APPENDIX B: DRAFT ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT PLANS

Transcription

1 APPENDIX B: DRAFT ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT PLANS

2 DRAFT BURNT FORK CATTLE AND HORSE ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN Evanston -Mountain View Ranger District Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Uinta County, Wyoming Coordinated with: Permittee Date Permittee Date Written by: Justin McConkey Rangeland Management Specialist Date Approved by: Rick Schuler District Ranger Date

3 INTRODUCTION The Burnt Fork Cattle and Horse (C&H) Allotment is located on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains. The elevation of the allotment varies from just over 8,000 feet on the northern end to nearly 10,500 feet near Bull Park on the southern end. The allotment is located in Summit County, Utah and is approximately 18,000 acres. This allotment is located on two National Forests. Approximately 2,745 acres are located on the Ashley National Forest and 15,254 acres are located on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Livestock grazing has been permitted on the National Forest since shortly after establishment beginning in Domestic livestock grazing on the National Forest has occurred continuously since that time. The regulation of grazing has increased over time. Allotment boundaries, livestock numbers, seasons of use, and grazing management practices have been adjusted many times since domestic livestock grazing has been authorized. This Allotment Management Plan (AMP) is being written to implement the best scientifically based management practices available. The site specific desired conditions outlined in Table 1 apply to both U-W-C and Ashley N.F. lands within the analysis area.

4 Table 1. Site-Specific Desired Conditions Resource Indicator Applicable Component of the Forest Plan Desired Future Conditions Soil productivity Wasatch-Cache F.P. - Most soils have at least minimal protective ground cover. Soils have adequate physical properties for vegetative growth and soil-hydrologic function. Degradation of soil quality and loss of soil productivity is prevented. Soil-hydrologic function and productivity in riparian areas is protected, preserving the ability to serve as a filter for good water quality and regulation of nutrient cycling. Soil productivity, quality, and function are restored where adversely impaired and contributing to an overall decline in watershed condition. Ashley F.P. Maintain or improve soil stability, site productivity and repair or stabilize damaged watersheds. Objective 1 Site-Specific Desired Conditions A. Soils will be managed to ensure that abiotic characteristics are functioning properly, such as the maintenance of the A-horizon, and the absence of pedestaling, rills, gullies, sheet erosion or soil deposition. B. Allow management activities to result in no less than 85% of potential ground cover for each vegetation cover type (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-37). The desired condition is to provide for an upward/static trend for ground cover on the existing monitoring sites within the analysis area. Additionally, for any new monitoring sites established within the analysis area, ground cover should fall within the range of ground cover potentials (Forest Service 2003a, page VII-1) for these major cover types listed below: Riparian Areas, Springs, Wetlands and Aquatic Habitats Wasatch-Cache F.P. - Riparian areas have a range of vegetative structural stages that are at or moving toward properly functioning condition, provide a transitional zone between upland terrestrial habitats and aquatic habitats, and have the features necessary to promote stable stream channels and diverse habitat conditions. Desirable riparian vegetation occupies the historical floodplain. Riparian areas provide for fish, wildlife, and water quality requirements. Wasatch-Cache F.P. - Habitats will be managed to maintain cool, clear water and well-vegetated stream banks for cover and bank stability. Cool water temperatures will be preserved through well-vegetated banks. Few Flowered Sagebrush (85%=69-82) Silver Sagebrush (85%=76-82) Birchleaf Mt. Mahogany (85%=73-81) Objective 2 A. Maintain or improve riparian areas to provide for healthy conditions with an upward/static trend, by maintaining Properly Functioning Conditions (PFC) on all streams. B. Riparian areas will have well vegetated stream banks with adequate deep-rooted vegetation and/or armoring along banks to allow for stream channel stabilization, sediment filtering, erosion prevention and cool water temperatures. C. Class I riparian areas maintaining 70% or more late-seral vegetation communities, Class II

5 Resource Indicator Applicable Component of the Forest Plan Desired Future Conditions Wasatch-Cache F.P. - Riparian areas have a mix of seral and climax vegetation that is at or approaching PFC. Trees, willows, dogwood, birch, alder, sedges, rushes and hydric grasses, depending on stream substrate, gradient, and elevation, dominate riparian areas. These areas provide healthy self-perpetuating plant communities. Wasatch-Cache F.P. - Riparian and aquatic plant habitats and species will be protected from recreational users, livestock and grazing wildlife. Ashley F.P. Maintain or improve riparian areas and riparian dependent resource values including wildlife, fish, vegetation, watershed and recreation in a stable or upward trend. Manage for species diversity. Ashley F.P. Manage vegetation to enhance the riparian ecosystem. Site-Specific Desired Conditions riparian areas maintaining 60% or more lateseral vegetation communities, and Class III riparian areas maintaining 40% or more lateseral vegetation communities, (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-37). - There are no Class I riparian areas within the project area listed in Appendix VII of the W-C FP. However, West Beaver Creek, and Middle Beaver Creek, (from the wilderness boundary to the Forest boundary), East Beaver Creek, (from Hoop Lake to the Forest boundary) and Thompson Creek (from Hoop Lake to the wilderness boundary), are mapped as 3.1A management prescriptions. Guideline 3.1A-2 allows livestock grazing with the utilization standard for Class I riparian areas (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-69). Therefore these areas will be grazed with this utilization standard. - In addition, the IDT applied Forest Plan direction that states: "Any stream with riparian dependent Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive species is classified as a Class I riparian area." (Forest Service 2003a, p. VII 2, Appendix VII). Riparian areas that contain Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive species include: West Beaver Creek, Middle Beaver Creek, Thompson Creek, Kabell Creek, Burnt Fork and the tributary above Beaver Meadow Reservoir. Therefore these areas will be managed as Class 1 riparian areas. - Class II managed riparian areas within the project area are: East Beaver Creek - All riparian areas not identified above as Class I or II are Class III riparian areas. Uplands Wasatch-Cache F.P. - Maintain upland (sagebrush, Objective 3

