Starkey Allotment Management Plan Update Project Environmental Assessment

Transcription

1 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Starkey Allotment Management Plan Update Project Environmental Assessment La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Union County, Oregon March 2016 For More Information Contact: Bill Gamble, District Ranger La Grande Ranger District 3502 Highway 30 La Grande, OR Phone: Fax:

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3 Contents Contents... i Introduction... 1 Proposed Project Location... 2 Need for the Proposal... 3 Public Involvement and Tribal Consultation... 4 Issues... 4 Proposed Action and Alternatives... 5 Alternative One... 5 Alternative Two - Proposed Action... 7 Management Requirements, Constraints and Mitigation Measures... 9 Monitoring Plan Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action and Alternatives Rangeland Resource Aquatic and Water Resources A. Water Quality B. Fish Habitat and Populations C. Aquatic Management Indicator Species D. Riparian Management Objectives (RMOs) Wildlife Resources Rocky Mountain Elk Neotropical Migratory (NTM) Bird Species Threatened, Endangered, Proposed and Sensitive Species Wildlife Species Botanical Species Fisheries Species Invasive Species Social/Economics Soils Cultural Resources Required and Additional Disclosures Finding of No Significant Impact Context Intensity List of Tables Table 1. Forest Plan Management Areas Acres for Briggs and Meadow Creek Pastures 3 and 4. 3 Table 2. Current Grazing Management within the Starkey Allotment... 6 Table 3. Meadow Creek Study Area, Year 2016, 2018, 2020, Table 4. Meadow Creek Study Area, Year 2017, 2019, 2021, Table 5. Briggs Pasture addition to Burnt Corral Rotation, Year Table 6. Briggs Pasture addition to Burnt Corral Rotation, Year Table 7. Percent shrub utilization and use class Table 8. Allowable Forest Plan utilization standards for the Starkey Allotment Table 9. Starkey Allotment Information Table 10. Permitted and Authorized Numbers Table 11. Forage Condition and Trend Ratings Starkey Allotment i

4 Table 12. Alternative 2 pastures and streams within the Starkey AMP Table 13. Alternative 2 miles of fish distribution and species Table 14. Meadow Creek and Battle Creek stream survey results Table 15. Alternative 2 riparian plant associations by stream Table 16. MIS and habitat description for Starkey AMP project area Table 17. MIS habitat summary for Meadow Creek Table 18. MIS habitat summary for Battle Creek Table 19. MIS distribution in the project area in relation to the WWNF Table 20. Alternative 2 miles of stream accessible to livestock Table 21. Steelhead redds/mile in ODFW index area on Meadow Creek ( ) Table 22. Results of ODFW research steelhead spawning surveys in the Starkey Allotment Table 23. PETS species known or suspected to occur on the WWNF Table 24. Invasive Plant Inventory Sites in Starkey Allotment Table 25. Current Permitted and Authorized AUMs for the Starkey Allotment Table 26. Non-productive soil areas within the Starkey Allotment List of Figures Figure 1. Vicinity map... 1 ii

5 La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Introduction We are proposing to update the Starkey Allotment Management Plan to include authorizing livestock grazing on 2 pastures within the Meadow Creek Pasture and one pasture in the Briggs Pasture to facilitate new research and improve livestock management and distribution. These actions are proposed to be implemented within the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range on the La Grande Ranger District of the Wallowa- Whitman National Forest. We prepared this environmental assessment (EA) to determine whether implementation of the authorization of livestock grazing within these 3 pastures may significantly affect the quality of the human environment and thereby require the preparation of an environmental impact statement. By preparing this EA, we are fulfilling agency policy and direction to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). For more details of the proposed action, see the Proposed Action and Alternatives section of this document. Figure 1. Vicinity map The Starkey Experimental Forest and Range is a one-of-a-kind, world class research facility, used by scientists from around the world, and is the primary field location for the study of the effects of deer, elk, and cattle on ecosystems. Interactions between cattle, elk and deer have been studied intensively since 1989 when approximately 25,000 acres of the allotment were included within an eight foot high big game fence. The area is managed by the Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Research Station (PNW) and the WWNF. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Oregon State University (OSU) are the primary research partners. An allotment management plan analysis was completed in 2007 with a decision memo signed by the District Ranger on August 22, This analysis was consistent with regulation guidance at the time of the decision. This decision included the current management as the proposed action. 1

