Miller Pasture Livestock Water Pipeline Extension Proposed Action

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1 Introduction Miller Pasture Livestock Water Pipeline Extension Proposed Action USDA Forest Service Williams Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest Coconino County, Arizona February 10, 2017 The Miller Pasture Water Pipeline Extension area is located on the Williams Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest (KNF) within the Miller Pasture of the Ebert Allotment southeast of Valle, Arizona. The legal description of the project area is: T25N R3E Section 1, 12, &13, Gila and Salt River Baseline and Meridian, Coconino County, Arizona. The Ebert Allotment is managed under a 10-year Term Grazing Permit #07895 for 100 cow/calf pairs and 4 horses from November 1to April 30. The Ebert Allotment (5,410 acres) is made up of four pastures including: Miller (1,628 acres), Daves (1,589 acres), White Hills (1,235 acres), and Fix (958 acres). Livestock are managed through a rest rotation management 1 system,where at least one pasture has an entire year to grow without being grazed. The scheduling of pasture use varies from year to year, dependent on that year s precipitation and pasture conditions, and the previous years utilization 2. The pasture rotation and scheduled on/off dates are outlined in the Annual Operating Instructions (AOI). Adaptive management 3 techniques which include changing pasture on/off dates, pasture rotation, and authorized number of livestock are used to help meet desired conditions on the allotment. Purpose and Need The road currently used for hauling livestock water is of a minimal design standard. As a result, frequent traffic tends to damage the road through rutting and compaction that can concentrate 1 Rest-Rotation Management: A grazing management system in which an individual pasture(s), or grazing unit(s), is given complete rest from livestock grazing for an entire year. The rested pasture will be rested annually to provide all pastures on an allotment with a rest period. Varies from deferred-rotation management in length of time the area is not grazed by livestock: 12 months rather than a portion of the growing season. 2 Utilization: The proportion or degree of current year s forage production that is consumed or destroyed by animals (including insects) compared with the total amount of forage produced during the year. Utilization is measured at the end of the growing season when the total annual production can be accounted for and the effects of grazing in the whole management unit can be assessed. 3 Adaptive Management: The alternatives are designed to provide sufficient flexibility to adapt management to changing circumstances. If monitoring indicated that desired conditions are not being achieved, management will be modified in cooperation with the permittee. Changes may include administrative decisions such as the specific number of livestock authorized annually, specific dates of grazing, class of animal or modifications in pasture rotations. Such changes would not exceed the limits for timing, intensity, duration and frequency defined for the alternatives. 1

2 and redirect surface water flows. In locations where the road is below the level of the surrounding terrain, storm water run-off can pool on road surfaces or flow down the travel way eroding the roadbed and entraining sediment in storm flow. Eroded sediments can be transported directly to ephemeral stream channels where the road crosses ephemeral drainages. Installation of the Miller Pasture pipeline extension will reduce traffic for hauling water on this road, thereby minimizing resource damage to soils, water quality, and watershed condition.with the implementation of this project there will be optimal distribution of livestock throughout the allotment pastures. This is due to the continual delivery of water via the proposed pipeline to existing livestock watering troughs. Various water impoundments have been constructed on the KNF for a variety of purposes including reservoirs, constructed lakes, stock tanks, and wildlife drinkers. Some constructed waters provide unique riparian habitats and recreation opportunities (LRMP p. 47). To develop and manage constructed waters the Forestshould work with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGF), grazing permittees, and sporting groups to manage constructed waters, and improve understanding of whether and how drinkers, tanks, and other constructed water features influence wildlife distribution and movement (LRMP p. 48). A Management approach to constructed waters can be found in further detail in the KNF Plan. Current Condition The Miller pasture has several water sources, including stock tanks, but they are not reliable due to the limited amount of moisture the allotment receives.currently there is a livestock water pipeline that connects Miller Wash Storage Tank to White Hills Drinker, which is 2.5 miles from east to west; fix stock tank is the most reliable water source within the Ebert Allotment because of its ability to hold water year round.the grazing permittee hauls water to the Miller Wash livestock water pipeline along Forest Service Road (FSR) 87 that distributes the water throughout the southern pastures to the three existing drinkers. During times of adverse weather conditions the permittee cannot haul water to the pipelines, leaving the cattle to utilize the four stock tanks on the allotment. Hauling water under adverse weather conditions causes damage to roads in the allotment, leading to a decrease in water hauling capabilities, and causing the livestock to have limited water in the allotment. Desired Conditions The following desired conditions outlined in the 2014 Land and Resource Management Plan for the Kaibab National Forest are applicable to the Miller Pipeline project. Management Approach for Soils and Watersheds(LRMP p.45) Watershed protection was one of the primary reasons for establishing the national forests. Forested lands absorb precipitation, refill regional underground aquifers, sustain watershed stability and resilience, and provide aquatic and wildlife habitat. On the KNF, the highest risk to watersheds is uncharacteristic wildlife. Projects that reduce this risk and restore the natural vegetative and fuels composition also restore watersheds. As a result, KNF uses an integrated management approach to make progress toward the soil and watershed desired conditions. 2