6 Resource Indicator Livestock Grazing Management Applicable Component of the Forest Plan Desired Future Conditions mountain brush, grassland) plant communities are dominated by desired perennial grasses, forbs, and have a range of shrub cover. Associated herbaceous and woody vegetation provides for plant communities that are diverse in seral status and structure and provide food and habitat for wildlife, forage for livestock, and a variety of recreational opportunities and aesthetic values. Ashley F.P. Maintain or improve all range in fair or better condition class. Wasatch-Cache F.P. - Livestock grazing will be a compatible use in each of the prescribed areas within active allotments. It will be adjusted and managed to maintain or improve watershed, terrestrial habitat, riparian and aquatic conditions and minimize conflicts with other uses. Vegetation will be at or moving toward desired composition, structure and function. Structural improvements such as fences and water developments will be well maintained or removed if it is determined that they are not needed. Grazing permit holders will take full responsibility for monitoring use, movement, and control of livestock to meet standards designed for resource sustainability. Grazing systems will provide for rest or deferment of all areas for some portion of the rotation to achieve improved plant vigor and composition. Wasatch-Cache F.P. - The importance of winter range in the Widdop Mountain area will continue to be recognized. Areas dominated by birchleaf mountain mahogany will be managed so that use of browse is at a level that not only provides for the continued maintenance of existing vegetation, but also provides for reproduction and replacement of decadent and dead individuals within the stands. The desired condition is to maintain browse utilization at less than 50% on mountain mahogany across the landscape, including all land ownerships. Site-Specific Desired Conditions A. Maintain or improve rangelands to provide for healthy conditions with species compositions, (on new and existing monitoring sites), that are dominated by native perennial vegetation and desirable native plant species with high to moderate erosion control potentials. B. Manage livestock grazing in aspen stands to ensure sprouting and sprout survival sufficient to perpetuate the long-term viability of aspen clones. Objective 4 Grazing levels will be adjusted and managed with an upto-date Allotment Management Plan (AMP) that will establish grazing systems and management based on the following objectives: A. The intensity & frequency of livestock grazing will be controlled by managing the duration of grazing in each grazing unit. Utilization should be classified as moderate and not exceed utilization standards (S24, S25 & S26) described in the Revised Wasatch-Cache Forest Plan (Forest Service 2003a, pp to 4-52). B. Vary the time of year an area is grazed. C. Provide rangeland vegetation the opportunity to either grow before grazing or regrow after grazing.

7 Resource Indicator Applicable Component of the Forest Plan Desired Future Conditions Wasatch-Cache F.P. - Big game winter ranges along the Eastern North Slope of the Uintas will be maintained and enhanced with the goal of holding big game on the N.F. longer to help decrease impacts on private lands. Browse species age classes will be maintained with a higher proportion of older age classes than elsewhere to provide forage above the snow. Big game will continue to be monitored in coordination with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Wyoming Game and Fish Department to ensure population management prevents habitat deterioration. Ashley F.P. Prepare and implement a range allotment management plan for each grazing allotment. Site-Specific Desired Conditions The following table lists additional site specific objectives for the 2,745 acres of the Burnt Fork Allotment located on the Ashley N.F. Table 2. Site-Specific Desired Conditions (Ashley N.F. Only) Applicable Component of the Resource Indicator Forest Plan Desired Future Conditions Livestock Grazing Objective 5 Management Ashley F.P. Prepare and implement a range allotment management plan for each grazing allotment. Site-Specific Desired Conditions A. For the Ashley N.F. portion, livestock utilization of key browse species on big game winter range should be limited to 20% (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-33). B. In goshawk habitat (forested lands, including transitory openings created by timber harvest or fire), limit understory grazing utilization to an average of 20% by weight, not to exceed 40% on any specific site. Average browse utilization would be limited to 40% by weight, and would not exceed 60%. This guideline does not apply to non-forested habitat types (Forest Service 1986, Appendix CC pp. CC 7-9).