6 Starkey AMP Update Project EA No land outside the current allotment boundary is proposed for new grazing activity and all lands proposed for grazing in this proposal has been grazed in the past. Proposed Project Location The 30,396 Starkey Allotment Management Plan (AMP) Update project area also known as the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range, was established in 1906 as a Forest Service grazing allotment and has been managed primarily for research since the 1940 s. The project area is located in the Meadow Creek drainage approximately 23 miles west of La Grande, Oregon on National Forest System lands along State Highway 244 in Townships 3 & 4S, Ranges 34 & 35E. Refer to Figure 1 Starkey AMP Update Vicinity Map. Forest Plan Management Direction This environmental assessment is tiered to the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, as amended. Major Plan amendments relevant to this project include: EA on Continuation of the Interim Management Direction Establishing Riparian, Ecosystem, and wildlife Standards for Timber Sales, as signed on May 20, 1994, which provides additional standards and guidelines (USDA, 1994, and commonly known as the Screens); Interim Strategies for Managing Anadromous Fish-producing Watersheds in Eastern Oregon and Washington, Idaho, and Portions of California, as signed in 1995, which provides additional standards and guidelines (USDA, 1995, and commonly known as PACFISH). Refer to guidelines described on page 42 of the EA for specific PACFISH direction. The Forest Plan, as amended, includes management goals and objectives and standards and guidelines, both forest-wide and specific to land allocations. All proposed activities in this project area and standards and guidelines, both forest-wide and project specific proposed activities are consistent with the management guidance and direction provided in the Forest Plan. All applicable management direction specific to the following management areas apply to this project area (refer to Management Direction Map in Appendix B): MA1 (3,290 acres). Emphasizes wood fiber production on suitable timberlands while providing relatively high levels of forage and recreational opportunities. MA3 (585 acres). These management areas provide a broad array of forest uses and outputs with emphasis on timber production. However, timber management is designed to provide nearoptimum cover and forage conditions on big game winter (MA3) and selected summer ranges. MA14 (26,521 acres). This area is allocated to research use and will be managed to protect existing research projects and provide for future research needs. In addition to its research contribution, the experimental forest is expected to provide a variety of other benefits including timber and livestock forage when compatible with research uses. 2

7 La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Table 1. Forest Plan Management Areas Acres for Briggs and Meadow Creek Pastures 3 and 4. Pasture Management Area Acres Meadow Creek 3 Management Area Meadow Creek 4 Management Area Management Area Briggs Management Area Need for the Proposal The purpose and need for action describes what the desired condition is for the Starkey AMP Update project area and how the existing condition does not meet that desired condition answering the question why here, why now? Desired Condition The desired condition for range vegetation and related resources is to manage them in a manner insuring that the basic needs and of the forage and browse plants and the soil resources are met. To make available for harvest, forage production that is excess to the basic needs of the plants and soil resource for wildlife (within agreed upon management objectives) and domestic livestock (within Forest Plan utilization standards) which are compatible with research uses. Grazing allotments contribute to a predictable supply of livestock forage that contributes to local ranching operation sustainability and local community s growth while maintaining or achieving ecological desired conditions. Existing Condition The existing management for the Starkey Allotment authorizes three permittees to graze up to 701 cow/calf pairs utilizing three separate grazing systems, two inside the big-game enclosure/main study area and one outside. Grazing is currently authorized for livestock grazing between the dates of June 16 to October 15 using a multi-pasture deferred rotation system in which fences separate each of the pastures. Oregon State University (OSU) researchers also manage a herd of up to 60 pair of livestock within two of the Meadow Creek pastures where livestock grazing is already authorized. Pastures 1, 2 and 5 are currently authorized for livestock grazing. All of the Meadow Creek pastures (pastures 1-5) are being considered for part of a new study being conducted by the Pacific Northwest (PNW) lab, Oregon State University (OSU), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (WWNF) and others. The study would assess the effects of livestock and wildlife herbivory on recovery of riparian ecosystems following riparian restoration projects. Grazing is not currently authorized in pastures 3 and 4. Outside the main study area, one permittee is authorized to graze a total of 141 cow/calf pairs between the dates of June 16 and October 15. These cattle are managed using a two pasture deferred rotation system. The Briggs pasture was historically part of the outside pasture rotation but has not been used due to fences which had been in place to facilitate permitted livestock grazing. In order to improve livestock distribution and management flexibility to achieve grazing goals, the permittee has expressed an interest in utilizing this pasture again. 3

8 Starkey AMP Update Project EA Purpose and Need There is a need to consider permitting grazing within all of the Meadow Creek pastures in order to facilitate research goals and meet the Forest Plan direction for the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range. There is also a need to improve livestock management within the pastures outside of the fence to facilitate meeting allotment goals. Public Involvement and Tribal Consultation The Forest Service consulted the following individuals, Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies during the development of this EA: The Starkey AMP Update project was published in the Wallowa-Whitman Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA), a quarterly publication, in April 2015 and has appeared in each quarterly SOPA since then. This mailing is distributed to a mailing list of individuals, organizations, and agencies and is published on the forest web page. Scoping and consultation for the project was initiated and is ongoing with the the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and ODFW. A detailed description of the proposed action was mailed on August 21, 2015 to approximately 95 forest users and concerned publics soliciting comments and concerns related to this project. One letter was received supporting the actions described in the proposed action. This project has been reviewed and approved by the State Historical Preservation Officer (SHPO). Consultation with National Marine Fisheries Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service for threatened and endangered species has been completed for this project. An analysis file for this project is available for public review at the La Grande Ranger District. The analysis file includes specialist s reports, data specific to the project, public notifications and their responses, meeting notes, and miscellaneous documentation. Issues The ID Team did not identify any key issues in public comments that would lead to the development of additional alternatives. Specific issues brought up by the public can be found in italics in the key issues and other issues sections below. Non-key issues that were analyzed in detail and for which modifications to the proposed action may have been made are: Promotion and Protection of New and On-going Research Forest plan direction within Starkey Experimental Forest and Range for range management is to manage utilization of forage by domestic livestock and wildlife according to research needs. Grazing practices need to protect any on-going research projects within the 3 pastures. Livestock grazing within Meadow Creek pastures 3 & 4 is needed for the good and benefit of the ongoing research. Fish Habitat and Water Quality Livestock grazing along fish-bearing streams may impact fish and fish habitat (redds trampling, removal of riparian vegetation). Management and monitoring within the Meadow Creek 3 & 4 4

