stressed. Provisions must be made for appropriate road
                        drainage with the water conveyed to a safe outlet. Many techniques have been developed for controlling
                        water on roads and include outsloping, insloping, crowning, pipe culverts, dips, and open culverts.

                        4.3 Chemical Use


                        Presently, there is very little chemical use in the watershed. This will change with increased agricultural
                        activity and development. The need for proper application and storage of chemicals, as new agricultural
                        land is brought into production, is critical to protecting surface waters. Agrichemical handling facilities
                        may be used to properly store chemicals and to prevent accidental spillage. The Natural Resources
                        Conservation Service can provide assistance in the design of these facilities.

                        5.0 SCENARIOS AND ECOSYSTEM MANAGENMNT: RECONEVAENDED
                            MITIGATION MEASURES


                        5.1 Scenario 1: No Action










                      This scenario assumes that no mitigation measures will be installed and the watershed will continue to
                      degrade at its present rate.




                      5.2 Scenario II: Maintenance, Current Zoi-@Lig

                      Under this scenario current ecosystem functions will be maintained for existing water quality under
                      current development trends.

                      Agricultural lands will be maintained by developing a Resource Management System Plan for each farm.
                      This plan would identify practices that could be used to control both on and off-site erosion on farmland.
                      A properly applied RMS (farm plan) will ensure the sustainability of the farm and reduce or prevent
                      erosion from occurring. Filter or buffer strips should also be considered when farmed areas are near or
                      adjacent to surface waters. A minimum buffer area of 30 meters should be used on 4th and 5th ordered
                      streams in the lower watershed and 15 meters on 2nd and 3rd ordered streams in the upper watershed.
                      This will help prevent the movement of any surface water chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides/hebecides,
                      from entering the water systems. These practices will improve surface water quality by reducing stream
                      turbidity and chemical contamination.

                      Erosion control and sediment plans are an integral part of any commercial or residential development and
                      must be followed according to Guam law. These plans will prevent eroded soils from leaving the
                      construction site and will reduce off-site sedimentation problems and stream turbidity problems.

                      Abandoned roads should be closed off and future road development curtailed by restricting access and
                      working with local off-road vehicle groups to find more appropriate areas for their activities. If this can
                      be accomplished a decrease in denuded areas should become evident over time as native vegetation is
                      allowed reclaim those disturbed roads. The greatest benefit, however, will be the prevention of future
                      road expansion which will greatly reduce soil erosion in the watershed and impacts to wetlands and
                      river systems created by ford crossings and culverts.

                      The overall benefit from the implementation of these engineering practices would be the maintaining of
                      existing ecological processes. Ugum. River turbidity levels would be maintained along with existing
                      identified wetlands.


                      5.3 Scenario III: Improve Ecosystem Functions to Improve Water Quality

                      Under this scenario agencies and landowners would take aggressive actions to protect and enhance
                      ecological processes within the watershed.

                      Agricultural lands will be required to have a Resource Management System as described in Scenario 1.
                      The use of buffer strips and filter strips would be strictly enforced. The minimum criteria used above
                      would also be applied. Confined animal facilities developed in the watershed would be required to have
                      an approved waste utilization plan. This plan would include the proper handling, storage and application
                      of waste. Agrichemical handling facilities would also be developed for each farm to provide proper
                      storage and prevent accidental spillage of chemicals and fertilizers.

                      A Farmstead Assessment System would be implmented to help farmers to recognize the potential for
                      ground or surface water contamination on their farm. The program uses step-by-step worksheets that rank
                      each farmstead activity or structure that could cause surface or groundwater contamination. The
                      assessment rates soils and geologic and hydrologic features of the farmstead to give an overall picture of
                      potential and actual water quality problems.










                     Development should be limited to areas with suitable soils and slope. A map of suitable areas for
                     development based on soils and slope is shown in Figure 1. Additionally, erosion control and
                     sedimentation plans must be developed as identified above in Scenario 11 for any non agricultural
                     construction activity.

                     Abandoned roads should be closed and future road development restricted as identified in Scenario II. In
                     addition, new roads must be designed and approved prior to installation. GEPA would be the regulating
                     agency. The designs must take into consideration the need for appropriate surface water drainage and the
                     Re-vegetating of disturbed areas.

                     Access would be provided for appropriate fire protection. These roads must be carefully located and meet
                     the design criteria for the roads mentioned above. The need to restrict access to the roads is critical to
                     prevent the encouragement of fires in remote areas and the development of spur roads for recreational
                     purposes.

                     The combined effort of these practices, if implemented would effectively shelter existing ecosystems and
                     enhance their processes and thereby maintain or improve existing water quality levels. The management
                     of the different elements is critical. If one element is allowed to degrade several ecosystems within the
                     watershed will be impacted.

                                                                  REFERENCES


                     Dellberg, Robert A. 1982. Road Building Guide For Small Private Roads. USDA-SCS

                     DeMeo, R., et al. 1995. Resource Assessment: Ugum Watershed, Guam. USDA-NRCS

                     Geo Engineering and Testing, Inc. 1986. Guam Erosion and Sedimentation Control Manual. Guam
                     Environmental Protection Agency.

                     The Northern Islands Company. 1989. Storm Water Control Handbook. Commonwealth of the Northern
                     Mariana Islands Soil and Water Conservation Districts of. Saipan and Norhtern Islands Tinian and
                     Aguiguan.

                     PonceVictor M. 1989. Engineering Hydrology: Principles and Practices. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood
                     Cliffs, New Jersey.

                     SCS Staff. 1995. Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV: Practice Standards and Specifications, Pacific
                     Basin. USDA-SCS


                     Tracey, 1. 1. et al. 1964. General Geology of Guam. Geological Survey Professional Paper 403-A.
                     United States Printing Office.

                     Young, F.J. 1988. Soil Survey of the Territory of Guam. U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service. National
                     Cooperative Soil Survey. 166 pp.










                  UGUM WATERSHED, GUAM                                                March 29, 1995

                  Hydrology Technical Report

                  By Robin S. White
                  Geologist, USDA-NRCS, Hawaii



                  A sensitivity analysis for the Ugurn Watershed was completed using the computer program described in Technical
                  Release 20 (TR20) for project formulation hydrology.

                  Purpose: The sensitivity analysis was performed to ascertain whether land use changes in subwatersheds would
                  effect peak discharge for Ihe entire watershed,

                  Methodology: The existing conditions for each subwatershed was simulated. The Bubulao Subwatershed was
                  further subdivided into Upper, Middle and Lower subdivisions. The Upper Bubulao reflects the steep upland area,
                  the Middle Bubulao is upstream of the confluence with the North Bubulao Subwatershed, and the Lower Bubulao
                  is downstrearn of the confluence with the Northern Bubulao drainage area.

                  Runoff from the subwatersheds was approximated by using land use or vegetative cover acreages and their curve
                  numbers to achieve a weighted curve number for the entire subwatershed.

                  The TR20 computer program was utilized to simulate flow through the Ugum. River watershed. Channel bottom
                  widths, sideslopes and Manning's roughness coefficient were adjusted until the peak discharge for various storm
                  frequencies at the mouth of the Ugum. River was within ten percent of the peak discharge for the same storm
                  frequencies from the USGS stream gage data.

                  The calibrated model was run for the 2-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 50- and 100-year storm frequencies. Also to see the effect of
                  practices on flows below the 2-year storm, the model was run for the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-inch 24-hour rainfall.
                  The results were compared to he present condition to determine the significance of the change.

                  Assumptions: The representative channel cross-sections were assumed to be trapezoidal with no low flow
                  channel. The channel flow was assumed to be out of channel after the flowwas one foot deep. This was done to
                  ease the calculation of channel flow cross-sectional area for different flow rates.


                  Rainfall was considered to be the same over the entire watershed.


                  The roughness coefficient for the channel (Manning's n) was adjusted from 0,06 to 0. 1. This reflects both the
                  channel and the increase of roughness during out of bank flow.

                  Future conditions are unpredictable due to the many factors. The scenarios investigated in the sensitivity analysis
                  were:


                          The Dan Dan Golf Course utilizes 152 acres in the Upper Ugurn subwatershed (94 ac Ravine Forest and
                                 58 ac Savannah).


                          The Dan Dan Golf Course and 200 acres of houses on 1/4 acre lots with infrastructure included on 175
                                 acres of Savannah and 25 acres of Ravine Forest in the Lower Ugum. subwatershed.

                          The Dan Dan Golf Course and 500 acres of houses on 1/4 acre lots with infrastructure included on 350
                                 acres of Savannah and 150 acres of Ravine Forest in the Lower Ugum. subwatershed.

                          Fifty percent of the Savannah would be improved to the equivalent of a meadow in good condition for all
                                 subwatersheds except the Upper Bubulao and the Atate.











                   Results: Rainfall less than 2 inches produced minimum flow.

                   Improvement of 50% of the Savannah had the most dramatic effect. Peak flow decreased by 9 to 20% for the less
                   than 2-year storms and ranged from 2 to 7% for the 2- to 100-year storms.

                   For the scenarios of the Dan Dan Golf Course in the Upper Ugum subwatershed alone or with 200 or 500 acres of
                   houses in the Lower Ugum subwatershed, the increase in peak discharge was from less than 1% to 20% of the
                   present condition. The greatest percentage increases were in the less than 2-year storm events which have the
                   lowest flows.


                   Further analysis of the golf course scenarios was accomplished by comparing the housing projects with the golf
                   course to the golf course alone scenario. The increase in peak discharge ranged from 2 to 16%. The greatest
                   percentage increases were in the less than 2-year storm events which have the lowest flows.

                   Conclusions: Significant changes to the majority of the subwatersheds must be made to greatly effect the peak
                   discharge of the higher storm frequency events at the mouth of the Ugum River. Conversely, significant changes
                   can occur in the smaller rainfall events or within individual subwatersheds.


                   Investigation Reliability: This analysis was made for planning purposes only and many liberties were taken to
                   quickly simulate the Uguin watershed. Therefore the model and results should be only used to determine a trend
                   of various conditions on the watershed and not as an exact numerical model of the watershed.








                       TECHNICAL REPORT               Soils Section                                                  I



                       R. Sims                                                                              USDA-NRCS
                                                                                                         as of 2 May 1995


                                                 Ecologically-Based Assistance Team - Soils Discipline
                                                    Client: Guam Coastal Zone Management Program





                       Soils in the Ugum Watershed are derived chiefly from volcanic rock. This rock is a mixture of highly
                       compressed and heated volcanic ash and sand, which weathers down to clay-sized particles as it beco       mes
                       soil. Because of the particular minerals present in the mixture, the colors of the weathered material can
                       be quite spectacular. Areas which have eroded down to this weathered bedrock often show a swirled red
                       and white or gray pattern. This material is called saprolite and it is nearly as erodible by water as the
                       soils that develop from it. The soils have high clay content (from 45 to 90 percent); these volcanic clays
                       have low bulk density, roughly the same as water, which has a density of I gram per cubic centimeter
                       (Table 12, Young, 1988).

                       There are small areas of limestone-derived soils (map units 34, 36 in the Soil Survey) on ridges bordering
                       the Ugum River where it joins the Talofofo River. The ridges are the remnants of an uplifted coral reef.
                       Their influence on the watershed is minor. Runoff from these soils carries less clay, and is better pH-
                       buffered than the water in the Ugurn River due to its content of dissolved carbonates. The stretch of river
                       that receives the runoff is also influenced by tidal fluctuation, fin-ther diluting the effects of these soils.

                       Water quality in theUgurn River is relatively high because there are intact riparian areas and wetlands
                       which intercept and filter the soil particles out before storm runoff reaches river channels. These
                       biological filters are even more important in the watersheds of volcanic islands than their counterparts in
                       temperate zones, for several reasons:
                        - the low bulk density of the soils means that they are highly sensitive to water erosion, and that once
                       particles are in suspension, they will stay so indefinitely. Thus, when water dislodges and carries the
                       particles, they are not likely to settle out as would, for instance, coral sand particles which are more
                       dense. Settling ponds are most effective when soil particles are of somewhat higher bulk density than
                       water. At the Ugurn Water Treatment Plant, a flocculant is required to force the clay particles out of
                       suspension (personal communication.
                        - the amount of precipitation is high, averaging 2500 millimeters in the upper subwatersheds.
                        - the warm tropical climate provides year-round stimulus for the microbial and biological decomposition
                       of soil organic matter: once exposed, this material is rapidly depleted from the soil. Since volcanic soils
                       and minerals are inherently low in nutrient-holding capacity and available water-holding capacity
                       (Sanchez, 1976), soil organic matter is critical to sustained plant growth. When a wetland or riparian
                       area is cleared or altered, reestablishment of its plant community and its functions are difficult and costly.
                       It costs about twenty dollars to restore each square meter of wetland on Guam (information from Dames
                       and Moore, Leo Palace Resort, Guam). Creating new or mitigation wetlands costs roughly the same.


                       Ravine Forest


                       The biomass in a healthy, multi-story tropical ecosystem such as the Ugurn Watershed's Ravine Forest
                       proffers numerous water quality benefits. It provides temperature buffering, raindrop impact protection,
                       a complex wildlife habitat with many distinct niches, and a constant source for the replenishment of soil
                       organic matter. Rapid decomposition of the leaf litter keeps this layer sparse in the Ugurn Watershed as
                       compared with rainforest floors on islands such as Pohnpei, which receives 2 to 3 times this watershed's
                       precipitation with a corollary increase in biomass production and leaf litter accumulation.. In some areas,
                       wild pigs scratch many square meters of the forest floor bare. Soils in the Ravine Forest Ecosystem have
                       a moderate to high organic matter content (4 to 8 percent).








                      TECHNICAL REPORT              Soils Section                                              2




                      Infrastructure is limited in this ecosystem to roads connecting ridges, or leading from the ridgetops
                      (Savanna Grassland Ecosystem) to stream banks and river crossings. Guam's water, sewer and power
                      networks do not serve this ecosystem within the Uguin Watershed. Thirty-one percent of the watershed's
                      roads (mapped from 1993 aerial photos) network occurs in this watershed, but only 23 percent of the
                      paved roads.


                      Savanna Grassland


                      Soils in the Savanna Grassland Ecosystem also have a high organic matter content (6 to 10 percent for
                      Akina soils) where the vegetation is dominated by grasses. This is due to the rapid biomass production,
                      mortality and turnover typical of grasslands. Fine and very fine roots fill the soil profile to a greater
                      extent than is typical in forest ecosystems. Because of this, the primary biomass storehouse in an area of
                      Savanna Grassland is the soil. Fires reduce the amount of organic matter added to the system each year,
                      and can bum off past years' accumulation. Soil temperatures in bumed-over areas are elevated,
                      promoting more rapid organic matter decomposition. Bare soils are subject to over-saturation by water.,
                      erosional undercutting of steeper slopes by gullies, and slumping. The resultant badland areas do not
                      readily revegetate.

                      This ecosystem is crisscrossed by established and new jeep trails, which follow each ridgeline. Someof
                      these are historic carabao cart trails. Sixty-four percent of the watershed's roads (mapped from 1993
                      aerial photos) are in this ecosystem. Most of the paved road length (67 percent) is also found here.

                      Riparian Areas

                      This team has identified a Riparian Area as a habitat and ecosystem which is heavily influenced by the
                      open water or wetlands it is adjacent to. Likewise, the quality of the water and its ecology are
                      determined in part by the health and composition of the adjacent lands. There arc many ways to
                      determine the width of the riparian buffer. We designed the recommended buffers around terrain,
                      sensitivity of the ecosystem to disturbance, and the projected intensity of activity in the area. We have
                      chosen to use 15 meters (looking straight down on the landscape) along the upper watershed streams,
                      where the topography drops steeply from the Savanna Grassland or Ravine Forest Ecosystems to the
                      waterside. In these areas, the vegetation does not change appreciably from that of the Ravine Forest
                      Ecosystem. Where streams converge, widen and drop more sediment to form a floodplain, we designated
                      a 100 in riparian buffer. The vegetation canopy is more complex than that in upper watershed riparian
                      areas. There is a corresponding increase in habitat complexity and diversity in the lower watershed.
                      Human influences are more likely to occur here due to its greater accessibility.

                      The complex vegetation canopy shades the water, keeping its daily temperature relatively constant. The
                      canopy also provides protection for wildlife that live near or visit the streams and wetlands. Storm runoff
                      and groundwater enter the riverine system at the riparian interface, so land disturbance here has the most
                      profound effect on water quality within the Ugurn Watershed. The dense vegetation, leaf litter, and
                      active soil fauna in the Riparian Area Ecosystem provide an effective filtering mechanism for sediment
                      and organic debris suspended in storm nmoff from the Ravine Forest and Savanna Grassland
                      Ecosystems. Erosion increases after grassland wildfires (especially during the first hard rains signalling
                      the wet seasores onset), and the riparian vegetation is the only filtering system protecting the Wetland and
                      Open Water Ecosystem from the resultant sediment load. Wetlands also function as a biofilter; however,
                      their functions are impaired by excessive sedimentation. Their conversion to drier marshes would reduce
                      potential habitat for the Marianas Common Moorhen, an Endangered Species on Guam.

                      The soils within the Riparian Area Ecosystem are similar to those in the Ravine Forest and Savanna
                      Grassland Ecosystems. However, nearly half of this ecosystem is composed of very deep alluvial soils -
                      these are areas where eroding sediments from the steep slopes above have accumulated. The water table
                      is less than 100 cm below the surface in the Ylig soil, much of which occurs in depressional positions







                        TECHNICAL REPORT               Soils Section                                                  3



                        along the banks of the larger, order 4 and 5 streams. Togcha soils are often found intermixed with the
                        Ylig soils, and occupy more upland positions. In the steeper, eroding headwaters areas, where one finds
                        Akina and Agfayan soils, the water table is more than 100 cin down. The topsoil in all of these soils
                        contains the greatest percentage of organic matter. When this layer is removed by erosion, the organic
                        matters buffering furiction is lost, with a corresponding reduction of soil pH. Low-pH (more acidic) soils
                        are a harsh substrate for revegetation. The most acidic substance is the saprolite parent material. When
                        this is exposed in the badland areas by erosion of the entire soil profile, its pH can be as low as 4. This is
                        100 times more acidic than the alluvial Togcha and Ylig soils, whose surface layer pH is between 5.1 and
                        6. The difference can be attributed mainly to the presence of organic matter in these soils.

                        The cumulative nature of the riparian soils, combined with their proximity to abundant water creates the
                        basis for a richer, more diverse ecological community than the surrounding upland ecosystems.

                        The Ugurn Water Treatment Plant intake structures and pipes are serviced in this ecosystem. A paved
                        road leads down from a more developed area of Savarina Grassland to the site. Several dirt roads lead
                        through other riparian areas to stream crossings. Riparian areas contain only seven percent of the
                        watershed's road network. No other infrastructure exists in this ecosystem.

                        Organic Matter

                        Soil organic matter provides the following functions and benefits to the ecosystem:
                          - provides binding sites for soil nutrients and nonpoint source contaminants like pesticides
                          - supplies most of the plant nutrients available to the vegetative cover, in a readily available form
                          (Sanchez, 1976), and provides a steady supply of dissolved organic substances to the adjacent aquatic
                          systems
                          - maintains a healthy microbial and macrobiotic population within the soil
                          - increases the water-retention properties of the soil (though not as much difference as sandy soils
                          would display)
                          - buffers the pH of the upper layers of soil
                          - improves infiltration of rainwater
                          - increases permeability and therefore groundwater storage and transmittal
                          - improves tilth for agriculture
                          - provides significant carbon storage to buffer global climate change
                          - binds soil particles together to prevent erosion and absorb water drop impact (a "glue" effect)
                          - undecomposed root fiber networks knit large soil masses together and keep them from slumping on
                          steep slopes, which is the beginning of badland formation (a "rebar" effect)

                          The potential plant community that can be established or selected for depends greatly on the quality and
                          stability of the soil. This resource is integral to the health of the ecosystem. "In many cases, the total
                          nature and longevity of the abovegound aspects of an ecosystem are controlled by the chemical,
                          biological and physical properties of the soil organic matter pool" (Tate, 1987).

                          The soil resource in the Ugurn Watershed could be mined as a source of fill dirt for the large areas of
                          Guam which have very shallow soils. Howevcr, the resultant exposed parent material would share the
                          problems inherent in existing badland areas within the watershed. The cost to the local ecosystem's
                          health would be prohibitive, as described below.


                          Watershed Activities and Their Consequences



                          Soil erosion is the major problem to be dealt with in the watershed. It is the primary factor affecting
                          sedimentation and water quality in the Ugurn River and its tributaries. Erosion occurs naturally on all







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                          soils, and at accelerated rates on tropical volcanic soils. Young (1988) describes typical erosion rates
                          that can be expected on each of the soil types (series) on Guam. It should be noted that the erosion
                          rates described are not necessarily natural, but reflect historical human influences on the particular
                          soils; the erosion rate given is the maximum that can be sustained over time without degradation of the
                          soil resource and the ecosystem.

                          Erosion can be described more narrowly as a cause of biomass loss. In every hectare of soil in the top
                          15 centimeters, there are 22.5 metric tonnes of organic matter for each percentage point of reported
                          organic matter content. This would amount to 180 tonnes for each hectare of Akina soil with a healthy
                          grassland cover, assuming 8 percent organic matter, the middle of Akina's range. By contrast, a hectare
                          of badland or severely eroded Akina soil might containjust over I percent organic matter, or 23 tonnes,
                          a difference of more than 150 tonnes per hectare. Disturbed savanna soils lose organic matter by about
                          5 percent per year in tropical Africa (Sanchez, 1976). Burning or clearing the vegetation removes the
                          replenishment source, and soil organic matter content will decline. Often, clearing operations remove
                          the upper layer of soil, accelerating organic matter loss.

                          If we consider that badlands or exposed soils in the watershed erode at an average rate of 547 tonnes
                          per hectare per year - about 5 centimeters off the surface by sheet erosion - and that the top layer of soil
                          has the highest percentage of organic matter, 10 to 40 tonnes can be lost each year from each hectare of
                          this ecosystem if adequate grass cover is not maintained.

                          Roads in the Ugum. Watershed and its surrounding watersheds are usually found along ridgetops, with
                          steep connecting roads that cross the streams between. The Akina soil series occupies many of these
                          ridges. Young (1988) reported a sustainable soil loss rate of 6.8 metric tonnes per hectare per year for
                          this soil; the sustainable rate is low because the soil is generally less than 100 centimeters deep. This
                          rate was determined for the Akina series under grassland vegetative cover. DeMeo (1995) used the
                          Universal Soil Loss Equation (Wischmeier and Smith, 1965) to estimate a current erosion rate of 70
                          tonnes per hectare per year occuring in the Savanna Grassland ecosystem; this estimate shows that
                          some degradation of the soil and the ecosystem is already occuring. One hectare of road surface,
                          exposing bare soil or saprolite (highly weathered volcanic sedimentary rock), and running up and down
                          a slope in the watershed was estimated to erode at a rate of 729 tonnes per year. If the current trend of
                          doubling the steep road surface area within the watershed during the period 1975-1993 continues for the
                          next 20 years, sediment yield to the Ugum. River from this source will be over 15,000 tormes per year
                          by 2015, as compared with the 1993 level of 7560 tonnes. The roads connect naturally occurring
                          badlands, exposing these areas to accelerated erosion. Uncontrolled use of the roads and badlands for
                          recreational driving purposes accelerates erosion rates and prevents revegetation of sensitive areas.
                          Many of the recreational vehicle drivers are unaware of the consequences of their actions, and prefer
                          starting new trails to following existing ones.

