MONO BASIN GRAZING ALLOTMENTS PROPOSED ACTION

Transcription

1 MONO BASIN GRAZING ALLOTMENTS PROPOSED ACTION This document outlines management actions that are proposed to meet the purpose and need for this project. The 1988 Inyo Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP), the 1995 Forest Plan Amendment #6 Forest-Wide Range Utilization Standards (Amendment 6), the 1990 Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Management Plan, and the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (USDA Forest Service 2004) (SNFPA) provide direction and describe the desired conditions for vegetation, riparian, aquatic, hydrologic, water quality, soil, plant, animal and heritage resources. Resource condition assessments in 2008 and 2010, along with grazing history and monitoring data, provided the means to assess the difference between existing conditions and desired conditions. With this comparison, management actions were identified and a proposed action was developed. BACKGROUND There are five grazing allotments in the Mono Basin which vary in size from 8,696 acres to 29,263 acres. Of those, four are currently under analysis for this environmental assessment: Dexter Canyon, June Lake, Mono Mills and Mono Sand Flat. The fifth allotment, Black Canyon, will be analyzed at a later date. The Mono Basin Allotments stretch from the northeastern shore of Mono Lake to the northern slope of the Glass Mountains. They are bounded on the west by U.S. Highway 395 and on the east by Dexter Canyon. Elevations range from approximately 6,400 to 9,317 feet at Crooked Peak. The average annual precipitation is approximately 14 inches. All of the allotments lie entirely within Forest Plan Management Prescription 11 Range Emphasis (maintaining a healthy, productive rangeland resource). According to the Forest Plan, the primary objectives of these areas are to maintain or increase forage production and achieve uniform livestock distribution through maintenance and expansion of structural and nonstructural range improvements. Secondary objectives include protection of watersheds and maintaining wildlife habitat. Recent assessments of the allotments have identified certain soil, water, and other resource conditions that are not meeting or moving toward desired objectives. As described in the Purpose and Need section below, these gaps between existing resource conditions and desired conditions indicate a need to change current management of the allotments. PURPOSE AND NEED The purpose and need for the proposed action is to move from existing to desired future conditions, which are described by certain Inyo National Forest standards and guidelines and management direction while continuing to provide for livestock grazing under updated allotment management plans in the Mono Lake Basin. Page 1 of 29

2 1. There is a need for continued livestock grazing under updated allotment management plans for the grazing allotments in the Mono Basin. Livestock grazing has been identified as an appropriate use of National Forest System lands which have been found to be capable and suitable for grazing. In the 1988 Inyo National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP), the allotments in the Mono Basin were identified as being capable and suitable for livestock grazing based on an assessment of forage production, accessibility, slope, and other factors (Management Areas 1, 5 [pp. 152]). Field work in 2008 verified that the 4 allotments are currently capable and suitable for grazing according to the criteria specified in the Forest Plan. Authorization of livestock grazing and management in an adaptive manner is appropriate on the project area because: Where consistent with other multiple use goals and objectives there is Congressional intent to allow grazing on suitable lands. (Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act of 1960, Wilderness Act of 1964, Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, National Forest Management Act of 1976) The allotments contain lands identified as suitable for domestic livestock grazing in the Inyo National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP or Forest Plan ) and continued domestic livestock grazing is consistent with the goals, objectives, standards, and guidelines of the Forest Plan (LRMP pages III- 45, IV-67, IV-84-86, IV , and IV ). It is Forest Service policy to make forage available to qualified livestock operators from lands suitable for grazing consistent with land management plans (FSM ; 36 CFR (c)). It is Forest Service policy to continue contributions to the economic and social well being of people by providing opportunities for economic diversity and by promoting stability for communities that depend on range resources for their livelihood (FSM ). The Inyo Forest Plan, which directs the management of lands contained within this project area, has as one of its Standards and Guidelines to Provide grazing tenure to lend stability to the local livestock-raising community and established ranching operations. The current grazing allotment permittees expressed interest in continuing use of all four allotments or alternate allotments. Continuation of livestock grazing will require review of existing management strategies and, if necessary, updating them to implement current Forest Plan direction and meet Section 504 of Public Law (Rescissions Act, signed July 27, 1995). Page 2 of 29