9 La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Briggs pastures need to ensure protection of riparian areas in Meadow Creek, Battle Creek, and Burnt Corral Creek. Rangeland Resources Forest plan direction within Starkey Experimental Forest and Range for range management is to manage utilization of forage by domestic livestock and wildlife according to research needs. An allotment management plan (AMP) analysis was completed in Portions of the allotment were not grazed by permitted livestock at the time of the decision and there now exists a need to include these pastures as part of the management of the allotment to support ongoing grazing research and to improve livestock distribution within the allotment boundary. Grazing practices need to protect any on-going research projects within the 3 pastures. Economics Livestock production contributes to the local and regional economy. Changes in permitted livestock numbers can result in impacts especially when substitute sources of forage are not available. Changes in how the allotment is managed can affect implementation and operations costs for permittees. Cultural Resources and Tribal Trust Responsibilities The Starkey allotment lies within ceded lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). There are known cultural sites located within the Starkey AMP boundaries. Appropriate protections need to be implemented as needed to prevent disturbance of known sites. Protection of first foods through active livestock management needs to ensure continued availability of these culturally important resources. Proposed Action and Alternatives The following is a brief description of the proposed action and alterative(s) that meet the need for action. NEPA requires that the agency study, develop, and describe appropriate alternatives to recommend courses of action in any proposal which involves unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources. Because no unresolved conflicts exist, the EA will only analyze the proposed action and proceed without consideration of additional topics (36 CFR 220.7(b)(2)(i)). Alternative One This alternative constitutes the "No Action" required by NEPA. Grazing would continue as authorized under the 2007 AMP within the Starkey Allotment and no grazing would occur in the currently vacant Meadow Creek and Briggs pastures. This alternative forms the baseline for comparison of the action alternatives. The existing management for the Starkey Allotment authorizes three permittees to graze up to 701 cow/calf pairs utilizing three separate grazing systems, two inside the big-game enclosure/main study area and one outside. Grazing is currently authorized for livestock grazing between the dates of June 16 to October 15 using a multi-pasture deferred rotation system in which fences separate each of the pastures. Inside the main study area, two permittees, private and OSU, are authorized to graze a total of 519 cow-calf pairs between the dates of June 16 and October 15. These cattle are managed using 5

10 Starkey AMP Update Project EA a five pasture deferred rotation system. A full-time rider is provided by the permittees to facilitate livestock management during pasture moves and to manage cattle distribution out of riparian areas on a daily basis. Oregon State University (OSU) researchers also manage a herd of up to 60 pair of livestock within two of the Meadow Creek pastures where livestock grazing is already authorized. Pastures 1, 2 and 5 are currently authorized for livestock grazing. Grazing is not currently authorized in pastures 3 and 4. Outside the main study area, one permittee is authorized to graze a total of 141 cow/calf pairs between the dates of June 16 and October 15. These cattle are managed using a two pasture deferred rotation system. The current management of the allotment also includes design features, such as Best Management Practices and PACFISH requirements, which have been successful in meeting and/or moving the allotment toward the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) goals and objectives. All Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation biological assessments or biological opinions will be incorporated into the annual grazing plans and required monitoring. Table 2. Current Grazing Management within the Starkey Allotment Unit Acres Permitted Numbers Main Study Area Average Days in Unit Animal Unit Months (AUMs) Head Months Smith-Bally 5, Half Moon 1, Bear 8, ,020 Campbell Strip Campbell Flat 1, Meadow Creek Study Area Phase III/IV 1, Phase I/II 1, Northeast Study Area NE-East 2, NE-West 1, Feed Grounds Outside Main Study Burnt Corral 3, Strip 1, The grazing season may be adjusted due to resource conditions or unpredictable events such as, but not limited to, fire, drought, or saturated soil conditions, to meet Forest Plan goals and objectives. The number of days cattle spend on each pasture may be modified annually to meet goals and objectives. 6

