SUPPLEMENTAL BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Transcription

1 SUPPLEMENTAL BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Paradise Grazing Allotment Rouse Grazing Allotment San Jacinto Ranger District San Bernardino National Forest Riverside County, California Township 5 South, Range 1 East, Sections 13, 24, 25, 36; Township 5 South, Range 2 East, Sections 18-20, 28-34; Township 6 South, Range 2 East, Sections 2-16, 23-25; Township 6 South, Range 3 East, Sections 7, 18-21, 27-30, 33-35; Township 7 South, Range 3 East, Section 3; Range 4 East, Section 7, Prepared by: David A. Austin Forest Fish and Wildlife Biologist San Bernardino National Forest Amended by: Anne Poopatanapong District Wildlife Biologist San Jacinto Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest Prepared for: San Jacinto Ranger District San Bernardino National Forest September 23 rd, 2010 Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Grazing Allotments 1

2 Introduction: The purpose of this document is to provide supplemental information regarding the November 2008 Biological Assessment (Poopatanapong, 2008) for the Livestock Grazing Allotments on San Jacinto Ranger District, San Bernardino National Forest, California; specifically for the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino). Additional habitat suitability and occupancy surveys for the Quino checkerspot butterfly (herein referred to as Quino) were completed in 2009 and 2010 on several areas on the San Jacinto Ranger District, with new observations for Quino recorded. Critical habitat for the species was also re-designated which resulted in an increase of critical habitat within the grazing allotments. In 2009, a total of 6 individuals in 6 distinct locations were recorded. Occupancy surveys completed by Amec Earth and Environmental Inc., detected two on the Bonita Vista Fuelbreak, and one in the Thomas Mountain hazardous fuels project area. Quino were also detected on the Garner allotment by J. Zylstra, botanist for the Forest Service (AMEC 2009). In 2010, a total of 89 observations of 29 individuals in 50 new locations were recorded on the District. No new observations or locations were recorded for the Paradise or Rouse allotments (A. Mendoza, personal communication 6/2010). Critical habitat was re-proposed on January17, 2008 (73 CFR 3327) and was re-designated on June 17, 2009 (74 CFR 28776) with approximately 8,853 ac (Bautista unit 7) on the San Jacinto Ranger District. Of these acres, 102 acres and 3,502 acres are within current boundaries of the Jim Burn subunit (Paradise Allotment), and the Thomas Mountain subunit (Rouse Allotment) respectively. In addition to the surveys for Quino, changes to the 2009 Environmental Assessment (EA) decision has occurred. In September 2009, Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans made a decision for the Rouse and Paradise allotments on the Environmental Assessment for the Livestock Grazing Allotment Program on the San Jacinto Ranger District. In December 2009, the decision was withdrawn for the Rouse and Paradise allotments. In order to clarify the issues associated with each allotment new EAs are to be prepared to address each allotment independently. Consultation to Date: A formal Section 7 Consultation Biological Opinion (FWS-WRIV-01B F0003-R001) was prepared for the Livestock Grazing Program on the San Jacinto Ranger District, dated April 17, 2009, which discussed the issues and effects of cattle grazing on endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly and its proposed critical habitat. In addition, informal conferencing with Jesse Bennett of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) was also conducted on December 9, 2009, to review the Jim Burn Subunit, and again on June 10, 2010, to review the changes to the proposed actions for the Paradise and Rouse allotments. The new proposed action changes to the Paradise and Rouse allotments and additional Quino survey information were not significant enough to warrant the issuance of a new Biological Opinion by the FWS; thus the consultation conducted in 2009 will still cover this new EA (J. Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 2

3 Bennett, personal communication 6/2010). The new Quino detected were still within the areas addressed in the 2009 consultation, as are the areas for grazing no additional areas were added. This document will cover only Quino checkerspot butterfly. Conditions, analyses and determinations made in the 2008 BA for southwestern willow flycatcher, arroyo toad, and peninsular bighorn sheep have not changed, thus they will not be discussed any further. The changes in the proposed actions do not affect these species. Changes in the Proposed Actions and Alternatives: Paradise Allotment: Alternative 1 Proposed Action (preferred) The Forest Service is proposing as the Allotment Management Plan (AMP) for the Paradise allotment to close the allotment to cattle grazing to reflect limited grazing feasibility because it does not meet the USDA, Forest Service, Region 5 minimum grazing standards. The Jim Burn subunit is suitable, but is too small to manage as a single allotment. As part of this action the District identified that the water structures (2 water tanks, water trough, and associated pipe) and one corral within the Jim Burn subunit could be removed as part of the Proposed Action. Alternative 2 No Action Under the No Action alternative, cattle grazing would not be authorized for the Paradise allotment. The no action alternative is consistent with Chapter 90 of the Forest Service Handbook , Section Under this alternative, grazing would be discontinued for the Paradise allotment and actions will be taken to remove any cattle from existing subunits. Alternative 3 Resource Based Grazing The Resource based grazing alternative develops a new AMP for the Paradise allotment that authorizes grazing intensity of up to 60 Head Months on the Paradise allotment. This alternative allows a potential permittee to apply for the term grazing permit for the Paradise allotment and use the Jim Burn subunit as part of their grazing operation. Management is based on resource conditions, flexible numbers and seasonal livestock use. The AMP will be made part of the terms and conditions of future permits and operating plans issued for grazing on the allotment. Authorized use for the allotment would be displayed in a grazing permit as either the maximum number of Head Months allowed to be grazed or as the number of livestock for a set period of time. Head Months would not exceed those listed in each term permit and would be determined by utilization standards. Permit administration would continue the same as outlined in the FSM 2230, FSH and a new term grazing permit would be issued implementing the new AMP. Term grazing permits, accompanying the AMP and annual operating instructions (AOI) while being modified to reflect updated management practices, would continue to be used to define annual operations and management of the allotments. Existing structural range improvements and maintenance responsibility would be included as part of the term grazing permit. The new AMP will focus on seasonal use and existing fencing to meet forage utilization standards. Grazing will be allowed by base herd (cow/calf), replacement heifers, yearlings, and bulls. Pasture use would vary from year to year, as detailed in the AOI, in response to resource Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 3

