Appendices. Appendix A: Cumulative Effects List. Appendix B: Maps

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1 Appendices Appendix A: Cumulative Effects List Appendix B: Maps UPPER GREEN PROJECT AREA: Expected Use Capable Grazing Lands for Cattle UPPER GREEN PROJECT AREA: Forest Plan Capable Grazing Lands for Cattle Appendix C: Monitoring Plan Appendix D: Allotment Management Plans 260

2 Appendix A Cumulative Effects List (01/04/2010) Past Activities: Roads Travel Plan implementation User-Created Roads Closures/Roads Forested Vegetation Blowdown salvage Firewood, Post/Pole Removal Existing Plantations Old tie hack areas Timbers Harvest Urban Interface Fuel Treatments Range Livestock & Rec Stock grazing Predator control Fences Water developments Prescribed burns Sagebrush treatments Noxious Weed treatments Recreation ORV use (off road) Developed/Dispersed Recreation Black bear baiting Snowmobile use Blow down removal Trail Construction/Maintenance Miscellaneous Mining Private land access/activities Present Activities: Roads Misc. Road Maintenance Travel Plan Implementation Forested Vegetation Firewood, Post/Pole Removal Existing plantations Urban Interface Fuel Treatment at Red Cliff Bend in the River Timber Sale Lost Creek Timber Salvage Battle Mountain Timber Salvage Washakie Timber Sale Range Livestock & Recreational stock grazing Predator control Noxious Weed treatments Recreation ORV use (illegal off-road) Developed/Dispersed recreation Black bear baiting Snowmobile use Trail Construction Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Construction Blowdown and disease tree removal at Green River Lakes Campground Miscellaneous Private land access/activities 261

3 Reasonably Foreseeable Future Activities: Roads Green River Lakes Road Reconstruction Misc. Road Maintenance Travel Plan Implementation Union Pass Road Reconstruction Forested Vegetation Firewood, Post/Pole Removal Range Livestock & Rec Stock grazing Predator control Noxious Weed treatments Food storage requirements Vegetation Pinyon Ridge Prescribed Burn Red Cliff II Urban Interface Recreation ORV use Developed/Dispersed Recreation Black bear baiting Snowmobile recreation Trail Construction Miscellaneous Private land access/activities 262

4 Appendix B 263

5 264

6 Appendix C Monitoring Plan Monitoring would take place as described below to insure that Alternative B and the attendant mitigation are implemented, and to insure that those measures are effective in moving towards and achieving the desired conditions described in this Draft Supplemental EIS. Implementation Monitoring Implementation monitoring would be used to determine whether Alternative B is implemented as planned. This is the short-term or annual monitoring used to determine if the goals, objectives, standards and management practices are implemented as detailed in the alternative. Implementation monitoring would be conducted annually on a subset of allotments to determine whether the allotments are being managed in accordance with their Allotment Management Plans (AMPs) and Annual Operating Instructions (AOIs). Allotment administrators would make field observations and document their findings in the individual permit files. These observations could include, for example, whether livestock were moved to other pastures or removed from an allotment before the maximum prescribed utilization parameters (pertaining to forage and browse utilization, stubble height, and stream bank alteration) are exceeded. The field observations documented in the file would be summarized at the end of each year and a determination made whether on-the-ground management practices met the specified guidelines; administrative action may be taken (as specified in FSH Grazing Permit Administration Handbook) if established parameters are exceeded. Project Specific Monitoring Effectiveness monitoring would be conducted to determine whether the assumptions made in the analysis for this project are correct. Effectiveness monitoring identify whether the actual effects of implementing the selected alternative were consistent with the effects originally projected. This monitoring may be conducted in cooperation with the permittees in the project area and would require the continued establishment and maintenance of long-term monitoring sites. The methods used to conduct effectiveness monitoring could include establishing permanent riparian photo points and running greenline and groundcover transects. Through adaptive management, effectiveness monitoring sites may need to be relocated or new sites established. Adaptive Management An adaptive management strategy would be used to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of carrying out the selected alternative. Adaptive management is a system of management practices based on clearly identified intended outcomes and monitoring to determine if management actions are meeting those outcomes; and, if not, to facilitate management changes that would best ensure that those outcomes are met or re-evaluated. Adaptive management stems from the recognition that knowledge about natural resource systems is sometimes uncertain. (36 CFR 220.3). Design Features The following table summarizes the design features associated with the alternatives. 265