11 La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest The allotment includes 89 previously constructed water sources (ponds and developed springs) that were built to encourage livestock use away from riparian areas. Riparian fencing has been constructed in some pastures to allow better control of livestock along stream corridors. Alternative Two - Proposed Action The following changes in current management are proposed to occur in the Meadow Creek and the Briggs Pastures. General rotation dates are identified in tables 2 and 3 for Meadow Creek and tables 4 and 5 for the Briggs pasture. As described under Alternative 1, Pastures 1, 2 and 5 are currently authorized for livestock grazing through the previous 2007 decision. Pastures 3 (621 acres), 4 (1,029 acres), and the Briggs (448 acres) pasture are not currently authorized for livestock grazing and would be authorized as described below. (Refer to map in Appendix A) Meadow Creek: The Meadow Creek pastures are part of a new study being conducted by the PNW lab, OSU, ODFW, WWNF and others. The study would assess the effects of livestock and wildlife herbivory on recovery of riparian ecosystems following riparian restoration projects. A series of pasture fences, exclosures and planting protections have been installed to monitor the different grazing effects along the entire reach of Meadow Creek within the Starkey allotment. OSU cattle would be grazed using the rotations described below in Tables 3 and 4. PNW and ODFW researchers would monitor the effects of livestock and wildlife herbivory on riparian plant and ESA fisheries recovery. This change would add 1,650 acres of authorized grazing to the Meadow Creek study pastures. Briggs: The Briggs pasture was historically part of the outside pasture rotation but has not been used due to ameliorated fences which had been in place to facilitate permitted livestock grazing. The existing permittee has expressed an interest in utilizing this pasture again to improve distribution and flexibility of livestock use within the outside pastures (Tables 5 and 6). This change would add 488 acres of authorized grazing to the outside rotation. MEADOW CREEK STUDY AREA A. Meadow Creek Study Area- 122 days. 5,481 acres. 635 AUMS A two year deferred rotation system will be used for the Meadow Creek Riparian study pastures. The rotation will be reversed each year. The general distribution of days per pasture is outlined below. Slight adjustments will occur to accommodate yearly hunts which require limitations on access prior to and during the hunt period (Tables 3 and 4). Table 3. Meadow Creek Study Area, Year 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 Pasture Number 5 Number of Head AUMS Acres Acres per AUM Entry Date Exit Date Days in Unit /16 8/16 62 Key Area Meadow Cr. Cougar Cr. Cougar Cr. uplands /1 10/15 15 Meadow Cr /16 9/30 15 Meadow Cr. Maximum Percent Utilization 40% shrubs 45% terrace 40% shrubs 45% terrace 45% bunchgrass 40% shrubs 45% terrace 40% shrubs 45% terrace Minimum Stubble Height 4 greenline 4 greenline 2-4 by species 4 greenline 4 greenline 7

12 Starkey AMP Update Project EA Pasture Number Number of Head AUMS Acres Acres per AUM Entry Date Exit Date Days in Unit Key Area /1 9/15 15 Meadow Cr /17 8/31 15 Meadow Cr. Maximum Percent Utilization 40% shrubs 45% terrace 40% shrubs 45% terrace Minimum Stubble Height 4 greenline 4 greenline Table 4. Meadow Creek Study Area, Year 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 Pasture Number Number AUMS Acres Acres per AUM Entry Date Exit Date Days in Unit Key Area /16 6/30 15 Meadow Cr /1 7/15 15 Meadow Cr /16 7/30 15 Meadow Cr /31 8/14 15 Meadow Cr /15 10/15 62 Meadow Cr. Cougar Cr. Cougar Cr. uplands Maximum Percent Utilization 40% shrubs 45% terrace 40% shrubs 45% terrace 40% shrubs 45% terrace 40% shrubs 45% terrace 40% shrubs 45% terrace 40% shrubs 45% terrace 45% bunchgrass Minimum Stubble Height 4 greenline 4 greenline 4 greenline 4 greenline 4 greenline 4 greenline 2-4 by species B. Outside main study area- 122 days. 5,030 acres. 747 AUMS. A two year deferred rotation system will be used for the pastures outside the main study area. The rotation will be reversed each year. The general distribution of days per pasture is outlined below. Briggs pasture will be utilized following completion of boundary fencing and off-site water development to facilitate stock water outside Burnt Corral Creek and Battle Creek (Tables 5 and 6). The Briggs pasture may also be utilized as a gathering pasture at the end of the season. Implementation: Grazing management changes would begin in May Table 5. Briggs Pasture addition to Burnt Corral Rotation, Year 1 Pasture Number AUMS Acres Burnt Corral Acres per AUM Entry Date Exit Date Days in Unit /16 8/28 74 Key Area Camas Uplands Camas Creek Maximium Percent Utilization 45% uplands 45% terrace 40% shrubs Minimum Stubble Height 2-4 uplands 4 greenline Upper Strip 75 Strip 8/29 10/ Briggs 8/29 9/19 21 Briggs /20 10/15 25 Camas Uplands Camas Creek Battle Creek 45% uplands 45% terrace 40% shrubs 45% terrace 40% shrubs 2-4 uplands 4 greenline 4 greenline 8