4 conditions and management needs. Pasture rotation schedules would provide the basis to provide scheduled use, rest, and recovery periods after use to maintain or improve range and watershed conditions. The Paradise allotment will also be grazed to minimize effects to Quino checkerspot butterfly through the use of a no grazing period during the species flight season (February 1 to June 1). Management systems would continue to maintain or improve range, vegetation, soil, and watershed conditions. The permittee will be responsible for ensuring the maintenance of all assigned range developments. All structures related to grazing, such as water troughs and fences that are not utilized in the permit will be removed, if and when feasible. As part of this alternative the current resource conditions were evaluated to establish the baseline for the AMP. The Paradise subunit has 281 acres of Secondary range that is not able to support any grazing. The Jim Burn Unit has 208 acres of Primary range. The AMP authorizes grazing intensity of up to 60 Head Months on the Jim Burn subunit of the Paradise allotment (10 weaned calves for 6 months or 20 cow/calf pair for 3 months) during the period of July 1st November 1st. Paradise Allotment: Resource Based Grazing Design Features Soil, Water Quality, Riparian Area, Wetlands and Meadows 1. Surface water diversions and groundwater extractions, including wells and spring developments will only be authorized when it is demonstrated by the user, and/or authorized by the Forest Service, that the water extracted is excess to the current and reasonably foreseeable future needs of forest resources (Forest Plan Standard S-46). Consideration of beneficial uses, existing water rights, and the absence of other available water sources will be part of the water extraction application. Approved extractions and diversions will provide for long-term protection and reasonable use of surface water and groundwater resources. Feasibility and sustainability assessments should be appropriately scaled to the magnitude of the extraction or diversion proposed. 2. Implement protocols for Riparian Conservation Areas (RCA) found in Appendix E of the Forest Plan and the regional supplement to Forest Service Handbook (USDA 2005). 3. When fuels treatments are being implemented within allotments, change allotment use or reduce fuels treatment footprint to reduce cumulative watershed effects in this Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) nutrient listed watershed. Vegetation 1. Complete protocol surveys for T&E species within primary range areas during a good rainfall year (greater than 22 cumulative inches of precipitation from July 1 April 30 as recorded at the Keenwild Fire Station RAWS weather station), and a year when reference populations on the Mountaintop District and Cleveland National Forest have emerged. If T&E species are discovered within actively grazed areas, immediate actions to minimize conflicts will be undertaken, and consultation with the US Fish & Wildlife Service will be initiated. 2. Consider early season grazing in areas high in exotic grass abundance as a means to enhance native species establishment. Reduction of exotic grass competition using grazing is best accomplished when exotic grasses are vegetative, and have not reached the boot stage. As new grazing lands are acquired, surveys for special status species will be undertaken, and administered to Forest Plan objectives and standards. 3. Verify the presence or absence of Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii within the Jim Burn subunit. If found, minimize conflicts to the species. Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 4

