Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Decision Memo

Transcription

1 Introduction Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Decision Memo Modoc National Forest Doublehead Ranger District Modoc County, CA The Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project - Phase II (CL Phase II) is located in two separate areas to the south and southeast of Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) (refer to attached map). The project will occur on lands administered by the Modoc National Forest, but is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), and private landowners. Proposed treatments will complement ongoing and completed habitat improvement efforts around the Clear Lake NWR, including the CL Phase I project and treatments on adjacent privately owned lands. The purpose of this project is to control western juniper (juniper) expansion near the Clear Lake area, and continue to implement habitat restoration per the direction and guidance in the Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (USDA-BLM 2008). The CL Phase II project area is typical of the sage steppe ecosystems across the Modoc Plateau, where the extent and density of juniper has increased dramatically over the last century. The historically open sage steppe communities that consisted of scattered individual trees or small pockets of juniper are transitioning towards dense juniper woodlands with suppressed understories. Sagebrush-grasslands remain the overall dominant plant community in the project area, but juniper is now co-dominant or even dominant in portions of the treatment units. The health of the shrub and herbaceous plant community is diminished in areas where juniper is now dominant. The decline of the open sage steppe community prompted a landscape-scale collaborative analysis and subsequent development of the Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy. Greater sage-grouse (sage-grouse) occur in the Clear Lake area and require large, contiguous blocks of open sage steppe communities. In 2010, the FWS issued a 12-Month Finding that indicated sage-grouse were warranted, but precluded from federal listing by higher priority listing actions. The FWS recognized juniper expansion and infill as a threat to sage-grouse. The local Clear Lake Sage-grouse Working Group (SGWG) specifically identified juniper expansion and increased density as the primary cause of reductions in the amount and quality of useable habitat for sage-grouse. The SGWG established an Active Management Area (AMA) around the NWR to focus initial habitat restoration efforts for the sole remaining sage-grouse population in northwestern Modoc County. The last known active lek complex (breeding area) for this isolated population occurs on the Clear Lake NWR. Proposed treatment units are within and immediately adjacent to the AMA, and include areas where sage-grouse were recently recorded during a radio-telemetry study. The proposed action is necessary because juniper expansion will continue to encroach and

2 Decision Memo - Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Page 2 degrade nesting, brood rearing, and wintering habitat for sage-grouse, potentially leading to a complete loss of sage-grouse habitat in northwestern Modoc County. Project Description The proposed action is to cut down juniper in the three treatment units totaling approximately 4,511 acres in size. The units (Pinnacle, Lone Pine, and Horse Camp) are currently dominated by sagebrush, but juniper occurs at variable densities. Juniper trees in the units range in size from small saplings to large, old-growth trees. Old-growth juniper and trees that protect other resource values, such as raptor nests, will not be cut down. Retaining these juniper trees within the units will continue to support nesting, foraging, and other habitat components for wildlife species associated with this habitat type. The extensive juniper expansion occurring across the Modoc Plateau also provides thousands of acres of habitat outside treatment units for wildlife species associated with juniper communities. Early intervention is the key to effective restoration. Once juniper cover becomes too dense and the understory grasses and shrubs have died out, it becomes extremely difficult and expensive to restore the sagebrush community. Sagebrush communities in the early phases of juniper expansion are fairly resilient and generally still support a healthy component of shrubs, forbs, and grasses. Treatment at this stage will reverse resource degradation and improve sage-grouse habitat relatively quickly and inexpensively. The proposed treatment units are a priority because they are near recent sage-grouse observations and have a high likelihood of success due to the amount of native vegetation still present in the understory. The treatment units will also expand the benefits of similar habitat improvement efforts taking place in the Clear Lake area. Additionally, strong partnerships are in place to assist in planning, implementation, and monitoring of restoration activities as recommended in the Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy. Actions proposed below incorporate applicable management direction from the Modoc National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan as amended, Endangered Species Act, guidance from USFS Region 5, USFS Handbook direction, and other applicable laws and acts. The proposed action also incorporates recommendations identified in the 2010 Conservation Strategy for Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and Sagebrush Ecosystems within the Devil s Garden/Clear Lake Population Management Unit. To meet the Purpose and Need, the following actions will occur: Pinnacle Unit: 2,543 acres Hand fell all juniper except those exhibiting old growth characteristics (see Miller et al for typical characteristics) or those protecting other resource issues per the Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (p.49). Lop slash to a height of 30 inches or less.