13 La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Table 6. Briggs Pasture addition to Burnt Corral Rotation, Year 2 Pasture Number AUMS Acres Upper Strip 75 Strip Acres per AUM 216 1, Entry Date Exit Date Days in Unit 6/16 8/ Briggs 7/11 8/2 21 Key Area Camas Uplands Camas Creek Maximium Percent Utilization 45% uplands 45% terrace 40% shrubs Minimum Stubble Height 2-4 uplands 4 greenline Briggs /16 7/10 25 Burnt Corral , /3 10/15 74 Battle Creek Camas Uplands Camas Creek 45% terrace 40% shrubs 45% uplands 45% terrace 40% shrubs 4 greenline 2-4 uplands 4 greenline Management Requirements, Constraints and Mitigation Measures The following items are included in the action alternative and provide the measures necessary to keep project impacts at acceptable levels. Noxious Weeds Prior to project implementation, known weed sites and any additional weed sites discovered at the time of implementation would be flagged and pulled by knowledgeable personnel approved by the District s Noxious Weed program. An assessment report of known noxious weed populations is available in the Analysis File. Noxious weed locations also appear on project maps in the analysis file. If new noxious weed infestations are located within the project area, a noxious weed inventory and site assessment will be completed. The analysis for vegetation management is conducted in accordance with the 1990 Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines, the 1998 Forest Noxious Weed EA, the Integrated Noxious Weed Management Plan - Wallowa Whitman National Forest (INWMP, 1992), and the 2005 Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants FEIS. Management activities will give consideration and evaluation of prevention strategies during the planning process (INWMP, Chapter V. Prevention Strategies, Section B). The following measures shall be implemented to reduce new establishment or spread of noxious weeds and responds to the non-key issue of noxious weeds: 1. The Forest Service will monitor for and treat noxious weeds as identified in the Wallowa- Whitman Forest Invasive Plants Treatment Project (2010). Permittees would be encouraged to identify new infestations of noxious weeds and report these annually to the Forest Service. New populations of weeds would be scheduled for treatment. 2. If new noxious weed infestations are located within the project area, a noxious weed inventory and site assessment (as defined in the W-W INWMP) will be completed. Location of other species, conditions or future treatments may require additional analysis to determine the appropriate treatment method. 9

14 Starkey AMP Update Project EA 3. The Wallowa-Whitman Forest Invasive Plants Treatment Project (2010) would be fully implemented for all allotments and individual pastures. The strategy provides a systematic approach to noxious weed treatment using chemical, biological, and mechanical means of weed control for the project area. Early detection and treatment are the most cost-effective way to prevent spread of noxious weeds. 4. Highly disturbed areas will be seeded. The seed mix to be used will consist of native species, or a non-native species mix, to be approved by the District Diverse Species Program. This may include one fast germinating annual grass species to provide immediate ground cover. Seed application rates will be adjusted, as needed to compensate for the broadcast method of application, and to generate vegetation densities adequate to help in deterrence of noxious weed invasion. 5. Seed will be certified weed free, per the Wallowa-Whitman INWMP protocol. Riparian Habitat Utilization of key hydric stabilizers on the greenline will be expressed as stubble height measurements. Utilization on non-greenline grass and grass-like vegetation is not to exceed 45% of the annual production, and is based on height/weight curves. Utilization for shrub browse would be measured by percent removed of annual leader production. A streambank alteration objective of < 20% will be used and is measured at the end of the season using MIM methodology. Below are the endpoint and trigger values for forage utilization and streambank alteration used for monitoring. The endpoint value for greenline utilization is a minimum 4 inch stubble height. A stubble height of 5 inches will be used as a trigger indicator where herbaceous vegetation is a key hydric stabilizer The endpoint value for shrub utilization is a maximum of 40%. A shrub utilization of 30% will be used as a trigger indicator where shrubs are a key hydric stabilizer An endpoint objective value for streambank alteration is < 20% Shrub utilization is estimated by percent use and use class (Table 7). Table 7. Percent shrub utilization and use class Percent Use Use Class 0-5 No use 6-20 Slight Light Moderate Heavy Severe To determine compliance with utilization standards, the Forest Service range manager will measure utilization during and after the grazing season a minimum of one out of five years. Monitoring within the Meadow Creek riparian study area (Meadow Creek pastures 1-5) will occur each year as part of the grazing study. In other parts of the allotment, implementation monitoring will occur on a 2-3 year rotating basis. The PNW lab conducts LRMP monitoring 10