3 2. There is a need for improved range vegetation condition and trend where existing conditions are not meeting or moving toward desired vegetation condition. The LRMP, Amendment 6, and the SNFPA provide direction and the desired conditions for range vegetation. Evaluations in 2008 and 2010 identified portions of allotments in which desired vegetative conditions were not being met. In the Mono Sand Flat Allotments, grazing has resulted in a low density of desirable species (shrubs, bunchgrasses and herbaceous vegetation) that does not meet standards for desired vegetative composition of this community (LRMP, p.76). In the Dexter Creek, June Lake and Mono Sand Flat Allotments, portions of the desert shrub and bitterbrush communities do not meet standards for vegetative condition, being moderately to severely hedged or browsed without sufficient annual recovery (LRMP, pp.76, 105). There is also a need to ensure sufficient forage for mule deer after livestock grazing season with total annual browse utilization that maintains bitterbrush condition (LRMP, pp.85, 98-99, and 117). EXISTING CONDITIONS Sheep and cattle have grazed the entire project area since the late 19 th Century. Most of the rangelands in this proposal have been grazed under permit with the Forest Service since the creation of the Inyo National Forest in The four allotments subject to this environmental analysis are Dexter Canyon, June Lake, Mono Mills and Mono Sand Flat. Grazing in the allotments is authorized by Term Grazing Permits that specify the terms and conditions for grazing on the allotment, including the type and timing of livestock as well as any management actions necessary to meet desired rangeland conditions. Table 1 summarizes the current status of each allotment. Page 3 of 29

4 Table 1. Mono Basin Grazing Allotments Allotment Acres Capable Acres Class of Livestock Dexter Creek Last Permitted Numbers 18,781 17,556 Sheep 1,500 Ewes Last Season of Use On Off Date Date 6/15 9/15 Permitted AUM s 917 Grazing System Deferred Rotation Status Active 2010 Last Year of Use June Lake S&G 16,528 12,705 Sheep 1,300 Ewes 7/1 8/ Deferred Rotation Active 2010 Mono Mills S&G 29,263 28,143 Sheep 4,000 Ewes 7/1 9/15 3,038 Deferred Rotation Vacant 2005 Mono Sand Flat 8,696 8,596 Cattle 26 Cow/Calf Pairs 12/1 5/ Season- Long Permittee has taken non-use for the past three years for personal convenience Page 4 of 29

5 Dexter Creek Dexter Creek Allotment is located approximately five miles southeast of Mono Lake. Its boundaries are Dry Creek on the west, Dexter Creek on the east, the northern side of the Glass Mountains on the south, and the Forest boundary (mainly running along Highway 120) on the north. The legal description is T1S, R28E, Sections 1, 2, 11-14, 23-26, 35, 36; T1S, R29E, Sections 1-22, 24-26, 28-31; T2S, R28E, Section 1. The primary forage species are bitterbrush and bunchgrasses. Dexter Creek is used as a sheep allotment by the I&M Sheep Company. With two exceptions, which are noted below, the I&M Company has used the same rotation for the past ten years. The pattern is as follows: 1. On approximately July 2, unload sheep at Sagehen Summit sheep will graze toward the valley between the Summit and Baxter Springs, avoiding pockets of freeze damaged Bitterbrush. 2. Baxter Corral/Springs water sheep at road crossing and limit sheep bedding ground to the north side of creek only. Avoid grazing along streambanks and riparian areas. 3. Draft livestock water from Baxter Springs at road crossing. 4. Lower Dexter Bench water sheep at road crossing in North Canyon, at end of FS Road 1S15A, and at end of unnumbered road in NE 1/4 Sec. 18. After watering, push sheep to higher ground away from creek. All other watering will be done via truck except for one watering site at Dexter Creek. 5. Avoid wet areas and streams on upper Johnny Meadows. 6. Wild Horse Canyon to Crooked Meadows Road sheep are allowed to water in Dexter Creek at road crossing in SW ¼ Section 30. Wild horse Meadow sheep will bed in trees between FS Road 1N02 and meadow. Wild horse Meadow is closed to grazing for resource protection. 7. Sagehen Peak to Sagehen Meadow Meadow and downstream riparian/stock pond has water. Bed sheep uphill away from dry meadow/stock pond. Making a once over pass along riparian upstream of pond is approved. Avoid grazing onto private property near edge of meadow and first gabion downstream of meadow proper. 8. Gas Pipe Spring and north of Hwy 120 to BLM allotment by September 15. Page 5 of 29

