NON-NATIVE AND INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES SPECIALIST REPORT FOR

Transcription

1 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest, Region 3 June 2013 NON-NATIVE AND INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES SPECIALIST REPORT FOR THE SOUTHWEST JEMEZ LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PROJECT Jemez Ranger District Santa Fe National Forest Sandoval County, New Mexico EDITOR S NOTE: This report was submitted as a draft for the NEPA writer s use in incorporating relevant information into Chapter 3 of the Draft EIS-Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences. Subsequent reviews, corrections, and additional information, some of which are a result of the response to comments on the Draft EIS, to the Chapter 3 Non-native and Invasive Plant Species section were completed in the Final EIS, rather than in this report. Prepared and Submitted by: Alicia Gallegos/William J. Eaton Rangeland Management Specialists Jemez Ranger District Santa Fe National Forest

2 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 3 LAW, POLICY AND REGULATION REGARDING NON-NATIVE AND INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES 4 ISSUES 5 ANALYSIS QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED 5 NECESSARY FOREST PLAN AMENDMENTS 5 MITIGATION MEASURES 5 METHODOLOGY 6 MONITORING 7 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 7 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 9 CUMMULATIVE EFFECTS 12 CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE EFFECTS 12 EFFECTS SUMMARY 14 APPENDIX A REFERENCES CITED 15 List of Tables and Figures Table 1. List of Species that Occur within Project Area, NMDA Classification, Associated Vegetation Type, 8 and Acreage by Vegetation. Table 2. Effects Summary by Alternative 13.

3 INTRODUCTION The Southwest Jemez Landscape Restoration Project (SWJLRP) is a long-term collaborative effort to improve the resilience and function of ecosystems in the Southwest Jemez Mountains. The project aims at reestablishing natural fire regimes and reducing the risk of uncharacteristic wildlife, while achieving ecological and watershed health. The project area contains 110,000 acres of national forest system lands on the Santa Fe National Forest within the Jemez Ranger District, Jemez Springs, New Mexico. The Santa Fe National Forest is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which displays the proposed activities and analyzes the effect of implementing those activities. The Southwest Jemez Landscape Restoration Project is located within the Santa Fe National Forest, Sandoval County, New Mexico. The village of Jemez Springs lies in the middle of the area; Jemez Pueblo and the Town of Ponderosa are 7 miles and 4 miles, respectively, to the south. There are also several small subdivisions and communities in the mountains around Jemez Springs, including Sierra de los Pinos and Thompson Ridge. The Jemez River flows through the middle of the area; the East Fork of the Jemez River is a designated Wild and Scenic River. Other drainages include San Antonio Creek, Rio Guadalupe, and Rio Cebolla. South-to-southwestfacing canyons and mesas dominate the area and include Virgin Canyon and Virgin Mesa, Holiday, Schoolhouse, and Stable Mesas to the west of the Jemez River, and Paliza and San Juan Canyons and Cat and San Juan Mesas to the east. Elevations within the project area range from 5,500-10,109 feet. Ponderosa pine is the predominant forest type, followed by piñon-juniper woodlands, mixed conifer, and small patches of spruce-fir and aspen. Understory grass, forbs, and shrubs are largely absent throughout the project area due to the long-term lack of fires and increase in tree numbers. The lack of natural fires has also caused historic meadows, once free of trees, to fill in with conifer trees. Most of the ground is covered by conifer needles and other duff (partially decayed organic matter) rather than vegetation. When forest density and canopy cover increase in the absence of frequent surface fires, herbaceous (non-woody) plant species decline (Cooper 1960; Agee 1993; Miller and Tausch 2001). The absence of frequent natural fires has also reduced the release of soil nutrients and development of topsoil that is important in promoting diverse vegetation (Kozlowski and Ahlgren 1974). The resulting lack of ground vegetation further reduces the area s ability to support characteristic fire regimes, while reducing biological diversity and ecosystem functionality. Non-native and invasive plant species may affect the structure of ecosystems by altering the composition of plant communities, soil properties, and animal communities (Sheley and Petroff 1999). Dense Infestations of nonnative and invasive species have the ability to alter the physical properties of soil, and reduce the amount of soil nutrients and soil moisture available to native species. Non-native and invasive species are opportunistic and outcompete native vegetation in disturbed areas. The Public Land Management Act of 2009 which set the guidelines for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program requires that project proposals describe plans to prevent, remediate, or control invasions of exotic species. Proposed actions and managed fire would ultimately lead to forest resiliency. Invasive species are considered in this report as some native species have the ability to outcompete desirable native vegetation and alter the landscape similar to non-native species. Forest Service Manual 2900 provides guidance on the management of invasive species. Species included under this guidance are terrestrial plant species and invasive aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates. This specialist report will provide information about non-native and invasive terrestrial plant species only, and how the proposed project will affect the spread and control of these species. Page 3 of 15