                          Roads that currently follow the contour and thus do not provide channels for flowing water nevertheless
                          erode at a rate much higher than soil with vegetative cover. DeMeo, et al (1995) estimated erosion
                          from one hectare of level road surface to be 169 tonnes per year, as opposed to 70 tonnesfor
                          grasslands and 27 tonnesfor typical areas of ravineforest. None of the roads observed in the
                          watershed included drainage ditches or other water-redirection devices. There is no master roadplan
                          for the watershed, and without proper planning and design, similar statistics will be generatedfor
                          future road expansion.

                          Agricultural clearing currently accounts for 25 to 40 hectares per year within the Ugum Watershed.
                          These fields are on slopes of less than 7 percent. Residue is left on the surface, and weed control is
                          accomplished by light use of chemicals such as the product Roundup. Plowing does not follow the
                          contours. At an estimated 45 tonnes per hectare per year, the soil lost from agricultural fields is
                          curTently 1,100 to 1,800 tonnes. We project that 200 to 500 agricultural homestead lots will be
                          developed within the next 20 years, and that all of the land on these half-hectare lots will be cleared for
                          cropping, with small areas set aside for home development. These lots will probably be set up in areas








                       TECHNICAL REPORT                Soils Section                                                  5



                         with less than 15 percent slopes. Potential erosion from agriculture could increase to 60 tonnes per
                         hectare per year given the likelihood of steeper slopes on some of the lots. If 200 lots are settled and
                         cleared, the amount of soil eroded from agricultural land will increase to 6000 tonnes per year, a three-
                         fold increase from cur-rent estimates. Water quality will show corresponding degradation in the Ugurn
                         subwatershed, where the lots are most likely to go in.

                         During golf course and residential subdivision construction, large areas of disturbed soils are exposed,
                         usually for short periods, during which soil erosion increases to levels similar to those for level and
                         sloping roads. The volume of sediment carried to wetlands and open water is greatly increased during
                         each rain event, resulting in plugs which damage stream habitat and wildlife populations. It is common
                         for construction sites on Guam to stand bare for extended periods due to funding shortages, sudden
                         downturns in the Asian economy, infrastruction delays or equipment breakdown. Some sites are
                         abandoned for months or years. By Guam law, attention is given to erosion prevention during active
                         construction with such measures as silt fencin& However, these measures require periodic
                         maintenance. Abandoned sites do not receive this maintenance, and erosion will increase before
                         volunteer vegetative cover can stabilize the soil. The siltfencing observed in the past three years at
                         construction sites ky the authors has been improperly installed in most cases, and has not been an
                         effective barrier.


                         Wildland fires


                         Wildland fires in the watershed are largely intentionally started, whether for hunting and food-gathering
                         access or from carelessness or recreation. The sum of all fires within each square kilometer in the
                         watershed for the period 1979 through 1985 (see Figure_, datafrom Government of Guam
                         Department ofAgriculture's Forestry Division) shows clear "hot spots" where road access is easiest,
                         especially near the Dandan area in the Ugum and Upper Ugum subwatersheds.

                         Wildland fires usually occur in the Savanna Grassland ecosystem. The ecosystem is dominated by
                         buncligrasses. These areas are fire-prone during the dry season from February to May; during late dry-
                         season fires, the leaf litter that protects the soil surface usually bums off. The clay particles of these
                         soils, derived from highly weathered volcanic tuff (sandstone) parent material, typically aggregate into
                         silt- or sand-sized particles. At the soil surface, these particles are easily lifted and transported by storm
                         runoff. In fact, water channels through burned-over areas were clearly visible several weeks after a fire
                         in 1995, along the ridge separating the Bubulao and Ugum Rivers. The slope at the observation site
                         was less than 7 percent. Steeper slopes could lose a portion of the surviving vegetation simply through
                         scouring of plant tissue at the base by suspended soil particles, because the water channels are not
                         interrupted or blocked by vegetative or other barriers. (Figuresxxxx          - _) show the ground cover
                         one day, one month, two months, andfive months afterfires in 1995 in Southern Guam. The rills
                         and water channels were relatively clear evenfive months after aft-re, no recent erosion was evident
                         at time of observation, nor was there any evidence that the soil would be stabilized before onset of the
                         wet season two tojour weeks later. The only protection pioneer grasses afforded the site was 60- 75
                         percentprotection from raindrop impact

                         The swordgrass-dominated savanna vegetation is a pioneer community, fast-growing. Because of the
                         effects of soil erosion under this vegetative cover, the ravine forest late-successional community does
                         not easily reestablish. When fires occur near the edge of the ravine forest, some of the fringe plants are
                         destroyed, creating a transitional edge cffect which is maintained by a conservatively estimated fire
                         repeat cycle of 5 years. The ravine forest cannot be expected to expand without the exclusion of fire.

                         Riparian Buffer Removal

                         Housing or road construction, overgrazing by livestock and other human activities form breaks in the
                         riparian buffers. This creates undesireable paths which can channel storm runoff laden with sediment
                         directly into the Wetland and Open Water Ecosystem without the benefit of vegetative filtering and







                       TECHNICAL REPORT               Soils Section                                                6



                         particle capture. The soils throughout the Ugum Watershed have at least 40 percent clay content, and
                         once suspended in moving water, clay particles are too light to settle out. A hole in the riparian buffer
                         is, therefore, a direct sediment conduit from the highly eroding roads, badlands and burned-over
                         grasslands to Talofofo Bay and the surrounding coral reefs.





                         Organic Mulch Surface Treatment
                           Purpose: to provide a blanket of less erosive organic cover for bare areas such as badlands
                           Expected Outcome: up to 25 percent reduction in the erosion rate where applied, enhanced seedling
                         germination success, replenishment of soil organic compounds; may be combined most effectively with
                         contour wattling.

                         The Wetland Reserve Program
                           Purpose: U.S. Government program to lease private land that has beneficial hydrogeomorphic
                         functions in order to preserve these functions, rather than allow development or other disturbance,
                           Expected Outcome: A set of protected wetland areas which maintain water quality and provide flood
                         control and wildlife habitat in the local ecosystem; stretch the water yield to the river system out over a
                         greater time period, with lesser peak flows; land owner is paid for the functions this land provides,
                         winds up managing for highest use. Owner-initiated protection of 60 percent of Ugurn Watershed
                         wetlands is possible.

                         Wetland Mitigation Bank
                           Purpose: a government program to fund the creation of mitigation sites which compensate for
                         wetland conversion elsewhere on the island.
                           Expected Outcome: Enhancement of local wetland functions and habitat with compensation for the
                         land owner; maintenance of Guam's overall wetland area vs.development, possible to provide 15
                         hectares of new wetland (based on soil map unit inclusion area), and 80 hectares of improved existing
                         wetland (75 percent of the 117 existing wetland hectares).

                         Contour Wattling
                           Purpose: To provide a physical barrier to sheet and rill erosion, to force formation of ten-aces, to
                         provide seed germination beds on bare slopes
                           Expected Outcome: Conversion of badland areas to land with stable, terraced vegetative cover.
                         Reduction of erosion by 50 percent on treated badlands.

                         Road Ditching
                           Purpose: To design upslope-side ditches to be installed on new roads, with proper culvert placement
                           Expected Outcome: Redirection of storm runoff water away from bare soil surfaces such as rural
                         roads, which have the highest erosion rate of any land surface in the Ugum Watershed.
                         Expect reduction of erosion from roads by 25 percent (180 tonnes per hectare of protected steep-slope
                         road surface per year, or 42 tonnes per hectare of protected level road surface per year) .

                         Lumber Drainage Interceptors
                           Purpose: To divert water that is running down steep road surfaces into grassed roadside areas that
                         dissipate its energy
                           Expected Outcome: Improved water quality; 25 percent reduction in road surface gullying.

                         Access Road Specification
                           Purpose: To provide designs for new roads which apply ecological principles and protect the health of
                         the ecosystems they pass through
                           Expected Outcome: A 50 percent reduction in erosion from new road surfaces; old roads will be
                         retired and can revegetate to accomplish a 25 percent reduction in erosion from older roads.







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                        Streambank Protection
                         Purpose: To improve the stability of steep or impaired banks of streams of all sizes
                         Expected Outcome: Improved water quality, reduced sediment loads reaching the Water Treatment
                        Plant, Talofofo Bay and the coral reefs.




                        Critical Area Planting
                         Purpose: to provide stabilizing root masses in areas with excessive erosion; to provide shade for
                        improved germination and growth of native or beneficial species
                         Expected Outcome: Localized plantings will stop the advance of gully erosion; more stable seed beds
                        for establishment of sustained vegetative cover; filled gaps in riparian buffers around streams and
                        wetlands; stabilized streambanks; multistoried wildlife habitat where it once was depauperate.

                        Grassed Waterway or Outlet
                         Purpose: to provide a channel where nmoff water energy can be dissipated over a broad area
                         Expected Outcome: a 25% decrease in gully formation from road runoff.
                        Crop Residue Use
                         Purpose: to keep the soil covered in agricultural areas when crops are started and during fallow
                        periods
                         Expected Outcome: a 30% reduction in erosion from agricultural fields; improved water quality in the
                        Wetland and Open Water Ecosystem

                        Tax Breaks and Economic Incentives for Conservation
                         Purpose: To reward private landowners in the Ugurn Watershed for initiating conservation practices
                        and participating in the oversight and planning operations
                         Expected Outcome: Painless landowner buy-in and education on conservation matters; Full conccnsus
                        on Watershed-widc decisionmaking

                        Public Information Campaign
                         Purpose: To provide information to target audiences such as water customers, off-road vehicle
                        operators, government employees, development contractors and watershed residents about the functions
                        of the Ugurn's ecosystems, the benefits these people derive from those functions, and suggestions on
                        how they can adjust their behavior to protect these ecosystems.
                         Expected Outcome: A large group of people who are aware of the Ugum Watershed and its value to
                        themselves and other island residents; grass-roots watershed clean-up groups who apply the lessons
                        learned in the Ugum. to their own ecosystems.

                        Public Education Campaign
                         Purpose: To provide classroom kits and lesson plans for teachers at different levels (primary,
                        secondary and college) to use; to provide field trip opportunities for government and school groups
                         Expected Outcome- An island that views its most pristine watershed as a jewel that should be
                        polished and protected; widespread use of the lesson plans for many years by teachers desperate for
                        locally important scientific education opportunities; a general knowledge of the effects of wildfires on
                        the ecosystem and on citizens' lives; the knowledge that nearly all wildfires on Guam are started by
                        humans.




                        Scenarios and Ecosystem Management: Recommended Mitigation Measures


                        Scenaiio 1: No Action








                        TECHNICAL REPORT                Soils Section                                                 8



                          The goal of this scenario is to minimize the cost of government intervention in island land use change
                          and policy. This will encourage Guam's historical patterns of development to continue. It is felt under
                          this scenario that current public education efforts adequately prepare individuals for sound
                          environmental decisionmaking; that the water quality of the Ugum River is sufficient for current uses
                          and will remain so indefinitely; and that there is no need to control wildfires in the Ugurn Watershed or
                          elsewhere on the island.


                          Recommended Mitigation Measures

                          (None)


                          Results


                          Because the scenario infers minimal action and lack of public and governmental coordination, we
                          would expect the soil resource to degrade as development occurs. Clearing for road construction, road
                          design, water withdawals for irrigation and Riparian Area usage will all be determined by developers as
                          dictated by the needs and goals of their projects. It is expected under all three scenarios that road
                          length within the watershed will double within the next 20 years.

                          No mitigation recommendations will be offered under this scenario unless federal or GovGuam laws are
                          broken. Often, the government reaction will occur too late for the local ecosystems to benefit, and
                          mitigation efforts may not be monitored. Riparian Areaswill suffer the most, since water is a limited
                          resource in the watershed, and water access may be sought for each development effort independently.

                          There will be no assistance from the public or from any of the groups that routinely use or benefit from
                          the Ugum Watershed. Government of Guam agencies will cover the entire cost of any environmental
                          improvement efforts they deem necessary to counter for the decline in water quality caused by
                          development or recreation activities over the 20-year planning cycle.

                          Wildfires would increase by 25 percent under this scenario, to 200 hectares per year, mainly due to the
                          increased access caused by an estimated doubling of road length within the watershed.

                          The climate on Guam is characterized by short rain events and occasional typhoons. Streams in the
                          upper subwatersheds are intermittent rather than perennial. Heavy rain events usually input more water
                          than the low infiltration rates of the Ugum Watershed's clayey soils can absorb. The result is that rapid
                          storm runoff is the norm, especially on burned-over lands. The peak flows of the river exceed the
                          Ugum. Water Treatment Plant's maximum harvest rate. Less water is stored in the watershed's soils;
                          during the dry season the river level decreases significantly, sometimes falling below the minimum
                          flow required by law to maintain habitat. This flooding-drought cycle will continue to be highly
                          seasonal. Water demand throughout the Plant's service area, however, will steadily increase during the
                          next 20 years as Southern Guam's population increases. These trends will prompt or encourage
                          politically-motivated decisions, such as to ignore the minimum flow requirements, or to initiate a
                          dam/reservoir project in the Ugurn Watershed. Under the No Action Scenario, this kind of project
                          could be approved before all agencies knew of it or could review its ramifications.

                          Scenario H: Maintenance, Current Zoning

                          The approach within this scenario is one whereby agencies and landowners recognize ecological
                          problems and processes and react to environmental degradation within the traditional bounds of their
                          activities or program oversight. However, the best use of each part of the Watershed is not agreed upon
                          and parties do not cooperate to abate or prevent subtle environmental degradation.

                          This scenario has a goal to preserve the functions and benefits of the Ravine Forest, Riparian Areas, and
                          Wetland and Open Water Ecosystems at existing levels, with no future loss in area. Under this








                     TECHNICAL REPORT             Soils Section                                             9



                       scenario, we recognize that though imperfect, the Ugum Watershed is functioing well and provides
                       water of adequate quality to the citizens served by the Ugurn Treatment Plant. Further effort that would
                       improve wildlife habitat and water quality is seen as unnecessary expense. A program of continuous
                       water quality monitoring in the lower Ugurn River is necessary to fulfill the goal of maintaining the
                       current standard as development begins. It is also recommended that developers be encouraged to
                       monitor their own ground and surface water, so that problems can be pinpointed and solved quickly.

                       Recommended Mitigation Measures


                       - Contour Ditches
                       - Contour Wattling
                              Use on Badlands and on new road cuts or banks. Concentrate application in the areas
                              with most bare soil and recreational roads: Savanna Grassland Ecosystem in the Ugum
                              Subwatershed area near Talofofo Falls, the Upper Ugurn Subwatershed, and the Bubulao
                              Subwatershed.
                       - Mulching
                              Apply 3-inch layer of compost, shredded paper or combination on gullying or steep road
                              banks.
                       - Access Road Specification
                              Pass legislation that in this watershed, the specifications shall be met for all new roads.
                              Publish specifications and give to each developer pro-actively before construction begins.
                       - Fire Control
                              Use near human habitation and businessplaces.
                       - Erosion Control Legislation
                              At the time of this Management Study, there are laws on the books which require erosion
                              control during the construction phase of projects. Further legislation is recommended to
                              require close inspection of these control measures throughout the construction phase for
                              projects within the Ugum Watershed. We also recommend that laws be enacted to
                              require continued erosion control and stabilization of the property after the construction
                              phase is completed.
                       - Erosion Control Seniinars
                              Pass legislation that these are required for construction crews working in Ugum
                              Watershed.
                       - Lumber Drainage Interceptors
                              This practice will be most effective if the best or most necessary roads are retained and
                              improved, while other, unnecessary roads are retired and blockaded - do roads and trails
                              on hilltops or ridgelines first. There is no provision in this scenario, however, for a
                              Master Plan for roads in the watershed. Choices will be made by each party installing
                              practices according to their own list of priorities, if such a list exists.


                       Results


                       Savanna Grassland Ecosystem
                       Although the swordgrass-dominated vegetation in this ecosystem provides more than 100 percent cover
                       to intercept raindrops and prevent soil disturbance by their impact, the flora is primarily bunchgrasses
                       which leave part of the soil surface unprotected from runoff waters. This situation will continue in the
                       Maintenance Scenario.


                       The projected level of development will not impair water quality much further than currently exists in
                       this scenario, since the goal of the scenario is to implement all necessary educational and conservation
                       practices to ensure the maintenance of current water quality standards. With legislation in place, at
                       least 50 percent of new roads will be designed and built with conservation measures. The Water
                       Quality Monitoring Program will fill in the data gaps and give government and non-profit organizations
                       clues as to where the greatest sediment-load problems are, so that mitigation costs are minimized.








                       TECHNICAL REPORT               Soils Section                                                to




                         A policy of curtailing expansion of the Savanna Grassland Ecosystem within this scenario does not
                         require fire eradication, but does involve intervention and control whenever the grassland fires encroach
                         on human habitation or businessplaces. The public education campaign, repeated during dry years,
                         may cut fire frequency in other areas by a few percent through citizen efforts. However, the fire
                         damage is expected to remain the same at about 160 hectares per year within the watershed. Soil
                         erosion will diminish in those areas where fires are controlled for more than one year, since leaf litter is
                         the primary agent retarding sheet erosion. Planning Team members visited and photographed the soil
                         and landscape at sites in southern Guam where fires had occured the previous day, and one, two and
                         five months before time of assessment (Figs.                Seeding was e-Wensive after 5 months (see
                         Fig. xxxx _); however, germination did not begin until onset of the wet season, and about hatr of
                         the soil surface between newplants was still without leaf litter. Most rills were clear of detritus,
                         ready to erode with thefirst heavy rains. There is a description of the effects of wildfire on soil
                         erosion processes in the" Watershed Activities and Their Consequences" section of this report.




                         Ravine Forest Ecosystem
                         This ecosystem is slated to remain static in area under the Maintenance Scenario. Most of the
                         development over the next 20 years will probably be concentrated in the Savanna Grassland Ecosystem,
                         so we expect relatively minor changes in the energy flow and fimctions performed by Ravine Forests.
                         Where development coincides with this ecosystem, the recommended legislation will force, but may
                         not enforce, mitigation on nearby lands. Sites within the Savanna Grassland Ecosystem in the Ugum
                         Watershed will be chosenfor mitigation, tofurther the goal ofzero net loss ofravine forests.

                         Riparian Areas Ecosystem
                         There is no concensus on riparian buffers under this scenario. The focus will be on critical wildlife
                         habitat identification and protection for threatened and endangered species. Insofar as riparian areas are
                         critical habitat, they may be included in this realm and thus protected. Also, existing procedures by
                         GovGuarn agencies include specifying a buffer strip of 3 to 8 meters along streambanks. Many
                         organizations do not consider Riparian Areas important in their discussions of habitat or ecology. The
                         Riparian Areas Ecosystem will suffer niisuse from development and agriculture over the next 20 years;
                         there are only 159 hectares in the Ugum Watershed as we have identified it (8 percent of the
                         watershed), so any losses will be significant.
                         Wildlife habitat is now described by ecologists, not only in terms of total area, but also according to its
                         shape with respect to the landscape and its fragmentation.

                         Water availability will continue to be highly seasonal, as in the No Action Scenario, although may not
                         worsen since Maintenance is the keyword here. Demand for the water supplied by the Ugum. will
                         increase, bringing political pressures to bear for short-term solutions.


                         Scenario HI: bnprovement; Adjusted Zoning and Land Use Policy

                         The goals in this scenario are to: reduce the cost of ecosystem maintenance through elimination of
                         redundancy and work scheduling conflicts; increase forest cover in the watershed; bring the entire
                         public of Guam to a high level of understanding of this most pristine watershed, and thereby reduce the
                         public impact on its ecological functions; to provide a testbed for coordinated conservation projects,
                         and assess their applicability in other, more degraded watersheds.

                         In Us scenario, the Ugurn Watershed is viewed as a potential model ecosystem against which
                         watersheds across the island and throughout the Marianas can be compared. It is planned that subsets
                         of the conservation measures could be exported to other areas, with better predictions for success. A







                       TECHNICAL REPORT               Soils Section                                                 11



                         clear hierarchy of flinctions and values for the entire watershed will be developed by concensus, one
                         that the watershed's managers can consult as they contemplate the benefits of new activities there.

                         Under this scenario, we recognize that the ecosystems represented within the watershed are not as
                         healthy as they could be, that through coordinated efforts by many individuals and by effective use of
                         set-aside furids, greater benefits can be derived from the watershed than are currently possible.
                         Recommended Mitigation Aleasures

                         The measures mentioned in the Maintenance Scenario are a basic set which should be applied under the
                         Improvement Scenario also. Their implementation will be coordinated among agencies. The key
                         difference is that in this scenario, an ecosystem perspective prevails. The entire watershed will be
                         treated and protected, as opposed to protecting individual agencies' priorities and ongoing programs.
                         Most practices will require concensus to implement properly, and new conservation practices are
                         introduced.


                         - Grade Stabilization Structures
                                On roads with steep embankments where embankment cannot be graded back and road
                                cannot be closed.
                         - Roadside Ditching
                                On steepest roads first, in areas where large runoff drainage is intercepted
                         - Contour Wattling
                                Use as in Maintenance Scenario on new road cuts or banks, but combine with other road
                                conservation designs and practices for a multi-stage approach to ensure greater success.
                                Initiate a schedule to apply this practice in combination with Mulching and Tree Planting
                                to badlands which are nearest to the Riparian Areas and Wetland and Open Water
                                Ecosystems and present the greatest water quality problems. Begin on the Savanna
                                Grassland Ecosystem in the Ugum Subwatershed area near Talofofo Falls, the Upper
                                Ugum Subwatershed, and the Bubulao Subwatershed.
                         - Mulching
                                Use in conjunction with contour wattling first (behind wattles)
                                Apply 3 -inch layer of compost, shredded paper or combination on gullying or steep road
                                banks
                         - Lumber Drainage Interceptors
                                Use in combination with other retrofit activities in areas where road gullying is obvious.
                                The benefits are immediate and extensive. Start high on the slope.
                         - Ugurn Roads Master Plan
                                A Plan should be agreed upon by a number of agencies and non-profit conservation
                                groups, with explicit criteria for improvement or retrofit of selected existing roads,
                                closing of poor or redundant roads, and design for new roads as needed for access to
                                development sites. These criteria should include as a minimum the specifications
                                described in the Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV (1977).
                         - Wetland Mitigation Bank
                                The relatively small acreage of wetlands in the Ugum Watershed could be designated part
                                of the island-wide Mitigation Bank to accomplish two goals: improvement of
                         - Wetland Reserve Program
                         - Streambank and Shoreline Protection
                                Use in Riparian Areas Ecosystem. Require developers to use these practices when
                                designing and building new projects or stream access facilities. Provide economic
                                incentives for landowners to fix old degrade strearnbanks .