3 Decision Memo - Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Page 3 Lone Pine Unit: 1,443 acres Hand fell all juniper except those exhibiting old growth characteristics (see Miller et al for typical characteristics) or those protecting other resource issues per the Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (p.49). Lop slash to a height of 30 inches or less. Pile and burn slash on up to 6 acres along the fence. Directionally hand fell trees within a 30ft buffer along the fence line (16 acres). o Mechanical equipment will be used to pick up and move cut trees to just outside the fence buffer or within the pile and burn units. o Mowing of decadent bitterbrush to stimulate new growth may occur within portions of the buffer. Horse Camp Unit: 614 acres Hand fell all juniper except those exhibiting old growth characteristics (see Miller et al for typical characteristics) or those protecting other resource issues per the Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (p.49). Lop slash to a height of 30 inches or less. Pile & burn up to 170 acres throughout unit. Directionally hand fell trees within a 30ft buffer along fence line and road (16 acres). o Mechanical equipment will be used to pick up and move cut trees to just outside the fence buffer or within the pile and burn units. o Mowing of decadent bitterbrush to stimulate new growth may occur within portions of the buffer. All parties affiliated with the implementation of this project will meet prior to initiation of treatments to review the design criteria, specifications, and limiting operating periods (LOPs) to ensure retention of old growth juniper, protection of hydrological features, and protection for sensitive plant and wildlife species. Inspections will be conducted during project implementation in areas where old growth junipers are present. Pre- and post-implementation monitoring will also be completed. Decision and Rationale After review of the interdisciplinary analysis, I have decided to implement the Clear Lake Sagegrouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II as described above to improve the condition of the sage steppe ecosystem. My decision is responsive to the need for improving and restoring sage-grouse habitat, and recognizes the importance of working with our collaborators who are enhancing sage-grouse habitat and sage steppe ecosystems on adjacent private and federally managed lands. My decision will result in returning vegetative conditions in the project area toward more open sage steppe communities and providing more sustainable habitat conditions for sage-grouse. This project is timely because much of the juniper in the treatment units is in the early stages of expansion, and the shrub and herbaceous plant communities are still relatively healthy and intact. Treatments will be cost effective (lower densities of juniper require less fuel to treat) and

4 Decision Memo - Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Page 4 ecologically effective (minimal disturbance and retention of intact sagebrush-grassland understory). Based on the analysis of this project as well as the monitoring results of other juniper treatments in the AMA, no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant further analysis and documentation in an Environmental Analysis (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Using the analysis and design criteria described below, I have determined there will be no significant impacts to any resources. Required Design Criteria: The project manager (Doublehead Ranger District Wildlife Biologist) is responsible for informing the contractor and Forest Service personnel of the required Design Criteria (Appendix A) for this project prior to its implementation. The application of these criteria is required to protect rare and sensitive wildlife, plant, water, and heritage resources within the project area. Reasons for Categorically Excluding the Proposed Project The proposed action is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS) based on 36 CFR 220.6(e)(6) Timber stand and/or wildlife habitat improvement activities that do not include the use of herbicides or do not require more than 1 mile of low standard road construction. Based on the evaluations and reports provided by resource specialists, as well as the integrated Design Criteria listed in Appendix A, I find the proposed decision consistent with 36 CFR concerning extraordinary circumstances. Resource conditions considered in determining whether extraordinary circumstances related to the proposed action warrant further analysis are summarized below. The mere presence of one or more of these resource conditions does not preclude use of a Categorical Exclusion. However, if a cause and effect relationship is identified between the proposed action and an effect on these resource conditions, the degree of the potential effect must be evaluated to determine whether extraordinary circumstances exist (36 CFR 220.6(b)(2). Resource conditions evaluated for extraordinary circumstances: i. Federally listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat, species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, or Forest Service sensitive species. a. Fish and Wildlife Species A wildlife biologist analyzed the effects of the project, and the information below summarizes the determination of effects on the species analyzed in these reports. The Lost River sucker (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose sucker (Chasmistes brevirostris) are endangered throughout their entire range (USFWS 1988). In December 2012, the FWS designated Critical Habitat for both species, which includes all of Clear Lake and portions of Willow Creek, Boles Creek and a few other tributaries in California.

