Appendix D - Differences Among Alternatives
Introduction
This appendix contains management direction that differs among the alternatives. Most
direction contained in the proposed Revised Management Plans applies to all action alternatives. In most cases, differences between the no action and the action alternatives are described
here. Also, differences among the action alternatives where the direction in the proposed
Revised Management Plan does not fit the theme of an alternative are described here.
Direction for Alternative 1 (No Action)
Carry forward all unit-wide direction in the existing land and resource management plans, as
amended. In particular, standards and guidelines will differ in Alternative 1 from Alternatives
2 through 5 in the areas of paleontology, wildlife, prairie dogs, livestock grazing, and travel
management.
Infrastructure
Direction for Alternatives 1 and 2
Goal 3 - Ensure Organizational Effectiveness
An effective organization is needed to achieve the agency’s mission. Objectives relate to generating scientific information, protecting and maintaining resources and facilities for agency and
public use, and fulfilling basic land-stewardship responsibilities to help ensure sustainable
ecosystems and provide multiple benefits to people.
The agency is also committed to a customer-service ethic focused on serving the needs of
customers, including low-income, minority and historically under-served communities. This
commitment includes having an innovative workforce that is representative of the American
society as a whole.
Goal 3.1: Capital Infrastructure
Develop a safe, efficient, and effective infrastructure that supports public and administrative
uses of National Forest System lands.
Appendix D
D-1
Objectives
1. Within 15 years, annually maintain at least 20 percent of the Forest Development
transportation system roads.
2. Within 15 years, complete at least 10 percent of high-priority facility reconstruction
projects.
3. Within 5 years, manage to standard at least 20 percent of buildings, bridges, and
other facilities.
Standards
1. Allow motorized use on new or existing travelways (See Appendix G, Glossary),
or as designated on the travel map, unless a documented decision shows:
•
Motorized use conflicts with Management Plan objectives;
•
Motorized use is incompatible with the recreation opportunity spectrum
class;
•
Travelways are located in areas closed to motorized use and are not ‘‘designated routes;’’
•
Motorized use creates user conflicts that result in unsafe conditions related to
weather conditions;
•
Physical characteristics of travelway(s) preclude any form of motorized use;
•
Travelways do not serve an existing or identified future public need; or
•
Financing is not available for maintenance necessary to protect resources.
2. Allow motorized wheelchair use in a non-motorized area so long as that
wheelchair meets the legal definition of being "designed solely for use by a mobility
impaired person for locomotion that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian
area". (Title V, Section 507(c) (2) of the Americans with Disabilities Act).
3. Keep drinking water safe for human consumption at Forest Service facilities or at
facilities under special-use permit by the Forest Service.
Guidelines
1. Do not invest in new facilities on lands meeting the criteria for disposal.
2. Newly acquired facilities will not be retained unless sufficient maintenance funding
is available or cooperative maintenance can be secured, and a substantial government benefit can be demonstrated.
3. Require a special-use permit for motorized access to private land where access for
the general public is not available.
D-2
Appendix D
4. Install gates along all existing range allotment and pasture fences at intervals to
provide reasonable access (not exceed 1 mile), as funding allows. Install gates
along all new fences at intervals not to exceed 1 mile and at fence corners.
5. Provide a minimum of 12-foot openings for gates to allow access for firefighting
equipment, as funding allows.
6. Install user-friendly gate closures, as funding allows (See Appendix E for details).
7. Use cattle guards or hinged metal gates on popular and designated travel routes, as
funding allows. Place a gate adjacent to each cattle guard.
8. Build new and reconstructed fences to the specifications listed in Appendix B to
provide for big game (adults and young) movement during all seasons, where
desired.
9. Do not construct any woven wire fences.
10. Prioritize for reconstruction those fences that do not meet big game specifications.
Prioritize removal of existing woven wire fences. Mitigate existing fences that do
not meet big game specifications.
11. Leave interior gates that are not along transportation corridors open when not
needed to control livestock.
12. See the following publications for fence construction for livestock, including bison:
Facilities for Handling, Sheltering and Trailing Livestock, September 1987, Society
For Range Management; Fences, July 1988, Society For Range Management; and
Facilities for Watering Livestock and Wildlife, January 1989, MTDC 89-1.
13. Restrict capital investments on lands with non-federal mineral estate ownership in
areas of moderate to high mineral development potential if purpose of capital
investment would conflict with mineral development.
14. Perform site-specific mineral evaluations prior to making substantial capital investments, such as recreation developments, on Federal mineral estate in areas of
moderate to high potential for valuable mineral deposits. Depending on conclusions from mineral evaluation and potential for mineral development, consider
alternate location for capital investment, withdrawal of locatable minerals, or
restrictions on surface occupancy for leasable minerals.
Direction for Alternative 5
Dakota Prairie Grasslands only
Standards
1. Restrict motorized travel to existing roads and trails; prohibit motorized use in
designated non-motorized areas and the Maah Daah Hey and North Country Trails
(except for authorized administrative use, such as grazing administration, noxious
weed control, or fire control).
2. Allow motorized wheelchair use in a non-motorized area so long as that
wheelchair meets the legal definition of being "designed solely for use by a mobility
Appendix D
D-3
impaired person for locomotion that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian
area". (Title V, Section 507(c) (2) of the Americans with Disabilities Act).
3. Keep drinking water safe for human consumption at Forest Service facilities or at
facilities under special-use permit by the Forest Service.
Guidelines
1. Do not invest in new facilities on lands meeting the criteria for disposal.
2. Newly acquired facilities will not be retained unless sufficient maintenance funding
is available or cooperative maintenance can be secured, and a substantial government benefit can be demonstrated.
3. Require a special-use permit for motorized access to private land where access for
the general public is not available.
4. Install gates along all existing range allotment and pasture fences at intervals to
provide reasonable access (not exceed 1 mile), as funding allows. Install gates
along all new fences at intervals not to exceed 1 mile and at fence corners.
5. Provide a minimum of 12-foot openings for gates to allow access for firefighting
equipment, as funding allows.
6. Install user-friendly gate closures, as funding allows (See Appendix E for details).
7. Use cattle guards or hinged metal gates on popular and designated travel routes, as
funding allows. Place a gate adjacent to each cattle guard.
8. Build new and reconstructed fences to the specifications listed in Appendix B to
provide for big game (adults and young) movement during all seasons, where
desired.
9. Do not construct any woven wire fences.
10. Prioritize for reconstruction those fences that do not meet big game specifications.
Prioritize removal of existing woven wire fences. Mitigate existing fences that do
not meet big game specifications.
11. Leave interior gates that are not along transportation corridors open when not
needed to control livestock.
12. See the following publications for fence construction for livestock, including bison:
Facilities for Handling, Sheltering and Trailing Livestock, September 1987, Society
For Range Management; Fences, July 1988, Society For Range Management; and
Facilities for Watering Livestock and Wildlife, January 1989, MTDC 89-1.
13. Restrict capital investments on lands with non-federal mineral estate ownership in
areas of moderate to high mineral development potential if purpose of capital
investment would conflict with mineral development.
14. Perform site-specific mineral evaluations prior to making substantial capital investments, such as recreation developments, on Federal mineral estate in areas of
moderate to high potential for valuable mineral deposits. Depending on conclusions from mineral evaluation and potential for mineral development, consider
D-4
Appendix D
alternate location for capital investment, withdrawal of locatable minerals, or
restrictions on surface occupancy for leasable minerals.
Livestock Grazing Direction by Alternative
Alternative 1
No adjustments are made for animal equivalents to account for variations in livestock weight.
No limits on average pasture size and density of water developments.
Alternative 2
No limits on average pasture size and density of water developments.
Alternative 3
Maintain or increase average pasture size, and allow no net gain in water developments.
Alternative 4
Maintain or increase average pasture size, and allow no net gain in water developments.
Within 15 years, establish at least 5 percent of rangelands on national grasslands as bison- only
grazing areas. Priority for designating areas for bison grazing are areas with primitive or semiprimitive recreation settings, low amounts of structural improvements and high amounts of
secondary range, and areas that may be of important to restore bison in the landscape to Native
American Indian tribes.
Alternative 5
Maintain or increase average pasture size, and allow no net gain in water developments.
Noxious and Undesirable Plant Species Direction by
Alternative
Alternatives 2, 3, 4, and 5
Standard
1. Once appropriate consultation with state agencies has taken place, allow only
noxious weed-free products for feed or revegetation projects. This includes
certified, heat-treated, or other appropriately processed products.
Guideline
1. Use genetically local (at the sub-section level) native plant species in revegetation
efforts where technically and economically feasible. To prevent soil erosion, nonnative annuals or sterile perennial species may be used while native perennials are
becoming established.
Appendix D
D-5
Paleontological Resource Direction by Alternative
Alternative 1
Standards
1. Continue with current policy direction which allows on-top-the-surface collection
of invertebrates without a permit for personal, non-commercial use.
2. Allow collection of on-top-the-surface petrified wood for personal, non-commercial
use, without charge but with a free-use permit, or without a permit in designated
areas, according to the following stipulations (See 36 CFR 228.62[e]):
•
No known heritage values, scientific values, or other prohibitive restrictions
occur at the site.
