Galiuro Exploration Drilling Project Range and Noxious Weeds Report Prepared by: Gwen Dominguez Range Staff for: Safford Ranger District Coronado National Forest Date September 2, 2016
Forest Plan/Policy Direction Forest-Wide Standards for Invasive Species Management There are no specific standards for invasive species management in the Forest Plan. Forest Service Manual direction for Invasive Species Management is contained in FSM 2900, effective December 5, 2011. This direction sets forth NFS policy, responsibilities, and direction for the prevention, detection, control, and restoration of effects from aquatic and terrestrial invasive species (including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and pathogens). Federal Regulations Executive Orders Executive Order #13112, Invasive Species, February 3, 1999, Federal Register establishes the National Invasive Species Council and directs that invasive species would be controlled on all federal lands. The Council publishes the USDA-Forest Service Guide to Noxious Weed Prevention Practices. Forest Service Manuals and Handbooks FSM 2900 Invasive Species Management, Amendment No.: 2900-2011-1, December 5, 2011. Establishes code and a new manual, FSM 2900 Invasive Species Management, which sets forth NFS policy, responsibilities, and direction for the prevention, detection, control, and restoration of effects from aquatic and terrestrial invasive species (including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and pathogens). It replaces FSM 2080 (noxious weed management). Overview of Issues Addressed This report will analyze effects from the proposed mineral exploration in the Galiuro Mountains, Copper Creek allotment, Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest. The project will included 12 drill pads measuring 50 x 50. The total acres affected is 1.2 according to the plan of operation submitted by the proponent. Only is related to 1) rangeland vegetation, 2) livestock grazing management, and 3) invasive species will be cover in this report. Rangeland Vegetation Forage loss Invasive Species Control of establishment
Affected Environment (Range Management) Existing Condition The existing affected environment is the Copper Creek Allotment, it is permitted for 120 head of cattle from 11/01-1//31. The allotment is about 3,550 acres. The major vegetation type include Madrean Encinal Woodlands, Arizona Walnut and Semi Desert Grasslands. Trends in vegetation condition are static or improving on all of the allotments and soils are considered stable. Riparian condition has been monitored at five year intervals since 1986 and is considered stable Desired Condition. Desired Condition At the completion of the project the areas that have been cleared of vegetation should be rehabbed so that areas can re-establish current vegetation types. Native plant communities should dominate the landscape, while invasive species are nonexistent or in low abundance. Vegetation attributes, including appropriate densities, provide favorable conditions for water flow and quality. The composition, abundance, and mosaic of organic ground cover and herbaceous vegetation protects soil, provides moisture infiltration, and contributes to plant and animal diversity and ecosystem function. Environmental Consequences Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis Short term effects are those which will occur within the 3-5 years it takes to complete the drilling project. Long term effects are considered to be the time it takes for native plants to revegetate areas that have been disturbed, to the existing conditions. The spatial bounds for the effects analysis is the Copper Creek allotment boundary. Connected Actions, Past, Present, and Foreseeable Activities Relevant to Cumulative Effects Analysis Design Features and Mitigation Measures Any areas that have had vegetation removed should be rehabilitated with the recommend seed mix. These areas include landing zones and drilling pads. Seeding should be done from December through July, in time for monsoon rains to germinate the seed. Seed will need a minimum of ½ cover, 1 in sandy soils Any attempt to increase rainfall infiltration by shading the ground with organic material and/or slowing runoff, will greatly aide chances for success. RECOMMENDED SEED MIX (working on getting a seed mix together) Direct and Indirect Effects (Range Management) Approximately 1.2 acres of disturbance would occur in the 3,550-acre Copper Creek Allotment, accounting for approximately 0.03 percent of the allotment. This level of disturbance is not likely to cause a need for a reduction in the permitted use. This effect on range would be negligible, with short-term loss of forage.
An important part of reclamation is revegetation success, which also reestablishes forage for livestock. Livestock grazing could be detrimental to reclamation success. The Forest Service would not require the allotment permittee to change their management practices to ensure reclamation success. Cumulative Effects Past and present mining, road construction, grazing and recreation have created the conditions that occur in the allotment currently. No change in the level of grazing or recreation is anticipated in the foreseeable future. Allotment Management Plans call for maintenance or replacement of range improvements. Any one of these actions will most likely lead to ground disturbance. Compliance with Forest Plan and Other Relevant Laws, Regulations, Policies and Plans The Forest-wide standards for range management are not applicable to projects of the nature of the Galiuro Drilling Project. Therefore, the Galiuro Drilling Project is in compliance with the Forest Plan, FSM, and other laws and policy directed toward range management. Affected Environment Existing Condition There is no known noxious weeds currently on the allotment at this time. Desired Condition After the completion of the propose project all sites need to be rehabbed to ensure existing vegetation on the allotment is established where the sites have been cleared of vegetation. Monitoring at each site should take place for 3 years to ensure no noxious weeds are establishing at cleared areas. Direct and Indirect Effects (Noxious Weeds) The risk of transporting new invasive plants into the project area is determined to be low, because no known noxious weeds are currently within the project area. Any ground-disturbing activity can facilitate the establishment and spread of invasive plants. Once established, these invasive, non-native species may eliminate native vegetation and associated plant and wildlife habitats. Any equipment that would be imported to the project area by contractors is from unknown geographical areas. In addition, areas of exposed soil are especially vulnerable to establishment and rapid spread of invasive plants. Invasive plants can adversely affect forage quality or quantity. Although the risk of spreading invasive plants low, practices to reduce the spread of invasive particularly post-reclamation monitoring would allow for quick treatment to eradicate infestations that do occur. Design Features and Mitigation Measures Implement BMPs to eliminate or minimize the introduction and spread of noxious weeds and invasive plant species during the project. These include: All straw wattles used on site to reduce soil erosion will be composed of non-invasive plant species.
All drill and excavator rigs and equipment will be rinsed and inspected for noxious or invasive species before they enter NFS lands. Contractors will avoid driving, drilling, or parking in weedy areas. Drill and excavator rigs and transport vehicles will be power washed weekly or when moving from one Coronado National Forest weed management area to another. An air compressor will accompany the drill and excavator rig and be used daily to remove weed parts and seed from all vehicles. Noxious or invasive weeds could become established following drilling or excavation despite implementation of BMPs To avoid transporting noxious weeds onto Coronado National Forest lands, equipment will be washed off site on private property prior to entering the project area. All disturbed areas will be re-contoured to pre-disturbance levels and re-vegetated with pre-existing materials (slash, i.e. mesquite trees) on top of any available topsoil. Disturbed areas will be seeded with a CNF-recommended seed mixture. A weed control and reclamation monitoring plan will be put in place in accordance with CNF requirements. This will include concurrent reclamation (monitoring/spraying weeds while other sites are being drilled), interim reclamation (monitoring/spraying weeds during seasonal breaks), and a 3-year post reclamation weed monitoring/spraying program. Cumulative Effects Ongoing grazing and recreation could introduce and establish invasive species. If invasive species establish, they can spread to areas outside of the project area. However, post reclamation monitoring would likely identify nearby infestations which would be reported and treated. Overall cumulative impacts on invasive species are anticipated to be minor. Compliance with Forest Plan and Other Relevant Laws, Regulations, Policies and Plans