8 The following items are designed to maintain or allow for improved range conditions on both upland and riparian sites: Annual Meetings The intent of the annual meeting is to determine how livestock grazing will occur on the allotment for that year. The specific items to be covered are: 1) livestock class 2) livestock numbers, 3) grazing season, 4) unit sequence, 5) livestock distribution, 6) time of grazing, 7) range improvements, and 8) mitigation measures for other uses (i.e. special recreation events, vegetation/habitat treatments, etc.). These items will be developed into an Annual Letter of Instruction. The planning process will be based on current best management practices. Currently, these practices include time controlled grazing, which limits the duration of grazing which controls the intensity of grazing, and varies the timing of grazing and provides opportunities for plant growth before grazing or regrowth after grazing. Grazing impacts will be monitored and evaluated. Evaluations should include the previous year s grazing, the amount of forage present, rate of plant growth, animal performance, wildlife needs, and mitigation measures for other uses. Identification of noxious weeds and any new populations of noxious weeds will also be discussed at the annual meeting. Livestock Kind and Class Kind and class of livestock will be based in accordance with the term grazing permit. The kind of livestock listed on the term grazing permits is cattle and the class of livestock is cow/calf pairs. Class may be modified to improve management, and/or to improve resource conditions or to accomplish a specific resource objective. This may include substituting yearling cattle for cow/calf pairs to improve distribution and overall utilization. The effects of any adjustments to livestock class will be monitored and evaluated. If monitoring determines that resource objectives are not being met, then livestock class will be modified, or another adaptive management strategy implemented to ensure that resource objectives are met. Livestock Numbers The Burnt Fork allotment is permitted for 182 cow/calf pairs. Livestock numbers may be adjusted due to resource conditions. This may include reductions due to drought, to accomplish specific vegetation treatments, or to improve resource conditions and management. Livestock numbers may also be adjusted to reflect changes, such as changes in areas grazed within the allotment. The effects of any adjustments to livestock numbers will be monitored and evaluated. If monitoring determines that resource objectives are not being met, then livestock numbers will be modified and/or other adaptive management strategies implemented to ensure that resource objectives are met. Grazing Season The grazing seasons will be the seasons of use listed on the term grazing permits. The grazing season for the Burnt Fork allotment is between 6/26 to 9/30. The grazing seasons may be adjusted due to resource conditions. This may include: reductions due to drought, to accomplish specific vegetation treatments, or to improve resource conditions and management. The grazing seasons may also be adjusted to reflect changes of areas grazed. Any adjustments to the grazing seasons will be monitored and evaluated. If monitoring determines that resource objectives are not being met, then the grazing seasons will be modified to ensure that resource objectives are met. Unit Sequence Unit sequence may be adjusted due to resource conditions. This may include: deferred use due to drought, to accomplish specific vegetation treatments, or to improve resource conditions and management. Unit sequence will be determined at the annual meeting. Any adjustments to unit sequence will be monitored and evaluated. If monitoring determines that resource objectives are

9 not being met, then the unit sequence will be modified to ensure that resource objectives are met. Livestock Distribution Livestock distribution will be optimized by managing livestock as a single herd within the permitted areas, thus limiting the size of an area grazed at any one time. Managing livestock as a single herd will force animals to use areas they would normally not use. The use of a herder, temporary electric fence, permanent barbed-wire fence, and existing topography as boundaries are examples of techniques used to limit areas grazed by livestock at any one time. The placement of watering structures and salt, in areas under utilized by livestock, are examples of techniques used to improve overall grazing distribution. All of these techniques are designed to cause livestock to graze the coarse less palatable forage they would normally not graze. Removing this coarse less-palatable forage allows plants the ability to produce more palatable forage in the form of regrowth during that same growing season or growth the following growing season. Increasing the availability of fresh, more palatable forage in lightly used or unused areas will improve grazing distribution for both wildlife and livestock. Improving distribution and limiting the duration of grazing will prevent over-grazing of preferred grazing sites. This will result in enhanced long-term health of forage producing plant communities on the allotment. Time of Grazing The time in each unit will essentially depend on the current growth rate of forage plants. Time in each unit will be estimated at the annual meetings based on unit capacity and past use and incorporated into the Annual Operating Instructions. However, yearly fluctuations in growing conditions may call for Forest Service administrative adjustments during the grazing season to ensure that resource objectives are met. Livestock will be moved into the next unit when forage utilization standards are met, and/or when plants begin to regrow after being grazed by livestock and livestock are able to start grazing the regrowth. Units should be grazed once during the calendar year. Grazing intensity should be classified as moderate and not exceed utilization standards identified in the objectives. Range Improvements This alternative includes the maintenance of all existing range improvements, i.e., spring developments, stock ponds, fences and stock trails, within the analysis area. Maintenance of existing range improvements will continue to be performed by the term grazing permit holder, as specified in their term grazing permit. This alternative also includes the reconstruction of range improvements. A range improvement structure will be reconstructed when it is determined that the structure is no longer functional, but still needed. During the reconstruction or maintenance of range improvements, ground disturbance should be kept to a minimum and any areas disturbed should be reseeded. Native plant species that provide forage or cover to wildlife, protect soil, and prevent noxious weed infestations should be used. These activities will be discussed at the annual meetings. Utilization monitoring across the Burnt Fork allotment has shown uneven or patchy use, with certain areas receiving the bulk of the use and others receiving little to no use. While past grazing use has not exceeded Forest Plan utilization standards in areas preferred by livestock, it has limited the ability for those plants to regrow, by allowing for multiple defoliations of preferred sites. In order to improve the overall grazing distribution and provide rangeland vegetation the opportunity to either grow before grazing or regrow after grazing, the following range improvement projects are made part of this alternative: Table 3. Proposed Range Improvements Allotment Number Name Type Location Action Burnt Fork Cow Hollow Middle Pond Pond SW ¼, Sec. 5,T2N, R17E Clean existing pond and add spring box, pipeline and tank. Burnt Fork N/A Southeast of Fence NE ¼, Sec. *Construct a ¼ mile section of