4 LAW, POLICY AND REGULATION REGARDING NON-NATIVE AND INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES The principal statutes governing or supporting the management of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species on the National Forest System include but are not limited to, the following statutes. Except where specifically stated, these statutes apply to the entire National Forest System. Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. 528 et seq.). Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act (RPA) of 1974 as amended by the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of Section 6 of the Act codified at 16 U.S.C et seq. Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (H.R. 1904), (16 U.S.C , , , ). The Plant Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C et seq) as amended by the Noxious Weed Control and Eradication Act of 2004 (P.L ). Forest Service Manual 2900 Invasive Species Management. Indicates that management activities for aquatic and terrestrial invasive species will be based upon an intergrated pest management approach, prioritizing prevention and early detection and rapid response actions as necessary National Invasive Species Management Plan. Provides a blueprint for federal agencies to manage invasive species with guiding principles to all agencies and describes the roles and responsibilities of Federal agencies. The plan states that the Forest Service has broad authority to prevent the spread of invasive species on NFS lands and is authorized to assist Federal, State, and private entities on lands outside NFS lands. (National Invasive Species Council, August 1, 2008). Executive Order issued February 3, 1999 (E.O ). Directs Federal agencies to: (1) identify actions that may affect status of an invasive species; (2)(a) prevent introduction of such species; (b) detect and control such species; (c) monitor population of such species; (d) provide for restoration of native species; (e) conduct research on invasive species and develop technologies to prevent introduction of such species; (f) promote public education of such species; and (3) not authorize, fund, or carry out actions likely to cause the introduction or spread of invasive species in the United States or elsewhere unless the benefits of the action clearly outweigh the harm and the agencies take steps to minimize the harm. USDA Forest Service National Strategy and Implementation Plan for Invasive Species Management Strategic direction for addressing the invasive species problem. (FS-904, October 2004). New Mexico Executive Order Directs state executive agencies to manage weed infestations designated by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture as Class A weed infestations on state land rights-of-way by making use of integrated pest management techniques. (NMEO 2000). Noxious Weed Management Act The State of New Mexico enacted this legislation to recognize the adverse economic and environmental impacts of these weeds and the need for action to reduce this threat. (NMSTATS 1978). Page 4 of 15

5 Forest Service Manual 2080 Noxious Weed Management. This Forest Service policy regarding weeds was revised in 1995 to increase emphasis on integrated weed management in assessment and forest planning. (USDA FS 1995). Forest Service Manual 2100 Environmental Management Provides additional policy requirements for use of pesticides (or herbicides). (USDA FS 1998a). Santa Fe National Forest Plan. The Santa Fe National Forest is managed under a Forest Land Management Plan (FLMP), which provides direction for managing each resource area within the forest. A Forest-wide goal of the Santa Fe National Forest within the 1987 Forest Land Management Plan (Forest Plan) states that the Forest will Manage Forests activities and programs within the capacity of the land while contributing to the economic and social needs of the people of northern New Mexico, and strengthen and encourage the enrichment of the traditional culture values of northern New Mexico. ISSUES The key issues and comments received during the scoping period of the proposed action were largely in regards to smoke resulting from prescribed fire and large diameter tree preservation. Comments were not received specifically regarding non-native and invasive plant species within this project, or their potential to occur due to the proposed actions. Mitigation measures are being included in the design of this project as to minimize the spread of non-native and invasive species (see mitigation measures below). An implementation plan is also being developed that will aim at minimizing the effects of the proposed activities to the spread of such undesirable species and the appropriate response to infested areas. ANALYSIS QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED The following questions will be answered in regards to the effect of this project on rangeland resources and livestock grazing: What effect would the proposed activities have on non-native and invasive plant species? FOREST PLAN AMENDMENTS Ten forest plan amendments are required in order to fully implement the proposed project. These amendments are specific to Mexican Spotted Owl Habitat and Protected Activity Centers (PACs), Northern Goshawk nesting areas, Turkey nesting areas, and Peregrine Falcon nesting areas. MITIGATION MEASURES The following mitigation measures are being installed into the design of the proposed actions action alternative to reduce the spread and further impact the landscape with non-native and invasive plant species: Treatments of nonnative invasive plants will be prioritized based on factors including the type of plant, the effectiveness of treatments available, and the potential for spread. Page 5 of 15