7 Table C.1: Design Features of Alternative B. Allotment Pasture Grazing System Key Area Prescription Adaptive Management Tool or Design Feature Proposed Range Improvements Critical Area Prescription Badger Creek Badger Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 4 stubble height 1 year of 4, defer use until after seed-set, July 15 - Oct 14 stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. North Beaver Deferred rotation 50% allowable use upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. 2 hardened stream crossings Waterdog Lake: No commercial rec. stock (i.e. horses/mules), 20% cattle use Beaver - Twin Creeks Rock Creek Deferred rotation 50% allowable use upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. Reconstruct fence along Rock Creek Buttes Rock Creek Sensitive Stream Segment: 10% maximum stream bank trampling Twin Creeks Deferred rotation 50% allowable use upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. 1 mile drift fence Sec. 26&27, T38N, R111W Noble Pastures Pasture 1 (N) Deferred rotation 40% allowable use 6" stubble until DFC reached, and then 4" upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. Ditch maintenance standards see definition in Chapter 2: Alt. B Tosi Creek: 20% maximum stream bank trampling 266

8 Allotment Pasture Grazing System Key Area Prescription Adaptive Management Tool or Design Feature Proposed Range Improvements Critical Area Prescription stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Pasture 2 Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Ditch maintenance standards Pasture 3 Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Ditch maintenance standards Pasture 4 (S) Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives Ditch maintenance standards 267

9 Allotment Pasture Grazing System Key Area Prescription Adaptive Management Tool or Design Feature Proposed Range Improvements Critical Area Prescription are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Roaring Fork South Deferred rotation Graze only in June out before July 1 50% allowable use not met, the allowable upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. 6" stubble height Roaring Fork Roaring Fork East Deferred rotation 50% allowable use not met, the allowable upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. Roaring Fork W. Deferred rotation 50% allowable use not met, the allowable upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. 6" stubble height Wagon Creek Wagon Creek Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 4 " stubble height if ground cover is > or = to 98% in true carex dominated riparian upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. 268

10 Allotment Pasture Elk feedground Upper Gyp Grazing System N/A Incidental use only Deferred rotation Key Area Prescription 0-5% allowable use 50% allowable use Adaptive Management Tool or Design Feature Fence feedground if allowable use is exceeded. upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. Proposed Range Improvements Install a let-down fence east of Little Sheep mountain. Critical Area Prescription No salting will be allowed and livestock will not intentionally be placed at these locations. Any stray cattle will be promptly removed. Upper Green River Lower Gyp Deferred rotation 4" stubble height 2) 20% maximum stream-bank trampling stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. If not meeting objectives after applying 6 stubble implement rest-rotation grazing Mud Lake East Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Fish Creek Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 269

11 Allotment Pasture Grazing System Key Area Prescription Adaptive Management Tool or Design Feature Proposed Range Improvements Critical Area Prescription 4" stubble height 30% maximum stream bank trampling upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Mosquito SE Rest rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Harden 1 stream crossing Maintain Wagon Creek exclosure Wagon Creek Exclosure - electric fence is in place when cattle using pasture. Mosquito NE Rest rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Mosquito NW Rest rotation 50% allowable use 270

12 Allotment Pasture Grazing System Key Area Prescription Adaptive Management Tool or Design Feature Proposed Range Improvements Critical Area Prescription 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Mosquito SW Rest rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Upper Teepee Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Teepee Creek: 6" stubble height, 20% maximum stream bank trampling Lower Teepee Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble upland use would drop Below bridge on Tepee Creek: 6" stubble height, 20% maximum stream bank trampling 271

13 Allotment Pasture Grazing System Key Area Prescription Adaptive Management Tool or Design Feature Proposed Range Improvements Critical Area Prescription height in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Tosi Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Kinky Creek (new pasture) Deferred rotation 50% allowable use 4" stubble height upland use would drop in increments of 10 percent until objectives are met. stubble height would be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. Add fences to create rest-rotation system (temporary electric fence for first 2 years) final location to be analyzed in separate NEPA document. Upper Green River Livestock Driveway Spring/fall use No salting will be allowed and livestock will not intentionally be placed in the Kendall Bridge and Dollar Lake areas. Any stay cattle will be promptly removed. 272

14 * not being met, the allowable stubble height will be changed from 4 inches to 6 inches. ** not being met, the allowable upland use will drop in increments of 10 percent use until objectives are met. ***No salting will be allowed and livestock will not intentionally be placed here. Any stray cattle will be removed. No salting will be allowed in Upper Roaring Fork Basin, and livestock will not intentionally be placed there. Any stray cattle will be removed. 273