10 Beaver Res. 19, T2N, R17E Burnt Fork N/A Southwest Fence NW ¼, Sec. of Beaver 19, T2N, Reservoir R17E Burnt Fork 5009 Burnt Fork Fence SW ¼, Sec. 36, T3N, R16E Burnt Fork N/A Lower Cow Hollow Burnt Fork N/A North Widdop Mtn. Pond Burnt Fork N/A Lower Telephone Hollow Pond Burnt Fork N/A Upper Telephone Hollow Pond Fence Pond Pond Pond SW ¼, Sec. 1, T2N, R16E NW ¼, Sec. 25, T3N, R16E SW ¼, Sec. 26, T3N, R16E NE ¼, Sec. 35, T3N, R16E Burnt Fork N/A Exclosure Fence NE ¼, Sec. 18, T2N, R17E fence *Construct a ¼ mile section of fence *Remove the old fence and rebuild in alternate location *Construct a gate and small gap fence less than a 1/32 of a mile Construct pond to gather spring run off Construct pond to gather spring run off Construct pond to gather spring run off Construct a small exclosure to monitor and stabilize a headcut that developed from recreational off -road ATV use. (This exclosure will be constructed and maintained by the F.S.) * Temporary electric fence will first be used in these locations. This temporary electric fence will be put up and taken down each year by the permittee. If it is determined that the electric fence is not adequate to control livestock on the allotment, then it will be replaced with a permanent barb-wire or post and pole fence. All range improvements will be constructed to Forest Service specifications including design feature for wildlife such as, wildlife escape ramps for stock tanks and the appropriate height and spacing distances for barbwire fencing if constructed. Monitoring Monitoring is used to evaluate whether the prescribed management is meeting the objectives. If resource objectives are not being met on one analysis point, additional analysis should be conducted to determine the cause and extent of the situation. A small localized incident, limited to the confinements of one analysis point, should not affect management across the entire allotment or grazing unit, where the incident can be dealt with on a site specific basis. Management actions are not limited to those listed and may include additional adaptive management strategies. Permit administration will be conducted in accordance with Forest Service Handbook direction (FSH , Chapter 10, section 16). Monitoring for the year will be discussed at the annual meeting. At that time, the specific monitoring for the year will be decided, as well as when it will be done. Since monitoring offers the opportunity to educate as well as learn, the Forest Service will offer to include the permittee in monitoring efforts. These opportunities will be discussed at the annual meeting. This alternative is designed to fully implement all current applicable Forest Plan direction.

11 Table 4. Burnt Fork C&H/ Adaptive Management Plan Resource Indicator Site-Specific Desired Conditions Monitoring (how/when/where) Trigger Adaptive Management* Soil productivity A. Soils will be managed to ensure that abiotic characteristics are functioning properly such as maintenance of the A- horizon, and the absence of pedastaling, rills, gullies, sheet erosion, or soil deposition. B. Allow management activities to result in no less than 85% of potential ground cover for each vegetation cover type (W- C LRMP, p. 4-37). The desired condition is to provide for an upward/static trend for ground cover on the existing monitoring sites within the analysis area. Additionally, for any new monitoring sites established within the analysis area, ground cover should fall within the range of ground cover potentials (Wasatch-Cache Forest Plan, page VII-1) for these major cover types listed below: Few Flowered Sagebrush (85%=69-82) Silver Sagebrush (85%=76-82) Birchleaf Mt. Mahogany (85%=73-81) A & B: How monitoring will be conducted using approved FS monitoring techniques. When (long-term) every 10 years or when additional information is necessary to facilitate proper management and to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed management strategy. Where Sites 11-4, 12-15, 12-18, & 14-53A. If these sites are no longer representative (i.e. wildlfire, etc.) at least 5% of the 87 monitoring sites found within the Analysis area. A. The abiotic characteristics are not functioning properly. Examples include: A- horizon is not maintained; evidence of pedestaling, rills, gullies, sheet erosion or soil deposition is occurring. B. A downward trend is detected on the current monitoring sites and/or a new monitoring site s ground cover rating is found to be less than 85% of its potential. -Alter the amount of time an area is grazed (I.e. reduced due to over utilization, to accomplish a specific vegetation treatment, or to improve resource conditions and management). -Alter livestock management (i.e., change class or livestock; relocate salting areas and trailing routes to improve resource conditions and management). -Alter the time of year an area is grazed (i.e., deferred use due to drought, exclude use to improve resource conditions, or graze an area earlier or later in the year to accomplish a specific vegetation objective). -Implement range improvements projects (This would require further NEPA analysis). -Alter the numbers of livestock (i.e., reduced to improve management, to accomplish a specific vegetation treatment, or to improve resource conditions).