6 Treatment areas will be surveyed for non-native and invasive species and treated as necessary prior to treatments occurring. Prior to moving off-road equipment onto the sale area, purchaser shall identify the location of the equipment's most recent operation. Purchaser shall not move any off-road equipment that most recently operated in an area infested with one or more invasive species of concern onto sale area without having cleaned such equipment of seeds, soil, vegetative matter, and other debris that could contain or hold seeds, and having notified the Forest Service. If the location of prior operation cannot be identified, then purchaser shall assume that the location is infested with invasive species of concern. Prior to moving off-road equipment from a cutting unit that is shown on the sale area map to be infested with invasive species of concern to, or through any other area that is shown as being free of invasive species of concern, or infested with a different invasive species, the purchaser shall clean such equipment of seeds, soil, vegetative matter, and other debris that could contain or hold seeds, and shall notify the Forest Service. Prior to moving any off-road equipment subject to the cleaning requirements set forth above, the purchaser shall advise Forest Service of its cleaning measures and make the equipment available for inspection. The Forest Service shall have 2 days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays, to inspect equipment after it has been made available. After satisfactory inspection or after such 2-day period, the purchaser may move the equipment as planned. Equipment shall be considered clean when a visual inspection does not disclose seeds, soil, vegetative matter, and other debris that could contain or hold seeds. The purchaser shall not be required to disassemble equipment unless so directed by the Forest Service after inspection. If the purchaser desires to clean off-road equipment on National Forest land, such as at the end of a project or prior to moving to, or through an area that is free of invasive species of concern, Purchaser shall obtain prior approval from Contracting Officer as to the location for such cleaning and measures, if any, for controlling impacts. Clean and carefully inspect all earth-moving or tree-masticating equipment prior to entry onto forest land to ensure removal of all dirt, plants, and other foreign material that may transport noxious weed seeds. Treatment may be deferred on a particular weed species when a reason is stated. METHODOLOGY The methodology used to analyze the extent of current infestations and effects to non-native and invasive species within this area is largely based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, and personal knowledge of the area. Data sets were used from the U.S. Forest Service GIS Corporate Data (12/2012) and the Forest Service Activity Tracking System (FACTS). The methodology used to determine the current status of non-native and noxious species within the Southwest Jemez Landscape Restoration Project is through field visits by personnel who GPS infestations. Such information is then entered into the GIS database to visually display the extent of the populations. This methodology is referred to as inventorying and mapping. In addition to the physical location of an infestation, species identification, size of the infestation and type of treatment (if treated) and the name of the individual collecting data is also recorded. This information is then entered into the FACTS database and stored as a reference in order to track such infestations and treatments. Page 6 of 15