6 The first exception is that before 2004, the sheep would not be unloaded at Sagehen Summit, but would start at Baxter Springs (step 2). The second exception is that Johnny Meadow was rested from 2002 to June Lake The June Lake Allotment is located approximately two miles south of Mono Lake. Its boundaries are U.S. Highway 395 on the west, the Forest Boundary on the north, the Mono Craters on the east, and Wilson Butte on the south. Its legal description is: T1N, R27E, Sections 29-33; T1S, R27E, Sections 3-10, 15-22, 28-33, T2S. R27E, Sections 4-9. The primary forage species are bitterbrush and bunchgrasses. June Lake is run as a sheep allotment by the I&M Sheep Company. The rotation of sheep through the allotment has been the same since The rotation is as follows: 1. Enter Allotment on approximately July 1 2. Upper Aqueduct road (1N11) to poleline. 3. Poleline road to 1N N11 southeast to 1S S35 South to 1S Devil s Punch Bowl area. 7. North along Mono Craters to Lousy Fire 8. Exit allotment on approximately August 31. Mono Mills Mono Mills Allotment is located between the June Lake and Dexter Creek Allotment. Its boundaries are the Mono Craters on the west, Highway 120 and the Forest boundary on the north, Dry Creek on the east, and generally the northern side of the Glass Mountains on the south. The legal description is: T1N, R27E, Sections 33, 34, 28; T1S, R27E, Sections 1-3, 10-15, 22-28, 33-36; T2S, R28E, Sections 1-4, 10, 11; T1S, R28E, Sections 3-10, 14-23, 26-35; T1N, R28E, Sections 3-6, 7. Page 6 of 29

7 Mono Mills Allotment is currently vacant but has previously been used as a sheep allotment. The earliest use in the Forest Service records is 1941, but the allotment has most likely been grazed by sheep since the late nineteenth century. The primary forage species are bitterbrush and bunchgrasses. Mono Sand Flat The Mono Sand Flat Allotment is located along the northeastern shore of Mono Lake. The northern and eastern boundaries are the Forest boundary and the rest of the boundary is along the shoreline. The legal description is T3N, R27E, Sections 22-35; T3N, R28E, Sections 30-32; T2N, R28E, Sections 5-9, 21, 28, 32, 33. Mono Sand Flat is used as a cattle allotment by the Hilton Family Trust. The Term Grazing Permit allows for 26 cattle to use the allotment between December 1 and May 31. However, the permittee has taken non-use for personal convenience since The conditions on this allotment do not meet Amendment 6 standards because there is a lack of desirable species. Soil conditions are very dry and some pedestalling is apparent. This allotment would not currently support grazing by livestock. Page 7 of 29

8 Table 2 shows utilization levels on the allotments over the past 10 years. Utilization is the proportion or degree of current year s forage production that is consumed or destroyed by animals (including insects).residual measurements and utilization data can be used: (1) to identify use patterns, (2) to help establish cause-and-effect interpretations of range trend data, and (3) to aid in adjusting stocking rates when combined with other monitoring data. (BLM 1996). Data was gathered during annual monitoring of key areas 1, and through various studies that have been conducted over the past decade. Table 2. Allotment Key Area/Location (Species Monitored) Dexter 2 (Old Key Area) (Poaceae spp.) 30% (Wild Horse Meadow) (Poaceae 21% 27% June Lake spp.) (Wild Horse Meadow) (Carex spp) 25% 23% 1% 5 (Purshia spp.) 8% 46% 5 (Carex rossii, Hesperostipa 20% comata) 6 (Purshia spp.) 0% 7 (Purshia spp.) (No longer a key area) Actual Use % 7a (Purshia spp.) 18% 8a (Johnny Meadow) (Poaceae spp.) 7% 30% 8a (Carex spp.) 8% 7% 18% Sagehen Meadow (Carex 25% nebrascensis) 1 (Purshia spp.) 12% 2 (Purshia spp.) 18% 3 (Purshia spp.) 14% Random Area at W % N Study JL-04-1 in T2S R26E Sec. 24 (Purshia spp.) 11% 1 A key area is a site chosen as representative of a larger area and monitored in order to assess the condition of that area. 8

9 Allotment Mono Mills Mono Sand Flat Key Area/Location (Species Monitored) Study JL-04-1 in T2S R26E Sec. 24 (Oryzopsis hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata, Oryzopsis bloomeri) Study JL in T1S R26E Sec. 24 (Purshia spp.) Study JL in T1S R26E Sec. 24 (Oryzopsis hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata) Study JL at Lousy Fire T1S R27E Sec. 7 SW ¼ (Purshia spp.) Study JL at Lousy Fire T1S R27E Sec. 7 SW ¼ (Oryzopsis hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata) Study JL in T1S R27E Sec. 30 S ½ (Purshia spp.) Study JL in T1S R27E Sec. 30 S ½ (CARO, Hesperostipa spp.) Study JL-01-1 at Aeolian Buttes (Purshia spp.) Study JL-01-1 at Aeolian Buttes (Oryzopsis hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata) Study JL-99-1 at Glass Creek Meadow (Carex nebrascensis, Carex utriculata) 1 (Purshia spp.)no DATA 2 (Purshia spp.)no DATA Actual Use % 9% 19% 27% 9% 50% 27% 4 (Purshia spp.) 34% 4 (CARO, Hesperostipa spp.) 28% 5 (Purshia spp.) 2% 5 (Artemesia spp., Poaceae spp.) 4% 1 (Oryzopsis hymenoides, Grayia spinosa, Krascheninnikovia lanata) NO DATA 13% 23% 47% 9