5 Decision Memo - Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Page 5 The easternmost edge of the Pinnacle Unit boundary comes to within 250 feet of Boles Creek. The untreated zone between the project area and Boles Creek contains deep, productive soils with adequate vegetative ground cover to eliminate risk of sediment flow from the project into the creek. Additionally, juniper densities in the eastern portion of the Pinnacle treatment area are relatively low, so hand felling trees will not result in any substantial soil disturbance that could lead to potential impacts to Boles Creek. The extreme western edge of the Pinnacles Unit slopes toward an ephemeral drainage that eventually empties into Clear Lake. The proposed action will not cause substantial soil disturbance nor lead to sedimentation of this seasonally dry drainage. The CL Phase II project will not affect Lost River or shortnose suckers, nor will it affect designated Critical Habitat for Lost River or shortnose suckers. Greater sage-grouse is a candidate species and is not afforded protection under the ESA. However, sage-grouse is considered a USFS R5 Sensitive species. Implementation of the CL Phase II project, in combination with other juniper removal projects in the Clear Lake area, is expected to result in immediate and long-term benefits to sage-grouse through improvement of marginal habitat and restoration of potential nesting, brood-rearing, and wintering habitat. Sage-grouse are unlikely to remain in areas with moderate to heavy juniper cover, and treatments in these areas will cause minimal or no disturbance to sage-grouse. Areas with widely spaced trees would be treated relatively quickly, also resulting in minimal disturbance to sage-grouse that may occur in the area. Piling and burning will occur outside the nesting season, and result in minimal or no disturbance to sage-grouse or sage-grouse habitat. Bald eagle, Swainson s hawk, and pallid bat are the other USFS R5 Sensitive wildlife species that occur or have potential habitat in or adjacent to the project area. The Modoc Land and Resources Management Plan (LRMP, 1991) also includes standards and guidelines for the management of golden eagle that may occur in or adjacent to the project area. The CL Phase II project, implemented with the Design Criteria listed in Appendix A, will have no effect on bald eagle, golden eagle, or pallid bat. The project may affect individual Swainson s hawk, but is not likely to result in a trend towards Federal listing or a loss of species viability. b. Plant Species The Forest botanist analyzed the effects of the project and the information below summarizes the determination of effects on the species analyzed. Two federally listed plant species occur on the Modoc National Forest: the endangered species Greene s tuctoria (Tuctoria greenei), and the threatened species slender Orcutt grass (Orcuttia tenuis). Vernal pool habitats, within which both listed species grow, have been identified within the Pinnacle and Lone Pine project units. No federally listed plant species were located during surveys in Because there are no known threatened or endangered plant species within the project area and protective design features (Appendix A) are in place, implementation of the CL Phase II project will not result in direct, indirect, or cumulative effects on any federally listed plant species.