                         - Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Use Specification
                                Pass legislation that prohibits Off-Road Vehicle use except in areas that private and
                                government parties agree to designate. The operators'preference for rough terrain could







                       TECHNICAL REPORT               Soils Section                                                 12



                                 be satisfied by building features into designated roads which provide a jouncy ride and
                                 perceived risks, while incorporating extensive environmental protection measures.
                         - Water Quality Monitoring Program
                                 Use at the outlet of each subwatershed in the Ugum to get baseline data on current water
                                 quality so that mitigation efforts can be focused appropriately and tailored, to minimize
                                 costs.
                         - Tax Breaks and Economic Incentives for Conservation
                                 Start with property tax cuts for: participation in the Watershed Conservation Plan:
                                 adherence to the Plan. Focus Wetland Reserve advertising on these landowners, try to get
                                 some to sign up if eligible. Grants to Off-Road Vehicle clubs or operators for
                                 conservation practice installation and participation in the education campaign. Grants to
                                 landowners for improving streambanks on their property according to specifications.


                         Results


                         Far more will be accomplished to maintain ecosystem health and improve it with this scenario's
                         approach. Most of the practices listed for the Maintenance Scenario will still be adviseable. However,
                         the cooperating agencies and private individuals will be coordinating their efforts to accomplish more.
                         Each cooperator would choose a niche to fill within the Ugurn Roads Master Plan, for instance. They
                         would share tools and resources with others to accomplish the agreed-to tasks. We expect that about 75
                         percent of new roads will have conservation measures in place, while the remaining new roads will be
                         started outside the planned implementation scheme. A priority list of old roads to either close or
                         retrofit with erosion controls will be formed by concensus.

                         Savanna Grassland Ecosystem
                         This scenario provides for a steady decline in area for Savanna Grasslands. It is recognized as the least
                         desireable of the ecosystems and one that is artificially maintained by wildfires. When fire control and
                         eradication measures are implemented, we expect to see a 25 percent reduction in fire frequency, or
                         about 120 hectares per year. The Ravine Forest will naturally expand at a slow pace. We do not plan
                         to wait for natural regeneration in certain critical areas where tree planting and other conservation
                         practices can curtail badland or roadbed erosion. These practices will accelerate regeneration as well as
                         improving water quality in the short term. The broader goal of forest regeneration can be
                         complemented by each smaller objective and installation. This is the ecosystem-based perspective that
                         sets the Improvement Scenario apart from the other two. Improvement project will usually be multi-
                         staged as opposed to single-stage, politically steered projects.

                         Ravine Forest Ecosystem
                         Under this scenario, the ravine forests will expand as a result of many of the practices and policies
                         applied.

                         The Ravine Forest has a multi-story vegetation structure which ties up water for longer time periods
                         than Savanna Grasslands do. This confers two beneficial properties in the long term:
                         - storm runoff peaks are flattened, with a more reliable and steady stream flow;
                         - the ecosystem provides greater water storage, so that the reduction in water yield associated with the
                         dry season is delayed. These effects will increase in value as the forest expands.

                         In areas where trees such as Acacia are plantedfor immediate soil erosion benefits, the groves will
                         provide an environment conducive to native species and habitat regeneration.

                         Riparian Areas Ecosystem
                         This is the only scenario which specifically protects Riparian Areas as a special ecosystem: we
                         recognize here that it is the most sensitive of the land-based ecosystems in the watershed, and has the
                         primary function of filtering excess sediment, detritus and pollutants from surface runoff and
                         groundwater before they enter the rivers and wetlands. In-kind, local mitigation will be required for








                      TECHNICAL REPORT             Soils Section                                             13



                        activities that would result in loss of this ecosystem's fimctions, and economic forces will prevent many
                        activities deemed unavoidable or acceptable in the other scenarios.

                        The Riparian Areas Ecosystem health will improve with the flattening of storm runoff peaks inherent in
                        plans to reduce Savanna Grassland Ecosystem area. They will expand in area where they are adjacent
                        to Savanna Grasslands because fires will be occuring less often. Understory growth will improve in
                        these edge areas because scouring and inundation by heavy sediment loads will decrease, as will
                        pedestalling (erosion of soil from around the root crown).





                        DeMeo, R.,

                        Sanchez, P.A. 1976. Properties and Management of Soils in the Tropics. John Wiley and Sons, New
                        York.


                        SCS Staff. 1995. Field Office Technical Guide, Section IV: Practice Standards and Specifications,
                        Pacific Basin. USDA-SCS.


                        Tate, R. L. 1987. Soil Organic Matter. John Wiley and Sons, New York.

                        Wischincier, W. H., and D. D. Smith. 1965. Predicting rainfall-erosion losses from cropland east of the
                        Rocky Mountains. Agric. Handbook No. 282, USDA. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
                        D.C.


                        Young, F. 1988. Soil Survey of Territory of Guam. USDA-SCS.

                                    1993. Compost mulching for erosion control. BioCycle XX: 100-200.










                                                                         Ugum. Management Plan
                                                                  Forests Ecosystems Technical Report


                                                                            Robert W. Wescom
                                                                        Pacific Basin Agroforester
                                                           U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service
                                                                                 May 1995


                        1.0       Introduction

                                            The purpose of this technical report is to describe the role of vegetation and the
                                  ecological processes associated with vegetative component of the ecosystem within the Ugurn
                                  Management Plan area, and to identify management opportunities and environmental concerns
                                  relating to human activities within the planning area.
                                            For planning and management purposes the ecological systems within the Ugum
                                  watershed were grouped into four broad ecosystems: ravine forest; savanna grassland/badlands;
                                  wetlands; and riparian. The concept of the ecosystem in this planning effort is intentionally
                                  broad. By delineating ecosystem boundaries by dominant floristics as well as hydrology,
                                  changes to energy flow and ecological processes as a result of human intervention can be used as
                                  indicators of ecological health.
                        2.0       The Ecological Basis for Vegetative Management
                        2.1       The Ravine Forest Ecosystem

                        2.1.1     Definition of Ravine Forest

                                            The ravine forests of southern Guam are terrestrial plant formations chiefly on volcanic
                                  soils or on argillaceous or limestone outcrops consisting of low stature trees and shrubs. The
                                  term "ravine forest" refers to its frequent occurrence in ravines and on steep slopes. Much, and
                                  perhaps all, of the primary ravine forest areas have been disturbed by human activities.

                        2.1.2     Floristics

                                            Relative to other ecosystems on Guam, the ravine forests are floristically rich with both
                                  native and introduced flora. Although relatively low in stature by tropic forests standards, the
                                  vertical structure of the ravine forest provide a range of micro-climates that encourage species
                                  diversity. The flora of the ravine forest include man   y of the species found on the raised
                                  limestone. Individual stands of vegetation may be either dominated by a few large woody
                                  species, or contain a mixture of species.
                                            Past human activities has introduced many non-native plant species into the ravine
                                  forest ecosystem, including the Areca catechu, the betel palm. As a result of repeated human-
                                  induced and natural disturbances the ravine forest of southern Guam is a secondary forest type as
                                  indicated by the widespread presence of Hibiscus tiliaceus, Areca catechu, and Cocus nucifiera.
                                  The floristics of the original forest of southern Guam cannot be discerned.





                                                                                 I










                                          Where the ravine forest borders savanna grasslands periodic wildland fires affect
                                 species composition of the ravine forest. Early sere vegetation dominant and Miscanthus
                                 floridulus is often a dominant species in the understory.
                       2.1.3     Ravine Forest Ecology
                                          The ecology of the ravine forest is a reflection on energy flow, natural disturbances, and
                                 past and present human activities in southern Guam. As described above, plant associations
                                 have been greatly influenced by the naturalization of introduced species. The introduced species
                                 now occupy niches which were previously occupied by native species. The persistence of the
                                 introduced species indicate that they are well adapted to the climate and soils within the
                                 planning area.
                                          While species diversification within the ravine forest has been altered by human
                                 activities, energy flow through the ravine forest has been less affected. Solar energy is the
                                 primary energy source entering the ravine forest ecosystem. Guam's proximity to the equatorial
                                 zone insures that large amounts of solar energy enters the ecological system year-round.
                                 Variations in day length have less effect on the amount of solar radiation reaching the ecosystem
                                 than the effect of cloud cover during the rainy season.
                                          The solar energy entering the ravine forest ecosystem can follow several energy paths.
                                 Some solar energy is reflected away, some is stored as heat, and some is converted to
                                 photochen-dcal energy by photosynthesis. Energy gained by the ecosystem can be lost to the
                                 environment by radiation from the plant, by heat conduction or convection, or by
                                 evapotranspiration. The vertical structure of the ravine forest vegetation allows for significant
                                 interception of the solar radiation by living plants.
                                          The large leaf area in the ravine forest allows for conversion to photochemical energy
                                 by photosynthesis. The structure of long-lived woody perennials serves as a storage medium for
                                 this photochemical energy as carbon.
                                          The larger leaf area also serves as a pathway for energy exchange through
                                 evapotranspiration which also results in a cooler environment surrounding ravine forest as a
                                 result of the release of water during evapotranspiration.
                                          With the exception of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, plants must obtain all 13 essential
                                 mineral nutrients from the growing medium solution. Not only do mineral nutrients need to be
                                 present within the ecosystem, but the nutrients must be present in a chemical form and in a
                                 location that is available for uptake by plants. Mineral elements are not homogeneously
                                 distributed nor are they present in the same chemical form throughout the ecosystem. Mineral
                                 nutrients move between the environment and living organisms and back to the environment.

                                 The movement of those elements and inorganic compounds that are essential to life is termed
                                 nutrient cycling. Mineral nutrients can enter, accumulate (pool), or exit ecosystems through




                                                                              2









                                  various complex energy pathways. Much of the health of an ecosystem is determined by the
                                  appropriate cycling of mineral nutrients between the abiotic and biotic parts of the ecosystem.
                                            Minerals that are taken up into woody plants are eventually returned to the soil except
                                  for the amount carried out of the ecosystem as "products". Minerals are returned to the surface
                                  of the soil by litterfall and through the washing and leaching effects of rain on tree foliage and
                                  stems. Minerals are also added to the soil by rainfall and dryfall and by the below ground dying
                                  and sloughing of roots. Mammals, insects, and other arthropods, earthworms, fungi, and
                                  bacteria breakdown the accumulating organic material, decompose it, and render it reavailable
                                  for plant nutrition. Soluble nutrients such as nitrogen must be absorbed by plants before being
                                  leached out of the rooting zone of the plants.
                                            Plant litter on the soil surface absorbs the energy of raindrops and intercepts surface
                                  flow. Organic matter and biological activity in the upper soil horizons increases the water
                                  holding capacity of the soil and plays an important role in the storage and release of soil water
                                  into the Riparian ecosystem.
                         2.2      The Savanna Grassland Ecosystem

                         2.2.1    Definition of Savanna Grasslands

                                            The savannas of southern Guam are extensive grassland communities on volcanic soils
                                  dominated by perennial grasses, bushy shnibs, herbs, and ferns. Frequent wildland fires
                                  maintain the savannas as an early seral plant community.

                         2.2.2    Floristics

                                            The savanna plant communities are floristically poor. The diversity of plant species
                                  which are adapted to the highly weathered, nutrient poor, very acid volcanic soils of the
                                  savannas is very limited. The grassland communities are often don-iinated by a few species
                                  including Miscanthusfloridulus (swordgrass), Dimeria chloridiformis, and Pennisetum
                                  polystachyon. Periodic wildland fires favor grass species that can rapidly resprout and dominant

                                  the site before wind disseminated seed becomes established.

                                            If wildland fire is excluded for a few years, woody shrubs and trees, including
                                  Casuarina equisetifolia may slowing become established the savanna plant communities. The
                                  woody component is often destroyed once a wildland fire occurs.
                         2.2.3    Savanna Grasslands Ecology
                                            It is generally accepted that the savanna ecosystem is a result of repeated disturbance
                                  through land clearing and periodic burning that has occurred since the Spanish colonized Guam
                                  300 ago. Ecological succession resulting in an orderly process of community development
                                  involving changes in species structure and community processes with time is disrupted by the
                                  periodic burning which resets the ecosystem development back to the earliest pioneer stage.






                                                                                 3










                                          Existing ecological processes within the savanna ecosystem are largely influenced by
                                 modifications to the physical environment resulting from a history of soil erosion and changes to
                                 soil chemistry and structure. As with all terrestrial communities solar energy is the primary
                                 energy source entering the savanna ecosystem. Unlike the ravine ecosystem the savanna plant
                                 communities lack a well developed vertical structure. Solar radiation is intercepted by the tall (I
                                  2 m) perennial grasses. Solar energy penetrating the plant canopy reaches the soil surface and
                                 is either reflected or the energy is transformed to heating of the soil profile. The heat energy in
                                 the soil is largely released back to the surrounding air.
                                          As in the ravine ecosystem a percentage of the solar energy entering the savanna
                                 ecosystem is converted to photochemical energy through photosynthesis. This energy is stored
                                 in root and leaf structures. The periodic wildland fires convert the stored photochemical energy
                                 to heat as it bums, the heat energy exits the ecosystem. Following burning the lack of
                                 photosynthesizing leaves results in the rapid die-off of roots. Regrowth of the grassland plant
                                 community is usually rapid (within months). The cycle of vegetative growth and burning does
                                 not permit a stabilizing of the ecosystem processes.
                                          The net result of these energy exchanges is that large quantities of photochemical
                                 energy is stored briefly (2 to 5 years) as plant tissue, but is released as heat into the atmosphere
                                 during burning. Also, the environment within the savanna ecosystem tends to be warmer than
                                 other ecosystems as a release of heat radiated from the soil.
                                          Nutrient cycling within the savanna ecosystem is affected by the imbalance of essential
                                 nutrients as well as rapid combustion of organic matter during burning. Some of the essential
                                 nutrients are present at the extreme ranges for plant growth. Calcium is virtually nonexistence
                                 in savanna soils while magnesium is present in near toxic levels. The imbalance of nutrients and
                                 the very low pH (4.5) limits the availability of several essential nutrient. Nfineral nutrients taken
                                 up into the grasses are returned to the surface of the soil by leaf fall and the die-back of the
                                 fibrous roots. High temperatures cause organic matter to be decomposed faster than it is

                                 accumulated.

                                          Combustion of organic matter during the periodic burning results in the release of
                                 carbon dioxide, nitrogenous gases, and ash to the atmosphere and the deposit of the minerals in
                                 the form of ash. The litter ash is more soluble than the organic matter from which it was
                                 formed. Generally, burning may have the following effects on nutrient availability: 1) a
                                 temporary increase in the amount of available minerals, a lessening of soil acidity and increase
                                 in base saturation, a decrease in the supply of total nitrogen, and a change in the moisture and
                                 temperature conditions of the site. Site quality in the savanna has declined as a result of
                                 repeated burning. The soil surface has been compacted by rains following the removal of
                                 vegetative cover and letter, resulting in a decrease in the rate of water penetration. The ash is




                                                                              4










                                  susceptible to being wind blown out of the ecosystem, and susceptible to leaching and erosion by
                                  rainwater. The loss of total nitrogen through volatilization is widely recognized and is related to
                                  the intensity of the fire. Nitrogen loss is also proportional to the amount of dry matter of fuel
                                  consumed, and considerable nitrogen may be lost during intense fires. For examples, fire
                                  occurring at the beginning of the dry season result in less loss of total nitrogen than fires
                                  occurring in the middle of the dry season with the amount of dry matter is greater and all of the
                                  vegetation is consumed. Replacement of the nitrogen by precipitation alone requires many
                                  decades. Only the ability of the succeeding vegetation and soil bacteria to replace the available
                                  nitrogen lost in burning is an important factor determining the effect of fire on site quality. The
                                  lack of nitrogen-fixing plant species in the savanna inhibit the replacement of nitrogen resulting
                                  in a nitrogen deficiency.
                                            The badland scarps associated with the savanna are the result of the extreme effects
                                  associated with frequent burning of the savanna and high rainfhll. Soils within the scarps are
                                  extremely low in pH (4.3), calcium, and phosphorous, organic matter. Even plant species
                                  adapted to harsh savanna sites, such as Miscanthusfloridulus, Dimeria chloridiformis, and
                                  Gleichenia linearis, cannot survive in the extreme conditions found within the badland scarps.
                        2.3       The Wetlands Ecosystem

                        2.3.1     Definition of Wetlands

                                            Wetlands are present within the ravine forest, savanna grasslands, and riparian
                                  ecosystems. Wetlands are plant communities dependent upon a constant source of water in their
                                  substrate. Within the Ugum watershed, wetlands include marshes, bogs, and similar areas.
                                            For the purpose of this technical report, running water (lotic) communities associated
                                  with streams are included in the wedand ecosystem.

                        2.3.2     Floristics

                                  The floristics of wetland plant communities is strongly influenced by soils which are
                                  waterlogged either frequently or seasonally. Plants existing within this ecosystem are adapted to
                                  cope with waterlogged conditions. The wetland communities associated with savannas are often
                                  dominated by a few grass and sedge species, including Pancicum maximum, Phragmites k-arka,
                                  and Rhynchospora spp. In the ravine forest, wetland flora may include woody trees including
                                  Hibiscus tiliaceous and Barringtonia racemosa.
                                            Wetland plant communities in the lotic component of this ecosystem is limited to algae
                                  and benthic plants. Plant communities within the streams fall into two different community
                                  types: rapids communities and pool communities.
                        2.3.3     Wetland Ecology
                                            Wedand ecosystems serve as a highly productive interface between terrestrial and open
                                  aquatic systems, providing beneficial functions to both, and facilitating a flow of energy




                                                                                5










                                between them. Wetlands ecosystem processes are influenced by the movement of surface and
                                subsurface water which affects gas exchange, temperature, and flow of nutrients. Solar energy is
                                primary energy source entering the wetland ecosystem. Solar radiation is intercepted by the tall
                                (I to 2 in) perennial grasses. Solar energy penetrating the plant canopy reaches the soil surface
                                and is either reflected or the energy is transformed to heating of the soil profile. Unlike the
                                savanna ecosystem, the high moisture content of the soil buffers the soil profile from large
                                fluctuations in temperature. This is a result of water being a polar molecule with a very high
                                heat exchange capacity. Heat energy is released back to the surrounding atmosphere as the soil

                                water evaporates.
                                         A percentage of the solar energy entering the wetland ecosystem is converted to
                                photochemical energy through photosynthesis. The leaf area serves as a pathway for energy
                                exchange through evapotranspiration which results in a cooler environment surrounding

                                wetlands.

                                         Nutrient cycling in a wetland ecosystem differs from both the ravine forest and savanna.
                                Nutrients can enter the wetland ecosystem as either eroded sediment or as dissolved minerals in
                                subsurface flow from ecosystems above the wetland. Nutrient inputs from surrounding
                                ecosystems are available to the plant communities. Because of the hydric nature of the soils,
                                anaerobic soil conditions exist during periods of saturation which may result in slow
                                decomposition of organic matter, and higher levels of organic niatter in the soil than either the
                                ravine forest or savanna ecosystems. The organic matter can serve as a storage of nutrients.
                                         Nutrients can also be transported out of the wetland ecosystem as dissolved minerals in
                                subsurface flow. Nutrients leaving the wetland ecosystem can either be deposited in other
                                terrestrial ecosystems, or the nutrients can enter the Open water ecosystem and be transported to

                                the sea.

                                         Wetland ecosystems that are surrounded by savanna plant communities can be affected
                                by wildland fires during drought periods. The higher moisture content with the wetland plant
                                communities usually result in lower combustion of above ground biomass and rarely does a
                                wildland fire completely consume the wetland plants.
                                         The net result of these energy exchanges is that large quantities of photocheirdcal
                                energy is stored as soil organic matter and in plant biomass (above and below ground).
                                         Ecological processes in the lotic community differs significantly from that of the
                                terrestrial wetland community. Differences between streams and other ecosystems revolve
                                around the input of solar radiation, current, and land-water interchange. Solar radiation entering
                                the lotic community is controlled by canopy closure of the riparian community. Portions of the
                                streams are completely shaded by woody vegetation present in the adjacent riparian ecosystem.
                                In lower-gradient and higher-ordcr streams, the stream channel by definition is wider and there




                                                                            6










                                  commonly is a gap or opening between the parallel strands of the riparian vegetation. These
                                  gaps in canopy affect species diversity and abundance in the lotic community by permitting
                                  more solar radiation to reach the open water. In general the amount of vegetative biomass in the
                                  lotic community on an area basis is much less than that of the other ecosystems. Much of the
                                  solar radiation reaching the lotic community is reflected or transformed in heating the water.
                                  Depending on the amount of suspended sediment in the stream, much of the solar radiation is
                                  diffused. A small amount of the solar radiation is converted to photochemical energy by
                                  photosynthesis.
                                            The accumulation of biomass of the algae and benthic plant communities: is an
                                  important energy source for the stream fauna. Much of the energy gained by the lotic
                                  component is transported downstream in the current and enters the sea.
                        2.4       The Riparian Ecosystem
                        2.4.1     Definition of Riparian
                                            Riparian vegetation is defined as "vegetation growing on or near banks of a stream or
                                  other body of water on soils that exhibit some wetness characteristics during some portion of the
                                  growing season". Riparian ecosystems differ from wetland ecosystems in that wetland plant
                                  communities are adapted to saturated soil conditions, and riparian communities are associated
                                  with open water environments, such as streams.

                        2.4.2     Floristics

                                            Because riparian ecosystems are located along stream channels, prominent zonation is
                                  longitudinal. Changes are more pronounced in the upper part of streams because the gradient,
                                  volume of flow, and chemical composition change rapidly. The change in composition of
                                  communities is likely to be more pronounced in the first mile than in the upper watershed. The
                                  riparian plant communities in the Ugurn are longitudinal zoned with plant communities similar
                                  to wetland and ravine forest ecosystems found in the higher stream orders near the coast.
                                  Hibiscus tiliaceus, Cocus nucifiera, and Barringtonia racemosa and other species which are
                                  adapted to periodic inundated and waterlogged soil conditions are commonly associated with
                                  riparian zones nearer the coast. The width of the riparian ecosystem is widest near the coast
                                  where the influence of the stream extends well beyond the stream channel.
                                            In the upper watershed where volume of flow is much less, the savanna grassland
                                  vegetation often dominates, and the width of the riparian ecosystem is much narrower.
                        2.4.3     Riparian Ecology
                                            The riparian ecology is closely linked to the watershed morphology in that the
                                  associated riparian plant communities follow an organized stream system from the upper
                                  watershed to the sea. Riparian ecosystem processes are influenced by the movement of open
                                  water in streams as well as subsurface flow from adjacent ecosystems. The riparian ecosystem










                                 extends to either side of stream channels. As with the other ecosystems, solar energy is the
                                 primary energy source to the ecosystem and the ecological processes within the riparian zone is
                                 similar to those described for the other ecosystems. Because the riparian ecosystem is located
                                 along the lower slopes, soils which have eroded from upper slopes are intercepted by the
                                 physical presence of vegetation in the riparian zone. This results in an accumulation of soil in
                                 the riparian zone.
                                          Stream channels are often associated with geomorphic faults resulting in subsurface
                                 water flow being closer to the soil surface. The combination of accumulated soil and higher soil
                                 moisture results in the site quality being higher in the riparian zone. Higher site quality in the
                                 riparian (at least where woody plant species dominate), results in a greater accumulation of

                                 biomass.