10 DESIRED CONDITIONS Desired conditions are the on-the-ground resource conditions that management is working toward within a defined timeframe. These are the expected results if management goals are fully achieved. They bring broad-scale desired conditions from the Forest Plan down to project level. Desired conditions for each vegetation community are the conditions identified in the top two tiers of the matrices in Forest Plan Amendment 6, Appendix A (See Appendix A of this document). These matrices direct management by prescribing utilization based on plant community condition. Conditions are assessed at key areas on the allotments. Using data from a 100 point transect (toe-point method), the ratio of desired species to the total number of herbaceous hits determines utilization standards. The information is laid out in a matrix for each community with the top two tiers defining a vegetation community that is at desired condition. Vegetation communities that fall within the third tier of the matrix do not meet the desired condition. Table 3. Desired conditions for ecosystem communities within the project area (top two tiers of Amendment 6, Appendix A matrices) Community Type Desired Future Condition At least 51 hits tallied on herbaceous species per 100 point transect with at least 51 of these hits tallied being desirable species including primarily sedges. Properly functioning water, soil and vegetation cycles. Mixed native grass and forb communities provide a mosaic of Wet Meadow plants with species diversity, a variety of vegetative structures and sufficient amounts of litter. Graminoid communities show vigor. Bare ground less than 5%. Achieve or maintain satisfactory range condition on all rangeland in this community type. At least 37 hits tallied on herbaceous species per 100 point transect with at least 37 of these hits tallied being desirable species including sedges and bluegrasses. Properly functioning water, soil and vegetation cycles. Diverse mix of riparian graminoids and forbs Moist Meadow present with significant proportions of riparian species relative to moisture availability. Bare ground less than 5%. Graminoid communities show vigor. Achieve or maintain satisfactory range condition on all rangeland in this community type. Aspen communities with diverse age structure of 2 or more age classes Aspen including seedlings, young plants, mature plants, decadent plants and sprouts or suckers in addition to adequate regeneration. Shrublands: Desert At least 30 hits tallied on herbaceous species per 100 point transect Shrub, with at least 8 of these hits tallied being desirable species including 10

11 Table 3. Desired conditions for ecosystem communities within the project area (top two tiers of Amendment 6, Appendix A matrices) Community Type Desired Future Condition Sagebrush/Bunchgrass needlegrass, ricegrass and squirrel tail grass. Vigorous growth and and Bitterbrush regeneration of mid-late seral shrub species interspersed with a variety of native grasses and forbs. Properly functioning water, soil and vegetation cycles. Achieve or maintain satisfactory range condition on Streams & Riparian areas all rangeland in this community type. Properly functioning water, soil and vegetation cycles; reproducing riparian plant communities, at least 80% of the potential vegetative cover along streams; stable, defined channels with appropriate width/depth ratios for stream type; less than 20% of streambank actively eroding, balanced erosion/deposition levels. Maintain at least 80% of potential ground cover within 100 from the edges of all perennial streams, or to the outer margin of the riparian ecosystem, where wider than 100 feet. Plant species may include sedges, rushes, tufted hairgrass, willow, birch, aspen and cottonwood of mixed age class. In woody systems, riparian shrubs cover of at least 35% to include a variety of species. Achieve or maintain satisfactory range condition on all rangeland in this community type. Table 4 compares existing conditions to desired conditions and identifies areas that require a change in management. The results are reflected in the section which follows (the proposed action) Table 4. Existing and Desired Conditions on the Mono Basin Grazing Allotments Allotment Key Area/ Community Type Desired Conditions (DC) Existing Conditions Need for Action Dexter 5/ Bitterbrush 6/ Bitterbrush Manage for Bitterbrush plant community desired conditions. Maintain vegetation and watershed condition at DC and maintain a static or upward trend Manage for Bitterbrush plant community desired conditions. Maintain vegetation Key Area is not at desired conditions for vegetation due to high percentage of severely hedged bitterbrush. Amendment 6 Watershed Condition is rated as good. Key Area is at desired conditions for vegetation and Amendment 6 Watershed Need to improve vegetation conditions by reducing hedging and maintaining or increasing desirable species numbers (LRMP pg 85-86, LRMP Amendment 6) Need to maintain or improve vegetation conditions by maintaining or increasing desirable 11