15 Range Vegetation Monitoring Goal: Monitor to determine the success of vegetative treatments and identify needed adjustments in grazing capacity. Goal: Monitor to determine compliance with utilization standards. Short-term monitoring of the effects of livestock grazing on the environment (including riparian areas, uplands, soils, etc.) would primarily be achieved by monitoring livestock utilization, since utilization of vegetation was identified as a common parameter that affects the desired conditions described for a multitude of resources. Annual livestock use monitoring would be the most common form of monitoring if a decision to authorize livestock grazing is implemented. Utilization (use) or stubble height standards are annual measures that are designed to achieve long-term resource objectives. Long term vegetation, soil, and water quality improvement would remain the primary desired outcome. Use prescriptions expressed as a percentage generally apply to upland areas. Utilization is measured on key species and is defined as the percentage of use by all herbivores, on current year s growth, by weight, at the end of the growing season. Use prescriptions expressed as stubble height apply to riparian areas. Stubble height is measured at the greenline on vegetative parts of key species, at the end of the growing season, and expressed as the median height of the plants. While the achievement of long-term resource objectives is the primary desired outcome of monitoring efforts, it is necessary to achieve the short-term annual objectives in order to verify the effectiveness of the annual triggers. Interagency Monitoring Technical References provide the range vegetation monitoring methodologies. Technical references may be supplemented by regional handbooks (FSH ) or Wyoming Rangeland Monitoring Guide (as updated). An adaptive management strategy would be employed to allow for flexibility during implementation of the action to respond to changing conditions and unexpected results. Vegetation utilization monitoring would take place on key areas, at a minimum, and any other areas determined necessary to insure that long-term desired conditions would be achieved. At least one long-term trend study would be established on each key area. Additional effectiveness monitoring studies may be established on critical areas as determined necessary. Long term trend studies would be re-read on the rest year of the grazing cycle or every 5-10 years on pastures without regularly scheduled rest years. Long term trend transects may be read prior to the rest year if deemed necessary by the Rangeland Management Specialist. The long term trend studies for each allotment would be used to determine if the objectives are being met, however, administrative action may be taken for exceeding short-term use standards, because those annual standards are designed to meet long-term objectives. The objective is for ground cover or other long-term trend parameters to be meeting or trending toward the respective desired conditions by vegetation cover type. Emphasis would be placed on obtaining trend data for those areas that are not currently meeting desired conditions. Failure to meet short-term objectives may be indicated by exceeding proper use on one or more key areas. Failure to meet long-term objectives should be demonstrated by a statistically significant measured change in ground cover or other long-term trend indicator. The parameter would show a change away from desired condition, as specified in the Final EIS, the latest measured value must be outside of the threshold for properly functioning or desired condition. The consequence of failing to meet 274

16 long-term objectives would be either to reduce permitted use or to require management changes that are determined by an inter-disciplinary team to be likely to result in rapid improvements. Failure to meet long-term objectives should be demonstrated by a statistically significant measured change in ground cover or other long-term trend indicator, a result that does not meet minimum desired condition. The parameter would show a trend change away from the desired condition specified in the design of the alternative. When this is documented, subsequent years allowable use would be reduced in increments of 10 percent allowable use until such time as the long-term measurement trends toward the minimum desired condition. The more restrictive allowable use would be implemented for at least 5 years, allowing time for recovery and avoiding annual monitoring efforts for long-term trends. (Note that downward changes in condition are acceptable if they remain above the minimum desired condition.) For example, if the desired condition was 80 percent groundcover in an area where allowable use was 50 percent, and a statistically significant change was measured at 75 percent groundcover, allowable use in the area would be changed to 40 percent and remain there for a minimum of 5 years until 80 percent or more groundcover was measured in the key area. If, at the end of 5 years of the lower use standard, the groundcover was still measured at 75 percent, a 30 percent use standard would then be applied until 80 percent groundcover was measured in the key area. Under this example, you would not return to either the 50 percent or 40 percent use standard after recovery, you would stay with 30 percent allowable use (assuming that the 30 percent allowable use resulted in a change toward desired condition) because it was demonstrated that neither 50 percent or 40 percent allowable use was capable of moving existing conditions toward the desired condition. However if the 40 percent use standard resulted in an apparent trend towards desired groundcover (76 percent or more), the 40 percent use standard would be appropriate as long as the trend continued or resulted in meeting desired condition. Studies show that 6-inch stubble height measurement on key species in riparian areas, and 30 percent use on key species in uplands, result in rapid improvement of vegetation that is affected by livestock grazing. In the very unlikely event that these design criteria fail to result in a trend toward desired conditions on key areas, it is likely that something other than livestock grazing is causing the effect, or the area is not capable of supporting grazing. At this point an Interdisciplinary Team should be assembled to make recommendations to the District Ranger regarding management changes or monitoring changes that may be needed. If the District Ranger has empirical evidence to suspect that either the area is incapable of reaching the desired condition expressed in this analysis or that something other than the direct and indirect effects of livestock grazing are causing this less than desired condition either at this point or when any reduced proper use standard is about to be implemented, an Interdisciplinary Team may be assembled to address the question. In either case they would proceed with the following direction. First, assess whether any of the other indicators of rangeland health (species composition with 5 percent relative composition of desired species as indicated in [Tart, 2000], presence of noxious weeds, or shrub cover) reveal additional concerns. If not, it is possible that desired conditions are not achievable; however, it is also possible that additional rest from grazing would achieve desired conditions. If there are additional indicators that functionality is at risk, a determination of whether livestock grazing is contributing to the risk would be made. The Interdisciplinary Team would first decide whether the desired conditions are achievable. If the District Ranger determines that desired conditions are achievable with some level of livestock grazing, additional rest from grazing the area would be considered. If the District Ranger determines that desired conditions are not achievable with 275