•
The maximum amount of collected petrified wood per person per day does
not exceed 25 pounds, and that the total maximum weight in one calendar
year per person does not exceed 250 pounds. Permits may be issued,
however, to museums, educational institutions and similar groups for larger
amounts.
3. Allow vertebrate fossil collection with authorization, only to qualified individuals
or institutions.
4. Prohibit the commercial collection of fossils.
5. Conduct paleontologic surveys prior to ground-disturbing activities according to
the process outlined in Appendix J.
Guideline
1. Survey and post land boundaries where paleontological sites have Fossil Potential
Classification sensitivity ranking of 3, 4 or 5, as funding allows (See Paleontological
Appendix for details).
Alternatives 2, 3, and 4
Standards
1. Allow collection of paleontological resources with authorization (permit or area
designation).
2. Allow collection of on-top-the-surface petrified wood for personal, non-commercial
use, without charge but with a free-use permit, or without a permit in designated
areas, according to the following stipulations (See 36 CFR 228.62[e]):
•
No known heritage values, scientific values, or other prohibitive restrictions
occur at the site.
•
The maximum amount of collected petrified wood per person per day does
not exceed 25 pounds, and that the total maximum weight in one calendar
year per person does not exceed 250 pounds. Permits may be issued,
however, to museums, educational institutions and similar groups for larger
amounts.
D-6
Appendix D
3. Prohibit the commercial collection of fossils.
4. Protect from disturbance or mitigate from disturbance key paleontological
resources (Classes 3, 4 and 5 of the Fossil Potential Classification) to conserve scientific, educational, interpretive and legacy values. (See Paleontological Appendix for
details). Standard
5. Conduct paleontologic surveys prior to ground-disturbing activities according to
the process outlined in Appendix J.
Guideline
1. Survey and post land boundaries where paleontological sites have Fossil Potential
Classification sensitivity ranking of 3, 4 or 5, as funding allows (See Paleontological
Appendix for details).
Alternative 5
Standards
1. Allow on-top-the-surface collection of invertebates without a permit for personal,
non-commercial use.
2. Allow collection of on-top-the-surface petrified wood for personal, non-commercial
use, according to the following stipulations (See 36 CFR 228.62[e]):
•
No known heritage values, scientific values, or other prohibitive restrictions
occur at the site.
•
The maximum amount of collected petrified wood per person per day does
not exceed 25 pounds, and that the total maximum weight in one calendar
year per person does not exceed 250 pounds. Permits may be issued,
however, to museums, educational institutions and similar groups for larger
amounts.
3. Prohibit the commercial collection of fossils.
4. Protect from disturbance or mitigate from disturbance key paleontological
resources (Classes 3, 4 and 5 of the Fossil Potential Classification) to conserve scientific, educational, interpretive and legacy values. (See Paleontological Appendix for
details).
5. Conduct paleontologic surveys prior to ground-disturbing activities according to
the process outlined in Appendix J.
Guidelines
1. Designate areas to allow for on-top-the-surface collection of vertebrate fossils, as
funding allows. (See Paleontological Appendix for details).
2. Survey and post land boundaries where paleontological sites have Fossil Potential
Classification sensitivity ranking of 3, 4 or 5, as funding allows (See Paleontological
Appendix for details).
Appendix D
D-7
Prairie Dog Direction by Alternative
Alternative 1
Carry forward all unit-wide direction in the existing land and resource management plan and
prairie dog management plans (this will vary considerably between Forests).
Alternative 2
Standards
1. Limit the use of rodenticides from October 1 through December 31 to reduce risks
to migratory birds.
2. Prohibit the use of burrow fumigants.
Guidelines
1. Limit the use of rodenticides outside of 3.63 Management Areas to one or more of
the following situations:
•
Human health and safety risks occur in the immediate area.
•
To achieve desired vegetation conditions. (See vegetation matrix in
Geographic Area direction for details)
•
Prairie dog colonies occur on isolated National Forest System tracts less than
3,000 acres.
•
Unwanted colonization on adjoining lands is occurring and the most likely
source of prairie dogs appears to be colonies located along the property
boundary on National Forest System lands.
2. Reevaluate prairie dog management if the total acreage of fully active prairie dog
colonies grows to the following levels: ( percentages will be converted to acreages
in the following table)
Table B-1: Maximum Acreage of Fully Active Prairie Dog Colonies (Alternative 2)
Great Plains Dry Steppe Province Unit
Buffalo Gap/Oglala National Grasslands
2 percent of potential suitable
Cedar River/Grand River National Grasslands
2 percent of potential suitable
Little Missouri National Grassland
2 percent of potential suitable
Thunder Basin National Grassland
2 percent of potential suitable
Nebraska National Forest (Pine Ridge unit)
Not applicable
Great Plains Steppe Province Unit
Fort Pierre National Grassland
1 percent of potential suitable
Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Ranger District) Not applicable
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Not applicable
Prairie Parkland Province Unit
Sheyenne National Grassland
Not applicable
D-8
Appendix D
Alternative 3
Standards
1. Limit rodenticide use from October 1 through December 31 to reduce risks to
migratory birds and species of concern.
2. Prohibit the use of burrow fumigants.
Guidelines
1. Limit the use of rodenticides outside of 3.63 Management Areas to one or more of
the following situations:
•
Human health and safety risks occur in the immediate area.
•
To achieve desired vegetation conditions. (See vegetation matrix in
Geographic Area direction for details)
•
Prairie dog colonies occur on isolated National Forest System tracts less than
3,000 acres.
•
Unwanted colonization on adjoining lands is occurring and the most likely
source of prairie dogs appears to be colonies located along the property
boundary on National Forest System lands.
2. Prohibit recreational shooting of prairie dogs between March 1-July 31 to reduce
risks to migratory birds and species of concern. Shooting from August 1 through
February may be regulated by area-use permit.
3. Emphasize the use of vegetation management and other nonchemical methods in
managing colony growth and establishment.
4. Reevaluate prairie dog management if the total acreage of fully active prairie dog
colonies grows to the following levels: ( percentages will be converted to acreages
in the following table)
Table B-2: Maximum Acreage of Fully Active Prairie Dog Colonies (Alternative 3)
Great Plains Dry Steppe Province Units
Buffalo Gap/Oglala National Grasslands
5 percent of potential suitable
Cedar River/Grand River National Grasslands
5 percent of potential suitable
Little Missouri National Grassland
5 percent of potential suitable
Thunder Basin National Grassland
5 percent of potential suitable
Nebraska National Forest (Pine Ridge unit)
Not applicable
Great Plains Steppe Province Unit
Fort Pierre National Grassland
3 percent of potential suitable
Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Ranger District)
Not applicable
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Not applicable
Prairie Parkland Province Unit
Sheyenne National Grassland
Not applicable
Appendix D
D-9
Alternative 4
Standards
1. Limit the use of rodenticides outside of 3.63 Management Area to address health
and safety risks.
2. Prohibit recreational shooting of prairie dogs by area closure.
Guidelines
1. Emphasize the use of vegetation management and other nonchemical methods in
managing colony growth and establishment.
2. Reintroduce prairie dogs into suitable habitat, where desired and as funding
allows.
3. Reevaluate prairie dog management if the total acreage of fully active prairie dog
colonies grows to the following levels: ( percentages will be converted to acreages
in the following table)
Table B-3: Maximum Acreage of Fully Active Prairie Dog Colonies (Alternative 4)
Great Plains Dry Steppe Province Units
Buffalo Gap/Oglala National Grasslands
20 percent of potential suitable
Cedar River/Grand River National Grassland
20 percent of potential suitable
Little Missouri National Grassland
20 percent of potential suitable
Thunder Basin National Grassland
20 percent of potential suitable
Nebraska National Forest (Pine Ridge unit)
Not applicable
Great Plains Steppe Province Unit
Fort Pierre National Grassland
5 percent of potential suitable
Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Ranger
Not applicable
District)
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Not applicable
Prairie Parkland Province Unit
Sheyenne National Grassland
Not applicable
Alternative 5
Standards
1. Limit rodenticide use to October 1 and December 31 to reduce risks to migratory
birds and species of concern.
2. Prohibit the use of burrow fumigants.
Guidelines
1. Limit the use of rodenticides outside of 3.63 Management Areas to one or more of
the following situations:
•
Human health and safety risks occur in the immediate area.
•
Prairie dog colonies occur on isolated National Forest System tracts less than
3,000 acres.
D-10
Appendix D
•
Unwanted colonization on adjoining lands is occurring and the most likely
source of prairie dogs appears to be located along the property boundary on
National Forest System lands.
•
To achieve desired vegetation conditions (see vegetation matrix in
Geographic Area direction for details).
2. Emphasize the use of vegetation management and other nonchemical methods in
managing colony growth and establishment.
3. Reevaluate prairie dog management if the total acreage of fully active prairie dog
colonies grows to the following levels: ( percentages will be converted to acreages
in the following table)
Table B-4: Maximum Acreage of Fully Active Prairie Dog Colonies (Alternative 5)
Great Plains Dry Steppe Province Units
Buffalo Gap/Oglala National Grasslands
10 percent of potential suitable
Cedar River/Grand River National Grasslands
10 percent of potential suitable
Little Missouri National Grassland
10 percent of potential suitable
Thunder Basin National Grassland
10 percent of potential suitable
Nebraska National Forest (Pine Ridge unit)
Not applicable
Great Plains Steppe Province Unit
Fort Pierre National Grassland
3 percent of potential suitable
Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Ranger District)
Not applicable
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Not applicable
Prairie Parkland Province Unit
Sheyenne National Grassland
Not applicable
Recreation Direction by Alternative
Alternative 5
Guidelines
1. Where prairie grouse and upland bird hunting is a priority, retain high cover levels
through the upland bird hunting season.