12 Table 4. Existing and Desired Conditions on the Mono Basin Grazing Allotments Allotment Key Area/ Community Type Desired Conditions (DC) Existing Conditions Need for Action 7a/ Bitterbrush 8 Johnny Meadow/ Moist Meadow Baxter Spring Unnamed Spring north of Sagehen Peak Crooked Meadow Wild Horse Meadow and watershed condition at DC and maintain a static or upward trend Manage for Bitterbrush plant community desired conditions. Maintain vegetation and watershed condition at DC and maintain a static or upward trend Manage for Moist Meadow plant community desired conditions. Maintain vegetation and watershed condition at DC and maintain a static or upward trend Maintain watershed condition at PFC and maintain a static or upward trend Maintain watershed condition at PFC and maintain a static or upward trend Maintain watershed condition at PFC and maintain a static or upward trend Maintain watershed condition at PFC and maintain a static or upward trend Condition is rated as good. Key Area is at desired conditions for vegetation and Amendment 6 Watershed Condition is rated as good. Key Area is not at desired condition and is at third tier of Amendment 6 matrix for Moist Meadow. There are not enough desirable species. This site is at PFC This site is at PFC This site is at PFC with an upward trend. This site is at PFC species numbers (LRMP pg 85-86, LRMP Amendment 6) Need to maintain or improve vegetation conditions by maintaining or increasing desirable species numbers (LRMP pg 85-86, LRMP Amendment 6) Need to improve vegetation conditions by increasing number of desirable species (LRMP pg 85-86, LRMP Amendment 6) Need to maintain or improve watershed condition (LRMP pg 89) Need to maintain or improve watershed condition (LRMP pg 89) Need to maintain or improve watershed condition (LRMP pg 89) Need to maintain or improve watershed condition (LRMP pg 89) 12

13 Table 4. Existing and Desired Conditions on the Mono Basin Grazing Allotments Allotment Key Area/ Community Type Desired Conditions (DC) Existing Conditions Need for Action June Lake Mono Mills 1/ Bitterbrush 2/ Bitterbrush 3/ Bitterbrush 1/ Bitterbrush 2/ Bitterbrush Manage for Bitterbrush plant community desired conditions. Maintain vegetation and watershed condition at DC and maintain a static or upward trend Manage for Bitterbrush plant community desired conditions. Maintain vegetation and watershed condition at DC and maintain a static or upward trend Manage for Bitterbrush plant community desired conditions. Maintain vegetation and watershed condition at DC and maintain a static or upward trend Manage for Bitterbrush plant community desired conditions. Maintain vegetation and watershed condition at DC and maintain a static or upward trend Manage for Bitterbrush plant Key Area is not at desired condition 2 due to high percentage of severely hedged bitterbrush. Amendment 6 Watershed Condition is rated as good. Key Area is at desired conditions for vegetation and Amendment 6 Watershed Condition is rated as good. Key Area is at desired conditions for vegetation and Amendment 6 Watershed Condition is rated as good. Key Area is at desired conditions for vegetation and Amendment 6 Watershed Condition is rated as good. Key Area is at desired conditions Need to improve vegetation conditions by reducing hedging and maintaining or increasing desirable species numbers (LRMP pg 85-86, LRMP Amendment 6) Need to maintain or improve vegetation conditions by maintaining or increasing desirable species numbers (LRMP pg 85-86, LRMP Amendment 6) Need to maintain or improve vegetation conditions by maintaining or increasing desirable species numbers (LRMP pg 85-86, LRMP Amendment 6) Need to maintain or improve vegetation conditions by maintaining or increasing desirable species numbers (LRMP pg 85-86, LRMP Amendment 6) Need to maintain or improve vegetation 2 This Key Area is located near a bedding ground, which may account for the severe hedging. Bedding grounds are concentrated areas of high use and so are not representative of the condition of the allotment as a whole. 13