5 4. As part of the AMP, grazing management may be altered if new infestations of noxious weeds are detected to minimize spread. Wildlife (MIS, Neotropical Migratory Birds, and TES Species) 1. Through the use of rotational grazing, no cattle grazing would occur in areas identified to be occupied by Quino checkerspot butterflies (QCB). No grazing would occur during the QCB flight season (March 1 to June 30). Areas may be grazed after the flight season has ended, and larvae are in diapause. 2. Implement a monitoring of QCB host plants in primary range areas as fulfillment of the terms and condition of the Biological Opinion. If at any time a threshold for decline in QCB habitat is met (take), formal consultation will be reinitiated and adaptive measures to reverse impacts will be implemented. 3. Continue habitat suitability surveys and/or protocol occupancy surveys for QCB within primary range areas. If at any time, QCB are discovered within actively grazed areas, immediate actions to minimize conflicts will be undertaken, and consultation with the US Fish & Wildlife Service will be reinitiated. 4. Ensure all future range fence reconstruction or new construction would be designed to be wildlife friendly including appropriate installation of deer crossings, use of smooth bottom wire, standard spacing to prevent entrapment, maximum height limits, and locations. Range 1. Non-energy supplemental feeding of livestock (to strategically manage livestock distribution and forage use) will be utilized as follows: limit supplement types to non-energy feeds such as salt, protein and mineral blocks; locate supplement sites 0.25 mile or more from waters and key areas; locate supplement sites where forage is abundant and utilized less than average; use products that prevent the spread of noxious weeds (USDA Forest Service, 2006b, Part 3, pg. 11). Rouse Allotment: Alternative 1 Proposed Action (preferred) The proposed action is to authorize grazing intensity of up to 300 Head Months on the Rouse allotment. Management is based on resource conditions, flexible numbers and seasonal livestock use. The AMP will be made part of the terms and conditions of future permits and operating plans issued for grazing on the allotment. Authorized use for the allotment would be displayed in a grazing permit as either the maximum number of Head Months allowed to be grazed or as the number of livestock for a set period of time. Head Months would not exceed those listed in each term permit and would be determined by utilization standards. Permit administration would continue the same as outlined in the FSM 2230, FSH and a new term grazing permit would be issued implementing the new AMP. Annual operating instructions (AOI s) would be issued each year to the term grazing permit holder. AOI s will prescribe the number of livestock and seasons of use for specific areas for that grazing year consistent with the AMP. Existing structural range improvements and maintenance responsibility would be included as part of the term grazing permit. The administrative boundary for the Rouse allotment will be changed to exclude Lion and Bautista Canyons, which better reflects actual grazing pressure. Lion and Bautista Canyons are inaccessible to cattle and have never received grazing pressure. Additionally, removal of Bautista Canyon from the administrative boundary is consistent with the Forest Plan designation and management of this area as critical biological zone. The new boundary changes the Rouse Allotment to approximately 13,953 acres. The allotment would now Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 5

6 occur within portions of Township 5 South, Range 1 East, Sections 13, 24, 25, 36; Township 5 South, Range 2 East, Sections 18-20, 28-34; Township 6 South, Range 2 East, Sections 2-16, 23-25; Township 6 South, Range 3 East, Sections 7, 18-21, 27-30, 33-35; Township 7 South, Range 3 East, Section 3. The new AMP will focus on seasonal use and existing fencing to meet forage utilization standards. Table 1 sets forage utilization at levels determined by Forest Plan standards. Grazing will be allowed by base herd (cow/calf), replacement heifers, yearlings, and bulls. Pasture use would vary from year to year, as detailed in the AOI, in response to resource conditions and management needs. Pasture rotation schedules would provide the basis to provide scheduled use, rest, and recovery periods after use to maintain or improve range and watershed conditions. Grazing management will adapt to minimize spread of noxious weeds are detected. The Rouse allotment will also be grazed to minimize effects to Quino checkerspot butterfly through the use of a no grazing period during the species flight season (March 1 to June 30). Management systems would continue to maintain or improve range, vegetation, soil, and watershed conditions. The permittee will be responsible for ensuring the maintenance of all assigned range developments. Willow Creek exclosure will be maintained to prevent cattle access to riparian habitat. The Willow Creek and Pine Tree springs troughs will be moved out of the RCA to meet Forest Plan standards. The milky spring water development will be repaired for functionality. All structures related to grazing, such as water troughs and fences that are not utilized in the permit will be removed, if and when feasible. The Cranston Flat subunit has 194 acres of primary range (2,446 total acres). The AMP authorizes grazing intensity on average of 50 Head Months per year on the Cranston Flats subunit of the Rouse allotment (Ex. 25 Head from March 1st to June 1st) during the period of February 1st October 1st. The unit may receive more or less use in given years depending on annual production of forage. The main factor in determining grazing intensity in this subunit is the forage utilization standards for annual grasslands. The Willow Creek/ Milky Springs/ Lower Rouse Ridge subunits have 473 acres of primary range (8,988 total acres). The AMP authorizes grazing intensity of up to 125 Head Months on the Willow Creek/Milky Springs/ Lower Rouse Ridge subunits of the Rouse allotment (Ex. 25 head from October 1st to March 1st) during the period of September 1st March 1st. The permittee would be permitted to move the existing cattle guard that separates the Milky Springs and Lower Rouse Ridge units slightly closer to the Milky Springs water source (approximately 0.4 miles south on Rouse Ridge Road). This will facilitate better cattle distribution around the current water sources. The Thomas Mountain subunit has 832 acres of primary range (2,501 total acres). The AMP authorizes grazing intensity of up to 125 Head Months on the Thomas Mountain subunit of the Rouse allotment (Ex. 25 head from May 1st to September 30th) during the period of May 1st November 1st. The permittee would be permitted to construct a corral in the Thomas subunit within a flat area, where vegetation/ fuels have been treated. The corral would need a small road extension to connect to the existing road. Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 6