2. Do not allow livestock grazing in woody draws and riparian areas during the deer
rifle hunting season.
Goals and Objectives for Alternative 3
Goal 2 - Provide Multiple Benefits for People Within the
Capabilities of Ecosystems
Within the limitations of maintaining ecosystem health and conserving biological diversity,
forests and rangelands are managed to meet people’s needs for uses, values, products and
services.
Appendix D
D-11
Goal 2.1 - Recreation Opportunities
Maintain or enhance the diversity and quality of recreation experiences within acceptable limits
of change to ecosystem stability and condition.
Objectives
1. Within 15 years, maintain or reconstruct to standard at least 80 percent of the trails rated
poor or critical.
2. Provide readily available off and on-site information on recreation opportunities for
developed and historic sites.
3. Within 5 years, provide appropriate directional signing to key recreation sites.
4. Within 10 years, develop or update and implement site plans, as funding allows, for all
developed recreation sites. Site plans should address reconstruction or improvement of
existing facilities, development of new facilities, and vegetation management (including
noxious weeds).
Dakota Prairie Grasslands only
5. Within 10 years,
•
Develop at least 40 miles of new trails.
•
Construct 1 new campground on the Sheyenne National Grasslands;
•
Construct 1 to 2 boat launch and take-out sites on the Little Missouri River;
•
Construct at least one new pond at least 50 acres in size on the Little Missouri
National Grasslands or the Grand River National Grassland;
•
Construct 1 new picnic area on Grand River National Grassland.
6. Within 3 years, inventory conditions at high use dispersed recreation site. Within 10 years,
implement rehabilitation or revegetation practices as necessary.
7. Provide interpretive information in response to customer surveys.
Nebraska National Forest Units only
5. Within 10 years,
•
Construct at least one new primitive campground on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland;
•
Construct at least 30 to 40 miles of new trails and at least one new interpretive trail as
funding is available and easements are acquired. Emphasize these developments on
the Pine Ridge Ranger District, Bessey Ranger District, and Wall Ranger District.
•
Construct Prehistoric Prairie Discovery Center and associated trails.
6. Within 3 years, inventory conditions at high use dispersed recreation site. Within 10 years,
implement rehabilitation or revegetation practices as necessary.
7. Provide interpretive information in response to customer surveys.
D-12
Appendix D
Thunder Basin National Grassland only
5. Within 10 years,
•
Construct one or more dispersed or developed recreation site(s),
•
Develop a complex of motorized and nonmotorized trails and/or hardened
dispersed recreation sites in the Upton-Osage Geographic area.
•
Develop opportunities to enhance or create systems of trailheads and travel
routes, as opportunities and funding become available. Emphasize these
developments in the Upton, Cow Creek Buttes, Weston, and Red Hills areas.
6. Within 3 years, inventory conditions at high use dispersed recreation site. Within 10 years,
implement rehabilitation or revegetation practices as necessary.
7. Provide interpretive information in response to customer surveys.
Goals and Objectives for Alternative 5
Goal 2 - Provide Multiple Benefits for People Within the
Capabilities of Ecosystems
Within the limitations of maintaining ecosystem health and conserving biological diversity,
forests and rangelands are managed to meet people’s needs for uses, values, products and
services.
Goal 2.1 - Recreation Opportunities
Maintain or enhance the diversity and quality of recreation experiences within acceptable limits
of change to ecosystem stability and condition.
Objectives
1. Within 15 years, maintain or reconstruct to standard at least 80 percent of the trails rated
poor or critical.
2. Provide readily available off and on-site information on recreation opportunities for
developed and historic sites.
3. Within 5 years, provide appropriate directional signing to key recreation sites.
4. Within 10 years, develop or update and implement site plans, as funding allows, for all
developed recreation sites. Site plans should address reconstruction or improvement of
existing facilities, development of new facilities, and vegetation management (including
noxious weeds).
Dakota Prairie Grasslands only
5. Within 10 years,
•
Construct 2 to 3 new campgrounds on the Little Missouri National Grassland,
and add 1 to 2 new campgrounds on the Sheyenne National Grassland;
•
Construct 1 to 2 boat launch and take-out sites on the Little Missouri River;
Appendix D
D-13
•
Construct 2 to 3 new ponds at least 50 acres in size on the Little Missouri
National Grassland or the Grand River National Grassland;
•
Construct 1 new picnic area on Grand River National Grassland.
6. Within 3 years, inventory conditions at high use dispersed recreation site. Within 10 years,
implement rehabilitation or revegetation practices as necessary.
7. Provide interpretive information in response to customer surveys.
Nebraska National Forest only
5. Within 10 years,
•
Construct 1 additional primitive campground on the Buffalo Gap National
Grassland
•
Construct at least one new pond at least 50 acres in size.
•
Construct at least 50 miles of trail and one interpretive trail.
•
Construct Prehistoric Prairie Discovery Center and associated trails.
6. Within 3 years, inventory conditions at high use dispersed recreation site. Within 10 years,
implement rehabilitation or revegetation practices as necessary.
7. Provide interpretive information in response to customer surveys.
Thunder Basin National Grassland only
5. Within 10 years,
•
Construct at least one new campground;
•
Construct at least 2 water oriented recreation opportunity sites;
•
Construct at least 4 areas that are hardened dispersed recreation sites;
•
Develop one motorized route for ATV’s and bikes at least 100 miles long.
•
Develop opportunities to enhance or create systems of trailheads and travel
routes, as opportunities and funding become available. Emphasize these
developments in the Upton, Cow Creek Buttes, Weston, and Red Hills areas;
•
Develop a complex of opportunities in the Upton - Osage area combining
motorized and nonmotorized trails and hardened dispersed recreation sites.
6. Within 3 years, inventory conditions at high use dispersed recreation site. Within 10 years,
implement rehabilitation or revegetation practices as necessary.
7. Provide interpretive information in response to customer surveys.
Management Area Direction
Management areas are defined as parts of the grassland that are managed for a particular
emphasis or theme. Each management area has a prescription that outlines the Theme, the
D-14
Appendix D
Desired Conditions, and the Standards and Guidelines that apply to it (in addition to the
Grassland and Forestwide Standards and Guidelines).
1.1 Wilderness: Soldier Creek
Theme
Wilderness areas are managed to protect and perpetuate their natural conditions, while
providing opportunities for solitude and self reliance.
Desired Conditions
The area is managed to perpetuate natural conditions, including native plant and animal species
and communities. Desired vegetation composition and structure are controlled primarily by
natural processes, such as fire, insects and disease. Livestock grazing strategies and intensities
are managed to achieve or restore native plant and animal species and communities. Prescribed
fire is used to reduce fire risk within the Wilderness and to adjoining lands and to meet desired
vegetation composition and structure.
The area provides moderate opportunities for solitude in an environment that offers a low to
moderate level of challenge and risk. Evidence of present human activity is limited to that
necessary to protect Wilderness resources, to continue grazing, or is a result of a prior existing
rights. Evidence of past human activity is considered integral to maintenance of the wilderness
resource. Travel is primarily along a well-defined trail system, although some cross-country
opportunities exist.
Both directional and resource protection signs may be present. Bridges or other structures may
be present if needed for resource protection or where no safe opportunity exists to cross a
stream during periods of normal water flow.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standard
1. Limit motorized use to administrative purposes (e.g., grazing administration,
noxious weed control, and fire suppression).
Livestock Grazing
Standard
1. See Forest Service Manual 2323.22 for direction on livestock grazing activities.
Fire
Standards
1. Until a comprehensive program for managing the Wilderness is established,
suppress all wildfires using the appropriate suppression action.
Appendix D
D-15
2. Prohibit use of heavy ground-disturbing equipment for fire suppression unless
authorized by the regional forester. Use of other mechanical equipment, such as
chain saws or motorized vehicles, may be authorized by the forest supervisor.
Insects and Diseases
Standard
1. Prohibit use of exotic biocontrol.
Noxious and Undesirable Plant Species
Standard
1. Control noxious and undesirable plant species with mechanical or chemical means.
Prohibit use of exotic biocontrol.
Recreation
Standards
1. Limit maximum party size in Wilderness to 25 heartbeats (any combination of
people and recreational stock), except as permitted. Smaller party-size limits for
people and stock will be established where biological and physical resource
capability cannot support that level of use.
2. Prohibit recreational livestock within 100 feet of streambanks except for watering
and through travel.
Guidelines
1. Initiate a permit system and limit use when the established capacity level (See
Grasslandwide Standards and Guidelines under General for capacity) is exceeded.
2. Reduce the incidence of contact with other groups or individuals by applying the
following guidelines:
•
Not more than 2 other parties encountered during cross-country travel or 4
other parties encountered on a Forest Development Trail per day on 80
percent of the days during the summer and fall use seasons.