7 MONITORING The Public Land Management Act of 2009 which set the guidelines for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program requires that project proposals describe plans to prevent, remediate, or control invasions of exotic species. As presented in the proposed action, treatment of noxious weeds would occur through hand pulling, prescribed grazing, and burning. The Santa Fe National Forest has a monitoring program in which managers locate, treat, inventory, and monitor non-native and invasive plant infestations on National Forest System Lands. It is through this effort that approximately 1,200 acres of non-native and invasive species have been inventoried within the project area. This very monitoring approach will be carried forward through the life of this project. Monitoring will be carried out ahead of treatments to ensure that infestations do not exist prior to treatments. Infestations will be treated to the extent possible prior to treatments to reduce the threat of an infestation expansion. Infestations will then be inventoried and treated as needed following treatments. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Non-native and invasive plants (also known as noxious weeds), are aggressive species that displace native plant species. The National Invasive Species Council defines invasive species as, those (species) that are not native to the ecosystem under consideration and that cause or are likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human, animal, or plant health. Whereas, Federal Law, under Executive Order defines invasive species as: an alien species whole introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. An Alien species with respect to a particular ecosystem is defined as, any species, including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that is not native to that ecosystem. The terms invasive and noxious are defined by its State and or Federal classification. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulate federally recognized noxious weeds. Individual States are able to decide which classification is used to describe their weed infestations. Most often, State noxious weeds lists only contain non-native species; however noxious weeds may also be a subset of invasive species. Non-native and invasive plants are undesirable species which gradually out-compete native plant communities and starve native plants of space, moisture, and nutrients. They are turning diverse native plant communities into monocultures, and disrupt natural ecosystem processes such as; decreased water infiltration, increased soil erosion, decreased water quality, increased soil salinity, as well as disrupting natural fire regimes (Renz and Sholdice 2006). By reducing native plant infestations and altering natural ecosystem functions, they are also reducing the abundance and diversity of native wildlife species, and microorganisms in those ecosystems. Wildlife habitat is affected by the presence of non-native and invasive species as palatable forage is lost, and nesting and foraging cover is decreased for both aquatic and terrestrial species. Species such as poison hemlock are toxic not only to wildlife that may ingest them, but also humans and domestic animals (USDA 2006). Economic implications can occur from the reduction of wildlife habitat and the loss of wildlife by death, which decrease hunter and angler success rates. Non-native and invasive species distort aesthetic values and recreational opportunities as many species are found along roads, trails, riparian corridors, and developed and dispersed campsites. There are numerous vectors in which non-native and invasive species spread across the landscape. There are some species that have a high reproductive capacity, meaning they produce vast amounts of seeds (>1,000) or numerous root sprouts at once. Natural disturbances such as wind events, rain, floods, snow runoff, and wildfire Page 7 of 15

8 can carry seeds vast distances. Wildlife and domestic animals can carry seeds by foot, coat, or by seeds they may have ingested and discarded by feces. Human activities contribute largely to the spread of non-native and invasive species. Clothing, shoes, vehicles, and ATV s can also carry seeds great distances. Picking of wild flowers can also spread seeds. There are approximately 2,315 acres of inventoried invasive plant infestations scattered throughout NFS land within the project area. It is difficult to distinguish exact acreages of each species as many species occur together creating mixed infestations. Species of invasive plants most dominant within the project area are tamarisk, Russian olive and Siberian elm, which occur along the Jemez River and other low elevation streams. Concentrations of invasive plants are most noticeable along riparian areas, wildfire scars, as well as along roads where the soil has been disturbed and bare soil exposed. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) currently lists 37 weed species on its noxious weeds list (NMDA 2009). NMDA classifies noxious weed infestations into the following three classes: Class A: species are not present or have very limited distribution in New Mexico. Preventing new infestations of these species and eradicating existing infestations is the highest priority. Class B: species are widespread in the State. In areas with severe infestations, management should be deigned to contain the infestation and stop any further spread. Class C: species are distributed throughout the State. Management decision for these species should be determined at the local level, based on feasibility of control and level of infestation. An additional 8 species on listed on the State Watch List. Watch List species are weed species of concern to the state, however infestations have not been established. Table 1 summarizes a list of non-native and invasive species currently inventoried and mapped within the project area, it s classification according to the NMDA noxious weeds list, the dominate vegetation type it occurs in, and approximate acreage infested by vegetation type. Table 1. List of Species that Occur within Project Area, NMDA Classification, Associated Vegetation Type, and Acreage by Vegetation Acreage of Non-native and Invasive Species NMDA Class Vegetation Type Infestation within Vegetation Type Bull thistle C Canada thistle A Field bindweed C Nodding thistle (Plumless or Musk thistle) Poison hemlock (Spotted hemlock) Russian olive Saltcedar (Tamarisk) Siberian Elm (Chinese elm) White top (Hoary cress) Nodding thistle (Plumless or Musk thistle) Scotch thistle Russian knapweed (Hardheads) B B C C C A B A B Riparian/Meadow/ Sensitive Area 2100 Ponderosa Pine 195 Nodding thistle (Plumless or Musk thistle) B Mixed Conifer 20 Page 8 of 15