12 Resource Indicator Site-Specific Desired Conditions Monitoring (how/when/where) Trigger Adaptive Management* Riparian Areas, Springs, Wetlands and Aquatic Habitats A. Maintain or improve riparian areas to provide for healthy conditions with an upward/static trend, by maintaining Properly Functioning Conditions (PFC) on all streams. B. Riparian areas will have well vegetated stream banks with adequate deep-rooted vegetation and/or armoring along banks to allow for stream channel stabilization, sediment filtering, erosion prevention and cool water temperatures. C. Class I riparian areas maintaining 70% or more late-seral vegetation communities, Class II riparian areas maintaining 60% or more late-seral vegetation communities, and Class III riparian areas maintaining 40% or more late-seral vegetation communities, (2003 Wasatch-Cache Forest Plan page 4-37). - There are no Class I riparian areas within the project area listed in Appendix VII of the W-C FP. However, West Beaver Creek, and Middle Beaver Creek, (from the wilderness boundary to the Forest boundary), East Beaver Creek, (from Hoop Lake to the Forest boundary) and Thompson Creek (from Hoop Lake to the wilderness boundary), are mapped as 3.1A management prescriptions. Guideline 3.1A-2 allows livestock grazing with the utilization standard for Class I riparian areas (2003 Wasatch-Cache Forest Plan page 4-69). Therefore these A & B &C: How monitoring will be conducted using approved FS monitoring techniques. When (long-term) every 10 years or when additional information is necessary to facilitate proper management and to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed management strategy. Where Sites & If these sites are no longer representative (i.e. wildlfire, etc.) at least 10% of the 21 monitoring sites found within the Analysis area. A&B: Hydrologic, vegetative, or erosion deposition attributes (per PFC standard checklist) are not functioning properly. C: The trend of lateseral vegetation, on existing monitoring sites, is no longer upward/static (i.e. trending downward) and/or new monitoring sites are below: - 70% in Class I - 60% in Class II - 40% in Class III -Alter the amount of time an area is grazed (I.e. reduced due to over utilization, to accomplish a specific vegetation treatment, or to improve resource conditions and management). -Alter livestock management (i.e., change class or livestock; relocate salting areas and trailing routes to improve resource conditions and management). -Alter the time of year an area is grazed (i.e., deferred use due to drought, exclude use to improve resource conditions, or graze an area earlier or later in the year to accomplish a specific vegetation objective). -Implement range improvements projects (This would require further NEPA analysis). -Alter the numbers of livestock (i.e., reduced to improve management, to accomplish a specific vegetation treatment, or to improve resource conditions).

13 Resource Indicator Site-Specific Desired Conditions Monitoring (how/when/where) Trigger Adaptive Management* areas will be grazed with this utilization standard. - In addition, the IDT applied Forest Plan direction that states: "Any stream with riparian dependent Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive species is classified as a Class I riparian area." (2003 Wasatch-Cache Forest Plan Page VII 2, Appendix VII). Riparian areas that contain Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive species include: West Beaver Creek, Middle Beaver Creek, Thompson Creek, Kabell Creek, Burnt Fork and the tributary above Beaver Meadow Reservoir. Therefore these areas will be managed as Class 1 riparian areas. - Class II managed riparian areas within the project area are: East Beaver Creek Uplands - All riparian areas not identified above as Class I or II are Class III riparian areas. A. Maintain or improve rangelands to provide for healthy conditions with species compositions, (on new and existing monitoring sites), that are dominated by native perennial vegetation and desirable native plant species with high to moderate erosion control potentials. B. Manage livestock grazing in aspen stands to ensure sprouting and sprout survival sufficient to perpetuate the long-term viability of aspen clones. C. For all woody vegetation, manage A &B: How monitoring will be conducted using approved FS monitoring techniques When (long-term) every 10 years or when additional information is necessary to facilitate proper management and to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed management strategy. Where Sites 11-4 & If these sites are no A: Species composition is trending downward and/or is no longer dominated by native perennial vegetation and desirable native plant species with high to moderate erosion control potential. B: Livestock use is inhibiting aspen sprouting and sprout survival. -Alter the amount of time an area is grazed (I.e. reduced due to over utilization, to accomplish a specific vegetation treatment, or to improve resource conditions and management). -Alter livestock management (i.e., change class or livestock; relocate salting areas and trailing routes to improve resource conditions and