•
No more than one other party within sight or sound of campsites on 80
percent of the days during the summer and fall use seasons. Guideline
3. Manage according to the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class of semi-primitive
nonmotorized.
Scenery Management
Guideline
1. Manage according to the scenic integrity objective of very high. Guideline
D-16
Appendix D
Infrastructure
Standards
1. Prohibit facilities (except water gaps) within the Wilderness in the area between the
Middle Fork of Soldier Creek and South Fork of Soldier Creek.
2. Prohibit permanent electric fences.
3. As fences are reconstructed, allow only wood fence posts in the Wilderness.
Special Uses
Standard
1. Restrict outfitter/guide permits to day-use only. Standard
1.2 Recommended for Wilderness
Theme
These are areas that the Forest Service has or will recommend to Congress for inclusion in the
Wilderness System. The areas are managed to protect Wilderness characteristics until Congressional action is taken. Non-conforming activities may be limited or restricted.
Goals
These areas are managed to protect their Wilderness characteristics. Existing uses not compatible with Wilderness management, such as mechanized equipment, may be present.
The number of structures and facilities to support livestock grazing, such as fences and water
tanks, is limited (no net gain). Large pasture size and less intrusive developments promote an
open, natural-appearing landscape.
Uses, use levels, and management actions may vary from area to area. However, Forest Service
activities that would eliminate an area from future Wilderness recommendation are not
allowed.
Existing two-track roads and old roads may be evident but will diminish over time or may
become designated trails.
Vegetative composition and structure are controlled by natural processes, such as fire, insects,
disease, and grazing. Vegetation is managed within the range of natural variability.
There is some evidence of past and present human use, such as fences, trails, water
developments and primitive roads. Generally, opportunities for primitive recreation are
provided, with a moderate degree of solitude available.
Both directional and resource protection signs may be present. Bridges or other structures may
be present, but are normally only located where they are needed to protect resources, or where
no safe opportunity exists to cross a stream along a system trail during periods of normal water
flow.
Appendix D
D-17
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standard
1. Allow uses and activities (e.g. recreation, grazing, mineral leasing) only if they do
not degrade the characteristics for which the area was identified.
2. Reclaim disturbed lands to a condition suitable for the purposes for which the area
was identified.
3. Limit motorized use to administrative purposes (e.g., grazing administration,
noxious weed control, and fire suppression).
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standard
1. Prohibit mineral material removal.
2. Allow oil and gas leasing; however, prohibit ground-disturbing oil and gas activities.
3. Prohibit road construction for geophysical seismic projects. If access is not feasible
by off-road travel, use of portable techniques is required.
Livestock Grazing
Standard
1. Allow livestock facilities that do not detract from the semi-primitive/primitive
character of the area.
Fire
Standard
1. Prohibit use of heavy ground-disturbing equipment for fire suppression unless
authorized by the forest or grassland supervisor.
Guideline
1. Use perimeter control as the wildland fire management strategy.
Insects and Diseases
Guideline
1. Control natural insect and disease outbreaks only when outbreaks threaten
resource values outside of the area.
Infrastructure
Standard
1. Allow no net gain of fences and water developments. Standard
D-18
Appendix D
Guideline
1. Prohibit construction of facilities and structures that are not subordinate to the
landscape or not in keeping with the semi-primitive/primitive character of the
area.
Special Uses
Standard
1. Prohibit new utility corridors.
Guideline
1. Prohibit new special-use facilities.
1.31 Backcountry Recreation Nonmotorized
Theme
Backcountry, non-motorized recreation areas are managed to provide recreation opportunities
in a natural-appearing landscape.
Desired Conditions
A variety of uncrowded, year-around, non-motorized, recreation opportunities are provided in
a natural or natural-appearing setting. There will usually be less than 15 encounters with other
parties per day. These areas may offer unique hunting opportunities away from motorized
vehicles.
Improvements, such as trailheads, trails, signs, bridges, fences, primitive shelters, and water
developments, may be present. Existing two-track roads and old roads may be evident but will
diminish over time or may become designated trails.
The number of structures and facilities to support livestock grazing, such as fences and water
tanks, is limited (no net gain). Large pasture size and less intrusive developments promote an
open, natural-appearing landscape.
Vegetative composition and structure are controlled by natural processes, such as fire, insects,
diseases, and grazing. Vegetation is moving toward the range of natural variability.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standards
1. Allow uses and activities (e.g. recreation, grazing, mineral leasing) only if they do
not degrade the characteristics for which the area was identified. Standard
2. Reclaim disturbed lands to a condition suitable for the purposes for which the area
was identified.
Appendix D
D-19
3. Limit motorized use to administrative purposes (e.g., fire suppression, grazing
administration, noxious weed control).
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standards
1. Prohibit road construction for geophysical seismic projects. If access is not feasible
by off-road travel, use of portable techniques is required.
2. Allow oil and gas leasing; however, no ground-disturbing oil and gas activities are
permitted.
3. Prohibit mineral material removal.
Livestock Grazing
Standard
1. Allow livestock facilities that do not detract from the semi-primitive character of
the area.
Fire
Guidelines
1. Prohibit use of heavy ground-disturbing equipment for fire suppression unless
authorized by the district ranger.
2. Use perimeter control as the wildland fire management strategy.
Silviculture
Guidelines
1. Trees may be cut or removed under the following circumstances; however, new
road construction is prohibited:
•
To reduce fuel loads and fire risk, especially to adjoining private land.
•
To curtail imminent threat of epidemic insect attack.
•
To improve aesthetics, such as enhancing a scenic view from a prominent
overlook.
•
To enhance growth of unique plant species and community types.
•
To maintain wildlife habitat diversity.
Recreation
Guideline
1. Limit recreation development to trails, sanitation, horse holding and handling
facilities, directional and resource signing, and primitive shelters.
D-20
Appendix D
Scenery Management
Guideline
1. Manage according to the scenic integrity objective of high. Guideline
Infrastructure
Standard
1. Allow no net gain of fences and water developments.
Guideline
1. Prohibit construction of facilities and structures that are not subordinate to the
landscape.
Special Uses
Standard
1. Prohibit new utility corridors.
Guideline
1. Prohibit new special-use facilities.
1.31a Backcountry Recreation Nonmotorized:
Pine Ridge National Recreation Area
Theme
Backcountry, non-motorized recreation areas are managed to provide recreation opportunities
in a natural-appearing landscape.
Desired Conditions
A variety of uncrowded, year-around, non-motorized, recreation opportunities are provided in
a natural or natural-appearing setting. There will usually be less than 15 encounters with other
parties per day. These areas may offer unique hunting opportunities away from motorized
vehicles.
Improvements, such as trailheads, trails, signs, bridges, fences, primitive shelters, and water
developments, may be present. Existing two-track roads and old roads may be evident but will
diminish over time or may become designated trails.
The number of structures and facilities to support livestock grazing, such as fences and water
tanks, is limited (no net gain). Large pasture size and less intrusive developments promote an
open, natural-appearing landscape.
Vegetative composition and structure are controlled by natural processes, such as fire, insects,
diseases, and grazing. Vegetation is moving toward the range of natural variability.
Appendix D
D-21
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standards
1. Allow uses and activities (e.g. recreation, grazing, mineral leasing) only if they do
not degrade the characteristics for which the area was identified.
2. Reclaim disturbed lands to a condition suitable for the purposes for which the area
was identified.
3. Limit motorized use to administrative purposes (e.g., fire suppression, grazing
administration, noxious weed control).
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standards
1. Prohibit road construction for geophysical seismic projects. If access is not feasible
by off-road travel, use of portable techniques is required.
2. Allow oil and gas leasing; however, no ground-disturbing oil and gas activities are
permitted.
3. Prohibit mineral material removal.
Livestock Grazing
Standard
1. Allow livestock facilities that do not detract from the semi-primitive character of
the area.
Fire
Standard
1. Prohibit use of heavy ground-disturbing equipment for fire suppression unless
authorized by the District Ranger.
Guideline
1. Use control as the wildland fire management strategy.
Silviculture
Guideline
1. Trees may be cut or removed under the following circumstances; however, new
road construction is prohibited:
•
To reduce fuel loads and fire risk, especially to adjoining private land.
•
To curtail imminent threat of epidemic insect attack.
•
To improve aesthetics, such as enhancing a scenic view from a prominent
overlook.
•
To enhance growth of unique plant species and community types.
D-22
Appendix D
•
To maintain wildlife habitat diversity.
Recreation
Guideline
1. Limit recreation development to trails, sanitation, horse holding and handling
facilities, directional and resource signing, and primitive shelters. Guideline
Scenery Management
Guideline
1. Manage according to the scenic integrity objective of high.
Infrastructure
Standard
1. Allow no net gain of fences and water developments
Guideline
1. Prohibit construction of facilities and structures that are not subordinate to the
landscape.
Special Uses
Standard
1. Prohibit new utility corridors.
Guideline
1. Prohibit new special-use facilities.
1.5 National River System: Wild Rivers Recommended
Theme
Wild rivers and adjacent areas are managed to protect and perpetuate designated wild river
segments.
Desired Conditions
Wild rivers are managed to be free of impoundments and generally are inaccessible except by
trail. Shoreline vegetation and character is essentially primitive, and the water is unpolluted.