7 Rouse Allotment: Proposed Action Design Features Soil, Water Quality, Riparian Area, Wetlands and Meadows 1. Surface water diversions and groundwater extractions, including wells and spring developments will only be authorized when it is demonstrated by the user, and/or authorized by the Forest Service, that the water extracted is excess to the current and reasonably foreseeable future needs of forest resources (Forest Plan Standard S-46). Consideration of beneficial uses, existing water rights, and the absence of other available water sources will be part of the water extraction application. Approved extractions and diversions will provide for long-term protection and reasonable use of surface water and groundwater resources. Feasibility and sustainability assessments should be appropriately scaled to the magnitude of the extraction or diversion proposed. 2. Implement protocols for Riparian Conservation Areas (RCA) found in Appendix E of the Forest Plan and the regional supplement to Forest Service Handbook (USDA 2006b). 3. Provide for ongoing implementation monitoring and rotated annual effectiveness monitoring on one allotment per year on the Forest for Forest Plan and Best Management Practices (BMP) monitoring. 4. When fuels treatments are being implemented within allotments, change allotment use or reduce fuels treatment footprint to reduce cumulative watershed effects in this Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) nutrient listed watershed. 5. Move troughs in Willow Creek and Pine Tree Springs out of the Riparian Conservation Area (RCA) to limit habitat and riparian area disturbance. A float valve system should be used so unneeded water overflows at the location of the spring to continue to support the local vegetation. After the livestock have left, the area should be evaluated to insure adequate cover remains and the gully remains stable. Adaptive management practices should be employed to limit use when problems occur. Livestock use of the area should be limited to a time frame that allows for adequate ground cover to be left and to insure that the bank stability problems are not being exacerbated. 6. The New Allotment management plan and Annual Operating Plan should require allotment users to show compliance with Lake Elsinore/Canyon Lake nutrient TMDL - such as a letter to the file from the RWQCB showing dues paid to agricultural users group or conditional waiver. Under the Proposed Action, the Forest will have to show compliance with the agricultural use requirements of the RWQCB. Vegetation 1. Complete protocol surveys for T&E species within primary range areas during a good rainfall year (greater than 22 cumulative inches of precipitation from July 1 April 30 as recorded at the Keenwild Fire Station RAWS weather station), and a year when reference populations on the Mountaintop District and Cleveland National Forest have emerged. If T&E species are discovered within actively grazed areas, immediate actions to minimize conflicts will be undertaken, and consultation with the US Fish & Wildlife Service will be initiated. 2. Consider early season grazing in areas high in exotic grass abundance as a means to enhance native species establishment. Reduction of exotic grass competition using grazing is best accomplished when exotic grasses are vegetative, and have not reached the boot stage. As new grazing lands are acquired, surveys for special status species will be undertaken, and administered to Forest Plan objectives and standards. Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 7

8 Wildlife (MIS, Neotropical Migratory Birds, and TES Species) 3. Monitor populations of the sensitive plant Astragalus pachypus jaegeri, within the Lower Rouse primary range area. This is the only documented occurrence of this species on the District. 4. As part of the AMP, grazing management may be altered if new infestations of noxious weeds are detected to minimize spread. 1. Through the use of rotational grazing, no cattle grazing would occur in areas identified to be occupied by Quino checkerspot butterflies (QCB). No grazing would occur during the QCB flight season (February 1 to June 1). Areas may be grazed after the flight season has ended, and larvae are in diapause. 2. Implement a monitoring of QCB host plants in primary range areas as fulfillment of the terms and condition of the Biological Opinion. If at any time a threshold for decline in QCB habitat is met (take), formal consultation will be reinitiated and adaptive measures to reverse impacts will be implemented. 3. Continue habitat suitability surveys and/or protocol occupancy surveys for QCB within primary range areas. If at any time, QCB are discovered within actively grazed areas, immediate actions to minimize conflicts will be undertaken, and consultation with the US Fish & Wildlife Service will be reinitiated. 4. Ensure all future range fence reconstruction or new construction would be designed to be wildlife friendly including appropriate installation of deer crossings, use of smooth bottom wire, standard spacing to prevent entrapment, maximum height limits, and locations. 5. Continue to maintain the Willow Creek exclosure to prevent cattle access to riparian habitat. Cultural Resources 1. Implement approved 10-year inventory program to survey the interface of intensely and moderately used grazing areas and high probability heritage resource areas. This interface amounts to approximately 4,730 acres over the Garner, Paradise, Rouse and Wellman allotments. Refer to the Grazing-Heritage Resource Strategy (Heritage Resource Strategy for Grazing Management) and Option 3 of the USDA Forest Service's Rangeland Management Activities Programmatic Agreement (1995b) (Rangeland PA) for further guidance. If at any time, resources are discovered within actively grazed areas, immediate actions to minimize conflicts will be undertaken, and consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office will be initiated if needed. Range 1. Non-energy supplemental feeding of livestock (to strategically manage livestock distribution and forage use) will be utilized as follows: limit supplement types to non-energy feeds such as salt, protein and mineral blocks; locate supplement sites 0.25 mile or more from waters and key areas; locate supplement sites where forage is abundant and utilized less than average; use products that prevent the spread of noxious weeds (Forest Plan Standard S-53). Range readiness monitoring will occur annually prior to livestock grazing in upland key areas and allotment wide assessments. Forage utilization monitoring of uplands will occur annually during the summer for Thomas Mountain and during mid-spring for Cranston Flats after livestock have left the area. Forage utilization of browse on mature riparian shrubs monitoring will occur annually while livestock are present and after they have left Willow Creek. Quino checkerspot butterfly host plant monitoring will occur annually during non-drought, Quino checkerspot butterfly flight years after livestock have left the area. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher habitat enclosure monitoring will occur annually while cattle are in the Willow Creek Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 8