9 Surveys for invasive plants on the National Forest land have been quite limited. It is estimated there are considerably more Infestations, and species that have not been inventoried and mapped. There are other nonnative species, such as common mullein, which has been identified to occur within the project area. Although, mullein is not currently listed on the NMDA noxious weeds list, its ecological effects are just as damaging as those species that are currently listed. Efforts to map and inventory non-native and invasive species will continue throughout the life of this project. Species found within the project area which are non-native or invasive in nature will be treated regardless of its listing status. A forest wide Final Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates proposed invasive plant control alternatives was completed and the associated decision appealed. The appeal reviewing officer remanded it back to the Forest, recommending additional analysis. A Supplemental (revised) EIS (SEIS) is currently being developed. The use of chemical (herbicide) to treat invasive non-native plant infestations identified within the project area will be delayed until the completion of the supplemental SEIS. Other methods of treatment, such as hand grubbing, will continue to be used prior to the completion of the SEIS, as well as on species that are not identified for chemical treatment. There is great potential to vastly increase the amount of non-native and invasive species present within the project area. Proposed activities will all create a vulnerable landscape to new infestations and expansions. Timely detection and effective treatment methods are vital to controlling and containing existing, new, and expanding infestations. Mitigation measure will be developed which would allow the proposed activities to occur while ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ALTERNATIVE 1- PROPOSED ACTION All of the activites proposed in this project would likely cause some degree of soil distrurbance, although at various levels. As soil is disturbed, and native vegetation removed, non-native and or invasive species are likely to establish themselves and outcompete native vegetation for moisture, nurtients and sunlight. The level and duration of disturbance will influence the severity of infestations. Some proposed activities are more disruptive than others and pase a larger threat such as road maintenance, road decommissioing, and construction of temporary roads which will be discussed below. Fire releases nitrogen and increases light availability increasing understory grasses (White et al 2001). Fire reduces competition from native vegetation allowing non-native or invasive species to be become established or spread. Prescribed fire is designed to burn at low intensities. Low intensity fire generally consumes ground fuels with minimal soil disturbance. When soil distrubrance in low, the rate of spread of undesirable species is not as a severe as it would be duirng a wildfire as it does not cause loss of the seedbank of native vegetaiton. Fowler et al (2008) reported a minimal effect on the abundance of undesirable species following low-intensity fires in ponderosa pine forests. Low intensity fires cause nutrient cycling and stimulate the growth o fnative vegetation. However, Kerns et al (2006) reported the increase in exotic vegetaion species following prescribed burns occuring in the fall versus the spring. Keely (2006) has noted regardless of the size of the burn areas, the abundance of non-native and invasive species on the landscape is the largest determining factor of whether newly burned areas will become infested. As burn units are identified, surveying areas prior to treatments will be incredibly important to reduce the threat of establishment and/or spread. Page 9 of 15