14 Table 4. Existing and Desired Conditions on the Mono Basin Grazing Allotments Allotment Key Area/ Community Type Desired Conditions (DC) Existing Conditions Need for Action Mono Sand Flat 5/ Bitterbrush 1/ Desert Shrub 2/ Desert Shrub community desired conditions. Maintain vegetation and watershed condition at DC and maintain a static or upward trend Manage for Bitterbrush plant community desired conditions. Maintain vegetation and watershed condition at DC and maintain a static or upward trend Manage for Desert Shrub plant community. Manage for Desert Shrub plant community. for vegetation and Amendment 6 Watershed Condition is rated as good. Key Area is at desired conditions for vegetation and Amendment 6 Watershed Condition is rated as good. Key Area is not at desired condition. Not enough desired species are present. Key Area is not at desired condition. Not enough desired species are present. conditions by maintaining or increasing desirable species numbers (LRMP pg 85-86, LRMP Amendment 6) Need to maintain or improve vegetation conditions by maintaining or increasing desirable species numbers (LRMP pg 85-86, LRMP Amendment 6) Need to improve vegetation condition by increasing the number of desirable species. Need to improve vegetation condition by increasing the number of desirable species. PROPOSED ACTION The Mono Lake Ranger District of the Inyo National Forest proposes to continue to permit livestock grazing by incorporating adaptive management strategies on the 4 grazing allotments (see Table 3 for a list of the allotments) within the Mono Basin Allotment Group while meeting Forest Plan direction. The proposed action is designed to maintain trends in vegetation and watershed conditions where current conditions are satisfactory and functioning, or improve trends where conditions are degraded or nonfunctional relative to livestock grazing. Collectively, these 4 allotments cover approximately 73,268 acres of National Forest System lands and private lands (management of private lands is not covered by this Proposed Action). The Proposed Action would: A. Authorize the continued grazing of livestock on the Mono Basin Allotment Group within the analysis area through issuance of a permit for each allotment. 14

15 B. Implement an adaptive management system to achieve defined desired conditions through design criteria 3, monitoring, and constrained flexibility. Design criteria common to all allotments under the Proposed Action: Base on-dates on plant phenology, soil moisture level, annual climate variation, or other site-specific constraints for each key area. Off-date is dependent on level of forage utilization. Distribute Livestock as evenly as possible throughout suitable rangelands by managing rotation of livestock through pastures or herd areas during the specified time periods. Restrict livestock to areas that are, at a minimum, two miles away from any active sage-grouse leks. Allowable use levels outside of key areas would follow Amendment 6 protocols in Table 5. Use the Forest Plan Amendment 6 forage utilization matrices to adjust allowable use levels based on vegetation composition as measured through methods such as Toe Point inventories at five-year intervals. When crossing streams or riparian areas, cross streams as perpendicular to flow as possible. Do not herd livestock parallel to the stream for extended distances. Do not allow bedding grounds within 500 feet of streams. Table 5. Design Criteria for areas outside of key areas by Vegetation Community Type. Vegetation Community Design Criteria Type Grazing management standards prescribed to maintain or move toward desired condition Wet Meadow Allowable utilization level 45% or less and/or Stubble height 4-inches or more Bare ground would not exceed 10% to protect soil 3 Design criteria provide the sideboards to management and define the constrained flexibility that adaptive management provides. Design criteria state what constraints will be applied to management. 15

16 Table 5. Design Criteria for areas outside of key areas by Vegetation Community Type. Vegetation Community Design Criteria Type Upland and Shrublands (including Bitterbrush and Sagebrush Communities) Riparian Grazing management standards prescribed to maintain or move toward desired condition Allowable herbaceous utilization level 50% or less Allowable browse utilization level 45% or less and/or Residual dry matter average of 300 pounds per acre or more to protect soil Grazing management standards prescribed to maintain or move toward desired condition Allowable herbaceous utilization level 45% or less Allowable browse utilization level 20% of annual leader growth of hardwood seedlings and advanced regeneration. Streambanks would not exceed 20% disturbance per reach Adaptive grazing management allows land managers to use monitoring as a tool to achieve desired conditions. If monitoring shows that goals continue to go unmet, new actions may be taken in order to move towards those goals. The new actions would be set forth in each allotment s Annual Operating Instructions. Table 6 summarizes possible actions that could be used in an adaptive management approach. Table 6. Possible Management Actions Employed in Adaptive Grazing Management. Grazing Management Actions* Adjust stocking rate to light, moderate or heavy grazing intensity (light refers to fewer number of animals grazing for a longer period of time; heavy refers to larger number of animals grazing for a shorter period of time) Implement alternative riparian grazing dates based upon specific conditions (topography, range rider, upland water sources, livestock use patterns) Use of salt or supplement to draw livestock toward or away from specific areas Incorporate a range rider to move livestock from riparian areas (herding) Incorporate use of herding dogs to move livestock from riparian areas Change season of use do not exceed permitted animal unit months (stocking rate) Change animal numbers do not exceed permitted animal unit months (stocking rate) Change animal class do not exceed permitted animal unit months (stocking rate) Change number of days of livestock utilization Adjust utilization levels based on the current vegetation and watershed condition, per Amendment 6 protocol Defer livestock turn-on date Rest from livestock grazing for one or more seasons 16