9 area. Monitoring of sensitive plants along Lower Rouse primary range will occur annually during non-drought years, after livestock have left the area. Pacific Southwest Long Term monitoring program plots will be re-sampled every five years during summer, usually around peak standing crop when plants are easy to identify. Best Management Practices effectiveness will continue to be monitored. Alternative 2 No Action Under the No Action alternative, cattle grazing would not be authorized in the project area. The no action alternative is consistent with Chapter 90 of the Forest Service Handbook , Section Under this alternative, grazing would be discontinued for the Rouse allotment and actions will be taken to remove cattle from existing subunits. Term grazing permits would be cancelled. Cancellation of term permits must follow direction in Forest Service Manual (FSM) d, Forest Service Handbook (FSH) , Chapter 10 Section 16.24, and Part 2 item 11b of the term permit. Administrative allotment boundaries would not be adjusted, and AMPs would not be updated. Existing Environment and Affected Environment for Quino: Habitat Conditions: The Quino checkerspot butterfly (Quino) is currently known only from western Riverside County, southern San Diego County, and northern Baja California, Mexico. More than 75% of its historic range has been lost including more than 90 % of its coastal mesa and bluff distribution (USFWS 2003). The species inhabits diverse open woody canopy landscapes containing low to moderate levels of nonnative vegetation. Vegetation types that support Quino include coastal sage scrub, open chaparral, juniper woodland, and native grassland (USFWS 2003). The primary larval food plants include Plantago sp., Castilleja exerta, Antirrhinum coulterianum, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Cordylanthus rigidus, Collinsia heterophylla, and Collinsia concolor on the San Jacinto Ranger District. In 2009, the FWS designated critical habitat on the San Jacinto RD (74 FR 28776). Approximately 8,853 acres of the Bautista Unit (Unit 7) critical habitat is within the San Jacinto RD. Of these acres, 102 acres and 3,502 acres are within existing boundaries of the Jim Burn subunit (Paradise Allotment), and the Thomas Mountain subunit (Rouse Allotment) respectively. As part of Alternative -1 Proposed Action for the Rouse Allotment, the allotment boundary will be changed to reflect actual grazing use. With this action, all but 35.7 acres of critical habitat will continue to remain within the Thomas Mountain subunit. In addition, there are numerous areas of suitable habitat for the species in the southwestern portion of the ranger district that is outside of designated critical habitat. The primary constituent elements of designated critical habitat include: (1) open areas within scrublands at least 21.5 square ft (2 square m) in size that: (A) contain no woody canopy cover; and (B) contain one or more of the host plants dwarf plantain, woolly plantain, or white snapdragon; or Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 9

10 (C) contain one or more of the host plants thread-leaved bird s beak or owl s clover that are within 328 ft (100 m) of the host plants dwarf plantain, woolly plantain, or white snapdragon; or (D) contain flowering plants with a corolla tube less than or equal to 0.43 in (1 cm) used for Quino checkerspot butterfly growth, reproduction, and feeding; (2) open scrubland areas and vegetation within 656 ft (200 m) of the open canopy areas (primary constituent element 1) used for movement and basking; and (3) hilltops or ridges within scrublands, linked by open areas and natural vegetation to open canopy areas containing an open, woody-canopy area at least 21.5 square ft (2 square m) in size used for Quino checkerspot butterfly mating (hill-topping behavior) (74 CFR 28776). The life cycle of the Quino includes one generation of adults per year, with a 4 to 6 week flight period beginning from late January to early March and continuing as late as early May, depending on weather conditions (USFWS 2003). Survey Results 2009 and 2010: Information and results for Quino occupancy and habitat surveys on the San Jacinto RD prior to 2009 can be found in the 2008 BA (Poopatanapong 2008). In 2009, AMEC Earth and Environmental, Inc was contracted to conduct habitat suitability and presence surveys for Quino at selected sites on the San Jacinto RD. Two individuals were recorded in the Bonita Vista fuel break area and one individual was recorded in the Thomas Mountain fuels project area. Three incidental detections outside of AMEC survey efforts were detected by Jordan Zylstra, Forest Service botanist (AMEC 2009). These locations were within the Garner and Wellman allotment, and along the South Fork trail (outside of grazing allotments). In 2010, Angelica Mendoza and Jordan Zylstra of the San Bernardino NF conducted surveys in the Rouse, Paradise, and Wellman allotment areas, as well as the Garner Valley and May Valley areas. A total of 89 observations of 29 individuals in 50 new locations were recorded. Surveys of Cranston Flat did not record any observations for this subunit. No other Rouse allotment subunits were surveyed in No new observations or locations were recorded for the Paradise allotment. Direct and Indirect Effects Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise Allotment Alternative 1 Proposed Action, Alternative 2 No Action: Direct and Indirect Effects Under the Proposed Action and No Action alternatives, there will be no direct effects to the Quino checkerspot butterfly. Under these alternatives, cattle grazing would not be authorized, and therefore no incidental consumption or trampling of butterflies would occur. There also would be no indirect negative effects of habitat changes (soil compactions or consumption of host plants). It is possible that areas of suitable habitat would eventually become less suitable as un-grazed non-native plants and grasses out-compete host plants. It is possible that some areas previously considered open suitable habitat as a result of grazing, will eventually become closed Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 10