15 La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest every year on a number of long term implementation monitoring sites that do not necessarily overlap with the designated monitoring areas (DMAs) identified and monitored by the La Grande Ranger District. The monitoring results can trigger discussions with the permittee to identify why the standard was not met and develop a plan (adaptive management) to be implemented the following year to correct the management to meet the standard. Spot checks will be made throughout the season to determine if a utilization or distribution issue is developing. Riparian vegetation and upland monitoring occurs in areas that are representative of the overall pasture. If the range manager visually identifies an area of concern or where forage utilization would lead to unacceptable resource conditions, more intensive measurements will be taken. Table 8. Allowable Forest Plan utilization standards for the Starkey Allotment Upland Riparian Condition Rating Grass and Forbs Forested Grassland Shrub Grass and Forbs Shrub Satisfactory 45% 55% 40% by weight 45% by weight 40% Unsatisfactory 0-35% 0-35% 0-30% 0-35% 0-30% The standards described in Table 8 are applied at DMAs in pastures of the Starkey Allotment. DMAs have been established at representative locations within pastures. DMAs may be moved as needed if it is determined that the existing DMA is not representative of livestock utilization within the pasture. Small areas within the allotments that have unavoidable livestock concentrations such as salt licks, water developments, gateways or corrals, are not designated as DMAs. Stubble height and shrub utilization triggers will be applied as a point in time measurement. Livestock management will be adjusted when the trigger standards are met or before they are met. DMAs may be established through an interdisciplinary team process to monitor impacts to resources by livestock to determine compliance with ESA consultation and complete effectiveness monitoring. Fisheries Conservation Measures To reduce cattle impacts on riparian vegetation and stream channels, permittees will herd cattle weekly (or more frequently if needed) during the grazing season to reduce cattle grazing and trailing in riparian areas. Emphasis will be placed on reaches accessible to cattle. These reaches include: 0.1 mile of Battle Creek and 2.6 miles of Meadow Creek. Avoid cattle grazing where steelhead spawning habitat is accessible to livestock during 6/16 7/1 before fry emergence. If grazing is proposed in these areas during this time period, steelhead spawning surveys will be conducted twice between late April and May in pastures containing steelhead spawning. Surveys will determine vulnerability of steelhead redds to trampling by livestock. Redds will be protected with fencing if determined to be vulnerable to trampling. To reduce cattle impacts on riparian vegetation and stream channels, permittees will select stock driveway locations that avoid riparian areas except at needed crossings. And will avoid moving cows at periods of high vulnerability for fish (spawning, eggs in gravel). To reduce cattle impacts on riparian vegetation and stream channels, permittees will not place salt for livestock use within 1/4 mile of streams and springs. 11

16 Starkey AMP Update Project EA The 89 existing off site water sources will be maintained annually. Continue to develop additional off site water sources to insure they provide dependable sources of clean water for livestock away from riparian areas. Fences and riparian exclosures will be maintained on a regular basis to ensure their integrity. Water Quality The Forest Plan requires that projects meet state requirements in accordance with the Clean Water Act through planning, application, and monitoring of Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs are practices designed to reduce or eliminate non-point sources of water pollution. The goal of BMP use is to prevent degradation of water bodies. Project planning BMPs may be found in the document General Water Quality Best Management Practices, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, November Project application BMPs are contained in the Allotment Management Plan (AMP), Grazing Permit, Annual Operating Instructions (AOI), and the Forest Plan. These planning BMPs are implemented during the NEPA planning process. Project Planning BMPs include: Designing projects to maintain and improve water quality Documenting water quality conditions Analyzing the water resource during planning and resource use permitting Project application BMPs are implemented as part of the grazing permit administration. Project application BMPs includes the following standards: Limiting the number of cattle that use the allotment A limit on the period of use A limit on vegetation use Control of livestock distribution within the allotment Maintenance and use of rangeland improvements Prohibition from turning on livestock until soil and forage are in a suitable condition Application of BMPs in the Starkey AMP include: excluding livestock from streams with fencing; placing restrictions on number, duration and timing of livestock; constructing numerous off-site water sources to encourage better distribution of livestock and draw them away streams; meeting sedge, grass and shrub utilization standards; using riders to push cows from riparian areas on a daily basis; placement of salt in upland locations away from riparian areas; and prohibition from turning on livestock until soil and forage are in a suitable condition were initiated in the Starkey AMP 2006, have been implemented and improved management of the Starkey Allotment. Cultural Resource Protection All identified sites within the Starkey AMP Update project area have been avoided during project design. If any new cultural resources are located during project implementation, work would be halted and the South Zone Archaeologist notified. The cultural resource would be evaluated and a mitigation plan developed in consultation with the Oregon SHPO if necessary. 12