14 Resource Indicator Site-Specific Desired Conditions Monitoring (how/when/where) Trigger Adaptive Management* livestock grazing to perpetuate the longterm viability of the species. longer representative (i.e. wildlfire, etc.) at least 5% of the 60 monitoring sites found within the Analysis area. B&C: Incidence of use on terminal leaders exceeds 50% management). -Alter the time of year an area is grazed (i.e., deferred use due to drought, exclude use to improve resource conditions, or graze an area earlier or later in the year to accomplish a specific vegetation objective). -Implement range improvements projects (This would require further NEPA analysis). -Alter the numbers of livestock (i.e., reduced to improve management, to accomplish a specific vegetation treatment, or to improve resource conditions). Livestock Grazing Management Livestock grazing levels will be adjusted and managed with an up-to-date Allotment Management Plan (AMP) that will establish grazing systems and management based on the following objectives: A. The intensity & frequency of grazing will be controlled by managing the duration of grazing in each grazed unit (pasture). Utilization should be classified as moderate and not exceed utilization standards (S24 & S25) described in the Revised Wasatch-Cache Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service 2003a, pages 4-51 to 4-52). A &B&C: How monitoring will be conducted using approved FS monitoring techniques to determine the number of times a unit is defoliated, the degree of use a unit receives, and the amount of time available for a unit to grow or regrow. When (short-term) every year and/or every 5 years Where In each grazed unit (pasture) in the A: Utilization levels have exceeded: -50% upland, aspen, and Riparian Class I -60% Crested Wheat grass and Riparian Class II & III Greenline stubble height at end of growing season: -Riparian Class I no less than 5 -Riparian Class I I no less than 4 -Alter the amount of time an area is grazed (I.e. reduced due to over utilization, to accomplish a specific vegetation treatment, or to improve resource conditions and management). -Alter livestock management (i.e. change class or livestock; relocate salting areas and trailing routes to improve resource conditions and

15 Resource Indicator Site-Specific Desired Conditions Monitoring (how/when/where) Trigger Adaptive Management* B. Vary the time of year an area is grazed. C. Provide rangeland vegetation the opportunity to either grow before grazing or regrow after grazing. analysis area. -Riparian Class I II no less than 3 B: Pastures grazed during the same time period year after year. C: Repeated use of the same area throughout the grazing season. management). -Alter the time of year an area is grazed (i.e., deferred use due to drought, exclude use to improve resource conditions, or graze an area earlier or later in the year to accomplish a specific vegetation objective). -Implement range improvements projects (This would require further NEPA analysis). -Alter the numbers of livestock (i.e., reduced to improve management, to accomplish a specific vegetation treatment, or to improve resource conditions). Livestock Grazing Management ASHLEY PORTION OF BURNT FORK ALLOTMENT ONLY: A. For the Ashley N.F. portion, livestock utilization of key browse species on big game winter range should be limited to 20% (Ashley F.P. page IV-33). In goshawk habitat (forested lands, including transitory openings created by timber harvest or fire), limit understory grazing utilization to an average of 20% by weight, not to exceed 40% on any specific site. Average browse utilization would be limited to 40% by weight, and would not exceed 60%. This guideline A: How monitoring will be conducted using approved FS monitoring techniques. When (long-term) every 10 years or when additional information is necessary to facilitate proper management and to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed management strategy. Where in each grazed unit (pasture) within the Ashley NF portion of the Burnt Fork A. Browse species utilization is found to exceed 20% on big game winter range on the Ashley NF portion of the Burnt Fork Allotment. Understory forested habitat type utilization is found to exceed 20% average utilization by weight, 40% on any specific Alter the amount of time an area is grazed (I.e. reduced due to over utilization, to accomplish a specific vegetation treatment, or to improve resource conditions and management). -Alter livestock management (i.e., change class or livestock; relocate salting areas and trailing routes to improve resource conditions and

16 Resource Indicator Site-Specific Desired Conditions Monitoring (how/when/where) Trigger Adaptive Management* does not apply to non-forested habitat types (Appendix CC Ashley Forest Plan Amendment pages CC 7-9). Allotment. site, and/or browse utilization exceeds 40% by weight or 60% total use. management). -Alter the time of year an area is grazed (i.e., deferred use due to drought, exclude use to improve resource conditions, or graze an area earlier or later in the year to accomplish a specific vegetation objective). -Implement range improvements projects (This would require further NEPA analysis). -Alter the numbers of livestock (i.e., reduced to improve management, to accomplish a specific vegetation treatment, or to improve resource conditions). * If short term or long term monitoring evaluations determine that livestock grazing is not allowing the desired conditions to be met and additional analysis has validated this determination and the extent of the affected area, then management actions will be taken accordingly once that determination is made. Those management actions may include one of or any combination of the adaptive management strategies.