17 livestock grazing, a new analysis regarding grazing authorization may be considered. However, if the affected area is small, management actions to avoid the area would likely suffice. This may necessitate choosing an additional key area, as the area of avoidance would no longer be representative of livestock grazing effects. Evaluation of key sites and their ability to reflect overall grazing use of the pasture would continue. Through adaptive management if a key site does not continue to represent grazing use of the pasture for which it was chosen, a new key site would be selected. It is essential to note that this adaptive management strategy is not to be used as an alternative to meeting desired conditions. There must be credible evidence that this re-evaluation is a necessary step to deal with unanticipated results. Livestock Grazing System Monitoring Goal: Monitor riparian and upland range sites to determine the effectiveness of (or need for changes in) herding, distribution, and improvements. The need for proposed range improvements to meet vegetation and resource objectives would be analyzed annually. Range improvements necessary to meet resource objectives would be ranked by priority and installed when budget allows within the next 10 years. Intensive management of livestock would continue until range improvements are in place to continue to conserve the resource. Periodic examinations would take place to insure all management and herding practices are being followed as outlined in the AOI. Each year prior to grazing, a set of operating instructions would be prepared for the permittee. These instructions outline the how, when, where and what would be expected of the permittee and/or his riders when his livestock graze on National Forest System lands. Approximately 80 miles of existing fence and two water developments would continue to be maintained or reconstructed as needed. Cooperative work with permittees, intended to improve livestock distribution through riding and proper salt placement (as identified in AMPs, grazing permits, and AOIs) would continue. Watershed/Fisheries Monitoring Goal: Monitor to determine if grazing at proper use is maintaining water quality standards that comply with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Forest Service and Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Stream bank trampling would be measured in selected sites. Other parameters such as stubble height on the greenline may be used as an indicator of stream bank trampling with a long term goal of meeting desired conditions for stream bank stability. Goal: Monitor the impacts of livestock on threatened, endangered, and sensitive species (TES) to determine whether additional management or mitigation measures are needed to protect them. The exclosure fence at Kendall Warm Springs would continue to be maintained to reduce livestock impacts on the Kendall dace. There may be times that livestock are intentionally 276

18 allowed access to the stream within the exclosure; this would only be carried out by Forest Service personnel in compliance with the Kendall Warm Springs Dace recovery plan. Wildlife Monitoring Goal: Monitor the impacts of livestock on threatened, endangered, and sensitive species (TES) to determine whether additional management or mitigation measures are needed to protect them. Existing food storage and livestock carcass removal measures would continue to be implemented to minimize grizzly bear/livestock and grizzly bear/human safety concerns. Cooperative work with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) would continue in order to address such issues as meeting herd objectives for various species, monitoring forage availability, and maintaining migration routes. New fence construction plans would be reviewed by a wildlife biologist to include wildlifefriendly specifications. Heritage Resources Monitoring Goal: Monitor the impacts of livestock on heritage resource sites to determine whether additional management or mitigation measures are needed to protect them. Soil Resources Monitoring Goal: Monitor the impacts of livestock grazing on soil quality parameters to determine if additional management or mitigation measures are needed to improve soil quality. Table C.2: Monitoring Plan Summary Resource area Measurement parameter Frequency of measurement Consequence of not meeting standard Range vegetation Range vegetation Range vegetation Upland/Riparian utilization monitoring Upland condition and trend studies Riparian condition and trend studies Annually in at least half of the used (not rested) pastures. Condition and trend data would be collected from key sites on the rest year of the grazing cycle or every 5-10 years on pastures without regularly scheduled rest years. Riparian condition and trend photo points would continue to be taken on the rest year of the grazing cycle, or Administrative action and/or management adjustment Implement design feature management adjustment. Implement design feature management adjustment. 277

19 Resource area Measurement parameter Frequency of measurement Consequence of not meeting standard every 5-10 years on pastures without regularly scheduled rest years. Livestock grazing system Fence maintenance, pasture integrity Random inspections Administrative action Watershed Stream/riparian stability Annually monitor stream bank disturbance in selected areas Implement design feature management adjustment. Fisheries Kendall Warm Springs protection Annually maintain exclosure fence and random inspection Administrative action or law enforcement action Watershed/Fisheries Stream/riparian stability Annually monitor stream bank disturbance in selected areas Fallback strategy from DSEIS, or management adjustment, or permitted use adjustment Recreation Livestock/recreation conflicts Ongoing Wildlife Food storage and livestock carcass removal Random inspections Heritage Protection of cultural sites Random inspections Soil Soil Soil Quality Parameters Avoidance of Productivity Loss Standard Depends upon condition and recovery of identified erosion sites. When compacted areas are identified, they will be displayed in the Annual Operating Instructions (AOI) and avoided. Management adjustment or law enforcement Administrative action and/or law enforcement action Administrative action and/or law enforcement action Management adjustment Administrative action and/or management adjustment 278