17 La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive Species (PETS) Biological evaluations and/or assessments have been completed for plants, fish, and wildlife PETS species. Annual operating plan (AOP) provisions will be included to provide for the protection of areas where PETS occur and for those that may be discovered in the area during the grazing period. Monitoring Plan Monitoring specific to project activities would be accomplished to assure that activities conform to objectives of the Forest Plan. Project level monitoring is a component of Forest Plan monitoring. The following types of monitoring would be accomplished: Implementation Monitoring - Is the project being implemented as planned? Utilization Standards Riparian key areas would have shrub utilization and grass utilization checked prior to livestock turnout and at the end of the grazing season. Upland cages would have utilization measured post-cattle use. Ocular reconnaissance would be used throughout the grazing period to assess the potential for overuse before pasture move dates, with stubble height measurements used if problems are noted. Shrub utilization would be measured as percent twig length removed. Grass utilization would be measured using standard USFS stubble height method (standards are listed below). Utilization would be measured at the end of the season as described in the Interagency Implementation Module for 2000, on all key areas, to determine if standards are being met. Photos would be taken of riparian key areas by PNW personnel after livestock removal. Data summaries will be sent to the District at the end of the season, with photos and raw data available on request. The following maximum allowable use standards are based on the needs of ongoing research within the Starkey project enclosure, as well as research results on riparian management for maintenance of riparian shrub components, and Forest Plan standards and guidelines. They provide for flexibility for livestock/big game grazing research, while maintaining important plant communities and functioning riparian areas. These standards would be reviewed on an annual basis on an annual basis, and may be altered at a future date to accommodate identified research or management needs. Grassland/scab communities Bunchgrass wheatgrass (AGSP) One-spike oatgrass (DAUN) 40% utilization 30% utilization Timber communities Elk sedge (CAGE) Idaho fescue (FEID) 40% utilization 40% utilization Meadow terrace/floodplain communities Introduce pasture grasses (ALPR, PHPR, FEOC) Kentucky bluegrass (POPR) 3 inch stubble 3 inch stubble 13

18 Starkey AMP Update Project EA Riparian zone/greenline communities Meadow Creek Pastures: Willow (SALIX) 40% utilization Alder (ALNUS) 30% utilization Currant (RIBES) 25% utilization Wet zone sedges (CAREX) (greenline) 4-6 stubble Due to the large amount of relatively unpalatable vegetation on the terrace of Meadow Creek and the presence of palatable vegetation directly adjacent to the stream, trigger monitoring would be done along the greenline to ensure that forest plan utilization standards are met in this area. Within the Meadow Creek Upper and Lower pastures, the following monitoring would occur annually to ensure compliance with forest plan utilization standards. 1. Greenline vegetation monitoring would occur during the grazing period to meet a three inch trigger median stubble height to initiate livestock removal from the pasture. 2. Greenline vegetation monitoring would occur at the end of the growing season (EOS) to ensure a four inch median residual stubble height or 40% utilization, whichever is more restrictive, remains for capture of sediment during peak flow. Site specific height weight curves would be used as triggers for meeting forest plan utilization standards of 40%. 3. Shrub utilization monitoring would continue to ensure compliance with forest plan utilization standards of 40%. 4. Three photo points installed within the pasture would be continue to be used to monitor riparian greenline vegetation before livestock use, end of the livestock use period and EOS for forest plan compliance. Fisheries - Summer Steelhead: In the Starkey Allotment there is a two week period (June 16 th to July 1) where livestock may be present and fry have not yet emerged from the gravel. The Briggs pasture has 0.1 miles of steelhead spawning (Battle Creek) that would be accessible to livestock that could be stocked with livestock by June 16 th every other year. Meadow Creek Pastures #3 and #4 have 2.6 miles of steelhead habitat that would be accessible to livestock; however, early turn-out of cattle would not occur in these pastures in order to prevent redd trampling. Steelhead redd surveys would be conducted in the accessible reach twice between late April to mid-may. Reaches that are considered accessible are determined by a lack of fencing and topography/vegetation that enables access. Steelhead surveys will be conducted to satisfy the following objectives: Determine the amount of steelhead spawning that occurs within areas accessible to livestock that contain steelhead spawning habitat. Document the location of redd(s), and determine the vulnerability of the redd (s) to trampling by cattle. Protect redd if it is determined that it is vulnerable to trampling by cattle. Redds will be protected with a fence. Redd protection will end after first of July after fry have emerged. 14

19 La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Cultural Resources: Heritage site monitoring would be implemented with the ongoing Starkey allotment use, administration and research monitoring. Information from this monitoring shall be reported in the Wallowa-Whitman s Annual Heritage Report. Effectiveness Monitoring - Were the desired results achieved? Noxious weeds: Noxious weeds would be monitored, yearly, for three years after project operations. This monitoring will be completed by the USFS. Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Action and Alternatives The No Action Alternative (Alternative 1) and Action Alternative (Alternative 2) are described in detail in the section above. This section discloses the anticipated environmental effects of these alternatives on various resources for which there are potential direct, indirect and cumulative effects. The effects analysis forms the basis for comparison of the alternatives. The following resources were considered during the analysis. These resources are not impacted by any of the alternatives being considered, and they will not be addressed any further in this document. The rationale for not addressing them further in this EA is also described. Resources Not Analyzed Resources that were not impacted and therefore not further analyzed include: Forest Vegetation Livestock and wild ungulate grazing has direct and indirect effects on forage and shrub resources; however, effects on upland timber resources from grazing activities are generally unmeasurable and will not be analyzed further. Minerals Livestock grazing does not impact minerals resources. Wilderness/inventoried roadless areas There are none within the project area; therefore, there will be no effects on these resources. Recreation Most of the recreation activities within the Starkey Allotment area is associated with big game hunting, antler shed hunting, and mushroom hunting. Livestock grazing within the Meadow Creek and Briggs pastures would have no effect on recreation activities and in most cases livestock would be off the allotment before big game rifle seasons begin. Fire/Fuels While livestock grazing helps to manage light fuel levels such as grasses and shrubs, it would primarily affect the rate of spread of fire under extreme fire conditions within the project area. These fuels would have a very minor immeasurable effect on fire intensity which is primarily influenced by 3 and larger fuels (standing and down tree fuel loadings). Livestock grazing would have to effect on these fuels. Old Growth Forest Structure As described under forest vegetation above, livestock grazing would have no effect on old growth forest structures. 15