Areas are managed to protect and perpetuate eligible river segments in their current conditions
so that their highest potential designation under the National Wild and Scenic River System is
not diminished.
A variety of plant communities, structural stages, and associated wildlife are present in patterns
maintained primarily through ecological processes. The variety and arrangement of plant
Appendix D
D-23
communities and structural stages are dependent on the timing of disturbances, such as fire,
insects, diseases, storms, and grazing.
Encounters between individuals or parties are generally infrequent, except on few trails open
for use.
New developments and facilities are not anticipated. Those that do occur are designed to be
minimally intrusive into the landscape.
Current water-use and stream-protection agreements made through negotiation with local
water users are continued.
Wildland fire management is conducted to enhance or protect Wild and Scenic River System
opportunities.
Objectives
Once a river is designated, develop the legislatively mandated Comprehensive Management
Plan within three years of designation. (Refer to Wild and Scenic River Act, Sec. 3 (D)(1), and
PL-90-542 as amended.)
Standards and Guidelines
National River System
Standard
1. To the extent the Forest Service is authorized under law to control stream
impoundments and diversions, prohibit modification of the free-flowing
characteristics of the study river by new structures that were not part of the conditions when eligibility was determined.
Guideline
1. Continue existing facilities, management actions, and uses until a decision is made
on inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic River System, provided the actions
and uses do not alter the Wild and Scenic River characteristics.
Water and Aquatic Resources
Standard
1. Do not modify the waterway for aquatic habitat purposes, except for threatened,
endangered or sensitive species.
Infrastructure
Standard
1. Prohibit new range developments except for rare instances to achieve management
objectives. Design new range developments to be compatible with Wild and Scenic
River values.
2. Allow construction of trail bridges only where no safe opportunity exists to cross
the river.
D-24
Appendix D
3. Do not place bridge piers in the waterway.
4. Limit directional, regulatory, and informative signs to those needed to foster safe
use, identify requirements for use of the area, and to provide route information.
(See FSH 1909.12 Chapter 8 Section 8.2 for additional direction.)
2.1 Special Interest Areas
Theme
Special Interest Areas are managed to protect or enhance and, where appropriate, develop and
interpret for public education and recreation, areas with unusual characteristics.
Desired Conditions
Evidence of human activities is consistent with the characteristics for which the area was
established. Encounters between individuals or parties depend on the objectives for designation.
Vegetation, terrestrial and aquatic habitats will usually, but not always, appear natural. Vegetative manipulation may be used to maintain or restore natural conditions, to protect threatened,
endangered and sensitive species, or other values for which the Special Interest Area was
designated.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standard
1. Allow uses and activities (e.g. recreation, grazing, mineral leasing, road construction) only if they do not degrade the characteristics for which the area was
designated.
2. Reclaim disturbed lands to a condition suitable for the purposes for which the
lands were identified.
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standard
1. When withdrawal is necessary to protect the values for which the area was
designated, request withdrawal from mineral entry in conformance with Section
204 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (PL 94-576).
Appendix D
D-25
2.2 Research Natural Areas
Theme
Research Natural Areas form a network of ecological reserves designated for non-manipulative
research, education and the maintenance of biodiversity. This prescription is applicable to both
designated Research Natural Areas and areas proposed for Research Natural Area designation.
Desired Conditions
Maintain natural (relatively pristine/pre-European settlement) conditions by maintaining or
restoring natural ecological processes. Vegetation, habitat, soil productivity, water quality, and
ecological processes are in a natural condition (within the range of natural variability). Vegetation manipulation may be used to maintain the ecosystem or unique features for which the
Research Natural Area was established or to reestablish natural ecological processes, such as fire
and herbivory.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standards
1. Reclaim disturbed lands to a condition suitable for the purposes for which the
lands were identified.
2. Limit motorized use to administrative (e.g., grazing administration, noxious weed
control) and scientific purposes.
Guideline
1. Close or obliterate existing roads, except where they provide necessary access for
administrative or scientific purposes, as funding allows.
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standards
1. When withdrawal is necessary to protect the values for which the area was
designated, request withdrawal from mineral entry in conformance with Section
204 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (PL 94-576).
2. Allow oil and gas leasing; however, no ground-disturbing activities are permitted.
3. Prohibit mineral material removal.
Livestock Grazing
Standard
1. Do not increase animal unit months or developments unless determined necessary
in the Research Natural Area management plan. Grazing suitability and desired
D-26
Appendix D
vegetative conditions may be amended by the Research Natural Area management
plan.
Fire
Standard
1. Control human-caused fires that pose a substantial threat to developments outside
the boundaries of the Research Natural Area until a Research Natural Area
management plan has been developed. Control all fires where excessive fuel buildup from past fire suppression threatens the Research Natural Area.
Recreation
Standard
1. Restrict recreational use if it threatens or interferes with the objectives or purposes
for which the Research Natural Area was established.
Infrastructure
Standard
1. Prohibit the construction of new roads and trails, except when necessary to correct
resource damage occurring from existing trails.
Special Uses
1. Require a special-use permit for collection of all products. Standard
2.4 American Indian Traditional Use Areas
Theme
Traditional use areas are managed to protect areas associated with the traditional beliefs of a
federally recognized American Indian tribes concerning their origins, cultural history, or the
nature of the world. These areas have been identified through consultation with traditional
religious practitioners. They are important for maintaining the cultural identity of the
community.
Desired Conditions
Protect the traditional cultural landscape, including the scenic, cultural, botanical, and wildlife
characteristics, and maintain or restore the natural ecological processes.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standards
1. Resolve conflicts that cannot be mitigated in favor of preserving the traditional use
area.
Appendix D
D-27
2. As funding allows, reclaim disturbed lands to a condition suitable for the purposes
for which the lands were identified.
3. Consult with traditional religious practitioners annually to review timing and
before approving projects.
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standards
1. Prohibit geophysical operations from May 15 to October 15.
2. This area is not administratively available for oil and gas leasing. This applies to
currently leased lands when such leases expire or terminate, as well as to lands that
are currently not leased.
3. For areas currently leased, negotiate, where possible, the following changes in
standards:
a. Prohibit oil and gas well drilling from May 15 to October 15.
b. Limit noise from producing oil and gas wells to 80 decibels at 220 yards.
c. Prohibit flaring from May 15 to October 15.
Recreation
Standard
1. Do not construct developed recreation sites or trails.
Guidelines
1. Do not encourage recreation use.
2. Allow dispersed recreation, including hunting, but limit with seasonal restriction as
needed to protect other values.
3. Manage using the adopted scenic integrity objective of high.
Timber
Standard
1. Do not include in the suitable timber base.
Special Uses
Standard
1. Prohibit energy and utility corridors.
Fire Management
Guideline
1. Allow planned ignitions to enhance the traditional cultural landscapes. Guideline
D-28
Appendix D
3.4 National River System: Scenic Rivers Recommended
Theme
Scenic rivers are managed to protect and perpetuate designated scenic river segments.
Desired Conditions
Scenic rivers are managed to be free of impoundments. Shorelines are largely primitive and
undeveloped, but may be accessible by roads in some places.
Areas are managed to protect and perpetuate eligible river segments in their current condition
so that their highest potential designation under the National Wild and Scenic River System is
not diminished.
Vegetation alteration may be present, but it is carried out in a manner that has no substantial
adverse effects on the river and its immediate environment.
Mineral activities, roads, and developed recreation facilities may be present but blend with the
natural landscape. Concentrations of structures may be present along short stretches of the
river.
Habitat management that maintains and improves the integrity of vegetation communities
compatible with the Wild and Scenic River designation is emphasized. Native flora and fauna
(e.g., beaver) are maintained or restored, where feasible.
New developments and facilities are not anticipated. Those that do occur are designed to be
minimally intrusive into the landscape.
Encounters between individuals or parties are generally frequent on the travelways open for
use. Contacts away from trails and sounds from people are generally infrequent.
Current water-use and stream-protection agreements made through negotiation with local
water users are continued.
Wildland fire management is conducted to enhance or protect Wild and Scenic River System
opportunities.
Objectives
Once a river is designated, develop a legislatively mandated Comprehensive Management Plan
within three years of designation. (Refer to the Wild and Scenic River Act, Sec. 3 (D) (1), and
PL-90-542, as amended.)
Standards and Guidelines
National River System
Standard
1. To the extent the Forest Service is authorized under law to control stream
impoundments and diversions, prohibit modification of the free-flowing
Appendix D
D-29
characteristics of the study river by new structures that were not part of the conditions when eligibility was determined. Standard
Guideline
1. Continue existing facilities, management actions, and uses until a decision is made
on inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic River System, provided the actions
and uses do not alter the Wild and Scenic River characteristics.
(See FSH 1909.12 Chapter 8 Section 8.2 for additional direction.)
3.51 BIGHORN SHEEP
Theme
These areas are managed to provide adequate amounts of quality forage, cover, escape
terrain and solitude for bighorn sheep and other species.
Desired Conditions
Habitats capable of supporting bighorn sheep are managed to achieve optimum suitability for
bighorn sheep. Other resource activities are modified as needed to maintain high habitatsuitability levels and desired levels of solitude. These areas are considered important in
maintaining viable bighorn sheep populations. The integrity of lambing, breeding and other
important habitat features (e.g. escape cover) for bighorn sheep are protected. The integrity of
potential, unoccupied habitats is not altered until an assessment can be done relative to the
suitability of these areas for bighorn sheep.