17 Wasatch-Cache National Forest Plan Direction Standards (S2) Apply runoff controls during project implementation to prevent pollutants including fuels, sediment, oils, from reaching surface and groundwater. (Forest Service 2003a, page 4-36) (S3) Unclassified roads and trails will be administratively closed and rehabilitated. (Forest Service 2003a, page 4-36) (S4) Place new sources of chemical and pathogenic pollutants where such pollutants will not reach surface or ground water. (Forest Service 2003a, page 4-36) (S5) Prior to issuance of a permit or license for activities such as mining, hydropower development, snowmaking, or water transmission facilities, instream flow determinations will be required of all future permitted and licensed activities. For existing authorized uses and activities, minimum instream flows will be established to meet the beneficial use of the stream, and will be a condition of any licensing and permit renewal. (Forest Service 2003a, page 4-36) (S8) In Lynx Analysis Units with current habitat at 30% or more in unsuitable condition, allow no vegetation management activities that would result in a further increase of unsuitable conditions. (Forest Service 2003a, Page 4-39) (S7) Allow management activities to result in no less than 85% of potential ground cover for each vegetation cover type. (See Appendix VII in the Forest Plan for potential ground cover values by cover type.) (Forest Service 2003a, page 4-37) (S10) In Lynx Analysis Units allow no net increase in groomed or designated open over-the-snow routes or play areas. (Forest Service 2003a, Page 4-39) (S24) As a tool to achieve desired conditions of the land, maximum forage utilization standards for vegetation types in satisfactory condition using traditional grazing systems (rest rotation, deferred rotation, season long) are as follows (Forest Service 2003a, page 4-51): Forest Plan, Table S24: Percent utilization of key grass or grass like vegetation, by vegetation type, for rangelands in satisfactory condition. Vegetation Type Condition Percent Utilization Key Grass or Grass like Upland and Aspen Satisfactory 50 Crested Wheatgrass Satisfactory 60 Riparian* Class I Satisfactory 50 Riparian* Class II & III Satisfactory 60 *Riparian, away from greenline (S25) As a tool to achieve desired conditions of riparian areas, maximum forage utilization standards (stubble height) for low to mid elevation greenline species in Class I, II, and III (see Forest Plan Appendix VII) riparian areas in satisfactory condition are as follows: (Key species being grazed include water sedge, Nebraska sedge, and and/or wooly sedge.) (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-51) Forest Plan,Table S25. Greenline stubble height at the end of the growing season, by riparian

18 class, for rangeland satisfactory condition. Riparian Class Condition Greenline Stubble Height at End of Growing Season Riparian Class I Satisfactory No Less Than 5 Riparian Class II Satisfactory No Less Than 4 Riparian Class III Satisfactory No Less Than 3 (S26) For all rangelands, including big game winter range and riparian areas, permit no more than 50% of the current year s growth on woody vegetation to be browsed during one growth cycle (i.e., when use has reached 50% allow no additional livestock use). ( Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-52) Guidelines (G3) Proposed actions analyzed under NEPA should adhere to the State Nonpoint Source Management Plan to best achieve consistency with both Sections 313 and 319 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-37) (G4) At the end of an activity, allow no more than 15% of an activity area to have detrimental soil displacement, puddling, compaction and/or to be severely burned. (UForest Service 2003a, p. 4-37) (G5) Do not allow activities that could result in water yield increases that would degrade water quality and impact beneficial uses. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-37) (G7) Manage Class 1 Riparian Area Greenlines for 70% or more late-seral vegetation communities as described in Intermountain Region Integrated Riparian Evaluation Guide (USDA Forest Service, 1992). Manage Class 2 Riparian Area Greenlines for 60% or more late-seral vegetation communities. Manage Class 3 Riparian Area Greenlines for 40% or more late-seral vegetation communities. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-37) (G9) Avoid soil disturbing activities (those that remove surface organic matter exposing mineral soil) on steep, erosive, and unstable slopes, and in riparian, wetlands, floodplains, wet meadows, and alpine areas. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-38) (G11) Use Best Management Practices and Soil and Water Conservation Practices during project level assessment and implementation to ensure maintenance of soil productivity, minimization of sediment discharge into streams, lakes and wetlands to protect of designated beneficial uses. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-38) (G12) Locate new actions (such as incident bases, fire suppression camps, staging areas, livestock handling facilities, recreation facilities, roads and improvements including trails) outside of Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas. If the only suitable location for such actions is within Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas, sites will be located to minimize resource impacts. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-38) (G13) Any long-term crossing of stream channels containing fish habitat will provide for desirable aquatic passage. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-38) (G15) In goshawk habitat design all management activities to maintain, restore, or protect desired goshawk and goshawk prey habitat including foraging, nesting and movement. (Forest Service 2003a, p.4-42) (G18) In Lynx Analysis Units design all management activities to maintain, restore, or protect desired lynx and lynx prey habitats including foraging, denning and movement. (Forest Service

19 2003a, p.4-42) (G21) For projects that may affect Forest Service Sensitive species, develop conservation measures and strategies to maintain, improve and/or minimize impacts to species and their habitats. Short-term deviations may be allowed as long as the action maintains or improves the habitat in the long term. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-43) (G72) Modify grazing practices that prevent attainment of desired future conditions for vegetation and/or aquatic resources. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-52) (G75) Annual operating instructions (and/or Allotment Management Plans) should be evaluated and additional site-specific objectives defined if needed for any or all of the following five parameters: stubble height on selected key species on the greenline, stubble height on selected key species and/or the amount of bare ground within the riparian zone but away from the greenline, riparian woody browse utilization (trees and shrubs), stream bank trampling on key reaches, and stubble height and/or incidence of use on key species in the uplands. ( Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-52) The following grazing management guidelines and management prescriptions described in the Wasatch Forest Plan may also be used when applicable to help manage livestock grazing on the U-W-C National Forest portion of the analysis area: (G71) As a tool to achieve rehabilitation of upland, aspen, and riparian communities away from the greenline that are not meeting or moving toward objectives (i.e., in unsatisfactory condition), maximum allowed forage utilization will be 30 to 40 percent. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-52) (G73) Delay livestock use in post-fire and post-harvest created forest openings until successful regeneration of the shrub and tree components occurs (aspen trees reach an average height of 6 feet). (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-52) (G74) Stock driveways and trailing routes will be located outside of Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas unless terrain and/or vegetation are prohibitive. When driveways and trailing routes must pass through Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas, they will be located and livestock moved through them in such a way to minimize the extent and/or severity of potential damage caused by trailing. (Forest Service 2003a, p. 4-52) Wilderness Standards (S) and Guidelines (G) MA (G) Grazing of livestock established prior to Sept shall be permitted to continue, subject to regulations. Manage allotments to protect the wilderness resources. (FSM ) MA (G) As wilderness AMPs are revised, include wilderness resource objectives. MA (G) Coordinate management of livestock and recreation use to protect the wilderness character of the area. MA (G) Regulate grazing use on and adjacent to heavily used recreation areas to prevent deterioration of the wilderness resource and minimize user conflicts. MA (S) Allow predator control only when necessary to protect threatened or endangered