                                          Soluble nutrients that are not absorbed by the biotic component of the ecosystem can
                                 exit the riparian ecosystem through subsurface flow that enters the open water. Soil which are
                                 eroded along the stream channel during high water flow exits the ecosystem as suspended

                                 sediment.

                       3.0       Resource - values/products/activities
                                          The public and private lands within the Ugum watershed are valued for many uses
                                 including: gathering of native and wild plant products, harvest of wild and feral animals, a
                                 source of clean water, production of agriculture crops, and recreational activities. The biological
                                 communities and associated habitats together comprise ecosystems within a watershed.
                                          Human are more than a biological component of ecosystems. Society, through
                                 economics, establishes value of commodities derived from ecosystems. People can have a
                                 profound effect on the biological and environmental components and affect the flow of energy
                                 within and between ecosystems. All of the resource values and products derived from the Ugurn
                                 watershed as well as the activities occurring within the watershed are dependent on the
                                 sustainability of the ecological systems which comprise the watershed.
                                          Past human activity in the watershed has gradually altered the species diversity and
                                 development of plant communities. Access into the watershed was determined routes suitable
                                 for ox carts, and trails and roads generally followed ridgetops. Ravine forests along the trails
                                 were cleared and burned to allow farniing and grazing. Much of the existing savanna grasslands
                                 are probably a result of repeated clearing and burning of vegetation along the trails. As the soil
                                 eroded native forest vegetation could not re-establish and the adapted Miscanthus spp. dominate
                                 these areas. Humans also introduced and propagated a variety of plant species to the ravine
                                 forest. The introduced plants which were adapted to the multistory environment were able to
                                 become reproduce and are now a component of the ravine forest ecosystem.






                                                                             8










                                         Previous human activities which altered the energy flow or species composition and
                               distribution in the watershed were not regarded as serious impacts because the land and resource
                               economic value were relatively low. Today, and in the foreseeable future, the land and resource
                               economic values of the watershed are increasing. The increasing economic resource value is,
                               and will continue to put increasing pressure to develop the land for further economic return.
                               Potential development activities in the watershed include agriculture cropping, golf course
                               development, construction of homes and the related needed infrastructure, and recreational

                               activities.

                                         The watershed is an important source of clean water for the residents of southern Guam.
                               The capability of the watershed to continue providing the quantity and quality of water is largely
                               dependent on maintaining ftmctional ecosystems which intercept precipitation reaching the soil
                               surface and control the flow of water to the intake pipes and the water treatment plant on the
                               lower Ugurn River. The ecosystems can absorb a limited amount of development, but either
                               excessive or poorly planned and/or located development has the potential to have a profound
                               affect on the future ability of the ecosystems to function properly.
                                         Activities in one ecosystem may result in adverse impacts to adjacent ecosystems, or in
                               the case of water quality, activities in ecosystems far removed from the stream channel may
                               reduce water quality as the impact is shifted from one community to another.
                      4.0      Alternative mitigation measures
                                         There are two approaches to mitigation of human activities: preventive mitigation and
                               corrective mitigation. By definition preventative mitigation requires taking action to prevent an
                               activity from resulting in an adverse impact. Corrective mitigation occurs after an impact has
                               occurred and is designed to lessen the impact of the adverse action. While energy flow and
                               ecological processes are best described at the ecosystem level, mitigation measures are generally
                               activity specific and best discussed at the activity level and related back to the ecological
                               processes affected.




















                                                                           9










                       4.1       Agriculture
                                          Agriculture activities have occurred in the ravine forest, savanna grassland, riparian,
                                 and wetland (terrestrial component) ecosystems. Preventive mitigation is necessary to ensure
                                 the changes to the ecological processes are within the ability of the various ecosystems to
                                 recover. Nfitigation should include careful selection of sites to be used for agriculture. In
                                 general, clearing of ravine forest should be avoided. Once the forest vegetation is cleared,
                                 nutrient storage and cycling is disrupted, and recovery of the ecosystem is slow. If an area of
                                 ravine forest is cleared and farmed, essential nutrients are quickly lost through leaching and the
                                 physical loss of soil by erosion. Once the nutrients are loss and soil erosion occurs, agriculture
                                 activities are no longer economical and the site converts to a less productive savanna grassland.
                                          Wetlands should also be avoided as agriculture sites. The wetland ecology depends on
                                 the flow of surface and subsurface water which is largely determined by drainage patterns and
                                 the soil profile. Agriculture activities which involve tillage disrupt the drainage pattern and can
                                 destroys the natural soil profile. Once the hydrology is disrupted only expensive corrective
                                 mitigation measures can restore the ecological processes.
                                          Agriculture activities within the riparian ecosystem should be discouraged. The
                                 riparian areas are critical in reducing the amount of sediment, pesticides, and fertilizers from
                                 entering the streams.
                                          Areas within the savanna grasslands are suited for agriculture activities as long as
                                 careful consideration is given to site selection, and agronomic practices. Preventive mitigation
                                 can be accomplished through conservation planning prior to tillage and planting and the
                                 installation of appropriate conservation practices. While conservation planning needs to be site
                                 specific some standard conservation practices that should be used in most, if not all, plans

                                 include:


                                                            Conservation cropping sequence (328)
                                                            Conservation tillage (329)
                                                            Contour farniing (3 3 0)
                                                            Cover and green manure crop (340)
                                                            Crop residue use (344)
                                                            Field windbreak (392)
                                                            Filter strip (393)
                                                            Contour hedgerow (422)

                       4.2       Golf course development
                                          There are presently no existing golf course developments within the watershed. A golf
                                 course development requires the clearing and shaping of a large area (a hundred hectares or
                                 more), and the creation of a controlled ecosystem dependent on constant human intervention.






                                                                            10










                               Because golf course developments involve extensive areas and major land disturbance actions,
                               both preventive and corrective mitigation measures are required.
                                        Because golf course development are intended to create a non-natural ecosystem,
                               impacts to off-site ecosystems and resource values need to be addressed and mitigated for in the
                               planning and construction phases. Off-site impacts may involve sedimentation as a result of on-
                               site erosion, clearing of vegetation and removal of top soil from distant ecosystems, changes to
                               sub-watershed hydrology, and pesticide and/or fertilizer contamination.
                                        The extensive area required for golf course development usually results in several
                               ecosystems being converted. Proper site selection is an important mitigation measure. In
                               general, development should be limited to savanna grasslands. Clearing of ravine forest,
                               riparian vegetation, and wetlands should be avoided. Prior to vegetation removal and ground
                               disturbance, effective sediment control and erosion control structures must be in place.
                                        Because soils covering development sites are often unsuitable for turf grass
                               management, large quantities of top soil are stripped from distance ecosystems and transported
                               to the development site. This results in the total destruction of natural ecosystems to create an
                               artificial ecosystem completely dependent on external inputs of soil, water, and nutrients.
                               Preventive and corrective mitigation of stripped sites is required to prevent off-site degradation.
                               Revegetation of stripped sites will be a critical corrective mitigation measure. Conservation
                               practices to revegetate stripped sites should include:


                                                          Critical area planting (342)
                                                          Grass waterway (412)
                                                          Mulching (484)
                                                          Tree planting (612)
                                                          Filter strip (393)


                      4.3      Road construction

                                        Access is essential for most human activities whether agriculture, recreational, or
                               homes. With the exception of the paved road into Talofofo Falls, the existing road system in the
                               watershed is generally in an unimproved condition and follow historic ox trails. Existing roads
                               are present in all ecosystems: ravine forest, savanna grasslands, riparian, and wetlands.
                               Generally, road location and standards are determined during the construction phase. Little or
                               no concern of off-site impacts are addressed. The objective of current road maintenance
                               activities is to keep the roads functional, and are not intended to mitigate off-site impacts.
                                        Both preventive and corrective mitigation is required on existing and future roads. The
                               importance of proper road location and design cannot be over emphasized. Generally, roads
                               should be located along ridges in the savanna grasslands where minimum ground disturbance is
                               required. Roads transecting ravine forest must be carefully located and designed since the





                                                                         I I










                                forests are generally found on side slopes. Roads should be located away from riparian and
                                wetland sites. Clearing of vegetation should be of minimum width and the width should not be
                                increased simply to allow more sunlight to dry the soil during construction.
                                         Corrective mitigation measures involve revegetating the disturbed cut and fill areas of
                                constructed roads. Grasses, legumes, or trees should be prescribed for revegetation on a site
                                specific basis.
                                        Roads constructed above wetlands and streams should be designed as not to interrupt
                                the natural drainage to the point that wetland vegetation can no longer survive.


















































                                                                         12












                      4.4      Recreation activities

                                        There are presently three categories of recreational activities occurring within the
                               watershed: hunting, developed river-oriented, and undeveloped wildland-oriented. Natural
                               vegetation is regarded as an important component of each category of recreation.
                                        The natural vegetation provides important habitat for species desired by hunters, and
                               hunting occurs in each of the ecosystems. Feral pigs are hunted in the ravine forest and riparian
                               area. Philippine deer are hunter in the savanna grasslands, and black francolin are sought in the
                               wetland ecosystems. In regards to hunting, the intentional setting of wildland fires to provide
                               access and to draw deer into the open has the most adverse affect to the ecological processes.
                               Hunters using off-road vehicles to access areas also results in resource damage. A single hunter
                               with little regard for resource values can have a long term negative effect through the intentional
                               setting of wildland fires or creating tire depressions which erode during the wet season.
                                        At least one commercial enterprise with transports tourists into the wildlands is
                               operating in the watershed. This undeveloped wildland-oriented recreationalist is often
                               advertised as ecotourism, but there is strong evidence that the off-road traffic of the tour
                               operators is resulting in considerable resource damage in terms of soil erosion and contributing
                               to an expansion of badlands within the savanna grasslands. The number of unimproved roads
                               within the upper watershed has doubled in the past 20 years, much of these unimproved roads
                               are the result of off-road traffic by tour operators. Both preventive and corrective mitigation
                               measures are required.
                      5.0      Recommended mitigation measures
                                        For each of the management plan scenarios, except the No Action scenario, the
                               recommended mitigation measures include both preventive mitigation and corrective mitigation
                               measures. The intensity of the mitigation measures increase as the level of ecosystem protection

                               increases.




























                                                                          13












                        5.1       Scenario 1: No Action

                                           Recommended mitigation under the No Action scenario is limited to voluntary
                                  cooperation with individual land owners in assessing potential preventive conservation practices
                                  on agriculture lands. Minimum adoption and implementation of conservation practices are
                                  expected under this scenario.
                        5.2       Scenario 11: Maintenance, Current Zoning
                                           Recommended mitigation under the Maintenance, Current Zoning scenario include
                                  conservation measures which would permit development without measurable degradation of the
                                  existing ecological processes.
                        5.2.1     Agriculture
                                           "Me objective of agriculture under this scenario is to promote sustainable agriculture
                                  through proper site location and adoption of conservation practices. The Government of Guam,
                                  through the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, would actively support conservation planning
                                  on all agriculture lands within the watershed. Voluntary adoption and implementation of
                                  conservation practices specifically to protect water quality and quantity would be emphasized.
                                  The goal of conservation practices in this scenario is to protect water quality and quantity by: 1)
                                  preventing non-point source sediments from reaching stream courses, and 2) maintaining forest
                                  vegetation. Generally agriculture fields would be located within the savanna grassland
                                  ecosystems on flat or only gentle slopes. Included in agronomic conservation practices would

                                  be:

                                                              Conservation tillage (329)
                                                              Cross-slope farming (330)
                                                              Crop residue use (344)

                        5.2.2     Golf course development
                                           The objective of golf course development under this scenario is to promote economic
                                  development. Appropriate agencies within the Government of would require that potential
                                  environmental impacts are identified through an assessment and that impacts are effectively
                                  mitigated through preventive and corrective measures. Preventive mitigation should include
                                  minimizing the clearing of ravine forest, and impacts to wetlands and riparian zones. Erosion
                                  control through effective filter strips would be required. Corrective mitigation should include
                                  replacement plantings of cleared mvine and riparian vegetation. If wetlands are adversely
                                  impacted by the golf course development, constructed wetlands should be developed to mitigate

                                  the loss of wetlands.

                        5.2.3     Road construction

                                           The objective of road construction is to provide access to other uses in the watershed.
                                  Appropriate agencies within the Government of Guam would require roads be designed and





                                                                               14











                                constructed to appropriate standards for the intended use. Preventive mitigation would include
                                avoiding sensitive areas, such as wetlands and unstable slopes. Corrective mitigation would
                                include re-establishment of vegetation on cut and fill slopes.

                      5.2.4     Recreational activities

                                         The objective of recreational activities is to promote economic development and public
                                enjoyment of the natural environment. Appropriate agencies within the Government of Guam
                                would permit commercial recreational activities that would not contribute to non-point source
                                sedimentation. Cooperative agreements with land owners would be negotiated that would allow
                                government monitoring of the impacts of tour groups. Wildland fires would be suppressed when

                                resource values were threatened.

                      5.2.5     Residential construction

                                         The objective of residential construction is to promote economic development as well
                                as an opportunity for private individuals to improve their quality of life through home
                                ownership. Variances to existing zoning would be rare. Single family homes would be
                                encouraged. Building permits would not be issued for construction within riparian ecosystem.
                                Filling or damaging wetland ecosystem would not be permitted. Retention and planting of trees
                                and shrubs around homes would be encouraged.




































                                                                           15










                       5.3       Scenario III: Improvement, Adjusted Zoning and Land Use Policy
                       5.3.1     Agriculture
                                          The objective of agriculture under this scenario is to promote sustainable agriculture
                                 through proper site location and adoption of conservation practices. The Government of Guam,
                                 through the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, would actively support conservation planning
                                 on all agriculture lands within the watershed. Zoning and land use policy would limit
                                 agriculture activities to specific soils and slopes. A conservation plan would be required and
                                 practices designed to protect water quality and quantity would be mandatory. Generally
                                 agriculture fields would be located within the savarma grassland ecosystems on flat or only
                                 gentle slopes. Included in agronomic conservation practices would be:
                                                             Conservation tillage (329)
                                                             Contour farniing (3 30)
                                                             Cover and green manure crop (340)
                                                             Crop residue use (344)
                                                             Field windbreak (392)
                                                             Filter strip (3 92)
                                                             Contour hedgerow (422)


                       5.3.2     Golf course development
                                          The objective of golf course development under this scenario is to promote economic
                                 development. The Government of Guam, appropriate agencies, would require that potential
                                 environmental impacts are identified through an assessment and that impacts are effectiveness
                                 mitigated through preventive and corrective measures. Preventive mitigation would include
                                 minimizing the clearing of ravine forest, and impacts to wetlands and riparian zones. Erosion
                                 control through effective filter strips would be required. Corrective mitigation would include
                                 replacement plantings of cleared ravine and riparian vegetation. If wetlands are adversely
                                 impacted by the golf course development, constructed wetlands would be developed to mitigate

                                 the loss of wetlands.

                                          Stripping of top soil would be closely monitored and corrective mitigation would be
                                 required, including timely revegetation.

                       5.3.3     Road construction

                                          The objective of road construction is access to other uses in the watershed. The
                                 Government of Guam, though appropriate agencies, would require roads be designed and
                                 constructed to appropriate standards for the intended use. Preventive mitigation would include
                                 avoiding sensitive areas, such as wetlands and unstable slopes. Corrective mitigation would
                                 include re-establishment of vegetation on cut and fill slopes.
                                          Existing roads would be brought up to standards. Roadways that are not serving a
                                 specific purpose would be closed and revegetated.





                                                                              16












                       5.3.4    Recreational activities

                                          The objective of recreational activities is to promote economic development and public
                                enjoyment of the natural environment. The Government of Guam, though the appropriate
                                agencies, would permit commercial recreational activities that would not contribute to non-point
                                source sedimentation. Cooperative agreements with land owners would be negotiated that
                                would allow government monitoring of the impacts of tour groups. An active education
                                program on the impacts of wildland fires would initiated. Wildland fires would be suppressed.
                                Reforestation of savanna grasslands would be emphasized and as well as establishment of
                                vegetative fuel breaks to compartmentalized wildland fires.

                       5.3.5    Residential construction

                                          The objective of residential construction is to promote economic development as well
                                as an opportunity for private individuals to improve their quality of life through home
                                ownership. Zoning for residential construction would incorporate protection and enhancement
                                of forest ecosystems. Variances to zoning would be rare. Single family homes would be
                                encouraged. Building permits would not be issued for construction within the riparian
                                ecosystem. Filling or damaging wetland ecosystem would not be permitted. Retention and
                                planting of trees and shrubs around homes would be encouraged.



































                                                                            17










                        6.0       Results of mitigation

                        6.1       Ravine forest

                        6.1.1     Scenario 1: No Action

                                           Portions of the ravine forest would be cleared for other uses over the next twenty years.
                                  Where ravine forests are cleared for agricultural activities, site productivity would decline as the
                                  nutrients are used by crop plants and leached, and soil erosion occurs. Land users would
                                  increase use of fertilizers and pesticides to maintain crop production at an economic level.
                                  When the cost of fertilizer and pesticide treatment decreases the profit significantly, the and the
                                  cleared areas would be abandoned. Some of the abandoned lands would begin to recover as
                                  early seral vegetation becomes established and the natural nutrient cycling processes rebuild.
                                  Areas that were cleared on marginal or steep lands are abandoned would likely convert to
                                  savanna grasslands. A portion of the sediment eroding from the agricultural lands would
                                  eventually enter the streams and water quality would be adversely affected.
                                           Construction of roads through the ravine forest would permit access that would lead to
                                  additional clearing for other uses, such as homesteads and agriculture. Roads would be of poor
                                  quality and wide strips of ravine forest would be cleared to facilitate drying of the road surface.
                                           Golf course development would result in some clearing of ravine forest areas. During
                                  the construction phase, a portion of the sediment eroding from the site would enter the streams
                                  and water quality would be adversely affected. Cleared areas would be converted to fairways,
                                  greens, and infrastructure development. The hydrology of the sub-watershed would be affected
                                  resulting in increases in peak flow in the sub-watershed.
                                           Recreational activities involving off-road vehicle use would increase. The number of
                                  pioneered roads through the ravine forest would also increase and the destruction of vegetation
                                  and rutting would result in gully erosion forming and an increase in the amount sediment
                                  entering the streams.
                                           Residential construction would occur in all ecosystems. There would be a loss of
                                  important riparian and wetland vegetation.

                        6.1.2     Scenario 2: Maintenance

                                           Less area than the No Action scenario would be cleared over the next twenty years.
                                  Agricultural activities would be limited to appropriate soils and slopes. Installed conservation
                                  practices would limit soil loss to acceptable levels and very little of the eroded sediment would
                                  enter streams. Water quality would not be materially degraded as a result of agricultural
                                  activities. Site productivity would not be degraded and abandoned agricultural lands would
                                  convert back to ravine forest vegetation over time.







                                                                               18










                                              New road construction through the ravine forest would be designed and constructed to
                                   standards. Revegetation of cut and fill slopes would control erosion and water quality would not
                                   be adversely affected.
                                              Some ravine forest vegetation would be cleared for golf course development but
                                   reforesting an equal area of savanna grasslands with appropriate species would mean no net lost
                                   of forest vegetation. Over time ravine forest species would become established in replanted
                                   areas.     Recreational activities would increase but use of off-road vehicles would be monitored.

                                   Most recreation in the ravine forest environment would be foot traffic and continued hunting for
                                   feral pig.
                                              Residential construction within the ravine forest would be limited. Impacts to ravine
                                   forest ecosystems would result infrastructure development (power, sewage, and water lines).
                         6.1.3     Scenario 3: Improvement
                                              Only limited areas of the ravine forest would be cleared for development and roads.
                                   Forestland cleared for agriculture would remain productive through conservation practices.
                                   Virtually no erosion would occur on agricultural lands, and there would be no discernible
                                   degradation of water quality.




































                                                                                   19










                       6.2       Savanna grassland

                       6.2.1     Scenario 1: No Action

                                          Savanna grasslands would expand as forested ecosystems are cleared for agriculture and
                                 abandoned over the next twenty years. Portions of the savanna grasslands would temporarily be
                                 converted to agriculture use but would convert back to grasslands. Wildland fires would
                                 continue to maintain the existing grasslands in an early succession stage. Erosion from burned
                                 grasslands would continue to contribute the most sediment to the Ugurn Rivers and its
                                 tributaries. Site quality would continue to decline and badland areas would increase in size.
                                          Construction of roads through the savanna grasslands would permit access that would
                                 lead to additional wildland fires, off-road vehicle, and related erosion. Lack of proper road
                                 design and construction would result in erosion of cut and fill slopes which would contribute to

                                 the sediment load in the streams.

                                          Golf course development would result in conversion of savanna grasslands. During the
                                 construction phase, a portion of the sediment eroding from the site would enter the streams and
                                 water quality would be adversely affected. Erosion would decrease following construction and
                                 establishment of vegetation. The hydrology of the sub-watershed would be affected resulting in
                                 a slight decrease in peak flow in the sub-watershed.
                                          Recreational activities involving off-road vehicle use would increase. The number of
                                 pioneered roads through the savanna grasslands would increase and the destruction of vegetation
                                 and rutting would result in gully erosion forming and an increase in the amount of sediment
                                 entering the streams.
                                          Most residential construction would occur in the savanna grasslands. Construction of
                                 homes and roadways would permanently remove savanna vegetation. Grasslands a4jacent to
                                 homes would be affected by human activities including increased foot and vehicle traffic,
                                 garbage dumping, and wildland fires.

                       6.2.2     Scenario 2: Maintenance

                                          Less area would be converted to savarma grassland than the No Action scenario would
                                 be cleared over the next twenty years. Agriculture activities would be limited to appropriate
                                 soils and slopes. Installed conservation practices would be limit soil loss to acceptable levels
                                 and very little of the eroded sediment would enter streams. Water quality would not be further
                                 degraded as a result of agricultural activities. Site productivity would not be degraded and
                                 abandoned agricultural lands would convert back to savanna grasslands.
                                          New road construction through savanna grasslands would be designed and constructed
                                 to standards. Revegetation of cut and fill slopes would control erosion and water quality would
                                 not be adversely affected.






                                                                             20










                                           Savanna vegetation cleared for golf course development'would be in a less eroding state
                                 once vegetation is established. Savanna grasslands would be planted to trees as a mitigation
                                 measure of golf course development in ravine forest areas.