Coordinate with other federal and state agencies and private landowners in managing habitat
and monitoring herd size of existing bands of bighorn sheep.
Consider increasing existing bighorn sheep populations on National Forest System land and
other public lands. The integrity of bighorn sheep habitat will be maintained on potential
habitats that are currently unoccupied. Activities on these habitats will be limited to those that
do not compromise their suitability for future habitation by bighorn sheep. These areas are high
priority for introducing bighorn sheep, as necessary, to maintain meta-populations and
genetic diversity.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Guideline
1. Reconvene the Bighorn Sheep Project Advisory Committee to develop a conservation strategy for managing bighorn sheep.
Minerals and Energy Resources
Standard
1. Allow oil and gas leasing; however, no ground-disturbing activities are permitted.
D-30
Appendix D
Guideline
1. As funding allows, identify and implement surface and minerals estate land
exchanges that contribute to bighorn sheep management objectives. Guideline
Livestock Grazing
Standard
1. Do not permit domestic sheep allotments in or adjoining this management area.
Guidelines
1. Limit livestock grazing forage allocation based on bighorn sheep needs.
2. Maintain a buffer between domestic sheep grazing on private land, and bighorn
sheep on National Forest System Lands to prevent the interaction between these
two species.
Recreation
Guideline
1. Discourage recreational activities as needed to protect sheep concentration areas
during bighorn sheep breeding and lambing periods.
Infrastructure
Standard
1. Do not construct new travel routes across bighorn sheep habitat, except to exercise
existing rights.
Guidelines
1. Reclaim roads associated with plugged and abandoned wells.
2. Limit vehicle access to oil and gas production facilities to administrative use only.
3. Restrict travel, as needed, to protect sheep concentrations during lambing,
breeding, and winter use, except for administrative use.
Fish and Wildlife
Guidelines
1. As funding allows, implement habitat enhancement projects that improve sheep
foraging habitat and provide connectivity of foraging areas to escape cover.
2. Consider augmentation of existing bighorn sheep populations on NFS and other
public lands. Introduce sheep as necessary to maintain meta-populations and
maintain genetic diversity.
Appendix D
D-31
3.63 Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction Habitat
Theme
Black-tailed prairie dog colony complexes and intermingled public grasslands are actively and
intensively managed for possible reintroductions of black-footed ferrets by U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
Desired Conditions
Prairie dog colony complexes and compatible land uses are established and/or maintained for
black-footed ferret reintroductions. Prairie dog populations are maintained or increased
through vegetation management and/or relocation of prairie dogs into suitable habitat.
Plant and animal species and communities associated with black-footed ferrets and black-tailed
prairie dogs are actively restored.
The Forest Service works with other agencies and organizations to pursue conservation
agreements or easements with adjoining land jurisdictions to achieve black-footed ferret
recovery objectives.
In areas where landownership patterns are not conducive to effective prairie dog management,
landownership adjustments to achieve more favorable landownership patterns are pursued.
Unwanted impacts to adjoining lands are minimized.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standard
1. Allow uses and activities (e.g. recreation, grazing, mineral leasing, road construction) only if they contribute to the protection or enhancement of the characteristics
for which the area was designated.
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standard
1. Allow oil and gas leasing; however, no ground-disturbing oil and gas activities are
permitted if they may have adverse effects on black-footed ferret reintroduction
objectives.
Livestock Grazing
Guideline
1. Use livestock grazing strategies and stocking rates to achieve desired rates of
prairie dog colony establishment and growth (see Appendix M for details).
D-32
Appendix D
Fish and Wildlife
Guideline
1. Consider using rodenticides to reduce prairie dog populations only in response to
public health and safety risks or unwanted colonization of adjoining lands. Mutual
concurrence by the Forest Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service is required on a
colony-by-colony basis before authorizing any poisoning.
Recreation
Guidelines
1. Prohibit shooting in prairie dog colonies unless needed to help reduce unwanted
colonization of adjoining lands. Authorize shooting in selected areas only through
mutual concurrence by the Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Coordinate and consult with the appropriate state wildlife agency prior to
implementation of authorized shooting.
2. Work with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and state agencies to
prohibit the use of leg-hold traps without pan-tension devices for predator control
and fur harvest on National Forest System lands in this management area.
3.64 Special Plant and Wildlife Habitat
Theme
These areas are managed to emphasize specific plant and wildlife species and communities.
Desired Conditions
Activities and uses are managed so specific species or communities can effectively use the area.
High levels of suitability and habitat effectiveness are maintained for specific plant and wildlife
species or communities.
Conflicts that cannot be mitigated are resolved in favor of specific plant and wildlife species and
communities.
Standards and Guidelines
See Geographic Area for specific direction.
3.65 Rangelands with Diverse Natural-appearing Landscapes
Theme
Management emphasizes maintaining or restoring a diversity of native plants and animals, and
ecological processes and functions, while providing for a mix of other rangeland values and
uses with limits on facilities to support livestock grazing.
Appendix D
D-33
Desired Conditions
These areas have relatively few livestock grazing developments, such as fences and water tanks,
which results in uneven livestock grazing patterns and diverse vegetation composition and
structure. The number of structures and facilities to support livestock grazing is limited (no net
gain) to maintain or increase secondary, inaccessible, and ungrazed capable rangelands.
Most areas are grazed by livestock annually, but some areas are secondary or inaccessible range
and receive no or periodic grazing. Livestock grazing intensity varies from low to high because
of uneven livestock grazing distribution and other livestock grazing management strategies.
Prescribed fire is used as a management tool; most wildfires are aggressively controlled if
threatening facilities or private property. Natural outbreaks of native insects and diseases are
allowed to proceed without intervention unless there is a substantial threat to high-value
resources and intervention is documented in a project decision.
Natural-appearing landscapes predominate; however, oil and gas facilities may occur and are
subordinate to the landscape.
Standards and Guidelines
Livestock Grazing
Standard
1. When allotment management plans are revised, include quantitative objectives for
secondary, inaccessible, or ungrazed capable rangeland.
Infrastructure
Standard
1. Maintain or increase the average size of fenced grazing units.
Guidelines
1. Allow no net gain of fences, water developments or roads.
2. When reconstructing water impoundments, consider opportunities to enhance
native wildlife species habitat and restore natural drainage patterns.
3.66 Ecosystem Restoration (Tallgrass Prairie)
Theme
These areas are managed to restore and maintain native plant and animal species, communities
and ecological processes and functions.
Desired Conditions
Tallgrass prairie plants and animal species that are at risk are being maintained and restored.
Nesting and brood-rearing habitat for greater prairie chicken is emphasized.
D-34
Appendix D
Fire is being restored to frequencies and patterns more closely replicating conditions that
occurred historically.
Noxious weeds and other exotic plant species are being reduced to levels where nonchemical
control methods are more effective at containing their spread.
Livestock grazing management is being conducted at levels commensurate with prairie restoration and conservation.
Interpretive information on tallgrass prairie is provided for the public.
Objectives
Initiate restoration efforts on at least an average of 200 acres annually for the next 10 to 15 years.
Eliminate shelterbelts and other non-native tree stands within 10 years.
Within the next 10 years, obtain moderate and high levels of habitat suitability across the
landscape for greater prairie chicken (species at risk), as displayed in the vegetation matrix
under the Geographic Area direction.
Standards and Guidelines
Fire
Guideline
1. Prefer prescribed burning over mowing. Use mowing when prescribed burning is
not practical.
Infrastructure
Standard
1. Prohibit development of new flow (artesian) wells.
Guideline
1. Plug abandoned flow (artesian) wells, as funding allows.
3.68 Big Game Range
Theme
These areas are managed to emphasize deer, elk and pronghorn habitat.
Desired Conditions
Activities and uses are managed so that big game can effectively use the area. High levels of
suitability and habitat effectiveness are maintained for big game. Conflicts that cannot be
mitigated are resolved in favor of big game.
Big game habitat management goals are developed by the Forest Service in consultation with
states and owners of intermingled, privately owned land to minimize resource conflicts on and
Appendix D
D-35
off National Forest System lands and to provide recreation opportunities and a diversity of
plant and animal communities.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standard
1. Allow uses and activities (e.g. recreation, grazing, mineral leasing) only if they do
not degrade the characteristics for which the area was identified. Standard
Guidelines
1. Limit activities during big game wintering from December 15 through March 15 if
they would reduce habitat effectiveness.
2. Limit activities during elk parturition from May 1 through June 30 if they would
reduce habitat effectiveness.
Wildlife
Standard
1. Maintain big game habitat effectiveness at 85%.
Livestock Grazing
Standards
1. Limit livestock grazing forage allocation based on big game needs.
2. Limit livestock grazing strategies in riparian habitats, wooded draws and other
wooded habitats to those that promote dense understory and mid-story vegetation
for cover and forage.
3. Limit livestock grazing strategies in shrublands, including big sage and silver sage
plant communities, to those that promote healthy herbaceous understories and
productive shrubs. Do not convert shrublands to other vegetation types.
Guideline
1. Where needed, alter livestock grazing systems, season of use, and stocking rates to
meet big game habitat objectives.