10 Thistle Infestation following the Las Conchas Wildfire of Prescribed fire has the potential to create hydrophobic soils, particularly when burning slash piles (Ballard 2000). The heat generated by burning slash piles remains localized and can cause severely burned soils, destroying the seed bank of native vegetation and altering the soil chemistry. Pile burning is typically done from fall to early spring when temperatures are cooler therefore reducing the amount of heat on the soils. As piles will be generated following thinning operations. Mitigations measures have been developed to mitigate the effects of the proposed burning activities to reduce the threat of non-native and invasive species. Not only are non-native and invasive species capable of changing the fuel structure of forests (Brooks et al. 2004) they are also capable of setting back both natural and artificial regeneration of the dominant forest trees. The act of thinning trees in all vegetation types reduces the competition by tree seedlings and creates vulnerable areas for infestations. Wildfire is a greater disturbance than harvesting and can result in large increases in invasive, nonnative plants (Zouhar et al. 2008). Machinery and vehicles used to carry out thinning activities also disturbs soils which can create additional vulnerable areas. Mitigations have been set up to minimize the disturbance and reduce the possibility of non-native and invasive species establishing or spreading during harvesting activities. An increase in non-native plant response is dependent on the treatment intensity (e.g., basal area removed, number of entries into a stand) as well as the use of prescribed fire for slash disposal (Sutherland and Nelson 2010). Gelbard & Belnap (2003) report that the more developed a road is, the more likely an infestation of non-native species will occur within close proximity to the road, and also within the interiors of the forest. More developed roads see higher levels of disturbance from vehicle traffic and maintenance activities. They also create microhabitats with increased sunlight reaching the forest floor, and water running off the road and penetrating the soil adjacent to the road creating great opportunities for non-native and invasive species to become established and spread. Fowler et al (2008) also reported roadways as having higher densities of non-native and invasive species. Soil disturbance will occur as temporary roads and skid trails are built, gravel pits are explored and developed, and continued road maintenance occurs. These areas will become susceptible to the establishment and spre ad of non-native and invasive species. The act of decommissioning roads in itself may cause the establishment and spread of non-native and invasive species as vehicles and machinery enter the site to remove the roads from the landscape. However, over time the risk of establishment and spread may be reduced once the road decommissioning is completed as vehicles will no longer enter these areas. Page 10 of 15

11 Soil disturbance associated with in-stream work, increasing water sources, screening water sources, enhancing seeps and springs, reducing erosion from headcuts, enhancing riparian vegetation and restoring areas damaged by dispersed recreation may have a direct effect on the establishment and/or spread of non-native and invasive species. These activities may include the use of hand tools and/or machinery, and the use of vehicles within these areas in order to accomplish these actions. However, the effects can be mitigated by implementing the mitigation measures discussed in the mitigation section above. In addition to the mitigation measures included in the design of this project; a proposed action to control and contain infestations of non-native and invasive species by hand pulling, the use of prescribed grazing, and or prescribed fire is also included. The use of these proposed treatments in combination with the mitigation measures, and the continuation of the monitoring program will allow managers to better prevent future infestations or their spread, and treat current Infestations while restoring the ecosystem and it s functions. ALTERNATIVE 2 NO ACTION The effects displayed under alternative 1 would not occur as the proposed activities would not be implemented. Without treatment, non-native and invasive plant species would continue to expand. Current management would continue as is, and projects that have completed NEPA planning would continue to be implemented. Infestations would not be treated and would otherwise be inventoried and/or monitored by observation. Mitigations that are part of the Southwest Jemez Landscape Restoration Project would not occur. Hand pulling, prescribed grazing, or burning would not occur within the project area until the SEIS for the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests Invasive Plant Control Project is completed. Treatment occurring outside of the project boundary would continue to occur. However, as much of the Jemez District is included under the proposed action for this project, a large portion of the district would not receive treatment. As a result, current infestations will continue to spread and new infestations will become established and grow. The likelihood of large uncharacteristic wildfire will still be present. This would have larger areas and more opportunities for non-native species to set in. A good example of this has been seen within the Las Conchas wildfire scare where scotch thistle was present on about 400 acres. Mapping and inventory of non-native species done a year later showed an it expanded to 2800 acres. ALTERNATIVE 3 NO CONSTRUCTION OF TEMPORARY ROADS The effects under this alternative will be the same as in Alternative 1 for the exception of temporary road beds. Under this alternative areas that do not have road access (1,838 acres) would not be mechanically treated, but would receive prescribed burn treatment only. Roadways are the primary vector for the spread of non-native species (Von der Lippe and Korwik 2007). Under this alternative the risk of possible infestations would be reduced. However, these areas would remain at risk for uncharacteristic wildfire, insets, and disease outbreaks. The effects of prescribed burning would be the same in this alternative as in alternative 1. ALTERNATIVE 4 NO BURNING IN AREAS THAT ARE MECHANICALLY TREATED The effects under this alternative will be the same as in Alternative 1 for the exception of not burning areas that are mechanically treated. In areas that are mechanically treated wood material may be removed via contract or as firewood. In some areas the product would remain on site. In accessible areas, chipping or masticating material may occur. Fuel would be lopped and scatter on the ground. These areas would increase the amount of fuel on the ground. In the event of an uncharacteristic wildfire, the soil would experience high intensities of heat for longer periods of time which may damage the soil and increase the probability of non-native and invasive species to become established and spread. Page 11 of 15