6 Decision Memo - Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Page 6 Botany surveys in 2012 did not discover any occurrence or likely habitat for the USFS R5 Sensitive species Phacelia inundata and Potentilla basaltica. Surveys also did not detect occurrence of any other USFS R5 Sensitive species within the project area; therefore, there will be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects on any USFS R5 Sensitive plant species. ii. Flood plains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds. The project will not modify any flood plains or wetlands. The Forest Botanist has identified the presence of two vernal pools within the project area and identified protection measures for these pools which are included in the project Design Criteria. The project area is not within a municipal watershed. iii. Congressionally designated areas, such as wilderness, wilderness study areas, or national recreation areas. The CL Phase II project is not within designated wilderness, wilderness study areas, or national recreation areas. iv. Inventoried roadless area or potential wilderness area. The project is not within an inventoried roadless area or potential wilderness area. v. Research natural areas. The project is not within a research natural area. vi. American Indians and Alaska Native religious or cultural sites. A Heritage Resources Specialist Report prepared for the CL Phase II project determined that implementation of the project will not adversely affect religious or cultural sites because known sites are being protected through mitigation or avoidance. vii. Archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas. A Heritage Resources Specialist Report was prepared for the CL Phase II project. Ten archaeological surveys have been conducted within the project area over the past thirty-two years. The most recent surveys, covering the Pinnacle, Lone Pine, and Horse Camp units were conducted in Numerous heritage resource properties have been located to date within the project area. Protection measures identified in the Heritage Resources Specialist Report for the CL Phase II project are included as part of the Design Criteria (Appendix A), and will be in place to protect heritage resources. Other Findings Fire/Fuels The West Zone Fuels Battalion analyzed the effects of the project on fire/fuels and the information below summarizes the determination of effects. Juniper removal will help decrease extreme fire behavior in the event of a wildfire. Based on plot data recorded in similar habitat in the Clear Lake area, there will be less than a ton of dry slash

7 Decision Memo - Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Page 7 per acre after trees growing in lower densities are felled and cured. Potential fire activity or severity is not expected to greatly increase as a result of treatment in these areas (lower juniper densities); therefore, slash will be lopped and no piling or burning of fuels will occur. Plot data from areas with higher density juniper sites indicate that if junipers were cut and left, there could be in excess of four tons of slash per acre. This would significantly increase fire behavior and smother any new vegetation trying to grow under the cut slash. In areas of higher juniper density, piling and burning outside of known archeological sites and other sensitive areas (e.g. vernal pools) could occur. Soils The Forest Soils Scientist analyzed the effects of the project on fire/fuels and the information below summarizes the determination of effects. Restrictive soil layers, as exhibited in this project area, increase below-ground competition between plants. Shallow restrictive soil layers in the project area include a silica duripan, a heavy clay layer, and bedrock. With increasing juniper dominance, herbaceous vegetation is likely to decrease on sites where there is a restrictive soil layer within inches beneath the surface as is common on this site. Impermeable layers that restrict water movement also will influence surface water runoff on the site. If untreated, a dense overstory of juniper would reduce soil-water-capture and infiltration by limiting the amount of precipitation that reaches the ground. Research indicates that when juniper dominance is reduced, the result is an increase in herbaceous plant cover on sites with relatively fine-textured soils and a corresponding decrease in runoff and soil erosion. Leaving juniper debris on the ground after cutting will also help intercept runoff and increase infiltration, increase soil moisture, and decrease soil temperature as well as reduce evaporative loss of soil water. These treatments should increase the ability of the site to capture and store water. Noxious Weeds A Noxious Weed Risk Assessment was completed by the Forest Botanist to determine the risk of introducing or spreading noxious weeds from project implementation. Data for the assessment was based on noxious weed field surveys conducted in 2012 and from a review of the Modoc National Forest noxious weed database. Dyer s woad and Medusahead were observed in the treatment units during the 2012 surveys. Cutting juniper trees and scattering the slash in places where the juniper overstory is already fairly thin is not predicted to significantly alter those habitats. In places where juniper grows more thickly, some slash will be piled and burned. Burn piles (less than one percent of the project area) are highly altered spots of habitat. Given the burn pile units and the existing sensitivity of the project to invasion, the risk of habitat alteration is considered high. Outside of burn piles, the risk of habitat alteration is considered low. Mowing bitterbrush is not likely to significantly alter habitat in a way that would particularly benefit noxious weeds. Implementation of the project Design Criteria (Appendix A) will mitigate the effects of project implementation by reducing the risk of introducing or spreading noxious weeds to low.