                                           Recreational activities would increase but use of off-road vehicles would be monitored.

                                 Wildland fires would continue at the current rate.

                                           Most residential construction would occur in the savanna grasslands. Additional
                                 planning and construction standards would reduce adverse impacts from the No Action scenario.
                                 Construction of homes and roadways would permanently remove savanna vegetation.
                                 Grasslands adjacent to homes would be affected by human activities including increased foot
                                 and vehicle traffic, garbage dumping, and wildland fires.
                        6.2.3    Scenario 3: Improvement
                                           The area of savanna grasslands would decline over the next twenty years as sites are
                                 used for sustainable agriculture and reforested. Erosion in the watershed would decrease as
                                 areas are reforested. Site quality would improve where savanna areas are converted to forest and
                                 agriculture use. Water quality would improve.

                        6.3      Wetland

                        6.3.1    Scenario 1: No Action

                                           Some wetlands would be converted to other uses over the next twenty years. Where
                                 wetlands are converted to agricultural use, site productivity would decline as the nutrients are
                                 used by crop plants and leached, and soil erosion occurs. Land users would increase use of
                                 fertilizers and pesticides to maintain crop production at an economic level. Some of the
                                 fertilizers and pesticides would enter streams and result an adverse impact to water quality.
                                 Hydrology of the converted wetlands would be disrupted for several years as a result of
                                 cultivation. Converted wetlands would slowly recover once the site is abandoned.
                                           Construction of roads through the wetlands would destroy the hydrology of wetland
                                 site. Traffic through the wetlands would continue to degrade the surrounding wetland as erosion

                                 increases.

                                           Golf course development and home construction would result in some destruction of

                                 wetlands.

                        6.3.2    Scenario 2: Maintenance

                                           There would be no net loss of wetlands under this scenario. Specific wetlands would be
                                 filled or degraded by development but constructed wetlands would mitigate these impacts.
                                 Agriculture would not impact wetlands. Wildland fires would continue periodically to bum
                                 through the wetlands. Road construction would be designed and located to avoid degrading
                                 wetland quality. Vegetation in streams and rivers would not be materially affected.
                        6.3.3    Scenario 3: Improvement




                                                                              21











                                           Conservation on agriculture lands would reduce soil erosion and farm-related
                                  sedimentation of wetlands. Constructed wetlands resulting from golf course development
                                  would have some native wetland plant species. Designed roads would have reduce road-related
                                  sedimentation of wetlands. Residential construction would avoid degrading wetland values, and
                                  water quality would improve.
                        6.4       Riparian

                        6.4.1     Scenario 1: No Action

                                           Riparian vegetation would be cleared for development activities. Agricultural fields
                                  would encroach into the riparian zone degrading the quality of vegetation and adversely
                                  affecting the ecological processes associated with the riparian zone. Golf course construction
                                  would result in ftniher loss of riparian vegetation. Roads constructed through riparian would
                                  destroy vegetation and be a source of sedimentation. Residences constructed within the riparian
                                  ecosystem would permanently replace riparian vegetation.

                        6.4.2     Scenario 2: Maintenance

                                  Limited activity would be allowed in the riparian ecosystem minimizing adverse impacts.
                                  Generally there would be no net loss of riparian vegetation.
                        6.4.3     Scenario 3: Improvement

                                  Same as scenario 2.



                                                                           END OF REPORT





































                                                                             22












                                                                    WETLANDS
                                                                   by R.L. Sablan


                  1. Introduction


                  The Ugurn Watershed covers an area of approximately 11.8 square kilometers (7.33 square miles) or 4,691 acres
                  in five distinct subwatersheds, and twenty three (23) miles of rivers. The vast majority of wetlands and open
                  water features identified as part of this management planning effort and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
                  (USFWS) Wetlands Inventory 1983 (1975 aerial photographs), approximately 102 hectares (255 acres), are
                  located primarily within the riparian and flood plain areas of the various river systems. Wetlands, including open
                  water habitat make up approximately 5.4 % of the watershed.

                  The official wetland definition for Guam is as follows:


                  "Those areas that are inundated by surface or ground water with a frequency sufficient to support and under
                  normal circumstances does or would support a prevalence of vegetative or aquatic life that requires saturated or
                  seasonally saturated soil conditions for growth and reproduction. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes,
                  mangroves, natural ponds, surface springs, estuaries and similar such areas."

                  For the purposes of this management plan wetlands were only delineated (identified) using current inventory
                  sources (USFWS) and did not include wetland specific field surveys with the exception of 12 hectares identified
                  during vegetation inventories. An important note is the fact that the primary basis for determining wetland
                  ecosystem resources within the watershed was through the remote interpretation of 1975 aerial photographs.
                  Stereoscopic interpretation based on vegetation types, visible hydrology, and geography was conducted, therefore
                  an inherent margin of error exists with inventory results that are only accurate subject to ground verification and
                  more detailed scientific analysis (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1983). The general consensus among wetland
                  experts suggests that the inventory is significantly short of the actual total wetland resources for any given land
                  unit (Lee L.C., personal communication, 1994). When conducting land-use analysis for wedand resources land
                  owners, managers, resource personnel among others should require site specific wetland determinations in all
                  cases due to strict regulatory control with regard to modification and impact of wetlands by both federal and local
                  authorities. In most cases resource agencies are mandated to assist in the verification process to the most practical
                  extent.


                  Wetlands identified in the Ugum. Watershed are classified in two (2) broad categories as either Pulustrine or
                  Riverine. Pulustrine systems primarily include but limited to inland (nontidal) freshwater wetlands dominated by
                  trees, shrubs, persistent cmergents, emergent mosses or lichens (ref.). Some of the more typical systems found in
                  the Ugurn Watershed are doniinated by Phragmites karka (Kaniso), Hibiscus tileacious (Pago), or a combination
                  of both.



                  Headwater wetlands which occur on steep slopes as well as on broad drainage flats within savanna grasslands may
                  be dominated by low growing (emergent) sedges and mixed with Phragmities. Headwater wetlands are highly
                  seasonal except for those in shallow ravines (depressions), slumped areas on steep slopes (indicating springs), and
                  other narrow riparian areas associated with seasonal streams.

                  Rivcrine wetlands include all wetlands associated with deepwater habitats of rivers their channels or banks and are
                  characterized by the periodically or continuously flowing water, or which form links between two bodies of water
                  standing water.

                  The major difference between Pulustrine and Riverine wetlands adjacent to rivers or streams is that Riverinc
                  wetlands are confined to that area between river banks (top of bank to top of bank) under the influence of flowing
                  or moving water while Pulustrine wetlands make up the remaining area from the river bank to uplands. Pulustrine
                  wetlands are common in flood plains, however both Pulustrinc and Riverine wetlands may be located in and
                  constitute a majority of a given riparian zone.















                   n. Assessment of Resource Funclions/Products/Activities


                   The various functions and beneficial products of wetlands are well documented (University of New Orleans) The
                   functions of wetlands within the Ugurn Watershed include;

                   - Water quality protection
                           - Sediment trapping (control)
                           - Chemical detoxification
                           - Nutrient recycling and removal of organics
                   -Groundwater recharge and discharge
                   -Streamflow maintenance and water supply
                   -Flood protection (storage and conveyance)
                   -Productivity (food and fiber)
                   -Wildlife, fisheries, and coral reef protection
                    Aesthetics, recreation, and cultural resources
                    Education and research


                   A. Water Quality Protection (Mechanical)

                   Mechanical water quality protection is achieved through sediment deposition of a significant percentage of total
                   suspended solids including organic material or detritus, Because many wetlands are depressional. and located at
                   various receiving points within a given river system, from headwater wetlands to coastal estuaries, they act as
                   multiple sediment basins each in turn accounting for a percentage of the settling-out function as water moves
                   through a watershed. Important factors for the effective removal of sediment are based on the velocity and volume
                   of water through the system and wetland vegetation type.

                   This function may be expressed as average residence time, however hydrologic factors determining a given
                   volume/time unit of water runoff entering wetlands, residence time, and discharges are best quantified as a
                   hydroperiod. Unless normal rates of erosion, quantities of sediment, and water carrying that sediment are not
                   exceeded, wetlands will function to remove sediment without detrimental effect to the wetland itself. Excessive
                   rates of sediment deposition will tend to overload a given wetland and accelerate the rate of surface or soil profile
                   change where water tables and flow patterns eventually alter wetland size, vegetation patterns or create wetlands
                   at new locations as water seeks new areas to accumulate. Where standing water provides for fish habitat
                   excessive loading will affect the fish that live feed and reproduce in the wetland.

                   B. Water Quality Protection (Chemical)

                   Wetlands function to protect down stream water, from chemical pollution by acting as accumulation points of
                   pesticides, solvents, fuels, heavy metals and other chemicals of largely human origin. While a wetland may
                   function as a buffering system for water the affects of chemical accumulations, if chronic, may adversely affect
                   the wetland itself by inhibiting the normal growth and reproduction of plants and animals in the wetland. Some
                   decomposition of chemicals to less toxic compounds may occur over long periods of time, however the rate of
                   effective decomposition and natural recycling (biodegradation) and fate of toxic materials in wetlands is not well
                   known and likely differs depending on the type of material (Mitsch and Gosselink, 1986). Wetland soils are
                   hydric meaning they lack oxygen for substantial periods of time, however a thin layer of soil and standing water
                   above hydric soils does contain oxygen. Basic chemical reactions and the process of degradation will result in
                   various rates of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in addition to Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) [T. Dunne,
                   1978]. It follows that excessive rates of either and in this case COD will eventually deprive living organisms of
                   minimum available dissolved oxygen levels. Therefore, the flinctional benefits of wetlands to buffer down
                   stream waters from chemical pollution may also result in the degradation of wetlands chemically and physically
                   while at the same time still allowing the undesirable introduction of chemicals into the food chain (T. Dunne).










                   C. Water Quality Protection (Biological)

                   Biologically, wetlands provide the beneficial function of nutrient uptake and consumption by plant material and
                   the slow but beneficial decomposition of organics. Wetlands could be considered for and are known to provide
                   effective land treatment of wastewater if designed and operated properly. High concentrations of nutrients and
                   organics in stream water will cause higher levels of BOD and further resulting in higher rates of algae growth and
                   distribution. In turn, algae requires dissolved oxygen that would otherwise be available to fish and other stream
                   biota.


                   Wetlands serve to accumulate nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen where they are utilized by wetland
                   plants Q.F. Berry, 1993). As in all cases where the protection of water quality is critical any wetland or system of
                   wetlands within a watershed could be rendered ineffective where the quantity of water and/or the concentration of
                   physical or chemical inputs exceeds wetland capacity to retain and process that material.

                   All ecosystems have limiting factors and abilities to absorb adverse impacts, yet in the case of wetlands normal
                   conditions provide for high levels of protection of otherwise adverse impacts are reduce with regard to impacts on
                   other water resources. All indications point to the fact that long term exposure to adverse levels of physical or
                   chemical impacts eventually reduce the functional attribute of a given wetland system or loss of the wetland
                   entirely (T. DUNNE).

                   D. Groundwater Recharge and Discharge

                   Hydrologic conditions within the Ugurn Watershed provide limited opportunities for groundwater recharge
                   because soils have low percolation and storage qualities. Generally, southern watersheds are believed to have
                   limited potential for groundwater production although groundwater is available at quantities below economic
                   production yield levels.

                   Ground water discharges generally occur as springs with associated wetlands on steep slopes and at the base of
                   hills and mountains where ground water encounters bedrock material and is forced to the surface. It is not known
                   how or to what extent wetlands in the watershed function to recharge groundwater aquifers, however some
                   wetlands tend to be located where discharges occur and water enters surface streams or rivers. (K.N. Brooks,
                   1991)

                   E. Stream Flow Maintenance and Water Supply

                   Wetlands are recharged during the wet months (rainy season) of the year and release water over longer periods of
                   time roughly proportionate water quantity inputs. The hydrologic function or what may be referred to as the
                   "hydroperiod" of wetlands is important in maintaining stream flows through the transitional periods from wet to
                   dry seasons attenuating large quantities during high rain fall periods and releasing water over a longer period of
                   time into the dry season (K. Brooks and J. Berry). The reservoir (storage) function of wetlands is only beneficial
                   if the system of wetlands within a given watershed remains undisturbed relative to location and size.

                   F. Flood Protection


                   Many of the larger wetlands identified in the Resource Assessment are located along major river and tributary
                   flood plains. Flood events will cause water to overtop banks and continue downstream within the various flood
                   plains slowing water down by spreading flows out over a broader vegetated areas. Wetlands which are also flood
                   plains exist at these locations because the water table adjacent to rivers is relatively high year round unless
                   extreme drought conditions occur. Wetlands flinction for flood protection much the way they flinction for water
                   storage and stream flow maintenance in that they are stable vegetated systems where water may accumulate over
                   time and release water slowly. A given river systems capacity to transport water down stream at low velocities
                   and quantities for a given flood event.

                   G. Productivity












                   A wetland includes vegetation which may be valuable for wood products, and food. Betelnut trees are typically
                   located along the fringe of wetlands and often within wetlands in sheltered valley floors. Pago bark is excellent
                   rope or lashing material and was extensively used by early Chamorros for construction purposes. Likewise, taro
                   production typically was located in or close to wetlands. Pandanas trees produce a fruit bundle which when
                   husked yields a starchy and sweet nut likely of high nutrient value. Pandanas make up a significant component of
                   wetlands and wetland fringe areas in ravine forests in the Ugum Watershed.

                   H. Wildlife, Fisheries, and Coral Reef Protection

                   The trophic relationships in wetlands, basically summarized, include the various biological processes of a typical
                   detritus-based system. With the exception of possible foraging and cover habitat for water buffalo and wild pigs
                   much of the energy and matter movement in wetlands are carried out by insect, invertebrates, fungi, bacteria and
                   other small to microscopic animal life which consume litter and other decaying material (ENSR Consulting and
                   Engineering, 1994).

                   From the human consumption standpoint wetlands provide important shelter and foraging areas for wild pigs and
                   deer which have been a traditional food animal for Chamorros. In addition, areas of open water such as rivers,
                   streams, and ponded areas within wetlands include freshwater prawns, ells, and introduced talapia (fish) which are
                   utilized as food. Wetlands also support numerous small indigenous fish and insects such as gobbies, flagtails,
                   water spiders, worms, leaches among others. Wetlands provide critical habitat for the Marianas Moorhen and the
                   threatened Bittern. (Kaka).

                   Coral reefs are protected through the wetland function of trapping sediment and the consumption or biological up-
                   take of nutrients and minerals. A significant quantity of sediment is trapped in wetlands that would otherwise
                   settle out in marine waters and on coastal reefs. Likewise, unless the watershed includes vegetated water systems,
                   of which wetlands are the most significant, few opportunities might exist for the filtering and up-take of nutrients
                   and minerals. The opposite condition of a functional watershed that includes a balance of wetlands areas, rivers,
                   ponds, etc. is the channelization of run-off into streams and rivers with very little residence time for the overall
                   treatment of surface water run-off.







                   1. Aesthetic, Recreational, and Cultural Resources

                   Wetlands make up a significant portion of most southern watersheds and river systems. Aesthetically, wetlands
                   are distinguishable in the river valleys where the mosaic of vegetation may range from forested lands to broad
                   depressional emergent grasses and shrubs.

                   Because wetland areas retain water over long periods of time, even during the dry season, they will stand out on
                   the landscape as dark green vegetated areas surrounded by dryer and some times light brown savanna grasslands.
                   Appreciation of wetlands at a smaller more intimate scale will reveal picturesque ponds, streams with shaded
                   riparian wetlands, occasional bird sightings, and a number of plants or trees which have spectacular flowers such
                   as the Pandanas, Phraginities (in bloom), and many other small flowering (seeding) sedges, vines, and ferns.

                   Most of the recreational opportunities associated with wetlands stem from the fact that the areas are quite
                   beautiful, are habitat to several bird species, are areas where betelnut may be gathered, and where freshwater
                   shrimping and fishing is possible. One of he unforhmalc but common recreational use of wetlands in
                   South/Central Guam is off-roading. Wetlands provide a certain challenge to off-roaders in that specially modified
                   trucks with large "mud" Or "swamp" tires may use a wetland area as an obstacle feature.










                  Typically, an exciting off-road experience includes fording rivers, swampy areas and other wetland sites in order
                  to test a driver's skill and the effectiveness of specialized equipment.
                  Culturally or historically, wetlands have served as places where taro and rice crops could be cultivated. Another
                  possible use of wetlands is for the gathering of medicinal plants by Surahanu's or traditional medicine people.
                  Furthermore, wetlands have always played an important role as water sources, especially those areas associated
                  with springs and ponds.

                  J. Education and Research


                  Wetlands, depending on the type, may be rich in wildlife and plant species as diverse as any ecosystem in tropical
                  island regions. The abundance of juvenile aquatic life in mangrove wetlands is well documented as are the unique
                  plants which are specifically adapted to a range of water levels. Pulustrine wetlands, and especially the more
                  monotypic Phragmities wetlands, are somewhat less diverse from both the wildlife and plant species standpoint.
                  However, Pulustrine wetlands also include forested wetlands which are much more diverse in plant and animal
                  species. Moreover, Phragmities wetlands are not well studied at this time and therefore provide good
                  opportunities for scientific research. Often what is perceived as simple and monotypic may be substantially
                  diverse if scientists are encouraged to evaluate, classify, and study the system. While wetlands as distinct
                  ecosystems are well know for many of the above mentioned flinctions and even values, the opportunities to
                  closely research regional variations and specific conditions of wetlands for a given watershed or island remain a
                  viable area for additional research.



                  For example, the specific wetlands identification and delineation procedures used by the federal government have,
                  under certain circumstances, been inaccurate and inappropriate due to the broad regional parameters and
                  assumptions applied in their development. Island specific conditions are not always well suited to or match
                  conditions developed largely based on Hawaiian Island or southeastern state conditions.



                  1U. Resource Problems


                  A. Wildland Fires


                  Wildland fires represent the major adverse impact to wetlands in the Ugurn Watershed at the present time. The
                  affects of fire on wetlands in the watershed are the immediate impact of vegetation loss along the fringe of
                  wetlands and in the case where fires completely bum through a wetland the loss or displacement of nearly 100%
                  of vegetation and wildlife. The longer term impacts of fire in the watershed results in accelerated erosion rates
                  after fires, development and expansion of badlands, and the deposition of eroded soil in wetland areas. Excessive
                  soil loading during the first wet season after wildland fires may have serious implications in the long term wetland
                  alterations of both the soil profile and resultant invasion of less desirable wetland species (Phragmites)(G.Wiles
                  and M. Ritter) and upland weed or savanna species. hTilling of wetlands, the resulting change in species type and
                  composition may eventually cause shrinkage, loss, or conversely flooding and establishment of new wetlands
                  downstream (G. Wiles and M. Ritter). When savanna grasslands bum there is likely an increase in the demand for
                  habitat and forage resources by wildlife on adjacent resources. When savanna grasslands bum and wetlands do
                  not, wetlands become islands of refuge for displaced wildlife thereby stressing available cover, food stocks,
                  therefore increased populations may exceed wetland ecosystem carrying capacities.

                  An additional concern with regard to wetland functional abilities and fire is the release of nutrients from burned
                  areas that eventually leach from the savanna lands into wetlands and ultimately streams and rivers. It is not clear
                  what levels of nutrient loading in wetlands and other surface waters occur after fires and how effective wetlands
                  are in absorbing leached nutrients before they enter downstream surface waters.



                  B. Off-road Activities










                  Off-road activities in the Ugurn Watershed may be identified by three (3) specific
                  user or activity groups; (1) fanning activities; (2) hunting and/or gathering activities; (3) tourism related
                  recreational activities. Since a majority of the land in the watershed is privately owned, controlled by gates or
                  inaccessible by vehicles during the wet season there are few if any other off-road activities in the watershed.


                  1. Farming Activities

                  Routine maintenance of active access roads and the opening of new roads for the propose of agricultural activities
                  constitutes a major activity in the watershed. Farming roads, for the purpose of this report are considered as off-
                  road activities because a significant portion of the activity is not systematically developed or planned in
                  accordance with best management practices. Farming roads that are located along wetland fringes or actually
                  cross streams and wetlands resulting in repeated impacts to hydric soil (compaction, erosion.. etc.), vegetation, and
                  ultimately habitat degradation.

                  2. Hunting/Gathering Activities

                  Hunting and gathering activities are widespread throughout the watershed and much of the associated off-road
                  activity is not sanctioned by landowners. Because of this the off-road activities for hunting tend to increase the
                  number of jeep trails across the landscape and the main issue with hunters is to access wildlife and plant resources
                  in the most efficient and direct manner possible without regard for resource protection. As with fanning activities
                  and more so, off-road activities for hunting are unregulated and/or planned in that wetlands may be crossed in
                  order to access remote sections of the watershed to gather wildlife and plant resources regardless of resource
                  damage.

                  3. Tourism Activities


                  Portions of the watershed are utilized by Safari Tours, Inc. for off-road and off-road sightseeing activities on a
                  near daily basis. It has been noted that part of the off-road experience for tourists is to traverse steep and rough
                  terrain, badland areas, and muddy (wet) areas in order to provide a variety of exhilarating experiences and to
                  access remote and spectacular areas such as rivers, caves, historical sites, and areas where wildlife, mainly water
                  buffalo, tend to congregate.

                  The touring activity is sanctioned and arranged through the landowner as a permitted activity, however there do
                  not appear to be guiding rules or standards of conduct with regard to where or how the activity is conducted as
                  long as it does not interfere with other landowner activities such as fanning. The potential to impact wetland
                  areas and wildlife is great for this activity from the standpoint of direct impacts on wetland resources for the
                  "muddy" experience and indirectly as a result of erosion from the multiple short-term creation of new and
                  challenging jeep trails.

                  C. Sediment Loading

                  Sediment loading problems result from the problems of Wildland fires and off-road activities outlined above. The
                  natural rate of sediment loading from undisturbed lands is not a problem that should require attention at this point
                  with the exception of those areas that have been previously disturbed and continue to erode unabated.

                  Other possible sources of sediment loading or erosion are related to potential future human disturbances such as
                  residential home development, golf course development or any number of possible activities permitted in an "A"
                  (Agricultural) Zone. Two (2) sediment (erosion) loading issues are of concern when development projects involve
                  disturbing pristine areas within the watershed; those related to construction impacts and short term erosion and
                  those related to long term erosion when disturbed areas are not properly revegetated or restored.










                 Wetlands w ill be impacted by excessive erosion when projects are not planned and developed with wetland
                 resource protection standards. Development projects may also require or necessitate fill and/or the modification
                 of wetlands as part of the project.

                 Some of the more typical wetland impacts or significant potential uses associated with land-uses in agricultural
                 areas are; utilizing wetlands as wastewater treatment areas, stormwater control and disposal areas, modifications
                 to control flooding as water features such as lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, seasonal cultivation, permanent
                 conversion from wetland to farm fields (draining), water harvesting (pumping) for irrigation, filling for roads,
                 bridges, infrastructure, homes, and other development structures.