3 Desired Conditions for Soils and Watersheds (LRMP p. 44) Accelerated soil loss is minimal, especially on sensitive or highly erodible sites. Management Approach for Transportation (LRMP p. 77) In order to provide safe and efficient travel and support resource management in National Forest lands, the KNF manages the Forest transportation system, conducts inventories, surveys and analyses, formulates plans, and executes reconstruction, maintenance, and obliteration operations. Desired Conditions for Transportation (LRMP p. 76) Forest roads, bridges, and trails provide safe, legal, and reasonable access for recreation opportunities and resource management. Management Approach for Constructed Waters(LRMP p.48) Work with Arizona Game and Fish Department, grazing permittees, and sporting groups to manage constructed waters. Improve understanding of whether and how drinkers, tanks, and other constructed water features influence wildlife distribution and movement. Desired Conditions for Constructed Waters (LRMP p.48) Drinkers have escape ramps that provide safe access and egress for wildlife. Constructed waters do not contribute to the spread of chytrid fungus or unwanted nonnative species. Management Approach for Livestock Grazing(LRMP p.70) Adaptive management is being used by the KNFas part of recent rangeland management projects. This includes using monitoring to adjust livestock management in order to maintain and improve rangeland resources. In general, the KNF continues to keep grazing at conservative use levels, around 30 to 40 percent throughout the grazing season. This grazing intensity 4 is based on percent use of forage by weight, plant integrity, density, diversity, and regeneration over time. Among those items, grazing intensity also takes into consideration wildlife, insect use, and any trampling or destruction of forage that can potentially occur. To make adjustments for changing conditions, the annual operating instructions are reviewed and pasture inspections are conducted. Numbers may go up and down annually, but do not exceed permitted number listed in Part 1 Section 2 of the Term Grazing Permit # The AOI are the means by which adjustments of livestock numbers, change of season of use, and pasture rest periods are made in response to monitoring information such as allotment inspections. Grazing intensity in combination with other factors such as climate, likelihood of plant regrowth, and previous years utilizationlevels, is used in determinations. Projects involving new or modified fences, corrals, salt stations, and artificial water sources promote healthy wildlife interaction and 3