11 and unsuitable habitat with the removal of cattle. Any beneficial effects that light cattle grazing may provide to promote open habitats would not occur. Alternative 3 Resource Based Grazing: Direct Effects There have been multiple sighting of Quino on both subunits of the Paradise allotment (Poopatanapong, 2008). It is expected that cattle grazing will have an impact on Quino adults, larvae and diapaused individuals. Lands that are outside of cattle use areas are expected to experience minimal to no direct impact from cattle use, and thus pose no potential conflict between cattle grazing and Quino. Similarly, no conflict between cattle and Quino is expected where unsuitable habitat overlap with cattle use areas. There is also potential that undetected individual butterflies and/or larvae near the subunits could be consumed, or crushed by animals. It is possible that the presence of cattle in any areas where Quino have diapaused may be accidentally trampled. Additionally, because suitability of potential sites on the ranger district may vary from year to year due to precipitation, it is possible that some take of undetected adults or larvae would occur. The continuation of habitat suitability mapping and occupancy surveys (as funding permits) will increase the knowledge base of the species, and decrease the probability of take over the long-term, but not eliminate the possibility altogether. Areas of known occupancy will be avoided during the Quino flight season. This will minimize any effects of grazing of host plants. Designating a non-grazing season (February 1 to June 1) will reduce habitat disturbance by minimizing the duration of grazing. This also minimizes the disturbance to any breeding adults and developing eggs. Impacts to individual adults are minimized in these areas because cattle (through rotational grazing) will not have access to areas where Quino are flying, courting and breeding. For a minimum of five months per year, all subunits with suitable Quino habitat will be rested, which will also encourage host plant growth. On December 3 rd, 2009, a field visit to the Jim Burn subunit by Jesse Bennett of FWS, Anne Poopatanapong, Steve Loe, and David Austin of the Forest Service, was conducted to further discuss light grazing effects on Quino. It was determined that light cattle grazing will not adversely affect the butterfly and that it may even be advantageous to the insect by making open habitat available for Plantago and other hosts plants, reiteration of 2003 communication (J. Bennett, personal communication 12/2009). The recovery plan for this species (USFWS 2003) recommends maintaining openings of suitable habitat, and a reduction of non-native invasive species that will out-compete native host plants. Indirect Effects The Jim Burn subunit contains approximately 102 acres of critical habitat and 128 acres of suitable habitat for Quino. The extent of suitable habitat varies each year depending on local weather and precipitation patterns. Other factors associated with cattle grazing may have some negative indirect impacts to Quino. While grazing on the subunits, cattle may increase the spread of non-native plants which out-compete host and food plants (USFWS 2003). Host plants have the ability to grow in cryptogrammic crusts, whereas many non-native plants cannot. Cattle may break apart this cryptogrammic crust when walking along repeated paths and trails. Loss of this soil type may result in an increased invasion of noxious weeds. Another impact associated with Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 11

12 cattle grazing is soil erosion. Cattle traveling repeatedly throughout the subunits may cause erosion around water sources, foraging areas and along travel routes. Erosion further degrades the landscape, resulting in loss of natural seed bed and increased sedimentation in water courses. Erosion also provides large, recently disturbed areas an opportunity to invasion by non-native flora. Since the ranger district has been grazed at these similar intensities since the turn of the century, substantial additional erosion is not expected to change from its current condition. Therefore, additional effects to Quino from grazing are not significantly additive to the pressures from other authorized activities such as driving on forest roads. Rouse Allotment Alternative 1 - Proposed Action: Direct Effects Many areas such as Rouse Ridge (5S15) and Thomas Mountain roads (6S15), where Quino where sighted in 2005 and 2009 is a man-made designated fire fuelbreak and designated roads. Cattle are used in the area to reduce the annual growth of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Quino sightings along both Rouse Ridge and Thomas Mountain roads were immediately on the road, again devoid of vegetation. The individuals were probably sunning themselves, and using the suitable habitat in the surrounding areas. Cattle cannot utilize the surrounding area due to the steepness of the slopes and the dense vegetation on either side of the road. Therefore, the effects of livestock on Quino individual decreases with increasing distance from the roads. Despite this, it is possible that some diapaused larvae may be impacted in areas of suitable habitat immediately adjacent to the road. There is also a potential that undetected individual butterflies and/or larvae near the subunits could be consumed, or crushed by animals. And it is possible that the presence of cattle in any areas where Quino have diapaused may be accidentally trampled. To minimize effects to Quino, cattle from the Rouse allotment will not be in occupied areas from March 1 through June 30, when the Quino flight season has ended. This minimizes the disturbance to any breeding adults and developing eggs. Impacts to individual adults are minimized in these areas because cattle (through rotational grazing) will not have access to areas where Quino are flying, courting and breeding. Additionally, because suitability of potential sites on the ranger district may vary from year to year due to precipitation, it is possible that some take of undetected adults or larvae would occur. The continuation of habitat suitability mapping and occupancy surveys (as funding permits) will increase the knowledge base of the species, and decrease the probability of take over the longterm, but not eliminate the possibility altogether. Indirect Effects Other factors associated with cattle grazing may have some negative indirect impacts. While grazing on the subunits, cattle may increase the spread of non-native plants which out-compete host and food plants (USFWS 2003). Host plants have the ability to grow in cryptogrammic crusts, whereas many non-native plants cannot. Cattle may break apart this cryptogrammic crust when walking along repeated paths and trails. Loss of this soil type may result in an increased invasion of noxious weeds. Another impact associated with cattle grazing is soil erosion. Cattle traveling repeatedly throughout the subunits may cause erosion around water sources, foraging Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 12