Silviculture
Guideline
1. Do not allow cutting or removal of trees if thermal cover is less than 20 percent of
the forested area.
Recreation
Guideline
1. Permit recreation facilities needed to support summer recreational activities, but
close them during periods when big game are present in concentrated numbers.
D-36
Appendix D
Infrastructure
Standard
1. Construct new roads as local roads.
Guidelines
1. Close roads, as needed, to prevent disturbance during the winter and during
fawning/calving periods.
2. Prohibit new roads from crossing important forage, cover and fawning/calving
areas.
4.22 Scenic Areas, Vistas or Travel Corridors
Theme
These areas are managed to protect or preserve the scenic values and recreation uses of
designated scenic areas, vistas and travel corridors.
Desired Conditions
Viewpoints may include roads, trails, rivers, other transportation systems or developed recreation sites from which the area is seen. Such areas may also include distant views seen from
viewpoints along transportation corridors or from developed recreation sites.
Existing facilities, such as power lines and roads, may be obvious to the casual observer, but
vistas are scenic. Transportation corridors may be present, ranging from interstate highways to
water corridors. Signing is used to explain any intermingled ownership of the river corridor
and private property rights.
Vegetative management activities may be seen but will be visually subordinate to the
surrounding landscape.
Generally, these areas appear as natural-appearing landscapes, but modifications on a small
scale are acceptable and blend with the area’s natural features.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Guideline
1. Allow developments that complement natural features in the foreground.
Developments in middleground and background must be subordinate to the
landscape and not obvious to the casual observer.
Appendix D
D-37
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standard
1. Allow geophysical operations; however, timing, seasonal, or location restrictions
may be appropriate to avoid conflicts with recreationists and wildlife and to
maintain the scenic values of the area.
Water and Aquatic Resources
Standard
1. Prohibit water diversion structures within the area; except existing water rights that
grant developmental rights.
Livestock Grazing
Standard
1. Limit livestock grazing strategies to those that maintain or improve the vegetative
structure associated with the scenic qualities of the area.
Recreation
Standard
1. Allow developed public-launch sites; they must be constructed to minimize visual
impacts to the river and river corridor.
Scenery Management
Guideline
1. Manage according to the adopted scenic integrity objective of moderate.
Infrastructure
Guidelines
1. Allow construction of fords, bridges and roads only if no suitable alternative exists.
2. Allow portable electric fences during low-water conditions for cattle management.
3. Construct fences crossing the river channel so that the fence is visible for at least
100 yards in either direction during normal daylight conditions.
4. Gates on fences constructed across the river channel must be at least eight feet
wide or be located immediately adjacent to the river channel.
5. Encourage the use of temporary fences.
Special Uses
Guideline
1. As a condition of a permit, the permittee must be responsible for closing gates on
the river channel after using any gated opening.
D-38
Appendix D
4.32 Dispersed Recreation: High Use
Theme
These areas are managed for recreational opportunities and scenic qualities and are usually
adjacent to developed recreation sites and bodies of water.
Desired Conditions
Visitors recreate in a relatively natural environment, while pursuing a variety of unstructured
recreational activities, such as camping, picnicking, fishing, and off-highway vehicle use.
Because of the amount and types of use, these areas offer a more social type of recreational
experience. All resource activities are compatible with, and reduce impacts to, recreational
resources and opportunities. Motorized travel may be restricted during certain times of the
year.
The areas offer few conveniences for users but may have toilets, trash cans, fire grills, and
vehicle barriers if needed to protect resources. Existing improvements, such as roads, trails,
bridges, fences, oil and gas wells, and water developments, blend into the landscape where
feasible.
The potential for contact with other users is moderate to high. Solitude or isolation is less
important than the opportunity to participate in desired recreational activities.
Generally, these areas appear as a natural-appearing landscape over large areas, but modifications on a small scale are acceptable and blend with the area’s natural features. Biological
communities complement the recreational values.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Guideline
1. Allow uses and activities (e.g., grazing, mineral leasing) only if they do not degrade
the characteristics for which the area was identified.
Livestock Grazing
Guideline
1. Do not salt or supplement feed within 1/4 mile of designated roads.
Appendix D
D-39
4.4 National River System: Recreation Rivers Recommended
Theme
Recreation rivers are managed to protect and perpetuate designated recreation river segments.
Desired Conditions
Recreation rivers are managed to protect and perpetuate eligible river segments in their current
condition so that their highest potential designation under the National Wild and Scenic River
System is not diminished.
Visitors find a variety of recreational opportunities, some of which may be highly developed or
intensively managed. Encounters between individuals or parties are frequent on most
travelways. Expect less frequent contacts on primitive roads or on trails, but frequent contacts
are acceptable in most cases. Contacts away from trails are generally infrequent.
Existing improvements (improved and primitive roads, trails, bridges, fences, shelter, signs or
water diversions) blend into the landscape or are removed if no longer needed (except historic
structures). Some prior existing water structures may be present. Mineral activities, roads, and
developed recreation facilities may be present but blend with the natural landscape. Concentrations of structures may be present along short stretches of the river. Roads, railroads, bridge
crossings and numerous river access points may be visible. No new developments and facilities
are anticipated.
The setting provided by vegetation varies from background areas that appear natural, to
foreground and middle-ground areas where landscape modifications may be noticed but do not
attract attention. Riparian communities are healthy, with little evidence of disturbance.
Vegetation alteration may be present, but it is carried out in a manner that has no substantial
adverse effects on the river and its immediate environment. Habitat management that
maintains and improves the integrity of vegetation communities compatible with the Wild and
Scenic River designation is emphasized. Native flora and fauna (e.g., beaver) are maintained or
restored, where feasible.
Current water-use and stream-protection agreements made through negotiation with local
water users are continued.
Wildland fire management is conducted to enhance or protect Wild and Scenic River System
opportunities.
Objectives
Once a river is designated, develop a legislatively mandated Comprehensive Management Plan
within three years of development. (Refer to the Wild and Scenic River Act, Sec. 3 (D)(1) and
PL-90-542 as amended.)
D-40
Appendix D
Standards and Guidelines
National River System
Standard
1. To the extent the Forest Service is authorized under law to control stream
impoundments and diversions, prohibit modification of the free-flowing
characteristics of the study river by new structures that were not part of the conditions when eligibility was determined.
Guideline
1. Allow existing facilities, management actions and uses to continue until a decision
is made on inclusion of the river into the National Wild and Scenic River System,
provided the actions and uses do not alter the recreation characteristics.
(See FSH 1909.12 Chapter 8 Section 8.2 for additional direction.)
5.12 General Forest and Rangelands:
Range Vegetation Emphasis
Theme
These areas are managed for the sustainability of physical, biological, and scenic values
associated with woody vegetation and open grassland.
Desired Conditions
These areas are dominated by open meadows, grasslands, shrublands and areas of woody
vegetation. Diversity is achieved by maintaining or enhancing hardwood and coniferous trees,
shrub inclusions and other beneficial plant communities and openings. Tree densities vary
within stands to create landscape-scale diversity. Fire is used to promote open, park-like timber
stands. Late-successional vegetation may be found in the area.
Management emphasis is on a balance of resource uses and opportunities, such as livestock
grazing, wildlife habitat, dispersed recreation, minerals management and timber harvest. Some
areas produce substantial forage for livestock and wildlife. Though some areas are forested,
they usually do not produce commercial wood fiber because of poor site potential.
Recreation facilities may be present. Range and other management activities are coordinated
with recreation so they do not conflict with the managed use season. Signs of motorized travel,
hunting, hiking, timber harvest, mining and livestock grazing may be evident. Recreation use is
moderate throughout the summer and increases during hunting seasons.
Appendix D
D-41
5.13 Forest Products
Theme
These areas are managed to produce commercial wood products and water, while providing for
forage production, other commercial products, scenic quality, diversity of wildlife, and other
goods and services.
Desired Conditions
The tree stands in these areas are managed to emphasize forest health and timber production.
A variety of stand sizes, shapes, crown closures, age structures and interspersion is provided.
Numerous open roads provide commercial access and roaded recreation opportunities. Closed
roads provide non-motorized recreation opportunities.
Standards and Guidelines
Silviculture
Standards
1. Develop prescriptions prior to timber harvest to identify the amount, size(s), and
distribution of down logs and snags to be left on site, as well as live, green,
replacement trees for future snags. On forested sites, snags and coarse, woody
debris should be retained (where materials are available) in accordance with the
average minimums specified in the following table:
Table B-5: Minimum Requirements for Snag and Woody Debris Retention and
Continuing Recruitment of Forested Sites Following Timber Harvest
Snags
Forest Type
Ponderosa Pine
Minimum
Diameter
(inches)
10
Downed Logs
Retention
Density
(number)
1
Minimum Minimum
Diameter
Snag
Height
(inches)
25
10
Retention
Density
(linear feet
50
These amounts should be calculated as per acre averages over a project area. The
appropriate distribution of down wood and snags should be prescribed during
project development.
2. The scientifically defined silviculture systems shown, by forest cover-type, in the
following table, that meet the management objectives for the landscape or individual stands of trees within a landscape setting are acceptable. Both even-aged and
uneven-aged management systems can be used and applied at scales ranging from
a few acres to many hundreds of acres. These silvicultural systems are to be
applied in a manner that will ensure natural regeneration is not necessary for other
resource objectives. Tree stand vegetation management treatments are to be
approved by certified silviculturists.