20 Appendix D: Draft Allotment Management Plans Allotment Management Plan Badger Creek Allotment /Grassland Pinedale Ranger District 2010 This Allotment Management Plan is made a part of your Term Grazing Permit in accordance with Part Item of that permit, approved on by. Badger Creek Allotment Management Objective(s): Livestock grazing will be authorized in a manner that will meet or move toward the following resource objective(s) and desired conditions in a timely manner: Desired Conditions: Desired conditions will be established as follows, and progress toward meeting those desired conditions measured on the following benchmark areas: Benchmark Area Name/Location (see also attached map) 2 Key Monitoring Sites have been established in the Badger Creek Allotment to monitor short and long term trend. Desired Condition Description Desired ground cover is 90%. Conditions should remain stable or have an upward trend, unless already exceeding desired condition. Management: Authorized Use will be approximately 157 cow/calf for an average period of 3 months. Seasons of use may vary between July 1 and October 15. This allotment operates with a deferred rotation schedule whereas 1 out of every 4 years, the cattle are deferred until after seed set, July 15. Allowable Use and Other Standards: Allowable Use Standards - General Actual pasture moves are to be completed by the time that: o a) The allowable use standard is reached on any of the key areas, or o b) The scheduled off date occurs, Whichever occurs first. o c) In the case of more than one standard being applicable to a given pasture, the standard being reached first will dictate pasture move. 279

21 This will usually necessitate beginning the move one or more days prior to reaching the allowable use standard or the scheduled off date. Any livestock use occurring after the scheduled off date must be approved in advance by the Forest Officer and will be based on an estimate of forage remaining until allowable use standards are reached. Be sure the Forest Officer is made aware of your pasture moves before they begin. Riparian Stubble Height Standards - the figures shown below are the maximum allowable use riparian stubble height standards shown by key area. Key areas are displayed on the permit map. Key Species Allowable Use Pasture (or Guild) Standard East Carex sp. 4 Stubble Height Upland Allowable Use Standards - the figures shown below are the maximum upland use standards shown by the key area. Key areas are displayed on the permit map. Pasture West Key Species (or Guild) Festuca Idahoensis Allowable Use Standard Desired Ground Cover 50% 90% Livestock Management: Salting salt will at all times be placed away from key areas and available water. Salt will be placed in areas of light livestock use. In no case will salt be placed closer than ¼ mile to streams or other wetlands without prior approval. Salting locations must be at least 200 feet from developed trails, roads, or other areas of concentrated public use. Salt will not be placed within ¼ mile of forest regeneration areas (including aspen). Range Readiness and Turn On livestock entry onto the allotment or into a specific pasture or camp area will not be authorized until such time as the soils are dry enough to withstand grazing and forage plants are ready to be grazed. Permission for initial turn out must be obtained from the Forest Officer at least 5 days in advance. Allotment/Pasture Exit o The off date for a pasture is the date when livestock are to be fully out of a unit, or in the case of the last unit, fully off the allotment. o Livestock remaining on the Forest after the end of the authorized season will be billed at the unauthorized use rate, and may be cause for suspension and/or cancellation action to be taken against the permittee. 280

22 Areas Closed to Grazing None Riding and Herding - Full time riders are present on the allotment during the grazing season. Access and Travel Management There are multiple open Forest System Roads and Trails that access the Roaring Fork Allotment. Any off-road travel that is not in compliance with the travel plan must be pre-approved by the District Ranger. Livestock Monitoring - The Forest Service may require all permitted livestock on the allotment to be ear tagged with the numbered tags to be provided by the Forest Service. If this is done, the permittee will be responsible for ensuring that all tags are accounted for, that tags for animals to be sold are returned to the Forest Service for exchange, and that no livestock without proper tagging are allowed on the allotment. Disposal of Dead livestock - All whole or parts of livestock carcasses be destroyed or removed from National Forest System lands as soon as practical or as directed by the Forest officer, unless human safety is a concern. Coordination for Animal Damage Management - Neither the permittee nor his/her employees shall use or place poison or devices for predator control on the National Forest. Animal damage management activities will be carried out by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department or by the U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services, whichever has the responsibility for the offending species. If predation problems arise, the permittee shall notify, as soon as possible, the Forest Officer and that Officer shall assess the need for animal damage management activities and notify the appropriate agency as warranted. This clause is not meant to preclude the permittee from taking actions to protect livestock that are under immediate threat provided that compliance with appropriate State law and regulation is ensured. It is the permittees responsibility to work with the State agency to fully understand those laws and regulations. Noxious Weed Prevention Practices - Supplemental forage: Only certified weed free hay, straw and/or mulch, and feed pellets, rolled grains, or certified weed free cubes are authorized to be used on the Forest. Heritage Resources a) Known heritage sites: It is prohibited to disturb, collect, or in any way knowingly damage any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource. b) New discoveries: If previously unidentified cultural resources are discovered, care shall be taken by the permittee and the Forest Service to ensure that such sites are not disturbed. The permittee shall notify the 281