8 Decision Memo - Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Page 8 Migratory Landbird Conservation A wildlife biologist analyzed the effects of the project on migratory landbirds and the information below summarizes the determination of effects. A number of bird species are considered sagebrush obligate or facultative species because they are strongly associated with open sage steppe habitat with little to no juniper cover. Proposed treatments will reduce juniper expansion and infill, decreasing competition with the shrubs, forbs, and grasses which sage steppe obligate birds depend on for food, cover, and reproduction. Several species listed as Birds of Conservation Concern for the Great Basin Bird Conservation Region (USFWS 2008), which includes the Modoc NF, are present in the project area. Removal of all but the old growth juniper and juniper protecting other resource values will favor habitat conditions for these species by providing open sage steppe conditions necessary for their persistence. Migratory birds that utilize juniper could be displaced from the project areas, but old growth juniper and juniper protecting other resource concerns will be retained and continue to provide limited habitat within the project area. Additionally, juniper cover has increased dramatically across the Great Basin over the last century, and this habitat type is abundant on lands outside the project area despite ongoing efforts to restore sage steppe habitat. Hydrology The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (WQCB) responded to the project scoping letter on March 5, The WQCB response letter stated the CL Phase II project would have a low likelihood of impacting water quality, and therefore, there is no need for additional conditions or mitigations. A Forest Hydrologist determined that there is little potential for the proposed action to adversely affect the geomorphic, hydrologic, or riparian characteristics and aquatic habitats in affected watersheds. Best Management Practices have been developed for the project and will be implemented if needed to further reduce potential for impacts to hydrologic resources in the project area. Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing is a managed, seasonal activity in and adjacent to the project area. Range monitoring in the affected allotments indicates that grazing utilization levels are typically low to moderate, which allows for adequate plant regrowth, maintenance of plant cover, root development, and seed production. Allotment management plans prepared for these allotments also provides an adequate period of rest from grazing so that plant recovery occurs. Based on the limited vegetative disturbance expected from implementation of the proposed action and the low to moderate utilization levels, the project is not expected to affect livestock grazing management. The treatment units comprise an area smaller than the grazed pasture, and less than one percent of the treatment units within these pastures are proposed for the more intense pile and burn treatment. This minor amount of impact to the rangelands within the large pastures is unlikely to affect grazing management. The majority of the proposed treatments are limited to cutting down low to moderate densities of juniper with no follow-up piling and burning. This treatment will maintain the understory shrub, grass, and forb vegetation.

9 Decision Memo - Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Page 9 Strategic placement of salt and mineral blocks, early rotation of livestock, or rest from grazing may occur if monitoring indicates excessive utilization is occurring or site-specific objectives are not being met. Based on monitoring of vegetative response following similar treatments in adjacent areas, resting pastures is unlikely to be necessary to achieve site-specific objectives. Findings Required by Other Laws This decision is in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (1969), the National Forest Management Act (1976), and all other applicable laws and regulations. This action is also consistent with the Modoc National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP 1991) and the Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (2008). The Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy is an all lands cooperative approach to sage steppe restoration that amended the LRMP. No significant impact is expected on parkland, floodplains, prime farmlands, wild and scenic rivers or other ecologically critical areas, as none exist in the project area. No significant impact is expected on wetlands or heritage resources. No significant impacts to threatened, endangered, sensitive, or management indicator fish, wildlife, or plant species are expected. I have reviewed this action in accordance with Executive Order (consideration of environmental justice). I find scoping was adequate to inform low income and minority populations that may be affected by this action. No concerns of disproportionate health or environmental effects surfaced. Therefore, I find my decision will not disproportionately create high and adverse health or environmental effects to low income or minority populations. There are no municipal watersheds, congressionally designated areas, inventoried roadless areas (IRA) or Research Natural Areas present. There are no anticipated impacts on consumers, minority groups, American Indians, women or civil rights. Public Involvement Public scoping for the CL Phase II project was initiated on February 12, The proposal for the CL Phase II project is also listed in the Schedule of Proposed Actions. Comments received during scoping included concerns for old growth juniper protection, protection of cultural resources, cumulative effects with livestock grazing and other juniper treatments, effects to soils, rare plants, water quality, sage-grouse and other wildlife. An additional concern brought up during scoping was the creation of roads; however, the proposed action does not include construction of any permanent or temporary roads or trails. These issues were considered and addressed in resource reports and Project Design Features. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) was formally notified of the proposed CL Phase II project on February 12 th, 2013 through a public scoping letter. Due to the absence of potential impacts to Lost River and shortnose suckers or their designated Critical Habitat, a No Effect determination was made and no additional consultation with the FWS was required.