                 M. Alternative Mitigation Measures, Best Management Practices, and Management Issues

                 The following measures, practices, and issues are arranged in three broad categories; policy development,
                 planning applications, and construction/Operational practices.

                 A. Planning Applications

                 1. Avoidance - Environmental Land-Use Planning

                 The primary management practice for the protection of natural wetland systems which will provide for or
                 maintain the most beneficial functions is avoidance.


                 Environmental land use planning, if conducted appropriately will identify development constraints for a range of
                 natural resources one of which may be wetlands. Identification of wetlands and wetland functions within a given
                 land parcel or unit should be considered during the initial scoping process for project feasibility.

                 In the past, wetlands were only identified as a constraint issue when government resource personnel brought the
                 issue to the permitting table. Resource personnel, often become involved in the planning process after the
                 developer had finalized plans and was requesting final construction permit approval.


                 The main concern with this management issue is to have wetlands as well as other landscape and wildlife
                 constraints identified early in the planning process in order to design development around major constraints as
                 opposed to manipulating the natural constraints to fit the development plan. Wetland fill, excavation, or
                 modification permits are time consuming, expensive, require mitigation and involve at least four federal and local
                 agencies requiring two (2) separate but related permit approvals.

                 2. Enviromnental Impact Assessments

                 The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a basic planning tool for environmental land-use planning. EIA's
                 are required by Guam Executive Order 90-10 and by the National Environmental Policy Act, 1969 (NEPA) for
                 federal projects and expenditures. EIA's provide the basis for decisions, document the significant constraints to
                 development and mitigation necessary to minimize environmental impacts.


                 3. Low Impact/Compatible Uses

                 Low impact and compatible land uses in or adjacent to wetlands may provide viable development options if
                 planned for and implemented considering wetland ecosystem sensitivities. Ecotourism has been promoted in
                 Guam and internationally as a major marketing idea with the concept that tourism must be integrated with natural
                 ecosystems as opposed to the systematic consumption of natural resources without real concern for long term
                 sustainable yield. Nature tours and wilderness appreciation are significant ingredients in the existing off-read










                  touring enterprise, however the tours cannot be considered as compatible with resource protection due to
                  unplanned and uncontrolled off-road impacts which are believed to cause significant erosion.

                  Golf course development if planned appropriately and managed with environmental protection in mind could be
                  considered a low impact use. Exceptions to this view are related to undesirable impacts of pesticide and fertilizer
                  use, temporary construction impacts, and the loss of native forest and other resources.

                  A golf course, in order to be considered compatible or as having low impact on resources would have to
                  incorporate most the following design and operational features:

                  - be located almost entirely on existing badlands or savanna grasslands
                    involve no loss of native wetlands or only minor modifications
                  - involve little if any irrigation where irrigation is sourced from deep ground water and               appropriate
                  surface sources
                  - should be managed pesticide and fertilizer free
                  - constructed in small incremental phases to reduce construction impacts


                  Ecotourism and what might be considered Ecogolf are just two examples of land uses that may feasibly be
                  designed as compatible with wetlands and other resource systems. Some level of development will eventually be
                  realized in the watershed, therefore those uses that derive financial benefits to landowners yet only passively
                  consume resources while applying sustainable use management concepts, or convert less desirable and stable
                  (with lower erosion rates) ecosystems to stable ones should be emphasized.

                  4. Wetland Mitigation Banking

                  Wetland Mitigation Banking involves the setting aside of wetland and upland areas for Enhancement Mitigation
                  and resource protection in exchange for permitted impacts at other sites. The banking concept requires several
                  key components; availability of land for conservation (and mitigation) in perpetuity, an established exchange rate
                  and mechanism (niles), and government oversight or assistance in the banking system. Mitigation banking may be
                  more attractive to large project developers or landowners that have large properties. Resource managers find that
                  banking offers certain benefits whereby substantial commitments are made in a protected environment to restore,
                  enhance and provide for wildlife habitat.

                  Large landowners in the Ugum Watershed might be interested in banking wetlands for profit and tax incentives,
                  but the concept of banking commits land resources to one exclusive use which might be viewed as too prohibitive.
                  Other potential pitfalls of Banking are the tendency for developers to choose (propose) enhancement of less
                  diverse and simple wetlands, little technical guidance has been established as standards, and the enhancement is
                  always off-site in that impacts may not be mitigated for in the same ecological system or watershed. Wetland
                  Mitigation Banking does not necessarily require the creation of new wetlands for wetlands lost. T'his may be the
                  major drawback to banking even considering that the method is accepted by the U.S. EPA and Corps of Engineers
                  (J.F. Berry)

                  B. Policy Development


                  1. Education


                  One of the primary and proactive policy issues for watershed management and wetlands protection overall is
                  public education about wetland conservation. Wetlands conservation education should be a critical component of
                  a larger public education and landowner education effort for the Ugum Watershed.

                  Education curriculum for wetlands conservation should be centered on wetlands functions for water quality
                  protection, habitat protection, flood control, economic benefits.. etc. as well as the legal and econon-dc
                  consequences and costs of destroying (filling, dredging, clearing, polluting) wetlands. When landowners and the









                   general public are aware of wetland fimetions that provide for a certain "quality of life" they will then begin to
                   form personal and community values about the treatment, conservation and use of wetlands in the Ugum
                   watershed.
                   Watershed management/protection concepts formalized with this plan will provide the broad based multiple use
                   and functional benefit framework for understanding.

                   2. Local Legislation

                   Guam law lacks wetland specific legislation for the study, conservation and management of wetland ecosystems.
                   The current legal mandate for wetlands is based on Government of Guam Executive Order 90-13, Territorial Land
                   Use Commission Wetlands Rules and Regulations, and the Guam Water Quality Standards. These legal
                   mechanisms are regulatory in nature and exist primarily as components of rules promulgated for laws that are not
                   specific to wetland ecosystem protection, however they are specific to wetland resources mainly water quality and
                   wildlife protection. Development of these regulations have for the most part followed typical federal protection
                   schemes in that conservation and management historically focused on specific resources or components of
                   ecosystems as opposed to taking a conservation stance for systems and subsystems within larger land/marine units.
                   There are indications that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is rethinking the approach of the Endangered
                   Species Act where protecting specific animals may not be as beneficial as treating the overall health and multiple
                   use issues of entire environs (ecosystems) to protect species habitat.


                   Wetland protection policy might be best expressed in laws that require wetlands as ecosystems to be integrated in
                   general land use planning at the watershed level or statewide (territory) level. This as opposed to wetland
                   legislation that addresses wetlands protection without contextual consideration with larger land use planning and
                   development issues. Existing enforcement mechanisms may be adequate at both local and federal levels, yet
                   substantive and long term protection via local legislation might be realize with wetlands protection as a
                   component of all land use planning and zoning.

                   3. Cooperative Agreements

                   Cooperative agreements could be made with land owners, lease tenants, and responsible individuals with special
                   interests in the Ugum Watershed. This management measure should be implemented either as an overlay to
                   existing or new management measures or if nothing else is accomplished mutual assistance in protecting wetland
                   ecosystems and private property interests. Issues that could be addressed by a cooperative agreement include,
                   notification of resource damage (protocol), a process to involve resource agencies in development planning,
                   technical assistance for development design, wetland determinations, technical advise, and many others as needed
                   (University of New Orleans). This management should be the basis for managing development and conservation
                   activities in the watershed and all parties involved need to agree to the general guidance provided.




                   4. Conservation Easements/Areas


                   The establishment of Conservation Easements is provided for in Public Law 12-25, the Guam Land Conservation
                   Act. In most cases conservation easements are proposed as a form of mitigation for environmental and natural
                   resource impacts that occur as a result of development.
                   Often times, monetary compensation or a financial commitments are not feasible within the scope of a project or
                   as matter of financial ability for land owners. The dedication of a Conservation Easement in many ways provides
                   a legal and binding commitment to conserve land resources in exchange for otherwise undesirable environmental
                   impacts.

                   5. Property Tax Incentives










                  Property tax incentives may prove to be a viable method for relief from strict legal requirements which limit land
                  uses in wetlands. Many landowners, especially in the Ugum Watershed own large land parcels (in excess of 20
                  acres). If a significant portion of these lands are wetlands it may be beneficial from a conservation standpoint to
                  allow for wetland tax reductions. Special conditions must be incorporated in order to receive tax credits
                  (reductions) that are only available if wetlands remain undisturbed and loss of credit if wetlands are proposed to
                  be damaged, permitted, or otherwise. In addition, the federal tax code allows for tax deductions when gifts of
                  conservation lands are made to either private conservation groups or government agencies in the form of
                  conservation easements or wildlife preserves (U.S. EPA 1992).

                  C. Construction/Operational Practices

                  1. Construction Best Management Practices for Wetlands

                  There are two types of construction in wetlands those activities that are designed to minimize or avoid impact
                  such as would be required for walkways and bridges and activities that permit filling, dredging, or some type of
                  modification to wetlands that are considered a permanent loss of wetland area.


                  a. Buffers


                  When land alteration activities are planned for areas immediately adjacent to wetlands buffers provide a measure
                  of assurance that inadvertent or accidental encroachment does not occur. Wetland buffering is for all practical
                  considerations no different from buffering for any number of water bodies. Each situation is unique depending on
                  such factors as slope and vegetation cover in the proposed buffer zone. The primary and immediate concern with
                  buffering wetlands is water quality and the effects of erosion that may cause detrimental impacts.





                  b. Full Spanning Structures

                  When access is required through a wetland bridges should be designed if practical and cost effective to be full
                  spanning. This should be the first choice to avoid and minimize wetland impacts.

                  c. Pile Support Structures

                  In cases where full spanning structures are determined to be impractical from both a cost and engineering
                  standpoint the next design consideration should be pile supported structures. Piles will cause some minimal level
                  of impact, however this design method is often the next most desirable method for access through wetlands or for
                  buildings that partially encroach into wetlands. Depending on the purpose and use of a building pile support
                  foundations may be viable for an entire structure,

                  d. Erosion Control and Construction/Development Site Controls

                  Construction activities that are located partially in wetlands should be well planned and coordinated. Stringent
                  construction site monitoring may be needed to avoid off-site impacts. Environmentally sensitive construction
                  phasing while often constraining, will provides the best insurance that sensitive wetland areas are well delineated
                  and that stormwater (erosion) is intercepted and treated prior to discharge and overflow into wetlands or streams.
                  The main concern when requiring stringent erosion control, phasing, and monitoring plans is to ensure that each
                  subsequent and individual construction area is manageable from and environmental protection standpoint.

                  The relative size of a given land area under active construction (disturbance) should be equivalent to the
                  contractor's ability to maintain and control work activities and protection measures.










                   Environmental Protection Plans (EPP's), Erosion Control Plan (ECP's), and Water Quality Monitoring Plans
                   (WQMP's) are existing mitigation type requirements that are useful in controlling the occurrence of off-site and
                   on-site environmental damages that are not part of the construction activities.


                   2. Fire Control


                   An active plan to minin-dze and control activities which involve fire or flammable substance use within the
                   watershed together with access for fire fighting crews and equipment may substantially reduce the number of
                   accidental fires. Public education and enforcement hunting regulations could also contribute significantly in
                   controlling wildland fires resulting from illegal hunting activities.




                   3. Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Hazardous Material Control/Management

                   The use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other petroleum based products by land owners and
                   farmers should be strictly controlled. hi conjunction with buffers and other conservation practices limited use of
                   chemical agents may be permitted, however formal use and application plans must be formulated and
                   implemented to reduce leaching to wetlands and streams. Although wetlands provide a natural buffer in as much
                   as they are believed to act as chemical sinks any wetland system may be easily overcome by over applications,
                   improper applications and accidental spills. Integrated pest management plans offer some basis for prudent
                   chemical use in farming and landscape applications. Future land uses which increase the density and intensity of
                   urban development will bring with it new issues and concerns for water quality and habitat protection from
                   adverse exposure to chemicals carried by surface waters.

                   4. Stormwater Management

                   Stormwater drainage system designs must balance the needs to control flooding and disposal for developed area
                   (impervious surfaces) and the important recharge functions of the watershed. Non-point pollution issues should be
                   resolved through design concepts which minimize lined channel features and maximize vegetated drainage
                   swales, open and shallow ponding basins, and other on-site disposal/control methods. Wetlands may play an
                   important role in stormwater disposal and treatment, however untreated point discharges of stromwater should not
                   be permitted. Guam's water quality standards specify that wetland water quality standards are the same for the
                   surrounding bodies of water in a given zone. Direct discharges of stromwater to wetlands are regulated basically
                   as entering surface waters. Another important issue is the recharge of stromwater to ground and surface supplies
                   within the same subwatershed. Proposals to redirect stromwater from one subwatershed to adjacent watersheds
                   should be carefully assessed and in most cases not permitted without substantial evidence that significant impact
                   would not occur individually or cumulatively. Because soils in the watershed are highly erodible it follows that
                   drainage systems will require regular maintenance to remove accumulated sediment.

                   5. Wetland Monitoring

                   As part of any plan for watershed management where potable water resources are a primary concern, and given
                   the evidence that wetlands play an important if not critical role in water quality maintenance, ecosystem health
                   should be monitored fro long term affects. Sediment loading, pesticide accumulations, vegetation health, wildlife
                   populations and diversity and hydrological changes could be assessed systematically over the long term. If
                   possible a holistic approach to watershed monitoring should be developed in order to measure the effectiveness of
                   management practices and applications. Without some type of monitoring beyond the water quality analysis
                   conducted at the Ugurn Water Treatment Plant there will be no possible way to quantify impacts and management
                   effectiveness. Furthermore, in the event significant problems arise, it will be critical to identify and isolate
                   pollution problems at their source.

                   rV. Management Scenario Assessments










                    Two Management Scenarios (alternatives), Maintenance and Improvement, were developed in addition to a No
                    Action scenario. Each scenario takes into consideration the likely land use trends that would develop over a 20
                    year period from the date of this plan.



                    No Action Scenario


                    This scenario assumes that existing trends for resource protection, management and uses will continue to develop.
                    It is important to note that the No Action Scenario does not mean that efforts to protect ecosystems such as
                    wetlands will cease or that resources such as wildlife and water quality will receive less attention. It only assumes
                    that a management plan will not generally guide land uses and land use practices. In the absence of a formal
                    Watershed Management Plan government agencies will likely create working relationships to address the minimal
                    protection standards for drinking water quality, however government will play a largely regulatory role in the
                    watershed.



                    A. Permit Reactive - Wetland protection efforts will be hindered in that protection measures will typically be
                    considered at or near the end of the planning cycle unless the development proposed involves prior review and
                    permitting actions through the Territorial Land Use Commission or similar public land management entities
                    (Chamorro Land Trust Commission). Since access is largely restricted even passive monitoring of wetland
                    resource is not likely. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency may conduct aerial surveillance annually if
                    funding is available. Government resource agencies are currently only permitted to enter private lands within die
                    watershed at the invitation of land owners or when illegal activities are reported.

                    Access to government of Guam lands in the upper watershed is also limited with most entrances originating on
                    Navy or private property. It is very unlikely that private land owners will seek clearing and grading permits for
                    many of the smaller development or construction activities in the watershed simply because the area is remote and
                    in accessible, When construction (clearing or grading) permits are sought and wetlands are a major issue any
                    effort by regulating or resource agencies will be hard pressed to interject wetland avoidance considerations for
                    development design,

                    B. Fire Control - Uncontrolled wildland fires will prevail as an annual impact slowly reducing or damaging
                    wetlands either through direct loss of vegetation or by increased sediment loading of in wetlands. As wildland
                    fires increase in acreage and/or number there may be stepped-up efforts by fire officials to focus on wildland fire
                    prevention and fire fighting capabilities, however there has not been a recent trend to address the issue as urgent
                    or as a top priority. Current suppression efforts are applied to the protection life and real property.
                    C. Program Drive Managemen - Resource protection will be program driven at the agency level. Wetlands
                    protection efforts are largely informally coordinated at the present time. Limited funding is available for public
                    education, wetland resource study, detailed inventories, and resource planning. The major emphasis is on
                    enforcement which is perceived publicly as negative and a general infringement on private property rights. The
                    opportunity to apply a broad range of protection and planning initiatives to private land owners does not currently
                    exist. The Department of Agriculture, Guam EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with specialized assistance
                    from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Bureau of Planning will continue to drive the
                    permit process. The problem with individual programs as the main emphasis for management is that each agency
                    will tend to assert management control according to what often amounts to narrow objectives as opposed to a
                    programmed approach to integrated resource management with consensus driven objectives for ecosystem
                    function goals.

                    D. Buffers - This scenario allow for the continuation of limited soil conservation measures as specified for
                    farming activities. At the request of resource personnel farmers may include some form of buffering concept
                    when developing new agricultural fields or when activating and managing existing (fallow) fields. Buffers
                    between wetland systems and any development are only required as conditions to clearing, grading and/or
                    building permits. Agricultural operations do not typically require these permits. Buffers for other types of
                    development are likely to be required after plan reviews, however this may be too late in the development process.











                  E. Ecosystem Functions - Concern for ecosystem functions will be minimal overall for the entire watershed.
                  Wetland ecosystem functions are managed and protected more than any other ecosystem in the watershed largely
                  due to existing regulations and laws which protect wildlife, wetland habitat, and water quality. Concern for
                  wetland functions will exist as long as wetlands are protected systems or are regulated under the Clean Water Act.
                  If a watershed master plan is not implemented and development increases over the next 20 years it most likely that
                  the fimctional connections between different ecosystems will degrade and eventually cause adverse impacts to
                  wetlands. Management of wetlands and protection of wetland ftmctions can only be effective in the long term if
                  upstream and downstream systems are also managed.

                  Wetlands will not endure prolonged or designed utilization as sediment sinks, non-point source pollution filters,
                  and other uses above and beyond natural conditions. Attitudes that suggest that wetlands can be relied upon for
                  increased firrictional uses to support or mitigate human activities (development) miss the point. Wetlands function
                  optirtially under natural conditions and provide marginal benefits based on stress limitations as passive buffers for
                  water quality.

                  F. Land-Use and Zoning Manipulations - Currently there are three (3) methods for obtaining rezoning and other
                  land-use intensity changes beyond the uses permitted for a given zoning designation. The first and most
                  comprehensive process is to apply for changes through the Territorial Land Use Comniission, however this is
                  often the least preferred method for developers because of higher costs, intense scrutiny, and a lengthy approval
                  time period in addition to requires such as Environmental Impact Assessments. The second method is through the
                  Summary Zone Change process for parcels equal to or less than two acres from "A" to "R-I " or "R-2" and "R-I
                  to "R-2". This process is administered through the Department of Land Management and the legislature with
                  minimal line or utility agency input. The third process involves requesting rezoning through the legislature as a
                  matter of public law. In the last three (3) years the legislative process is believed to have approved as much as 10
                  times the number of applications for the first two methods combined.

                  The legislative process has the potential to cause nearly immeasurable impact on a given community and the
                  island as whole because changes are rapid, typically involve only the applicants, does not consider infrastructure
                  or natural constraints, has not been well documented for planning purposes, and basically has no connection to
                  organized and recognized planning principals. Implications for watershed management are potentially grave if
                  rural, pristine, remote, and sensitive areas are re-zoned without consideration to ecological function for water
                  quality, habitat protection, and any number of the previously mentioned issues for watershed management.
                  Appropriate planning methods (master planning) for controlling development to protect the watershed under a
                  status quo situation are few and time consuming especially considering the fact that a comprehensive land use
                  plan for Guam has been proposed for nearly four years without final approval. Zoning manipulations in the
                  watershed without this plan will severely stress available regulatory and conservation capabilities and regulate
                  agencies to damage mitigation as opposed to planned and guided development.

                  Maintenance Scenario


                  The Maintenance Scenario is based on the assumption that existing trends will remain and that conservation and
                  environmental protection measures will primarily be aimed at maintaining    watershed conditions and water
                  quality at cur-rent levels of use and for any new development. A not net change in resource qualities is expected,
                  yet only limited retrofitting for existing problems will occur through individual agency initiatives.

                  A. Coordinated Management - Coordinated management will only exist when agencies form such associations
                  which will likely be project or issue oriented. Coordination on a watershed and ecosystem management level will
                  not exist. Urgent needs to address adverse environmental impacts will tend to be temporary and short term
                  resolving symptomatic problems as opposed to fixing causes.

                  Both informal and formal associates between agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of
                  Agriculture, and Guam EPA exist for wetland protection, enforcement, delineation, and permit work. The
                  maintenance of these working relationships should remain intact, however expanded management efforts, which










                  recognize the added significance of protecting water quality for drinking purposes, may not receive added
                  emphasis or financing.




                  B. Mitigation of New Damage - Requirements for mitigation of wetland alterations are more or less established
                  through federal and local permit and enforcement procedures. Realization of appropriate and successful
                  mitigation still has not been met as many mitigation projects are not well monitored and often have open-ended
                  completion time lines. A comprehensive wetland management program does not exist in Guam where certain
                  staff are exclusively dedicated to wetland protection and mitigation projects. Wetland protection efforts, although
                  significant, are collateral work functions for technical experts at the above mentioned agencies.

                  C. Maintenance of Existing Fire Suppression and Control Policies - Existing fire prevention and control
                  strategies do not address ecosystems specifically, therefore wetlands are part of the overall fire control and
                  prevention strategy along with savanna grasslands and all other vegetated systems.

                  D. Prioritized Resource Protection - Resource components of ecosystems will continue to be monitored, and
                  managed on a priority basis. Because surface fresh water quality is the primary emphasis for watershed protection
                  only the more apparent resources, mainly water, will be protected from the standpoint of treatment. Eventually
                  pollution sources will be addressed upstream from the catchment and treatment facility only after additional
                  treatment remedies are attempted. Integrated management of water resources should include treatment of all
                  watershed components. Priorities for resource protection will remain narrowly focused on the end product rather
                  than the processes which contribute to quality assurance up-stream. The natural priority emphasis is reversed
                  from what it should be and will remain highly reactive to changes in quantity and quality. The problem with this
                  type of management is it is almost always reactive and does not address issues related prevention, a more cost
                  effective approach. Wetlands may take years to be exhibit the symptoms of degradation at which time restoration
                  may have to address ecosystem recovery and all of the interrelated issues such as long established human practices
                  which cause system degradation.

                  E. Access Restriction, to Government Lands - Most of the wetlands located on government lands are headwaters.
                  Headwater wetlands, are often more seasonal in nature yet they provide a high degree water quality protection and
                  eventually influence the physical, chemical and biological process downstream. Headwater wetlands actually
                  exist in each subwatershed and are therefore important areas for protection.

                  All of the government land in the upper Ugurn Watershed are under the administrative jurisdiction of the
                  Chamorro Land Trust Comniission (CLTC). Access is limited to jeep trails and extremely limited during the wet
                  season from property outside of the Ugurn Watershed. A large valley, associated Ravine and wetland areas, and
                  very steep slopes in excess of 30% restrict access from private property in the Ugum Watershed.