12 ALTERNATIVE 5 IMPLEMENT THE EXISTING FOREST PLAN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING MEXICAN SPOTTED OWL HABITAT (AMENDMENT #6, 1996) The effects under this alternative will be similar as in Alternative 1 for the exception of burning about 700 fewer acres within Mexican Spotted owl (MSO) protected activity centers (PAC). Thinning trees in these PACs may occur but will be limited to 9 in diameter and below. Under this alternative the risk of possible infestations would be reduced. However, these areas would remain at risk for uncharacteristic wildfire, insets, and disease outbreaks. CUMMULATIVE EFFECTS The area considered in order to analyze the cumulative effects to non-native and invasive terrestrial plant species is the entire project boundary. As infestations are easily established and have the potential to spread rapidly without treatment, or without chemical control, virtually all ground disturbing activities have the ability to encourage the establishment and spread of such species. Activities such as: prescribed burning and fuels reduction, thinning, recreation, mining, road construction and maintenance, road decommissioning, wildlife and livestock grazing, and range improvement construction all can contribute to the establishment and spread of nonnative and invasive species. Activities done on the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Jemez Pueblo lands, private lands, state, county, and other federal or other tribal lands adjacent to the project boundary are expected to continue. Management actions within those lands can also enable non-native and invasive species to establish and spread. However, these entities may also treat infestations with herbicide or other control methods that may contribute to the reduction of infestations within the National Forest. Climate Change Non-native and Introduced species are a problem now because they can adapt better and outcompete native vegetation within their own present day ecosystems. With less precipitation, warmer climates and areas more susceptible for wildfires, nonnative species will have a greater advantage to outcompete native vegetation. Effects of Amendments Proposed amendment changes would not have an effect on non-native plant populations. Prescribed burns and mechanical treatment will still occur which are the primary mechanism for spread. CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE EFFECTS Altnerative 1 would provide the best response to the treat of non-native and invasive species by allowing the use of hand grubbing, prescribed grazing, and prescribed fire. Using these control methods in combination with mitigation measures and continued monitoring the proposed resoration activities in alternative 1 would prove to be the most beneficial across the landscape for forest health. Alternative 1 would provide the largest increase in herbaceous native vegetation which directly competes with non-native and invasive species. Thinning of trees followed by prescribed fire would allow the maximum acreage of the landscape to receive restoration treatments resulting in a resilient landscape. Low intensity fire by broadcast prescribed burn or pile burning across the landscape will withstand the potential for non-native and invasive infestations than if no treatment was implemented and a wildfire occurred. Alternatives 3 and 4 would have similar benefits as Alternative 1 although at a smaller scale as thinning and burning would not be implemented in the maximum amount of area. Alternative 3 would have the best short term affect to non-native and invasive species by not allowing the construction of temporary roads for tree harvesting Page 12 of 15

13 activities. However, not treating these areas would make them susceptible to uncharacteristic wildfire, insects, and disease which may cause significant loss of native vegetation. Alternative 2 would have the least benefit to ecosystem resilience as only small scale; fragmented projects are implemented throughout the landscape. Under alternative 2 current inventories, monitoring and treatment of infestations would cease within the project boundary, allowing infestations to become established and spread. Page 13 of 15