13 areas and along travel routes. Erosion further degrades the landscape, resulting in loss of natural seed bed and increased sedimentation in water courses. Erosion also provides large, recently disturbed areas an opportunity to invasion by non-native flora. Since the ranger district has been grazed at these similar intensities since the turn of the century, substantial additional erosion is not expected to change from its current condition. Additionally, pressures of cattle grazing are primarily confined to pre-existing roads and trails. Therefore, additional effects to Quino from grazing are not significantly additive to the pressures from other authorized activities such as driving on forest roads. During years of normal rainfall, Quino may not need to disperse over long distances to forage and reproduce. Until recently, it was suggested that Quino from lower elevation populations such as Silverado Ranch would not successfully colonize high elevation sites such as the San Jacinto Ranger District. However, continued drought conditions and long-term trends of warmer temperatures suggest that higher elevation areas such as the San Jacinto RD may become refugia for various wildlife species. Although no research studies currently exist, it is possible that areas such as Rouse Ridge and Garner Valley could conceivably become colonized by species such as Quino as lower elevation habitats become unsuitable. Occupancy surveys from 2010 suggest that Quino observed were recently immerged individuals from diapause due to their appearance and abundance (J. Zylstra personal communication, 2010). Unfortunately, no surveys were conducted to determine the presence of egg masses (suggesting breeding), so no conclusions can be made at this time. Alternative 2 No Action Alternative: Under the No Action alternative, there will be no direct effects to the Quino checkerspot butterfly. Under this alternative, cattle grazing would not be authorized, and therefore no incidental consumption or trampling of butterflies would occur. There also would be no indirect negative effects of habitat changes (soil compactions or consumption of host plants). It is possible that areas of suitable habitat would eventually become less suitable as un-grazed nonnative plants and grasses outcompete host plants. Any beneficial effects that light cattle grazing may provide to promote open habitats would not occur. Direct and Indirect Effects designated Critical Habitat Paradise and Rouse Allotments Alternative 1 - Proposed Action (Paradise), Alternative 2 - No Action (Paradise and Rouse): Cattle grazing would not be authorized, and therefore no incidental consumption or trampling of habitat would occur. Primary constituent elements would not be negatively affected. There also would be no negative indirect effects to primary constituent elements. It is possible that designated critical habitat would eventually become less suitable as currently open areas become vegetated with either non-native species or dense chaparral species. Under this alternative host plant monitoring would not occur as there will be no way to compare grazing effects on plants. Currently, there is no published literature examining the effects of cattle grazing on QCB populations and their host plants. Literature exists that examines the Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 13

14 effects of grazing and other butterfly species. However, these systems are fairly different from ecosystems found in Southern California where QCB occur, and thus results can not be extrapolated to this area. There could be an improvement in QCB habitat due to cattle not being present to trample the host plants or compact soils where host plants occur. Conversely, there could be a negative effect to QCB habitat if cattle are not present to remove thatch buildup from grasses and other plants that compete with host plant patches, leaving more room and resources available for host plants recruitment. Alternative 3 Resource Based Grazing (Paradise); Alternative 1 Proposed Action (Rouse): Direct Effects There is approximately 102 acres of critical habitat within the Jim Burn subunit (Paradise Allotment). There is approximately 35.7 acres of critical habitat within the Thomas Mountain subunit (Rouse Allotment). Less than 1 percent (137.7 acres) of the 13,880 acres of critical habitat within the Bautista Unit will be subject to grazing. Under alternative 3 for the Paradise allotment and alternative 1 for the Rouse allotment, there will be some direct effects to designated critical habitat. Cattle may affect primary constituent element 1b, 1c, and 1d by either incidentally consuming host and nectar plants, and/or trampling or crushing plants as they travel through the area. However this effect is reduced by prohibiting grazing of this area during the Quino flight season. In so doing, host and nectar plants have the opportunity to set seed without the presence of livestock grazing. Host plant monitoring will occur in areas that receive cattle grazing. Plant composition within plots will be collected prior to and after cattle grazing in an attempt to understand the effect of livestock grazing on quino host plants. Indirect Effects Cattle may indirectly affect primary constituent elements by introducing non-native species and/or breaking apart the cryptogrammic crust when walking along repeated paths and trails. Cattle traveling repeatedly throughout the subunits may cause erosion around water sources, foraging areas and along travel routes. Erosion may result in loss of suitability of the area and a decrease in recovery potential of the area. However, since the subunits have been grazed at similar intensities as to what is proposed since the turn of the century, substantial additional erosion is not expected to change from its current condition. It is also important to note that current grazing levels have significantly decreased from historic grazing levels, which is beneficial for critical habitat. Cumulative Effects This section addresses two legal definitions for cumulative effects/impacts analysis. The cumulative effects analysis area is the suitable habitat within the portion of recovery unit 7 (Bautista Unit) that lies within the San Jacinto ranger district boundary. Cumulative Effects under the Endangered Species Act (50 CFR ) are those effects of future State, tribal, local, or private activities not involving Federal activities, that are reasonably certain to occur within the action area of the Federal action subject to consultation. Future Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 14