                  The ideal situation for government lands is to have administrative and management control transferred to a
                  government of Guam line agency as a conservation area. Agencies such as the Department of Parks and
                  Recreation or the Department of Agriculture's Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources may be able to secure
                  funding for monitozing and protection of the area. The opportunity for private non-profit conservation
                   rganizations to manage the area exists, however the CLTC may seek monetary rent or lease payments to keep the
                  area in conservation. Development of the government lands is not feasible without great expense and would offer
                  Ofew if any benefits higher than those associated with watershed functions for water quality.

                  F. Mitigate Expansion of Badlands - The expansion of badlands equates to increases in erosion which eventually
                  impacts wetlands. Very few wetlands are likely to be found within badland areas, however the concern for
                  rehabilitating badlands is to protect those wetlands immediately adjacent to badlands. Small gullies and season
                  drainage channels which exit badlands are subject to increasing water velocities during even the shortest duration










                   and intensity rain storms. This scenario will prescribe that soil erosion be abated through the application of
                   conservation and erosion control measures at critical drainage points downstream of badland areas. Erosion will
                   likely continue in badlands to some extent but the overall emphasis will be to slow and eventually stop outward
                   expansion of the badlands.

                   G. One Stage Improvement Projects - Improvement projects will not involve long term
                   monitoring, evaluation, or follow-up measures for apparent project failures. If resources are dedicated to
                   resolving ecosystem degradation the project will likely only include measures as a single effort. Funding and
                   manpower to guarantee successful resolutions will be expended based on the best project plan available. This
                   mode of problem resolution to wetland degradation has been proven to be ineffective for all but the simplest of
                   mitigation projects. Many studies have shown that wetland mitigation or enhancement projects require multi-
                   stage or phased actions in order to achieve success. The typical wetland restoration proj ect might involve
                   activities over a three to five year period to evaluate success and much more time to correct project failures and
                   replant or redesign hydrologic components of the project.

                   H. No Net Loss of Ravine Forest, Riparian Areas, and Wetlands - A national "Not Net Loss" policy exists for
                   wetland ecosystems as declared by President Reagan in 1990. However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may
                   permit wetland impacts without compensatory mitigation if all practicable and appropriate steps are taken to
                   minimize impacts (USEPA and USACOE 1990). The Nationwide Permit system typically involves such minimal
                   impact situations. Most state and territorial governments have adopted the policy as a standard when considering
                   wetland permit applications and proposed mitigation plans. Tlie same holds true for Guam. The main constraint
                   to achieving a total "No Net Loss" policy is related to deminimus impact situations where all practical alternative
                   and design modifications have been exhausted and where only marginal (insignificant) functions exist in relation
                   to systemwide functions. Resource agencies also have limited capabilities to monitor every minor impact. Rural
                   and remote areas of Guam may add to the problem because routine access is not available without special
                   enforcement and inspection circumstances prior to requests for entry.
                   On the other hand remote areas are also less likely to experience wetland filling by virtue of few development
                   pressures with the possible exception of remote farming activities.

                   1, Best Management Practices (BMPs) Encouraged , Resource agencies involved with land owners and
                   development would encourage construction and operational practices to include BMPs to protect wetlands.
                   Buffers, pretreatment stormwater drainage systems, erosion control measures, fire prevention measures, site
                   development planning, and other BMPs could be implement to minimize wetland impacts from human activities.
                   Mandatory environmental protection practices would still exist as conditions to clearing, grading, and building
                   permits for certain types of development, however BMPs for such activities as fanning and off-road recreation
                   would remain voluntary. The key to acceptance of voluntary BMPs implementation is close coordination,
                   working agreements, infield presence of resource personnel, readily available advice, consultation, and in some
                   cases actual assistance by resource agencies for developers or clients.

                   1, Limit Unylann2d Land Use Changes - Some local goverriment agency or a consortium of agencies will have to
                   take the lead and responsibility in monitoring land use proposals early in the policy decision making process. The
                   importance of a higher protection status for land, water, and wildlife resources in the watershed cannot be
                   overshadowed by individual desires to maximize land development potential if it would impose undo risk to the
                   ecological health and function of the watershed for the primary benefit of potable water supply. The Ugum
                   Watershed Management Plan must be implemented on a broader scale than simply guiding site specific actions
                   and assisting individuals to minimize human induced impacts. The plan must be the foundation and justification
                   for responsible regional land use planning in the watershed. As an added benefit the plan may be used as a
                   planning template for similar southern watersheds.



                   Improvement Scenario

                   7be Improvement Scenario would allow for the implementation of a number of Mandatory Conservation Practices
                   and BMPs as well as impose restrictions for land uses. This scenario also would strongly encourage a number of










                    conservation programs to be developed and implemented over the long term. Resource and Land Management
                    entities would play a critical and often determining role in land use development and future policy making
                    decisions. The watershed and all of it's eco-components would be systematically monitored and evaluated for
                    preventative and remedial resource actions where resource agencies have clearly identified duties (roles) and real
                    time response modes to address any significant issues. This management option would likely be administered
                    through a technical advisory board with public participation in all aspects of management and operate in
                    accordance with the Administrative Adjudication Act in the development of Operational Rules and Regulations
                    necessary to enforce a process of decision making. Selection of this management scenario would will require that
                    clients either direct the ultimate implementation of scenario prescriptions or seek a lead agency to accept the
                    primary stewardship role for watershed protection and conservation.
                    A. Protection of Riparian Areas (Riparian Area Performance Standards) - The protection of riparian areas will
                    result in the added protection or recognition of riparian wetlands as important habitat areas for the maintenance of
                    stream flows, water quality, stream water temperature regulation, the important leaf, woody debris, and other
                    organic material for downstream productivity and habitat. Riparian habitat protection has developed substantially
                    in other parts of the world as a field of study and unique ecosystem component providing benefits to both
                    terrestrial and aquatic wildlife systems as well as for water quality maintenance. 'Me protection riparian areas and
                    riparian wetlands in the Ugum Watershed will ensure that a natural buffer exists between upland activities and
                    aquatic systems, including the ultimate fate of fresh water (quality) in the estuarine and marine environments. In
                    the event a given riparian area is also classified as wetlands then the specified (required) buffer will extend from
                    the edge of the riparian area upland. In this case buffers are effectively doubled in so far as protection of river and
                    stream functions are concerned because the stream buffers would essentially overlap wetland riparian areas. The
                    regulatory mechanism for protecting riparian wetlands is already in place through the Federal Clean Water Act,
                    however in those cases where riparian areas are not wetlands, the rules on buffers must be adopted though the
                    mandates and authority of the Watershed Management Plan.

                    B. Master Plan for Roads (Ugum Watershed Road Master Plan/Limited Road (Rural) Improvement Standards
                    As part of a Master Plan for road development and maintenance wetlands and streams or rivers must be protected
                    though the implementation of regulations and performance standards that specify full sparming bridges or pile
                    support bridges. In as much as possible, a Master Plan for Roads will guide road development away from rivers
                    and wetlands; and where such crossing are necessary the selection of low impact and if possible low cost crossing
                    locations will be identified through a sensitivity assessment process with clear and practical environmental and
                    engineering criteria provided to guide the selection process.

                    C. Active Fire Prevention (Ugum Watershed Fire Prevention Plan) - Active fire protection should also consider
                    wetlands as areas to be protected. Often times wetlands are viewed and treated as natural fire breaks in a wildland
                    fire scenario. While this may be acceptable in extreme terrain conditions where options to control fire from
                    entering wetlands are limited, the protection of wetlands from fire should be the rule rather than the exception
                    where access and conditions permit.

                    D. Multi-stage linvrovements (Wetland Mitigation Performance Standards) - Wetland mitigation projects must
                    be comprehensive and account for multi-phase construction, monitoring, and valuative/corrective components.
                    Standards and mitigation guidelines must be developed to raise success rates for mitigation projects. All
                    mitigation efforts should be based on the best available scientific information on replacement and compensation
                    offanctions. Interdisciplinary efforts will result in better projects with better goals and objectives based on
                    wetland functions. Minimum standards or guidelines have not been formalized in Guam, however they are
                    urgently needed to ensure that projects are well designed and implemented.


                    E. Conservation and Net Gain of Desirable Ecosystems/tvves - It will be important to establish a hierarchy of
                    desirable functional attributes for wetland ecosystems and to a lesser extent social values for mitigation and
                    enhancement projects that maybe proposed in the watershed. The tendency has been to mitigate and enhance for
                    easily attainable finictions such as flood protection while equally important but difficult to construct functions for
                    water quality filtering and habitat creation are secondary goals. The best method for determining mitigation goals
                    is to closely examine and document wetlands that are to be impacted or lost to determine the functions and system










                   structure then desigri mitigation to meet those functions as a minimum goal. The emphasis for mitigation must be
                   placed on attaining the highest and most appropriate functions while recognizing that wetland creation efforts are
                   subj ect to many long term factors negatively affecting final successes. If mitigation plans set low function goals
                   from the start, then the likelihood of attaining compensatory functions may never be met.

                   F. BMPs Necessary (Mandatory) - See Minimum Modification of Wetlands.


                   G. Buffers Mandatory - See Minimum Modification of Wetlands.


                   H. Minimum Modification of Wetlands - The modification, fill, or otherwise loss of wetlands and wetland
                   functions is best addressed through the development and site planning processes. The application of
                   Environmental Impact Assessments is the best method to identifying wetland constraints is the EIA is conducted
                   without bias to a predetermined development concept that requires maximization of land area. Recognition of the
                   fact that a given land area may have limitations due to a number of constraints, wetlands being a major one, will
                   in the long term save money. The average cost of construction mitigation not including mitigation planning and
                   long term monitoring is estimated to be $20.00 per square meter or approximately $80,000.00 per acre (C.
                   Weddle, 1992). This cost is roughly equivalent to the price per square meter of agricultural zoned property. It is
                   estimated that the total cost would be double if planning and monitoring were added.

                   As stated several times in this report, existing regulatory controls provide adequate incentive to avoid wetlands
                   and therefore minimize modifications. The only exception to the effectiveness of wetland regulation are limited
                   monitoring and enforcement abilities. All other legal mechanisms are in place. Overall, a heavy handed
                   enforcement and regulatory approach to management will not in it's self ensure proper planning and consideration
                   for wetland functions, instead public education and awareness and planning assistance must be added to the
                   approach.

                   BMPs that address project and site specific construction and operational environmental protection during
                   development will directly and indirectly result in wedand protection and reduced impacts. The management
                   situation assumed here is that when modifications are Proposed resource agencies are involved in the guidance and
                   planing process, whereby the final outcome justifies minimal modification as the only practical alternative to
                   sound development.


                   The alternative analysis of the Corps of Engineers Section 404 Permit process is an excellent example of
                   consideration that must be made if for no other reason than the same criteria for assessment will be applied to any
                   project proposal to modify wetlands, some permit exceptions aside.

                   I. No Unplanned Zoning/Land Use Changes - All land use decision making efforts will include watershed
                   protection and management concerns and constraints early in the planning process. The Ugum Watershed
                   Management Plan should be formally presented to the Territorial Land Use Commission, Territorial Seashore
                   Protection Commission, Chamorro Land Trust Commission, Territorial Planning Commission, the Guam
                   Legislature, and the Governor. In addition, resource agencies such as the Department of Commerce must be made
                   aware of the plan since they promote the research and development of potentially impacting aquaculture
                   industries. It is very likely that several if not all of these land management entities will acknowledge the plan as
                   vital to land use decision making including the wetland management and protection practices specified.

                   J. Off-road Traffic for Recreation - Off-road recreation activities that involve wetlands will be prohibited unless
                   specifically pgrinitted by federal and local authorities.

                   K. Economic and Tax Incentives - The development of wetland specific tax and conservation incentives or an
                   incentive package that addresses a variety of ecosystem protection and conservation programs should be explored
                   fully. Whenever strict land use policies and regulations apply to one resource or land area are proposed that do
                   not necessarily apply to similar adjacent areas, some type of incentive or compensatory program will be
                   demanded from affected parties. The legal ramifications embodied in the "Takings Doctrine" necessitate extra









                   consideration along with considerations for community benefit. Opportunities for wetland protection legislation
                   should also include similar legislative efforts to require a method of funding and compensating other affected
                   parties. In many ways protective legislation (highly regulatory in nature) are only palatable if compensation and
                   the willingness to compromise is also presented, preferably at the same time. For additional treatment of this
                   subject refer to pages 10. and 12. of this report under Mitigation Banking, Conservation Easements, and Property
                   Tax Incentives.


                   L. Public Education - As a minimum, public education on the benefits of watershed management should include
                   every effort to capitalize of existing forums and venues for education. Annual events such as the Department of
                   Education's Science Fair, Earthweek, Clean Water Week and many other organized events celebrating or serving
                   to heighten awareness of nature resource conservation should be utilized for watershed management education. In
                   addition, responsible resource agencies should formulate a public education campaign for the Ugum Watershed
                   early during plan implementation. Educational material is available on watershed management issues and
                   wetlands protection from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Coastal Zone Management Program (U.S.),
                   the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and numerous non-governmental. organizations. Funds
                   permitting, it would be very beneficial to produce printed literature as well as videographic products explaining
                   watershed management and protection uniquely tailored to and specifically for the Ugurn Watershed.


                   V1. Recommendations for Wetland Ecosystem and Resource Management

                            Watershed management and resource personnel should strongly emphasize that impacts to                and
                   development in wetlands are expensive undertakings, The permit process alone is            often seen as prohibitive,
                   lengthy, and technically demanding. Justifications for wetland           filling, dredging and impacts are not
                   acceptable without complete alternative analysis       efforts of which the primary alternative to avoid wetlands
                   must be exhaustive.


                            Erosion control for new development and construction projects should necessarily be        strict. The long
                   term conversion of badlands to savanna or forest ecosystems will         provide positive impact with regard to
                   efforts to limit soil erosion and sedimentation of    wetlands.


                            Master planning a road system that provides adequate access to various private lands in the watershed
                   while recognizing that some roads and jeep trails are represent a duplication     of utility will help guide
                   development and reduce the current uncontrolled road and trail
                            development in the watershed. Various roads that are poorly planned in that they cross
                                                       rivers, streams and wetlands at multiple locations could be eliminated. Seldom
                   used roads        that only serve or encourage access to poachers should also be eliminated and restored to
                                                                         natural conditions. Any effort to reduce the shear number of
                   roads in the watershed will                                                                should greatly contribute
                   to erosion control,


                            All future (new) farming enterprises must be located in upland areas of savanna
                            grasslands. Aquaculture ponds likewise should be located in uplands or prohibited entirely          from the
                   watershed since water quality criteria will be especially difficult to meet without
                                                       substantial pretreatment prior to discharge to wetlands and other waters during
                   harvesting        operations. Additionally, the sustainability of water supplies for drinking water will      continue
                   to be an important issue for southern residents who depend on an efficient        and clean Ugum water source.
                   Competing uses for Ugum water such as fanning                                     (irrigation) and aquaculture will
                   reduce water supplies at the Ugum. Water Treatment                                         Plant.

                            Long term monitoring of stream flows, water quality, sedimentation and potential           pollutants should
                   -be implemented as early as possible in order to attain quality background        data for future watershed
                   assessments. In addition, qualitative and quantitative aspects of
                            ecosystem and wildlife habitat health should be monitored.











                          Motorized access to public lands in the upper watershed should be discouraged if not   prohibited due to
                  the steep terrain and sensitive headwater wetlands. Eventually the   public lands should be designated as
                  conservation areas.


                          Public education efforts should focus on ecosystem functions for water quality protection       in view
                  of development potential and related pollution potential.














































                  A. Planning Assumptions and Criteria. The basic planning assumptions for the watershed area over the next 20
                  years are as follows:












                  1. Fires -        No Action Scenario would result in a 25% increase in area burnt from the                  recorded
                  400 acres per year to 500 acres per year.

                                    Maintenance Scenario would maintain the current level of fires at 400 per acre.

                                    The Improvement Scenario would result in a reduction of acres burnt from 400 to
                            300 acres or a 25% decrease in fire events.


                                    The weighted mean erosion rate for the watershed from fires was calculated at
                                    56 tons/acre/ year.

                  2. Buffers        Established at ?????


                  3. Residential Development           growth would equal 500 single family units at the end of the
                            planning period.

                  4. Off-Road Recreation      would continue to exist.


                  5. Fanning                           activities would increase minimally

                  6. Golf Course             Exists in the watershed and is a potentially viable development.

                  7. Roads                             No Action = Double at current standards with annual maintenance
                                                       on 25% of the roads.


                                                       Maintenance = Double with new roads having conservation
                                             practices applied over 50%. No maintenance of
                            existing roads.

                                                       Improvement = Double roads, 75% of new roads designed with
                                                       conservation practices. Repair 25% of the worst
                                    eroding and designed roads. Restrict access to
                            sensitive areas (steep slopes). Some roads would be                                               phased
                  out (put to sleep). Retrofit viable roads as                                              priorities dictate.





















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                                                                     Ugum Management Plan
                                                                     Wildlife Technical Report



                                                                        Robert W. Wescom

                                                                     Pacific Basin Agroforester

                                                        U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service

                                                                             May 1995



                        1.0      Introduction

                                          The purpose of this technical report is to desczibe the role of wildlife and the ecological
                                 processes associated with the wildlife component of the ecosystem within the Ugum watershed,
                                 and to identify management opportunities and environmental concerns relating to human
                                 activities within the planning area.
                                         For planning and management purposes the wildlife component are described in the
                                 content of the four broad ecosystems used in the Forests and Savanna Grasslands Technical
                                 Report. These ecosystems are: ravine forest; savanna grassland/badlands; wetlands; and
                                 riparian. Wildlife is regarded as an integral population within the defined ecosystems.
                       2.0       The Ecological Basis for Wildlife Management
                                          Isolation is a major factor affecting biotic diversity on islands. As an oceanic island
                                 Guam began with no terrestrial animals, but over time various species gradually colonized and
                                 an ecosystem developed. Immigration and colonization by wildlife species were greatly
                                 influenced by the isolation. Island biogeography suggests that prior to human inhabitation, the
                                 number of species stabilized. New species colonized Guam at a rate equal to the rate at which
                                 existing species went extinct. The diversity of wildlife species on Guam was limited by the
                                 distance from any continent. Not only was Guams small physical size and isolation
                                 determinants of diversity, but also the relatively few plant species on which the animals can
                                 forage for foliage, fruit, pollen, other animals, etc.
                                          The arrival of human settlers greatly altered the biotic diversity on Guam. Early settlers
                                 not only introduced new food crops but a wide array of insect, animal, and bird species as well.
                                 In some cases the introduced animals became part of the food web of the native animals, in
                                 others the introduction of non-native animal species has resulted in the extinction of certain
                                 species.
                                          As a result of introductions, both intentional and unintentional, the number of animal
                                 species present of Guam has never been greater. Unfortunately, the diversity in native animals
                                 has declined as a result of habitat changes as well as competition and predation by introduced

                                 animals.





                                                                                                                                    I











                                         information on the life history of many, if not most, of the native animals is inadequate.
                                This report relies on the premise that the wildlife component on the ecosystems will be
                                maintained as long as the habitat and ecological processes within an ecosystems remain
                                functional. A notable exception to this is the introduction of non-native animals which can
                                either out compete native animals or predators that can disrupt the ecological balance
                                sufficiently to cause a species to become extinct, e.g. brown tree snake.
                       2.1      Ravine Forest Ecosystem
                                         The floristic richness of ravine forest results in diverse habitats. The Ugum Planning
                                area contain some of the largest contiguous stands of ravine forest remaining on Guam. The
                                diverse flora, multistory structure, and energy pathways in the ravine forest create a great variety
                                of habitat niches allowing for many species to coexist in an ecosystem with a minimum of direct
                                competition.
                                         The importance of animals in the maintaining ecosystem health is often underestimated;
                                animals aid in pollination of many plant species, cycling of energy, and controlling pest
                                populations. The vegetation of the ravine forest provides food, shelter, or substrate for other
                                animals. Food webs are complex with many potential energy pathways available.
                                Photochemical energy stored as plant material is the primary energy source for the herbivores,
                                such as many insect species. The insects in turn are an energy source for larger animal species,
                                such as birds, reptiles, and small mainnials.
                                         Prior to the introduction of the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis), the ravine forest
                                supported populations of native bird species. Bird population surveys since the 1960's has
                                shown a significant, if not devastating, reduction in avian populations. The ecological impact of
                                the reduction of the native bird population in the ravine forest can only be described in general
                                terms. Dispersal and/or scarification of seed of plant species which rely on birds has been
                                significantly reduced. Populations of certain native plant species may be adversely affected.
                                         The ravine forest is suitable habitat for the Mariana fruit bat (Pteropus mariannus
                                mariannus). Population statistics for the species are not available but a declining population
                                trend is most likely the case as a result of the introduction of the brown tree snake. Ecologically,
                                the bats are important in the dispersal of plant seed.
                                         The presence of feral pig (Sus scrofa) in the ravine forest has certain ecological
                                implications. The feral pig is not native to Guam, and the population of feral pigs has is largely
                                keep in check by availability of suitable habitat and hunting pressure. There is strong evidence
                                showing that the feeding habits of feral pigs, where roots of certain tree species are excavated,
                                is causing localized erosion.
                                         The Philippine deer (Cervus mariannus) is another introduced animal species which has
                                become naturalized over the past 200 years. The Philippine deer utilizes the ravine forest for



                                                                                                                                   2










                                 cover and foraging. Population statistics for the species are not available, but a stable or slightly
                                 increasing population trend is estimated. Philippine deer freely move between the savanna.
                                 grassland and the ravine forest to feed.
                                          The ecological function and importance of the numerous animal species that comprise
                                 the ravine forest ecosystem can not be adequately described in this short technical report.
                                 Raulerson, et al (1978) reports the results a biological study conducted in the vicinity of Ugum

                                 dam site.