17 Table 6. Possible Management Actions Employed in Adaptive Grazing Management. Grazing Management Actions* Do not allow livestock grazing Construct temporary electric fence to control livestock distribution patterns or to exclude livestock from specific areas Construct permanent fence to control livestock distribution patterns or to exclude livestock from specific areas Construct livestock water development (pipeline, tanks, windmill, sediment traps, well, stock dam, submersible pumps, solar) Remove existing water development (pipeline, tanks, windmill, well, stock dam) Implement two-unit deferred grazing system Implement three-unit deferred grazing system Implement four or greater-unit deferred grazing system Implement a high-intensity/short duration grazing system (by riding, herding, temp. fence, etc.) Implement a low-intensity/short duration grazing system Implement rest-rotation grazing system Implement multiple unit rotation with forage reserves Enhance riparian shrub regeneration by planting native shrubs Enhance native grasses by inter-seeding * Possible management practices are designed to be used alone or in combinations in order to achieve management objectives. Allotment Specific Actions, Restrictions, or Mitigations: Dexter Creek Allotment 1. Authorize grazing for sheep. 2. Permit for 1,500 ewes for a total of 917 Animal Unit Months (AUM) 4 3. Consolidate bedding grounds so that they are no less than one half mile apart from each other. 4. In order to protect resources at Baxter Springs, pipe water out of the immediate area to prevent sheep from going into undisturbed portion of site. If sheep continue to enter undisturbed area, construct a fence along eastern edge of road. 4 The number of animal units multiplied by months of grazing. Five sheep or one cow/calf pair are equal to one animal unit. 17

18 5. Reduce utilization in Johnny Meadow to 0%, allowing the meadow to rest until it reaches desired conditions. If desired conditions are met, then allow grazing at allowable use levels specified by Amendment 6 protocols (see Appendix A). 6. Set utilization level in Key Area 5 to 0%. If desired conditions are met, then allow grazing at allowable use levels specified by Amendment 6 protocols (see Appendix A). If desired conditions are not met, implement one or more of the possible management actions found in Table Keep utilization at Wild Horse Meadow at 0%. 8. Keep utilization at Crooked Meadows at 0%. 9. Allow permittee use of Roads 01S471 and 01S526, which are to be closed to the public under the Inyo National Forest Travel Management Plan. Utilization Levels Specific to Dexter Creek Allotment Key Area Range Type PFC Rating Desired Plants/ Total Herbacious % in Form Classes 3 or 6 Am. 6 Matrices Top Two Tiers (y/n) Amendment 6 Watershed Condition Amendment 6 Standards Early Late 5* Bitterbrush NA 22/53 35% n Good 40% 30% 6 Bitterbrush NA 16/38 y Good 50% 40% 7a Bitterbrush NA 22/54 7% y Good 50% 40% 8* Johnny Meadow (Moist) NA 34/79 NA n Good 35% 25% Exc Bitterbrush NA 23/59 y Good 50% 40% *Because this area does not meet desired conditions and recent utilization has been lower than Amendment 6 standards, utilization would be set at 0% until recovery is documented. Recovery is achieved when the area meets desired conditions. June Lake Allotment 1. Authorize grazing for sheep. 2. Permit for 1,500 ewes for a total of 612 AUM s. 3. Consolidate bedding grounds so that they are no less than one half mile apart from each other. 18

19 4. Set utilization in Key Area 1 to 0% until recovery is documented. If desired conditions are met, then allow grazing at allowable use levels specified by Amendment 6 protocols (see Appendix A). If desired conditions are not met, implement one or more of the possible management actions found in Table Restrict use of the Mono Fire area until recovery is documented. 6. Water tanks on this allotment will not be moved or repaired until evaluated by a heritage specialist. Utilization Levels Specific to June Lake Allotment Key Area Range Type PFC Rating Desired Plants/ Total Herbacious % in Form Classes 3 or 6 Am. 6 Matrices Top Two Tiers (y/n) Amendment 6 Watershed Condition Amendment 6 Standards Early Late 1* Bitterbrush NA 43/62 32% n Good 40% 30% 2 Bitterbrush NA 21/44 0% y Good 50% 40% 3 Bitterbrush 38/49 0% y Good 50% 40% *Because this area does not meet desired conditions and recent utilization has been lower than Amendment 6 standards, utilization would be set at 0% until recovery is documented. Recovery is achieved when the area meets desired conditions. Mono Mills Allotment 1. Authorize grazing for sheep. 2. Permit for 4,000 ewes for a total of 3,038 AUM s. 3. No sheep bedding grounds are authorized in Mono Mills Townsite. 4. Remove sheep bedding ground/high use area from water pond, water collection site south of Highway 120 in the Big Sand Flat area. 5. Improve livestock distribution by installing a centrally located well and water tank to provide approximately 4,000 gallons of water per day. Permittees would use this site to fill water trucks and take the water elsewhere. Livestock would not 19