20 Starkey AMP Update Project EA Scenery/Visuals Managed livestock grazing within the Starkey Experimental Forest is an on-going activity, the addition of intermittent use of the Briggs pasture for livestock management will not impact scenery resources along Highway 244. The Meadow Creek pastures are outside of the seen areas of any visually sensitive routes in this area. Analysis Process For the purposes of this EA, past actions are part of the existing condition descriptions; cumulative effects are the sum of all present actions and reasonably foreseeable future actions in combination with the impacts of this project. The purpose of the cumulative effects analysis in the EA is to evaluate the significance of the No Action s and Action Alternatives contributions to cumulative effects. All known baseline activities used by the Interdisciplinary team for their cumulative effects analyses are located in Appendix D of this EA. The duration and geographic scale of direct, indirect, and cumulative effects varies, and is addressed by each resource and subject area. In addition, the type of projects considered under the cumulative analysis varies according to the resource and nature of project being considered. The best available science is considered in preparation of this EA; however, what constitutes best available science might vary over time and across scientific disciplines. As a general matter, we show consideration of the best available science when we insure the scientific integrity of the discussions and analyses in the project NEPA document. Specifically, this EA and the accompanying Project Record identifies methods used, references reliable scientific sources, discusses responsible opposing views, and discloses incomplete or unavailable information, scientific uncertainty, and risk (See 40 CFR, (b), , ). The Project Record references all scientific information considered: papers, reports, literature reviews, review citations, academic peer reviews, science consistency reviews, and results of ground-based observations to validate best available science. This EA incorporates by reference (as per 40 CFR ) the Project Record, including specialist reports and other technical documentation. Analysis was completed for Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive (PETS) Species, Botanical Resources (includes PETS species and Noxious Weeds), Wildlife (includes PETS species), Watershed and Fisheries (includes PETS species), Cultural/Heritage, and Range Management. Information from these reports has been summarized below in this Chapter. The Project Record is located at the La Grande District Office. Rangeland Resource Affected Environment The Starkey Allotment is administered by the La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (WWNF). The area is managed by the Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Research Station (PNW) and the WWNF. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Oregon State University (OSU) are the primary research partners. An allotment management plan (AMP) analysis was completed in Portions of the allotment were not grazed by permitted livestock at the time of the decision and there now exists a need to include these pastures as part of the management of the allotment to support ongoing grazing research and to improve livestock distribution within the allotment boundary. No land 16

21 La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest outside the current allotment boundary is proposed for new grazing activity and all land proposed for grazing has been grazed in the past. Table 9. Starkey Allotment Information Allotment Type Total Allotment acres Permitted AUMs Permitted Numbers Season of use Starkey Cattle 30,396 3, /15-10/15 Current Management: The allotment is currently authorized for livestock grazing between the dates of June 16 to October 15 using a multi-pasture deferred rotation system in which fences separate each of the pastures. The existing management for the Starkey Allotment authorizes three permittees to graze up to 701 cow/calf pairs utilizing three separate grazing systems, two permittees inside the 25,000 acre biggame enclosure/main study area and one permittee outside (Table 10). Inside the main study area, two permittees, private (399 pair) and OSU (101 pair), are currently authorized to graze a total of 500 cow-calf pairs between the dates of June 16 and October 15. These cattle are managed using a five pasture deferred rotation system. A full-time rider is provided by the permittees to facilitate livestock management during pasture moves and to manage cattle distribution out of riparian areas on a daily basis. OSU researchers also manage a herd of 60 pair of livestock within two of the Meadow Creek pastures where livestock grazing is already authorized. Outside the main study area, one permittee is authorized to graze a total of 141 cow/calf pairs between the dates of June 16 and October 15. These cattle are managed using a two pasture deferred rotation system. Table 10. Permitted and Authorized Numbers. Permittee Permitted Number Current Authorized Number Current Authorized AUMs Permit Type Season of Use Snow ,112 Term 6/16-10/15 Diggins Term 6/16-10/15 OSU MOU 6/16-10/15 The current management of the allotment also includes design features, such as Best Management Practices and PACFISH requirements, which have been successful in meeting and/or moving the allotment toward the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest LRMP goals and objectives. All Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation biological assessments or biological opinions will be incorporated into the annual grazing plans and required monitoring. The grazing season may be adjusted due to resource conditions or unpredictable events such as, but not limited to, fire, drought, or saturated soil conditions, to meet Forest Plan goals and 17