15 federal actions that may affect federally listed species and are unrelated to the proposed action are not considered in this section, because they require separate consultation pursuant to section 7 of the Act. These future and ongoing federal actions that will not be considered in this section include livestock grazing on the Garner Allotment, and the Thomas Mountain hazardous fuels reduction project. Under NEPA, cumulative impacts are those impacts caused by past, present, and foreseeable future federal, state, and private activities within or onto special status animals and their habitats. There are no State or private activities that are reasonably certain to occur within the action area. Cumulative effects as defined by NEPA have or might occur from several Forest Service projects, and consist of alteration of suitable or potentially suitable habitat. Several Forest Service hazardous fuels reduction projects have altered reduced or increased the amount of available suitable habitat for Quino. Prescribed burns such as the Rouse North (implemented in 1993 and 1995), Rouse South (implemented in 2002), Garner Valley and Bonita Vista projects (started in 2004; in progress) all have resulted in opening up dense chaparral that may be beneficial for Quino host plants. The Thomas Mountain Hazardous Fuels Project will affect the majority of suitable habitats on the ranger district. The Thomas Mountain project proposes to implement controlled burns on approximately 9,900 acres, in stages over approximately 5 years. These projects were planned to reduce overgrown chaparral and mixed-conifer growth, which will result in mosaic acres of open and dense vegetation. The goal of implementing these controlled burns is to avoid landscape-scale wildfires, which would benefit the Quino (USFWS 2003). The recovery plan for this species recommends implementing controlled burns over small areas to avoid landscape-scale wildfires. While these treatments would have a short-term negative effect on the habitat, over the long term they would prove beneficial in reducing the risk of landscape scale, high intensity wildfire. Additionally, host plants such as Plantago sp., and Antirrhinum coulterianum, which may be adapted to disturbance, may colonize these areas. Many other Forest Service activities occur within the allotment boundaries. Activities include: recreation (camping, biking, hiking, equestrian use, target shooting, hunting), OHV use, road maintenance, mining, prospecting, special use events, law enforcement, fuel wood cutting, Native American products gathering and fire suppression. National Forest System lands are also places where numerous illegal activities including marijuana plantations, hazardous material dumping, trash dumping, and illicit drug cultivations occur. State and private activities and/or events may also occur on the National Forest with or without permits or authorizations. All of these activities have altered the amount of habitat for this species. Due to the dispersed nature of these forest activities, and the scattered occurrences of the species, it is difficult to quantify the extent of effect on Quino and its habitat. Other uncontrollable factors such as global warming may also have an unforeseen effect on Quino checkerspot butterfly habitat. Broad changes in the environment such as global warming are probably not affected by livestock grazing on the San Jacinto RD. However the localized effects of global climate change (i.e. extended periods of drought) can and do have an effect on the compatibility of livestock grazing and Quino and/or their habitat. Flexibility of the AMP will help ensure that during periods of extended drought, where forage can not sustain grazing, that cattle will not be released onto the National Forest. Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 15

16 Determination of Effects The San Bernardino National Forest - San Jacinto Ranger District believes that permitting cattle grazing on the Paradise and Rouse allotments May Affect and is Likely to Adversely Affect the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) individuals that may occur on the SJRD. Rationale for Determination: Cattle grazing could result in mortality of diapuased larvae by grazing areas of known occupancy. Cattle grazing could result in mortality of undetected individuals as it is assumed that a light population of Quino checkerspot butterfly exists on the district. Although rotational grazing will be used, it is uncertain whether there would be taking of any individuals, especially in areas of potential suitable habitats. Areas of known occupancy will be avoided during the Quino flight season (February 1 to June 1). This will reduce habitat disturbance by minimizing the duration of grazing thus minimizing the disturbance to any breeding adults and developing eggs. Impacts to individual adults are minimized in these areas because cattle (through rotational grazing) will not have access to areas where Quino are flying, courting and breeding. For a minimum of five months per year, all subunits with suitable Quino habitat will be rested, which will also encourage host plant growth The San Bernardino National Forest - San Jacinto Ranger District believes that permitting cattle grazing on the Paradise and Rouse allotments May Affect but is Not Likely to Adversely Affect the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) critical habitat that occurs on the SJRD. Rationale for Determination: Cattle grazing could affect primary constituent elements 1b, 1c and 1d by either incidentally consuming host and nectar plants, and/or trampling or crushing plants as they travel through the area. Less than 1 percent (137.7 acres) of the 13,880 acres of critical habitat within the Bautista Unit will be subject to grazing. Of the acres subject to grazing, 102 acres is within Paradise allotment and 35.7 acres is within Rouse allotment. Grazing of this area will occur outside of the Quino flight season, which will allow host and nectar plants have the opportunity to set seed without the presence of livestock grazing. References Cited AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc Foucsed surveys for the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) at selected sites in 2009 on the San Bernardino National Forest, San Jacinto Ranger District. 8 Semptember pp. Supplemental Biological Assessment - Quino checkerspot butterfly Paradise/Rouse Allotments 16