20 be watered in the vicinity of the well. Some water would be provided at the site for wildlife. 6. Inspect existing wells on the allotment and repair if possible. 7. Water tanks on this allotment will not be moved or repaired until evaluated by a heritage specialist. Utilization Levels Specific to Mono Mills Allotment Key Area Range Type PFC Rating Desired Plants/ Total Herbacious % in Form Classes 3 or 6 Am. 6 Matrices Top Two Tiers (y/n) Amendment 6 Watershed Condition Amendment 6 Standards Early Late 1 Bitterbrush NA 31/41 0% y Good 50% 40% 2 Bitterbrush NA 22/54 0% y Good 50% 40% 5 Bitterbrush NA 23/38 0% y Good 50% 40% Mono Sand Flat Allotment 1. Authorize grazing for cattle. 2. Permit for 26 cow/calf pairs for a total of 206 AUM s. 3. Rest allotment until recovery is documented. Utilization Levels Specific to Mono Sand Flat Allotment Key Area Range Type PFC Rating 1* Desert Shrub Desired Plants/ Total Herbacious % in Form Classes 3 or 6 Am. 6 Matrices Top Two Tiers (y/n) Amendment 6 Watershed Condition Amendment 6 Standards Early Late NA 0/38 NA n Good 30% 20% 2* Desert Shrub NA 1/21 NA n 30% 20% *Because this area does not meet desired conditions and recent utilization has been lower than Amendment 6 standards, utilization would be set at 0% until recovery is documented. Recovery is achieved when the area meets desired conditions. 20

21 21

22 Texts Referenced U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management Utilization Studies and Residual Measurements, BLM/RS/ST-96/ USDA Forest Service Inyo Land and Resource Management Plan. USDA Forest Service Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Management Plan. USDA Forest Service Forest Plan Amendment 6 Forest-Wide Range Utilization Standards. USDA Forest Service Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment. 22

23 APPENDIX A: MATRICES FROM INYO NATIONAL FOREST LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN, AMENDMENT 6, APPENDIX A CAREX - DOMINATED (WET) MEADOW Allowable Use (% by weight) Key Species: Carex spp. (sedges) Desired Plants Tallied a / Total Herbacious Utilization Levels under Deferred Rotation Grazing System Early Late 68/ / / / / a. Number of vegetation hits tallied out of 100 total using the toe-point method (FSH Range Analysis Handbook) DESERT SHRUB Allowable Use (%) b Key Species: Stipa spp. (needlegrass), Oryzopsis Hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Grayia spinosa (spiny hopsage). Desired Plants Tallied/ Total Herbacious Utilization Levels under Deferred Rotation Grazing System Early Late 29 41/ > / > <32/ > <14/ > <8/ < c b. Percent use on grasses is by weight. % use on brush is the % of the current year s growth. Whichever is utilized first limits the amount of time grazing is allowed. c. The 5% allowable use is for incidental use only. The intent is not to have grazing at this level. In the proposed action, 0% is used rather than 5% for clarity s sake

24 BITTERBRUSH Allowable Use (%) Key Species: Purshia spp. (Bitterbrush), Stipa spp. (needlegrass), Oryzopsis hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail). Desired Plants Tallied/ Total Herbacious Utilization Levels under Deferred Rotation Grazing System Early Late 29-41/ > <15% Purshia in Form Classes 3 and/or 6 d 8-40/ > <15% Purshia in Form Classes 3 and/or 6 <32/ > >15% Purshia in Form Classes 3 and/or 6 <14/ > >15% Purshia in Form Classes 3 and/or 6 <8/ <11 >15% Purshia in Form Classes 3 and/or d. FSH (Range Handbook) Form Classes for brush. Class 1 = All bitterbrush available, little or no hedging. Class 2 = All bitterbrush available, moderately hedged. Class 3 = All bitterbrush available, heavily hedged. Class 4 = Bitterbrush largely available, little or no hedging. Class 5 = Bitterbrush largely available, moderately hedged. 24

25 APPENDIX B: MAPS 25

26 26

27 27

28 28

29 29