                       2.2       Savanna Grassland Ecosystem
                                          While the floristic richness of the savanna grassland ecosystem is inferior to the ravine
                                 forest, animals are an important component of the ecosystem. Soil animals perform a significant
                                 role in organic matter decomposition and mineral cycling in the savanna grassland ecosystem
                                 by:
                                 I .      Physically disintegrating tissues and increasing the surface area available for bacterial
                                          and fungal action.
                                 2.       Selectively decomposing material such as sugar, cellulose, and lignin.
                                 3.       Transforming plant residues into hurnic materials.
                                 4.       Mixing decomposed organic matter into the upper layer of the soil.
                                 5.       Fomiing complex aggregates between organic matter and the mineral fractions of soil.
                                          While soil-dwelling animals, microfauna, and mesofauna serve important ecological
                                 firrictions in all ecosystems, their role in the savanna grasslands is even more critical since the
                                 soils are generally nutrient deficient.
                                          The quantity and quality of niches in the savanna grasslands is limited resulting is fewer
                                 species being present. Most of the avian species and all of the larger mammal species observed
                                 have been introduced. The savanna grasslands is suitable habitat for Philippine deer (Cervus
                                 mariannus). The deer utilizes the savanna grasslands for cover and forage. The Philippine deer
                                 feed nocturnally and therefore is rarely observed during daylight hours. The Philippine deer is
                                 well noted for foraging on new shoots of swordgrass (Miscanthusfloridulus). Ecologically, the
                                 deer utilizes a niche that was not occupied prior to its introduction and therefore does not
                                 directly significantly compete with native wildlife species. Legal and illegal hunting of the
                                 Philippine deer is a key factor in regulating the deep population. Human activity involving the
                                 hunting of the Philippine deer has had significant effects on the ecological function of the
                                 savanna grassland ecosystem as described in the Forest and Savanna Grassland Technical

                                 Report.
                                          The savanna grassland is also suitable habitat for black francolin (Francolinus
                                 francohnus). Because the black francolin nests in the savanna grasslands it has been less
                                 susceptible to predation by the brown tree snake, and the population of the black francolin is




                                                                                                                                    3











                              stable and perhaps increasing slightly. Other native or introduced birds are rarely occurred
                              utilizing the savanna grasslands.
                                      The feral Asiatic water buffalo (Babalus bubalis) utilizes the savanna grassland
                              ecosystem. The population of the water buffalo is largely controlled by hunting.
                                      A number of reptiles, snails, geckos, skinks, and small mammals such as rats (Rattus
                              spa) are components of the savanna ecosystem. The frequent wildland fires that bum through
                              the savanna grasslands is a factor in regulating the population dynamics of these small animals.
                     2.3      Wetland Ecosystem
                                      The volcanic clay and argillaceous limestone soils within the Ugum watershed retard
                              water percolation and permit surface waters to accumulate. Many interior wetlands are located
                              along the upper drainages of rivers and smaller tributaries. Wetlands vary greatly in habitat and
                              include freshwater marshes and running water (lotic) environments.
                                      Freshwater marshes dominated by dense, nearly pure stands of Phragmites k-arka that
                              are 2-5 in in height are also common. Less prevalent species including Panicum muticum, as
                              well as sedges (e.g. Eleocharis ochrostachys and Cyperus spa.) and the fcm Acrostichum aureum
                              are often present. The freshwater marshes are suitable habitat for the common moorhen
                              (Gallinula chloropus), an endangered species. The moisture regime of the freshwater marshes
                              may be seasonal, and wildland fires during the dry season can temporary alter the habitat in the

                              marshes.

                                      The seasonal wetness of the terrestrial wetland communities attracts a number of

                              animals from other ecosystems. Many animals may only make brief visits to the wetland
                              ecosystems before returning to their original niches. While these visits may be temporary the
                              wetlands function as an important component of the landscape ecology by providing a source of
                              water formany species of animals.
                                      The lotic environment is suitable habitat for a variety of native fish and aquatic
                              invertebrates, including gobies, eels, and shrimp. Tidal intrusion affect the species diversity in
                              the lower section of the Ugurn River.
                     2.4      Riparian Ecosystem
                                      Freshwater swamps of woody vegetation are found along river courses, and in wet
                              depressions in forests. Hibiscus tiliaceus is usually a dominant species. In the lower reaches of
                              the Ugurn watershed, Barringtonia racemosa is a prevalent species. Pandanus tectorius,
                              Cynometra ramiflora, Cocus nucifiera, Bambusa vulgaris, and Areca catechu may also contribute
                              significant habitat in the freshwater swamps. The multistory structure of the woody vegetation
                              creates numerous niches suitable for wildlife. Although suitable avian habitat still exists
                              predation by the introduce brown tree snake has eliminated much of Guam's native forest birds.





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                                The island's only large population of island swiftlets (Aerodramus vanik-orensis) forages
                                exclusively over the Talofofo River valley adjacent to the lower Uguin watershed.
                                         Soil animals, reptiles, snails, geckos, skinks, and small mammals are components of the
                                freshwater swamps. Feral pigs also utilize this habitat and are important in nutrient and mineral
                                cycling.
                      3,0       Resource - values/products/activities
                                         Wildlife on the public and private lands within the Ugum. watershed are valued for
                                many uses including: harvest of wild and feral game animals, birds, fish, shrimp, and eels. The
                                sustainable population of all wildlife species is a function of quality habitat as well as harvest

                                pressure.
                      4.0       Alternative mitigation measures
                                         Few measures have been taken to manage wildlife resources in the Ugurn watershed.
                                Most of the watershed is privately owned, with the Government of Guam owning portions of the
                                headwaters. Access is limited to a large portion of the water and while this is not intended as a
                                mitigation measure, the practice has served to partly limited hunting as well as adverse

                                modifications to much of the wildlife habitat.

                                         Existing data regarding the inter-relationships, energy pathways, and food webs
                                involving the wildlife component of the various ecosystems, restrict the availability of
                                management options. The fact that suitable wildlife habitat exist to support the ecological
                                functions allows some flexibility in the approach to maintain viable populations of all species.
                                         Mitigation measures center around maintaining habitat and linkages between habitats.
                                Mitigation measures should be activity specific.

                      4.1       Agriculture
                                         Commercial agriculture activities within the watershed are limited to a few hectares.
                                Cropping is generally rotated each year because of weed and pest problems that increase if
                                cropping is continuous. Because commercial agriculture is frequently a clean-till operation,
                                wildlife value of cropped land is limited. Mitigation should include careful selection of sites to
                                be used for agriculture. In general, clearing of ravine forest, riparian, and wetland vegetation
                                should be avoided. Once the vegetation in these ecosystems is cleared, wildlife values are

                                diminished.

                                         Agricultural activities within the savanna grasslands would have the least adverse
                                impact on wildlife values, as long as careful consideration is given to site selection, and
                                agronomic practices. Preventive mitigation to prevent off-site impacts, such as sedimentation of
                                wetlands, can be accomplished through conservation planning prior to tillage and planting and
 -A                             the installation of appropriate conservation practices.




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                                        Wildlife values in and around agriculture site could be improved by establishing trees
                               and shrubs that provide food for wildlife species.
                      4.2      Golf course development
                                        There are presently no existing golf course developments within the watershed. A golf
                               course development modifies the natural ecosystem and generally results in an environment not
                               suitable for many native wildlife species. Any modification or destruction of wetlands should be
                               mitigated with the construction or enhancement of other wetlands. Conversion of ravine forest
                               or riparian vegetation to lower quality should be mitigated with improvement of wildlife habitat
                               in adjacent areas. Savanna grasslands could be converted to a more suitable habitat by
                               establishing trees and shrubs.

                      4.3      Road construction

                                        Access into most of the watershed is presently limited by the extent of the road system
                               and gates controlled by the private land owners. Increased access would generally have an
                               adverse impact on the wildlife values of the watershed. Hunting pressure would increase with
                               access which would result in more frequent wildland fires. Access would also encourage
                               development (agricultural and residential use) of the forested ecosystems. Mitigation would
                               Include proper road location and construction to specific standards that would reduce off-site
                               impacts. Clearing of vegetation should be of minimum width. Revegetation of disturbed cut
                               and fill areas of constructed roads would also reduce off-site impacts.

                      4.4      Recreation activities

                                        There are presently three categories of recreational activities occurring within the
                               watershed: hunting, developed river-oriented, and undeveloped wildland-oriented. Natural
                               vegetation and wildlife are regarded as important components of each category of recreation.
                                        Important game species include the Philippine deer, feral pig, feral Asiatic water
                               buffalo, and black francolin. Hunters started wildland fires to provide access and draw the
                               Philippine deer into the open, illegal hunting are two serious problems associated with hunting.
                               Public awareness and enforcement of Guam game laws would help mitigate the hunting

                               concerns.

                                        Developed river-oriented recreation is presently limited to the Talofofo Falls site.
                               Providing interpretive visitor information regarding wildlife values would increase the

                               awareness of the recreationists.

                                        Undeveloped wildland-oriented recreation centers on transporting tourist into the
                               wildlands. Tourist experience a 4x4 jeep ride, observe the wildland vegetation and wildlife.
                               Maintaining wildlife values is important to this industry. Presently, wildlife viewing is probably
                               limited because the Philippine deer is nocturnal, and many of the native bird species have been
                               extirpated as a result of the brown tree snake. Increasing the frequency and diversity of wildlife



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                                 sightings would benefit this industry. Mitigation could include active recovery plans for native

                                 wildlife.

                       4.5       Residential construction

                                           Residential construction within the watershed is presently very limited, there are no
                                 permanent homes constructed within the watershed boundary. Some landowners are in the
                                 process in sub-dividing portions of their property for the purpose of selling to individuals. In
                                 general residential construction has an adverse impact on native wildlife habitat and species
                                 populations. Mitigation should include proper land use zoning, lot sizes, and construction
                                 standards which prevent off-site impacts. Clearing of ravine forest, riparian vegetation, and
                                 wetland vegetation should be avoided. Prior to vegetation removal and ground disturbance,
                                 effective sediment control and erosion control structures must be in place to avoid adverse
                                 impacts to the lotic communities. Encouraging home builders to protect or plant native trees and
                                 shrubs would help mitigate the loss of vegetation.
                                           Increased human population to the wildland areas would probably result in an increase
                                 incidence of illegal hunting and wildland fires. Public awareness and enforcement of Guam
                                 game and fire laws would help mitigate problems associated with increased human population.
                                           The population of feral dogs and cats would also increase with increase residence.
                                 These feral animals would hunt and harass native wildlife species. Active monitoring and
                                 capture of feral dogs and cats would help mitigate this problem.
                       5.0       Recommended mitigation measures
                                           For each of the management plan scenarios, except the No Action scenario, the
                                 recommended mitigation measures include both preventive mitigation and corrective mitigation
                                 measures. The intensity of the mitigation measures increase as the level of ecosystem protection

                                 increases.

                       5.1       Scenario 1: No Action

                                           Recommendation mitigation under the No Action Scenario is limited to voluntary
                                 cooperation with individuals land owners in assessing potential preventive conservation
                                 practices on agriculture lands. Minimum adoption and implementation of conservation practices
                                 are expected under this scenario.
                       5.2       Scenario 11: Maintenance, Current Zoning
                                           Recommended mitigation under the Maintenance, Current Zoning scenario include
                                 conservation measures which would permit development without measurable degradation of the
                                 existing ecological processes.
                       5.2.1     Agriculture
                                           The objective of agriculture under this scenario is to promote sustainable agriculture
                                 through proper site location and adoption of conservation practices. The Government of Guam,










                                 through the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, would actively support conservation plaiming
                                 on all agriculture lands within the watershed. Voluntary adoption and implementation of
                                 conservation practices specifically to maintain wildlife values would be emphasized. The goal
                                 of conservation practices in this scenario is to protect wildlife habitat and water quality and
                                 quantity by: 1) preventing non-point source sediments from reaching stream courses-, 2)
                                 maintaining forest vegetation; and 3) establishing suitable wildlife tree and shrub species in and
                                 around fields. Generally agricultural fields would be located within the savanna grassland
                                 ecosystems on flat or only gently slopes, Conservation practices to benefit wildlife habitat

                                 would be:


                                           Streambank and shoreline protection (580)
                                           Tree planting (612)
                                           Water- and sediment control basin (63 8)


                        5.2.2    Golf course development
                                           The objective of golf course development under this scenario is to promote economic
                                 development. Appropriate agencies within the Government of Guam would require that
                                 potential environmental impacts are identified through an assessment and that wildlife impacts
                                 are effectively mitigated through preventive and corrective measures. Preventive mitigation
                                 would include minimizing the clearing of ravine forest, and impacts to wetlands and riparian
                                 zones. Biological assessments would be conducted in order to avoid impact habitat currently
                                 occupied with native birds and bats.
                                           Streams and rivers adjacent to or downstream of golf course development would be
                                 monitored to determine impacts to lotic communities.
                                           Corrective mitigation would include replacement plantings of cleared ravine and
                                 riparian vegetation. If wetlands are adversely impacted by the golf course development,
                                 constructed wetlands would be developed to mitigate the loss of wetlands.

                        5.2.3    Road Construction

                                           The objective of road construction is to provide access to other uses in the watershed.
                                 Appropriate agencies within the Government of Guam would require roads be designed and
                                 constructed to appropriate standards for the intended use. Preventive mitigation would include
                                 avoiding sensitive areas, such as wetlands and unstable slopes. Corrective mitigation would
                                 include re-establishment of vegetation on cut and fill slopes.

                        5.2.4    Recreation

                                           The objective of recreational activities is to promote economic development and public
                                 enjoyment of the natural environment. Appropriate agencies within the Government of Guam





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                                  would permit commercial recreational activities that would no contribute to habitat destruction.
                                  Government would actively encourage tour operators to include wildlife awareness material in

                                  their tours.

                         5.2.5    Residential construction

                                            The objective of residential construction is to promote economic development as well
                                  as an opportunity for private individuals to improve their quality of life through home
                                  ownership. Variances to existing zoning would be rare. Single family homes would be
                                  encouraged. Building permits would not be issued for construction within the riparian
                                  ecosystem. Filling or damaging wetland ecosystem would not be permitted. Retention and
                                  planting of trees and shrubs around homes would be encouraged.
                         5.3      Scenario III: Improvement, Adjusted Zoning and Land Use Policy
                                            Recommended mitigation under the Improvement scenario include adjustments to
                                  zoning to prevent degradation of wildlife habitat and to commit to long-term wildlife recovery
                                  plans while still permitting economic development.
                         5.3.1    Agriculture
                                  The objective of agriculture under this scenario is to promote sustainable agriculture through
                                  proper site location and adoption of conservation practices. Government of Guam, through the
                                  Soil and Water Conservation Districts, would actively support conservation planning on all
                                  agriculture lands within the watershed. Zoning and land use policy would limit agriculture
                                  activities to specific soils and slopes. A conservation plan would be required and practices
                                  designed to protect and enhance wildlife habitat would be encouraged. Generally agriculture
                                  fields would be located within the savanna grassland ecosystems on flat or only gentle slopes.
                                  Conservation plans would consider the following practices:


                                            Streambank and shoreline protection (580)
                                            Tree planting (612)
                                            Water- and sediment control basin (638)
                                            Wildlife upland habitat management (645)
                                            Wildlife wetland habitat management (644)


                         5.3.2    Golf course development
                                            The objective of golf course development under this scenario is to promote economic
                                  development while maintaining wildlife habitat. Appropriate agencies within the Government
                                  of Guam would require that potential environmental impacts are identified through an
                                  assessment and that impacts are effectiveness mitigated through preventive and corrective
                                  measures. Preventive mitigation would include minimizing the clearing of ravine forest, and





                                                                                                                                          9











                                 impacts to wetlands and riparian vegetation. Corrective mitigation would include replacement
                                 plantings of cleared ravine and riparian vegetation. If wetlands are adversely impacted by the
                                 golf course development, constructed wetlands would be developed to mitigate the loss of
                                 wetlands. Golf course would be encouraged to retain and establish trees and shrubs that have
                                 high wildlife value.
                                          Areas n-dned for top soil would be closely monitored and corrective mitigation would
                                 be required, including timely revegetation and wildlife enhancement plantings.

                        5.3.3    Road construction

                                          The objective of road construction is access to other uses in the watershed. Appropriate
                                 agencies within the Government of Guam would required roads be designed and constructed to
                                 appropriate standards for the intended use. Preventive mitigation would include avoiding
                                 sensitive areas, such as wetlands and unstable slopes.

                       5.3.4     Recreation

                                          The objective of recreational activities is to promote economic development and public
                                 enjoyment of the natural environment. Appropriate agencies of the Government of Guam would
                                 permit commercial recreational activities that would not contribute to habitat degradation.
                                 Wildlife interpretative materials would be made available to recreationists. Enforcement of
                                 Guam game laws would be strengthened through cooperative agreements with land owners.

                        5.3.5    Residential construction

                                          The objective of residential construction is to promote economic development as well
                                 as an opportunity for private individuals to improve their quality of life through home
                                 ownership. Zoning for residential construction would incorporate protection and enhancement
                                 of wildlife habitat. Variances to zoning would be rare. Single family homes would be
                                 encouraged, Building permits would not be issued for construction within the riparian
                                 ecosystem. Filling or damaging wetland ecosystem would not be permitted. Retention and
                                 planting of trees and shrubs around homes would be encouraged.



















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                        6.0      Results of mitigation measures

                        6.1      Ravine forest

                        6.1.1    Scenario 1: No Action

                                           Wildlife habitat would be reduced as development for other uses convert habitat.
                                 Where ravine forests are cleared for agricultural activities, wildlife populations which could not
                                 successfully mitigate would be destroyed. Agriculture insect pest would increase. Abandoned
                                 agricultural land would be poor habitat for the original ravine forest wildlife species. Wildlife
                                 diversity in and around agricultural fields would decline.
                                           Road construction through ravine forest would permit access that would lead to
                                 additional clearing of habitat. Erosion from poorly designed and constructed roads would
                                 increase sediment loading of streams and creeks, adversely affecting lotic wildlife species.
                                           Golf course development would result in some clearing of ravine forest leading to a
                                 decline in suitable habitat. No native bird populations would increase in and around golf course
                                 development.
                                           Recreational activities involving off-road vehicle use would increase. The number of
                                 pioneered roads through the ravine forest would also increase and hunting of feral pigs would

                                 increase.

                                           Increasing number of private residences would clear suitable habitat. Number of feral
                                 dogs and cats would increase adding stress to wildlife populations. Water quality would decline
                                 and lotic wildlife populations would be adversely affected.
                                           No recovery of native bird populations would be possible. Incidence of wildland fires

                                 would increase.

                        6.1.2    Scenario 2: Maintenance

                                           Less area than the No Action scenario would be cleared over the new twenty years.
                                 Native bird populations would remain the same or decrease as a result of continued predation by
                                 the brown tree snake. Agricultural activities would be limited to appropriate soils and slopes
                                 thereby not having an adverse impact on wildland species.
                                           Hunting pressure would remain the same. Golf course development would not
                                 materially impact wildlife species between suitable wildlife habitat would be created to mitigate
                                 for habitat converted. Recreational activities would increase but not materially impact wildlife

                                 habitat.











                        6.1.3    Scenario 3: Improvement
                                           Only limited areas of the ravine forest would be cleared for development and roads.
                                 Forestland cleared for agriculture would remain productive through conservation practices.
                                 Existing forest vegetation would remain suitable as wildlife habitat. Ecosystem processes would

                                 remain functional.

                                           An active recovery effort for native bird species would set the stage for increasing bird
                                 populations. Recreational activities involving wildlife viewing would increase.
                        6.2      Savanna grasslands

                        6.2.1    Scenario 1: No Action

                                           Wildlife habitat of the savanna grasslands would expand as forested ecosystems are
                                 cleared for agriculture and abandoned over the next twenty years. Portions of the savanna
                                 grasslands would temporarily be converted to agriculture use but would convert back to
                                 grasslands. Wildland fires would continue to maintain the existing habitat. Erosion from burned
                                 grasslands would continue to degrade the lotic habitat. Construction of roads through the
                                 savanna grasslands would encourage legal and illegal hunting of Philippine deer and burning of
                                 the grasslands to remove wildlife cover.
                                           Golf course development would result in a reduction of ravine, riparian, and wetland
                                 habitat. During the construction phase sediment entering the rivers and streams would degrade

                                 the lotic communities.

                                           Recreation activities involving off-road vehicle use would increase but emphasis on

                                 wildlife values would not occur.

                        6.2.2    Scenario 2: Maintenance

                                           Existing value of savanna wildlife value would be maintained. Legal and illegal
                                 hunting would continue at current levels.
                        6.2.3    Scenario 3: Improvement
                                           Wildlife habitat value would improve as savanna grasslands arc planted to trees.
                                 Wildland fire frequency would decline permitting more woody shrubs and trees to become
                                 established within the savanna grasslands resulting in a slight improvement of habitat value.
                                 Public awareness of adverse impacts of wildland fires to wildlife value would increase as a result
                                 of interpretative programs.

                        6.3      Wetland

                        6.3.1    Scenario 1: No Action

                                           Wetland habitat would be degraded where development occurred. Some wetland
                                 habitat would be cultivated for agriculture. Golf course development would impact wetland
                                 habitat through filling and alterations to sub-watershed hydrology. Chemical pollution from
                                 fertilizers and pesticides would enter wetlands. Residential construction would fill or degrade



                                                                                                                                       12











                                  wetland values. Wildland fires would periodically bum through the wetlands. Road
                                  construction through or adjacent to wetlands would disrupt hydrology of wetlands. Habitat

                                  suitable for moorhens would be reduced.

                                            Sedimentation from terrestrial ecosystems would degrade lotic communities resulting in
                                  a declining population of aquatic wildlife.

                         6.3.2    Scenario 2: Maintenance

                                            Area in wetlands would remain appropriately the same. Specific wetlands would be
                                  filled or degraded by development but constructed wetlands would mitigate these impacts.
                                  Agriculture would not impact wetlands, Wildland fires would continue periodically bum
                                  through the wetlands. Road construction would be designed and located to avoid degrading
                                  wetland quality. Moorhen habitat would not increase or decrease.
                                            Quality of lotic communities would not change.
                         6.3.3    Scenario 3: Improvement
                                            Conservation on agriculture lands would reduce soil erosion and farm-related
                                  sedimentation of wetlands. Constructed wetlands resulting from golf course development would
                                  be of high quality and provide suitable moorhen habitat. Designed roads would have reduce
                                  road-related sedimentation of wetlands, Residential construction would avoid degrading

                                  wetland values.

                                            Water quality would improve resulting in an increase in aquatic life.
                         6.4      Riparian

                         6.4.1    Scenario 1: No Action

                                            Riparian vegetation would be cleared for development activities degrading the wildlife
                                  habitat. Native bird populations would continue to decline. Bat population would decline over
                                  next twenty years. Agricultural fields tilled in the riparian zone would be a source of sediment
                                  to streams and rivers. Golf course construction would result in clearing of riparian vegetation
                                  with an increase in sedimentation entering the streams and rivers. Fertilizer and pesticide
                                  pollution would enter streams and rivers at a greater rate. Roads constructed through riparian
                                  would degrade habitat and be source of sedimentation. Residences constructed within the
                                  riparian ecosystem would degrade habitat and be a source of sedimentation. Hunting of feral pig
                                  would increase as a result of increased access to the riparian area.
                                            Aquatic life would be adversely affected as riparian vegetation is cleared and sediments
                                  enter the streams and rivers at a higher rate.

                         6.4.2    Scenario 2: Maintenance

                                            Limited activity would be allowed in the riparian ecosystem. Habitat would remain
                                  unchanged. Native bird populations would remain the same or decrease as a result of continued
                                  predation by the brown tree snake.




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                        6.4.3    Scenario 3: Improvement
                                           Minimum clearing of riparian vegetation would occur under this scenario. Ecological
                                 processes within the riparian ecosystem would function properly. Habitat values would not be
                                 degraded. Recovery actions could result in increase native bird populations within the riparian
                                 zone. Public awareness on the value of riparian wildlife values would increase as a result of
                                 interpretative programs.



                                                                           END OF REPORT





























































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