23 Forest Officer as soon as possible if a new site is found so that appropriate evaluation and mitigation measures can be made. Food Storage Order- 1. All food and refuse must be acceptably stored or acceptably possessed during daytime hours. 2. All food and refuse must be acceptably stored during nighttime hours, unless it is being prepared for eating, being eaten, being transported, or being prepared for acceptable storage. 3. Any harvested animal carcass must be acceptably stored, unless the carcass is being field dressed, transported, being prepared for eating, or being prepared for acceptable storage. 4. Camping or sleeping areas must be established at least ½ mile from a known animal carcass or at least 100 yards from an acceptably stored animal carcass. Rangeland Improvements: Proposed Improvements: None Maintenance Responsibility Permittee is responsible for all maintenance. Maintenance of all assigned improvements will be to the attached standards. All maintenance must be conducted annually whether the allotment is actually grazed or not. Maintenance must occur throughout the season and cannot be a onetime action. Damage resulting from big game, wind or other acts of nature, or human caused actions, must be repaired in a timely manner so as to insure the integrity of the structure. If serious or repeated problems occur, the permittee will contact the Forest Officer and work to determine a long-term solution to the problems. All maintenance of exterior fences must be completed prior to the earlier turn on of either the permittee(s) on this allotment, or the adjacent allotment permittee(s). It is the permittees responsibility to ensure that the necessary coordination occurs between adjacent allotments to ensure that maintenance is completed in a timely manner. Interior fences must be maintained prior to turn in to the affected unit. All water developments must be maintained prior to turn in to the affected unit. Amortized improvements (improvements that have met their planned life expectancy) shall be scheduled for replacement under a permit modification. The permittee should work with the Forest Officer to develop a list of amortized improvements. Scheduling will depend on 282

24 funding availability as well as the ability to ensure that necessary clearances are obtained. The Forest Service will spot check maintenance as time permits and will report any unsatisfactory findings to the permittee. Failure to complete the assigned maintenance in a timely manner and to standard may be cause for actions to be taken against the grazing permit. These actions may include suspension or cancellation in whole or in part depending on the extent and severity of the non-compliance. Adaptive Management Options: 1. not being met, the allowable stubble height will be changed from 4 to 6 2. not being met, the allowable upland use will drop in increments of 10% use until objectives are met. Adaptive management tool #1 - Failure to meet long-term objectives should be demonstrated by a statistically significant measured change in ground cover or other long-term trend indicator, a result that does not meet minimum desired condition. The parameter would show a trend change away from the desired condition specified in the design of the alternative. When this is documented, subsequent years allowable use will be reduced to 6 until such time as the long-term measurement exceeds the minimum desired condition. The more restrictive allowable use would be implemented for at least 5 years, allowing time for recovery and avoiding annual monitoring efforts for long-term trends. (Note that trend changes away from desired condition are acceptable if they remain above the minimum desired condition). Adaptive management tool #2 - Failure to meet long-term objectives should be demonstrated by a statistically significant measured change in ground cover or other long-term trend indicator, a result that does not meet minimum desired condition. The parameter would show a trend change away from the desired condition specified in the design of the alternative. When this is documented, subsequent years allowable use will be reduced in increments of 10% allowable use until such time as the long-term measurement trends toward the minimum desired condition. The more restrictive allowable use would be implemented for at least 5 years, allowing time for recovery and avoiding annual monitoring efforts for long-term trends. (Note that downward changes in condition are acceptable if they remain above the minimum desired condition). For example, if the desired condition was 80% groundcover in an area where allowable use was 50%, and a statistically significant change was measured at 75% groundcover, allowable use in the area would be changed to 40% and remain there for a minimum of 5 years until 80% or more groundcover was measured in the key area. If, at the end of 5 years of the lower use standard, the groundcover was still measured at 75%, a 30% use standard would then be applied until 80% groundcover was measured in the key area. Under this example, you would not return to either the 50% or 40% use standard after recovery, you would stay with 30% allowable use (assuming that the 30% allowable use 283