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11 Appendix A Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Appendix A Clear Lake Sage Grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II Required Project Design Criteria 1. Contractors shall be provided all Project Design Criteria in writing and verbally during the prework meeting. 2. Pre- and post-implementation monitoring will be performed, following standard Sage Steppe Restoration Initiative Protocols, including higher intensity monitoring protocols for invasive annual grasses (Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy FEIS and ROD 2008 (p. 50)). 3. Vehicles and equipment will be inspected and cleaned as needed before entering National Forest System lands to reduce the potential for weed seeds entering the project site. Special attention will be paid to these procedures after working in areas infested with medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), a Class C noxious weed. 4. Weed-free staging areas will be located and used during project implementation. 5. No entry or disturbance will occur within the two vernal pools identified within the project area. A 250-foot no treatment/no entry buffer will be applied around the two vernal pools in the project area to protect the R5 sensitive plant species, Phacelia inundata, and potential habitat for two Federally-listed plant species. The buffer zone may be reduced or eliminated if additional botany surveys confirm the absence of listed species. 6. Any new occurrences of federally threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant species discovered before or during project implementation will be flagged and avoided. The Project Manager and the Forest Botanist will be contacted immediately to determine if additional surveys or mitigation measures are appropriate. 7. Limit mechanical or heavy equipment and other soil-disturbing activities to designated routes during wet soil conditions. 8. Soil disturbance will be minimized, to the extent practical, consistent with project objectives. 9. A current Wildlife Mitigation Map illustrating limited operating periods (LOPs) for wildlife will be provided to the contractor prior to project implementation. The project manager will contact District wildlife staff to check for updates to the mitigation map following a break in work of more than seven calendar days. 10. If conclusive raptor nest surveys cannot be completed before cutting is to take place, then appropriate LOPs restricting treatment periods within potential breeding habitat will be applied. An LOP of February 1 August 31 will be applied within high potential golden eagle or prairie falcon nesting habitat. An LOP of April 1 August 15 will be applied within high potential Swainson s hawk nesting habitat. If an occupied raptor nest is discovered during project implementation, work will be halted and an appropriate LOP will be applied. 11. A ½ mile radius non-treatment buffer will be established around occupied bald eagle nests within the project area from January 1 through August 31.

12 Appendix A Clear Lake Sage-grouse Habitat Improvement Project Phase II 12. Juniper slash (resulting from tree cutting) will be removed at least 50 feet out from under the crowns of pine trees and old growth juniper within bald or golden eagle nest stands. 13. A ¼ - ½ mile radius non-treatment buffer will be established around occupied golden eagle and prairie falcon nests within the project area during the breeding season from February 1 through August 31. The ½ mile buffer will apply when project activity occurs within line-of-sight of the nest. 14. A ¼ radius non-treatment buffer will be established around occupied Swainson s hawk nests within the project area during the breeding season from April 1 through August To protect nesting and roosting areas for pallid bat, burn piles will be located at least 50 feet from rim rock areas. 16. Juniper trees supporting raptor-sized nests will not be cut. 17. Heritage resource properties will have their boundaries flagged for management by flag and treat methods. All juniper treated within the flagged sites will be cut by hand, lopped and scattered carefully across the surface of the site. If the boundary tree is not an old growth juniper designated to be left standing, then the site datum tags will be removed and re-nailed to the remaining juniper stump for future reference. 18. No juniper piling and burning may take place within archaeological site limits. Juniper cut along the site limits may be piled outside the site area for disposal by burning. 19. In the event that additional heritage resources are discovered during the course of the project, work will be halted in that area and the Project Manager and the Forest Archaeologist contacted immediately to make appropriate protection and management recommendations in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). 20. Archaeological sites will be monitored after the completion of juniper treatment work to evaluate the success of the treatment. The project lead will inform the Forest Archaeologist when work is completed. 21. The project manager will provide cultural-awareness training for the contractor and Forest personnel working within these units. This will include information regarding the protected status afforded any and all archeological sites (prehistoric and historic). Any evidence of recent or ongoing vandalism or looting must be reported immediately to Law Enforcement and the Forest Archeologist.