20 species or to prevent special and serious losses of domestic livestock. MA (S) Direct predator control at eliminating the offending animal(s) while presenting the least possible hazard to other animals or people. MA (S) Allow no aerial predator control in the High Uintas Wilderness. Ashley National Forest Plan Direction For the 2,745 acres located on the Ashley National Forest the 1986 Forest Plan sets forth management direction for managing the land and resources of the Ashley National Forest. This environmental analysis incorporates applicable direction from the Ashley Forest Plan. The following Ashley Forest Plan standards and guidelines apply only to those lands located on the Ashley National Forest Standards and Guidelines - Prevent damage to any significant cultural resource site (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-20). - Identify and map elk calving areas, deer and antelope fawning areas, and sage grouse strutting and nesting areas for assessing cumulative impacts (Forest Service 1986, p IV-29). - Provide appropriate aquatic and terrestrial habitat analysis input to all resource management activities (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-29). - Resource management activities will be allowed if they will not adversely affect any T and E or sensitive species (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-30). - Identify vacant niches and mitigate conflicts with other resources (Forest Service 1986, p. IV- 31). - Rangelands in unsatisfactory condition and which will not or cannot be improved will not be allocated to livestock grazing (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-32). - In goshawk habitat (forested lands, including transitory openings created by timber harvest or fire), limit understory grazing utilization to an average of 20% by weight, not to exceed 40% on any specific site. Average browse utilization would be limited to 40% by weight, and would not exceed 60%. This guideline does not apply to non-forested habitat types (Forest Service 1986, Amendment CC pp. CC 7-9). - Locate range fences to allow for movement of people and to exclude livestock from areas of concentrated recreational use (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-32). - Limit forage utilization by livestock of key browse species on big game winter range to 20% (Forest Service 1986, p. page IV-33). - Improve rangeland classified as unsatisfactory where cost effective (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-32). - Transitory range may be allocated to livestock (Management Areas b Moderate Timber Production, d High Forage Production, k Maximum Water Yield Recreation, n Range of Resource Uses & Outputs; Forest Service 1986, p. IV-32). - Revise range allotment plans to be consistent with the Forest Plan (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-32).

21 - Priority for new range structural improvements will be to develop water sources where there are no available sources within one mile. Design for development will allow for use by game animals and birds (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-33). - Give priority to restoring needed existing structural improvements before constructing new ones (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-33). - Protect springs and seeps from grazing livestock where resource damage is occurring (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-33). - Place additional responsibility and accountability on the permittees for livestock management and obtain at least 50 percent permittee participation in all range improvement construction costs (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-33). - Control all group I noxious weeds and all group II noxious weeds as defined by Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2200 (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-33; Forest Service 2003). - Maintain or improve current stream channel stability ratings (FP page IV-37). - Maintain and protect established watershed improvement projects until project objectives have been met (Forest Service 1986, p.iv-39). - Maintain natural complexity and high relative productivity of riparian areas (FP page IV-45). - Maintain capability of riparian areas to act as an effective sediment buffering zone in relation to upslope activities (Forest Service 1986, p.iv-45). - Riparian areas will be given a high priority for rehabilitation in range improvement, fish and wildlife improvement, watershed restoration, road maintenance, and KV programs (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-46). - Manage vegetation in riparian areas to be in good or excellent ecological condition (DFC), with a stable or upward trend (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-46). - Allow a maximum of 50% use of current year s growth on browse species in riparian areas (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-46). - Maintain the hiding and thermal cover qualities of forested riparian areas giving priority to the preservation of old growth for cavity dependent species, the preservation of hiding cover adjacent to mineral licks, wallows, and calving or fawning areas, and the preservation of hiding and thermal cover along waterways (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-45) - Resource management. activities will be allowed if they will not adversely affect any TES (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-30) - Manage the habitat of all TES animal species to maintain or enhance their status (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-30) - Riparian areas are given high priority for rehabilitation in range improvement, fish and wildlife improvement, watershed restoration, road maintenance, and KV programs (Forest Service 1986, p. IV-46)