25 resulted in a change toward desired condition) because it was demonstrated that neither 50% or 40% allowable use was capable of moving existing conditions toward the desired condition. However if the 40% use standard resulted in an apparent trend towards desired groundcover (76% or more), the 40% use standard would be appropriate as long as the trend continued or resulted in meeting desired condition. Studies show that 6 stubble height measurement on key species in riparian areas, and 30% use on key species in uplands, result in rapid improvement of vegetation that is affected by livestock grazing. In the very unlikely event that these design criteria fail to result in a trend toward desired conditions on key areas, it is likely that something other than livestock grazing is causing the effect, or the area is not capable of supporting grazing. At this point an Interdisciplinary Team should be assembled to make recommendations to the District Ranger regarding management changes or monitoring changes that may be needed. If the Range Management Specialist or other Forest Service Resource Specialist has empirical evidence to suspect that either the area is incapable of reaching the desired condition expressed in this analysis or that something other than the direct and indirect effects of livestock grazing are causing this less than desired condition either at this point or when any reduced proper use standard is about to be implemented, an Interdisciplinary Team may be assembled to address the question. In either case they will proceed with the following direction. First, assess whether any of the other indicators of rangeland health (species composition with 5% relative composition of desired species as indicated in [Tart, 2000], presence of noxious weeds, or shrub cover) reveal additional concerns. If not, is it possible that desired conditions are not achievable, however, it s also possible that additional rest from grazing would achieve desired conditions. If there are additional indicators that functionality is at risk, make a determination of whether livestock grazing is contributing to the risk. The Interdisciplinary Team should first decide whether the desired conditions are achievable. If the District Ranger determines that desired conditions are achievable with some level of livestock grazing, additional rest from grazing the area should be considered. If the District Ranger determines that desired conditions are not achievable with livestock grazing, a new analysis regarding grazing authorization may be considered. However, if the affected area is small, management actions to avoid the area would likely suffice. This may necessitate choosing an additional key area, as the area of avoidance would no longer be representative or livestock grazing effects. Evaluation of key sites and their ability to reflect overall grazing use of the pasture will continue. Through adaptive management if a key site does not continue to represent grazing use of the pasture for which it was chosen, a new key site will be selected. It is essential to note that this adaptive management strategy is not to be used as an alternative to meeting desired conditions. There must be credible evidence that this re-evaluation is a necessary step to deal with unanticipated results. 284

26 Monitoring & Evaluation: Short-Term Monitoring (Implementation) Informal Inspections - Informal inspections will be made as the opportunity arises, such as when the Forest Officer is working in the area or is passing through the allotment. Although they are not formal inspections, they will often reveal problems or opportunities. Permittees will be notified by phone of any problems needing immediate attention. In addition, any significant observations will be documented in writing, and a copy of the inspection report will be sent to the permittee in a timely manner. Formal Inspections - Formal inspections will be held as possible with an attempt made to include each of the major pastures. The permittee may be requested to accompany the Forest Officer during the inspections. Significant findings from these inspections will be documented in a letter or inspection note to the permittee in a timely manner. Permittee Compliance Monitoring - It is the Permittees responsibility for ensuring that maintenance is completed to standard and on time, that livestock do not enter the allotment or pasture prior to the approved entry date, that livestock are removed from pastures and the allotment as specified, and that livestock do not enter or re-enter pastures that either have already been grazed, or that are planned for rest. The permittee(s) will monitor the allotment continuously throughout the grazing season, will document the findings, and will coordinate with the Forest Officer to resolve any problems in a timely manner. Allowable Use Monitoring - Monitoring of allowable use on Key areas is the joint responsibility of the Forest Service and the permittee(s). Although the Forest Service will make every effort to assist the permittee in ensuring compliance with the standards, the permittee has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the allowable use standards are met. Information from the Forest Service to the permittee when Forest Service monitoring is conducted, will indicate current findings, the standard being applied, and will indicate specific action expected of the permittee and the expected timeframes for that action, to ensure that standards are met or that non-compliance is brought back into compliance. This documentation may be delivered verbally in a timely manner and will also be documented in writing. The permittee is also required to maintain written documentation of monitoring conducted by him/her, and to share this information with the Forest Officer on a timely basis. Residual Stubble Height Monitoring - Monitoring of residual stubble height on specified riparian/wetland Key areas is the joint responsibility of the Forest Service and the permittee(s). Although the Forest Service will make every effort to assist the permittee in ensuring compliance with the standards, the permittee has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the residual stubble height standards are met. 285

27 Long-term Monitoring (Effectiveness) Permittees are encouraged to participate in any Effectiveness (e.g. long term condition and trend) monitoring and evaluation. The following benchmark areas will be used for this monitoring. The following also describes the type of monitoring and the approximate frequency. ANNUAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Each year at the annual permittee meeting (or through correspondence if no meeting is held), the permittee(s) and the Forest Service will develop a set of Annual Operating Instructions (AOI) based on this Allotment Management Plan. Where feasible, multipleyear AOIs may be employed with annual written amendments as necessary. The AOI will detail the current season s management schedule, maintenance responsibilities, rangeland development program, allowable use standards, key areas, and so forth. The AOI will become an amendment to this AMP and as such, a part of the Term Grazing Permit. 286