14 EFFECTS SUMMARY This section compares the effects of implementing each alternative relative to rangeland related issues and associated tradeoffs in meeting purpose and need. Information is quantified where possible; otherwise a brief qualitative description is included. This section includes criteria that may be important to the decision, but are not necessarily issues around which alternatives are generated. Information in this matrix relative to tradeoffs in meeting purpose and need is supported by information contained in the description of the proposed action and alternatives. Table 2 Effects Summary by Alternative Southwest Jemez Landscape Restoration Project Affected Resource Alternative 1 (Proposed Action) Alternative 2 (No Action) Alternative 3 (No Construction of Temporary Roads) Alternative 4 (No Burning in Areas that are Mechanically Treated) Alternative 5 (Implement the Existing Forest Plan Standards for MSO) Non-Native & Invasive Plant Species Due to the proposed improvements the current condition would be expected to improve. Thinning of woody vegetation will allow understory vegetation to establish and grow. Increase in native herbaceous vegetation and available livestock forage. Nutrient cycling will occur on areas that are re-introduced to fire. Improved wildlife habitat. More water available in areas adjacent to seeps and springs. Decreased risk of uncharacteristically large wildfires. Continued decline of herbaceous vegetation and further spread of non-native and invasive species. New infestations would not be identified, monitored or treated leading to further spread. Continued increase the probability of an uncharacteristic wildfire event, insects and disease which allow nonnative and invasive to become established and spread Similar effects to Alternative 1. However maximum amount of acreage will not be treated, leaving these areas susceptible to wildlife fire and natural diseases. Areas with no temporary road construction will have less probability of infestation related to proposed activities due to less vehicle disturbance. However, these areas will be at risk for uncharacteristic wildfire which can lead to larger infestations. Similar effects to Alternative 1. However maximum amount of acreage will not be treated, leaving these areas susceptible to wildlife fire and natural diseases. Nutrient recycling gained from burning will not occur which would otherwise enhance native vegetation. Native vegetation would not respond as quickly as they would following a prescribed burn, allowing non-native and invasive species Similar to Alternative 1 with less potential for Non-Native Species to spread through mechanical and prescribed burns. An increase for potential if a wildfire occurred. Resilient Ecosystem Page 14 of 15

15 APPENDIX A REFERENCES CITED Ballard, T. M Impacts of Forest Management on Northern Forest Soils. Forest Ecology and Management 133: Brooks, M.L., C.M. D Antonio, D.M. Richardson, J.B. Grace, J.E.Kelly, J.M. DiTomaso, R.J. Hobbs, M. Pellant, and D. Pyke Effects of Invasive Alien Plants on Fire Regimes. BioScience, 54(7): Fowler, J.F., C.H. Sieg, B.G. Dickson, and V.Saab Exotic Plant Species Diversity: Influence of Roads and Prescribed Fire in Arizona Ponderosa Pine Forests. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 61(3): Gelbard, J.L. and J. Belnap Roads as Conduits for Exotic Plant Invasions in a Semiarid Landscape. Conservation Biology 17(2); Kerns, B.K., W. G. Thies, and C. G. Niwa Season and severity of prescribed burn in ponderosa pine forests: Implications for understory native and exotic plants Ecoscience, 13(1): National Invasive Species Council. Accessed December 14, Sheley, R.L. and J.K. Petroff Biology and Management of Noxious Rangeland Weeds. Oregon State University Press. Corvallis, Or. Von der Lippe, M. and I. Kowarik Long-Distance Dispersal of Plants by Vehicles as a Driver of Plant Invasions. Conservation Biology 21(4); White, A.S., J.E. Cook, and J.M. Vose Effects of Fire and Stand Structure on Grass Phenology in a Ponderosa Pine Forest. American Midland Naturalist 126(2): ZOUHAR, K., J.K. SMITH, AND S. SUTHERLAND Effects of fire on nonnative invasive plants and invasibility of wildland ecosystems. P in Wildland fire in ecosystems: Fire and nonnative invasive plants, Zouhar, K., J.K. Smith, S. Sutherland, and M.L. Brooks (eds.) US For. Ser. Gen. Tech Rep. RMRS-GRT-42-vol. 6. Page 15 of 15