4 movement. Deferred-rotation grazing 5 with a special emphasis of deferment during spring may be necessary to manage toward desired conditions. Desired Conditions for Livestock Grazing(LRMP p.69) Livestock use is consistent with other desired conditions. Relationship of the Project to the Land and Resource Management Plan The proposed constructed waters for the Ebert Allotment identified below in Figure2 will help move our current conditions toward desired conditions found in the Land and Resource Management Plan for the KNF.By implementing this water pipeline extension there will be a decrease in travel on the road leading to less rutting and soil erosion, reduction in damage to soils, water quality and watersheds, and would increase livestock distribution within the Miller pasture. Guidelines for Soils and Watershed Management (LRMP p.44) Projects should incorporate the national best management practices for water quality management and include design features to protect and improve watershed conditions. In disturbed areas, erosion control measures should be implemented to improve soil conditions. Guidelines for Transpiration and Forest Access (LRMP p. 77) Motorized uses in semi-primitive non-motorized areas should be restricted, except for necessary minimal administrative activities, permitted activities, and emergency access. Guidelines for Activities In or Near Constructed Waters(LRMP p.48) If new waters are constructed, they should be located in areas that would reduce ungulate impact to sensitive vegetation or soils such as riparian, aspen, and wet meadows. Drinkers should be maintained to provide water during times of scarcity. Guidelines for Livestock Grazing(LRMP p.69) Livestock management should favor the development of native cool season grasses and forbs. Annual operating instructions for livestock grazing permittees should ensure livestock numbers are balanced with capacity and address any relevant resource concerns (e.g., forage production, weeds, fawning habitat, soils, etc.). 5 Deferred-Rotation Management: A grazing system that provides for a systematic rotation of the deferment among pastures to provide for plant reproduction, establishment of new plants, or restoration of plant vigor. 4

5 Proposed Action The Williams Ranger District, KNF, proposes the construction of a 1.5mile waterpipeline extension to the existing Miller Pasture Pipeline. The potential area of surface disturbed by the equipment operation will be approximately 12 feet wide. To ensure that the pipeline can be placed in an alignment which minimizes resource impacts, construction may occur within a 200 foot buffer. The water pipeline would extend north from the existing pipeline that runs from east to west. In order to place the pipeline in the ground the permittee will be using a bulldozer, found in figures 3, 4, and 5, to dig below the ground to prevent the pipeline from freezing during cold periods. After the trench has been established, the 1 ½ diameter HDPE Polyethylene pipe will be placed into the trench by attaching the pipeline to the backend of the bulldozer to allow for an effective way to lay the pipeline in the trenchand then buried. The grazing permittee would provide all the labor and supplies for the proposed improvement and would assume the responsibility for maintenance of all proposed improvements upon completion. The proposed constructed waters would benefit pastures growing season,helping distribute livestock throughout the allotment. Typically, even during wetyears, reliable water sources and water distribution through the allotments are limited. Having greater water dispersal would allow control of grazing activities within a specific pasture while benefitting the surrounding wildlife species by increasing the amount of water that would extend throughout the area. Implementation of the pipeline extension will decrease the amount of traffic on the FSR 87 for hauling water, while minimizing resource damage to soils, water quality, and watershed condition. Project Design Criteria As part of the project planning process, an Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) will identify project design criteria to minimize the environmental impacts of implementing the proposed action. Additional or modified project design criteria and mitigation and monitoring measures may be developed as a result of public input and further environmental analysis. The design criteria will likely include measures for erosion control (LRMP p. 44), revegetation in areas of surface disturbance (LRMP p. 45), prevention, monitoring and control of non-native plant species (LRMP p. 53) federally listed habitat should integrate habitat management objectives and species protection measures (LRMP p.51), protect and provide for rare and narrow endemic species (LRMP p. 52). Implementation Date Project Implementation is anticipated to begin in August

6 References: United Sates Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDAFS) Land and Resource Management Plan for the Kaibab National Forest. 48 pp. 6

7 Figure 1:Location of the Ebert Allotment in Relation to the Williams Ranger District Office 7

8 Figure 2: Approximate location of Proposed Water Pipeline Extension with 100 foot in Relation to the Different Pastures 8

9 Figure 3: 1,000 foot roll of HDPE Polyethylene pipe. Figure 4:View of the bulldozer and back hoe. 9

10 Figure 5: View of equipment laying pipe below ground 10