28 Allotment Management Plan Beaver-Twin Allotment /Grassland Pinedale Ranger District 2010 This Allotment Management Plan is made a part of your Term Grazing Permit in accordance with Part Item of that permit, approved on by. Beaver Twin Allotment Management Objective(s): Livestock grazing will be authorized in a manner that will meet or move toward the following resource objective(s) and desired conditions in a timely manner: Desired Conditions: Desired conditions will be established as follows, and progress toward meeting those desired conditions measured on the following benchmark areas: Benchmark Area Name/Location (see also attached map) 6 Key Monitoring Sites have been established in the Beaver Twin Allotment to monitor short and long term trend. Desired Condition Description Desired ground cover varies between 80%-90% depending on the type of site. Conditions should remain stable or have an upward trend, unless already exceeding desired condition. Management: Authorized Use will be approximately 700 cow/calf for an average period of 3 months. Seasons of use may vary between July 15 and October 15. Approximate rotation schedule (to be adjusted via the AOI based on monitoring results from the previous year(s): Year 2010 Grazing Unit Approximate Livestock Numbers Date Cattle Enter Unit Date Cattle Leave Unit North Beaver Rock Creek Twin Creeks /16 07/15 008/16 10/30 08/15 09/15 287

29 Year 2011 Grazing Unit North Beaver Rock Creek Twin Creeks Approximate Livestock Numbers Date Cattle Enter Unit 09/16 08/16 07/15 Date Cattle Leave Unit 10/30 09/15 08/16 Allowable Use and Other Standards: Allowable Use Standards - General Actual pasture moves are to be completed by the time that: o a) The allowable use standard is reached on any of the key areas, or o b) The scheduled off date occurs, Whichever occurs first. o c) In the case of more than one standard being applicable to a given pasture, the standard being reached first will dictate pasture move. This will usually necessitate beginning the move one or more days prior to reaching the allowable use standard or the scheduled off date. Any livestock use occurring after the scheduled off date must be approved in advance by the Forest Officer and will be based on an estimate of forage remaining until allowable use standards are reached. Be sure the Forest Officer is made aware of your pasture moves before they begin. Riparian Stubble Height Standards - the figures shown below are the maximum allowable use riparian stubble height standards shown by key area. Key areas are displayed on the Permit map. Pasture Key Species Allowable Use (or Guild) Standard North Beaver Carex sp. 4 Stubble Height Rock Creek Carex sp. 4 Stubble Height Twin Creeks Carex sp. 4 Stubble Height Upland Allowable Use Standards-the figures shown below are the maximum upland use standards shown by the key area. Key areas are displayed on the permit map. Pasture Key Species (or Guild) 288 Allowable Use Standard Desired Ground Cover North Beaver Festuca Idahoensis 50% Use 85% Rock Creek Festuca Idahoensis 50% Use 90% Twin Creeks Festuca Idahoensis 50% Use 85%

30 Livestock Management: Salting salt will at all times be placed away from key areas and available water. Salt will be placed in areas of light livestock use. In no case will salt be placed closer than ¼ mile to streams or other wetlands without prior approval. Salting locations must be at least 200 feet from developed trails, roads, or other areas of concentrated public use. Salt will not be placed within ¼ mile of forest regeneration areas (including aspen). Range Readiness and Turn On livestock entry onto the allotment or into a specific pasture or camp area will not be authorized until such time as the soils are dry enough to withstand grazing and forage plants are ready to be grazed. Permission for initial turn out must be obtained from the Forest Officer at least 5 days in advance. Pasture Move Dates - scheduled pasture movements as established by the plan are necessarily flexible. Actual moves will be determined, to the extent practical, by on-the-ground inspections. o The permittee will plan on having the pasture move completed by the scheduled date shown in the Annual Operating Instructions, or by the time that the allowable use level is reached on any one of the Key Areas within the given pasture, whichever occurs first. Any changes in this must be agreed to in advance by the Forest Officer. o It is the permittees responsibility to maintain a current knowledge of the status of the unit with regard to allowable use standards and current use and to either plan on moving early, if needed, or to request an extension, if justified. o If actual use on all of the key areas in the pasture is less than the allowable use standards by the scheduled move date, the permittee may request approval to remain in the unit for additional time. If the permittee believes that additional time is justified, the Forest Officer must be notified at least five (5) days in advance to permit an adequate inspection and determination. Allotment/Pasture Exit o The off date for a pasture is the date when livestock are to be fully out of a unit, or in the case of the last unit, fully off the allotment. o Livestock remaining on the Forest after the end of the authorized season will be billed at the unauthorized use rate, and may be cause for suspension and/or cancellation action to be taken against the permittee. Areas Closed to Grazing None Riding and Herding - Full time riders are present on the allotment during the grazing season. 289