D-42
Appendix D
Table B-6: Appropriate Silviculture Systems by Forest Cover Type
Cover Type
Even-Aged
Two-Aged
Uneven-Aged
Ponderosa Pine Shelterwood, Clearcut, Irregular Shelterwood Group Selection and
and Seed Tree
Single Tree Selection
3. Cut trees harvested to meet timber production objectives in a way that assures the
technology and knowledge exist to adequately restock these areas with trees within
five years after final harvest. (Five years after final harvest is defined as: five years
after clear-cutting, five years after the final overstory removal in the shelterwood
and seed tree systems, or five years after selection cutting.) The timing of the firstyear and third-year restocking surveys is initiated by the reforestation treatment.
Minimum restocking levels are defined as 150 trees per acre for ponderosa pine.
4. No minimum seedling height requirements are specified. Seedlings must have
survived a minimum of one year and be expected (on the basis of research and
experience) to be able to produce the desired future stand condition specified for
the area.
5. Allow no openings created by even-age management larger than 40 acres,
regardless of forest type, with the following exceptions:
•
Where proposals for larger openings are approved by the Regional Forester
after a 60-day public review.
•
Where larger openings are the result of natural catastrophic conditions of fire,
insect or disease attack, or windstorm.
•
Where the area that is cut does not meet the definition of a created opening.
6. The size of the uncut forest areas between openings must be based on the
management objectives for the landscape unit being analyzed. If these objectives
include creating a mix of vegetation types to benefit the kinds of wildlife
associated with early successional stages and edges, the uncut units can be small. If
the objectives include provisions for old-growth-associated species, the uncut units
should be large enough to function as an ecological system not overly influenced by
the edge.
7. Artificially created openings are no longer considered openings when the trees in
the openings have reached a height and density that meets the objectives
established for the management area. Criteria to consider in determining when an
opening is no longer an opening include:
•
Desired future conditions planned for the management area
•
Scenic sensitivity of the area
•
Character of the landscape
•
Abundance, quality, and need for cover for big game animals
•
Other vegetation that may be present (such as tall shrubs)
•
Forest health
•
Need for seed sources
•
Need for interior forest area
Appendix D
D-43
•
Production of wood fiber
•
Watershed and riparian area protection
The following table offers some guidelines that could be considered in developing
local standards for the management area.
Table B-7: Guidelines for Determining When an Opening is No Longer Considered an
Opening.
Forest Cover Type
Ponderosa Pine and Mixed Conifers
Big Game Cover
High and Moderate
Scenic Integrity Objectives
Trees per Acre Height of Trees
200
6 feet
200
25 percent of the height
of the adjacent stand
8. Where disease can spread from an uncut stand to a newly regenerated stand, it is
desirable to cut the adjacent infected stand before the newly regenerated stand
reaches a height of six feet.
9. When trees are to be harvested on other than suitable lands, exceptions to the fiveyear restocking standard are appropriate as documented in project decisions when
the harvest meets one of the following criteria:
•
For permanent openings that serve specific management direction.
•
Where provided for in specific management practices and prescriptions.
•
Where it is desirable to delay the onset of regeneration and crown closure to
meet specific desired conditions and management objectives.
10. In order to assure that adequate restocking of openings created as a result of final
harvest is accomplished, as a minimum, stocking surveys should be conducted at
the end of the first and third growing seasons following reforestation treatment.
Adequate stocking cannot be certified until after the third year growing season
survey.
11. Utilization standards for live and dead trees are shown in the following table. For
their National Forests, Forest Supervisors should develop standards which lie
within the limits shown in this table. (This standard only applies to sawtimber
products.)
Table B-8: Utilization Standards for Live and Dead Trees.
Minimum
Top
Minimum
Type of Product
Diameter at
Diameter Length (feet)
Breast Height
Live Trees
Coniferous Sawtimber
7-8
5-7
8-10
Products Other Than
5
4
6.5
Sawtimber
Dead Trees
Sawtimber
7-12
7-10
8-16
Products Other
5
4
Variable
Than Sawtimber
D-44
Appendix D
Percent Net
of Gross
33.3-50
Variable
33.3-50
Variable
Guidelines
1. The landscape should be the primary unit of analysis for silviculture. A landscape
is defined here to mean a distinct landform such as a mesa, or an ‘‘Order IV’’
watershed. Some landscapes are ‘‘fine-grained’’ and are characterized by many
small areas in various stages of plant succession. Other landscapes are ‘‘largegrained;’’ these are forested with large, unbroken expanses of tree and have few
openings. There are areas that have become a patchwork of forest and open places
as a result of human use prior to establishment of the national forests, past Forest
Service management practices, or natural disturbances (wind, fire, insect activity,
and earth movement).
2. In most circumstances, rely on or make primary use of those silviculture systems
which ensure regeneration of forest stands through natural seeding and suckering.
3. Use artificial regeneration methods when environmental conditions to regenerate
the forest may not result in regeneration within five years. Guideline
4. Use thinning practices which consider genetic diversity, competition among the
trees for water, nutrients, and light. The frequency of thinning should depend
upon the tree species, financial efficiency, and the site growing conditions (as
commonly measured by site index).
5. Leave large, woody debris on harvested or thinned sites to help retain moisture,
trap soil movement, provide microsites for establishment of forbs, grasses, shrubs
and trees, and to provide habitat for wildlife.
6. Where appropriate, reduce competition between desired trees and other vegetation.
7. If the silviculture system being applied to a particular area of the landscape is
uneven-aged, harvest trees designated for commercial timber production based on
the desired density as determined by age class or size, and the objective for the
area.
8. Maintain some aspen stands, even at the expense of other late-successional stands.
9. These standards and guidelines should be applied at the watershed and landscape
level, as well as to individual timber stands. The standards and guidelines must be
applied in such a way as to perpetuate this range of environmental conditions
while supplying goods and services to people.
10. Altering more than one-third of the edge of a natural opening should be avoided
whenever an artificially created opening lies adjacent to a natural opening.
Additional edge should not be created until previously treated areas are considered
closed according to the standard listed above.
11. The choice of silviculture system should be one that allows emulation of the
pattern, timing, and frequency of natural disturbances found in the landscape being
treated.
Appendix D
D-45
12. Regeneration harvests of even-aged timber stands (sites) should not be undertaken
until the stands have generally reached or surpassed 95 percent of the culmination
of the mean annual increment measured in cubic feet. Exceptions may be made
where resource management objectives or special resource considerations require
earlier harvest, such as:
•
Stands that are in imminent danger from insect or disease attack
•
Wildlife habitat improvement
•
Scenery resource enhancement or rehabilitation
•
Ecosystem restoration
•
Areas managed for Christmas tree production
5.31a Experimental Forests (Denbigh)
Theme
This area is managed to conduct experiments, tests and other activities for the purposes of
obtaining scientific information about managing and using forest and rangeland resources.
Desired Conditions
This area is a research site for developing genetically improved trees for shelterbelt planting in
the Northern Great Plains. The best methods for site preparation, planting, and care of
seedlings are determined. The forest also provides conifer seed to the Northern Dakota Forest
Service nursery at Towner, North Dakota.
Some of the forest is kept in near pristine condition to serve as a reference ecological system for
research, while other areas are managed at differing levels for other research objectives. Timber
harvest practices may be applied, including untested experimental practices, to meet the needs
of designated experiments.
The research staff provides fuel treatment recommendations to reduce the threat of wildfire
damage to research projects. Fuel breaks are maintained to prevent damage from wildfire.
Firewood cutting of down material following thinning and sanitation cuts is encouraged.
Recreational use is compatible with research plans and National Register status. Scenic trails
are maintained, and opportunities are provided for schools to use the area for environmental
education. Signs are improved and maintained to inform the public of the area’s identity and
management.
Objectives
Update the Management Activity Schedule annually to identify and prioritize improvements
and maintenance.
D-46
Appendix D
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standard
1. Allow uses and activities (e.g. recreation, grazing, mineral leasing) only if they do
not degrade the characteristics for which the area was identified.
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standards
1. Prohibit surface-disturbing use and occupancy for mineral-based operations on
areas of federally owned minerals.
2. Coordinate with the State of North Dakota on state-owned minerals to minimize
adverse impacts.
3. Prohibit removal of mineral materials.
Special Uses
Standard
1. Prohibit energy/utility corridors.
5.31b Experimental Forests (Souris Purchase Unit)
Theme
This area is managed to conduct experiments, tests and other activities for the purposes of
obtaining scientific information about managing and using forest and rangeland resources.
Desired Conditions
Established pine and juniper provenance studies are continued. Timber harvesting may be used
to meet the objectives of approved research projects and facility maintenance.
The research staff provides fuel treatment recommendations to reduce the threat of wildfire
damage to research projects. Fuel breaks are maintained to prevent damage from wildfire.
Plantations are protected from insects and disease.
Recreational use is compatible with research plans and National Register status. Signs are
improved and maintained to inform the public of the area’s identity and management.
Objectives
Update the Management Activity Schedule annually to identify and prioritize research projects,
improvements, and maintenance.
Appendix D
D-47
Standards and Guidelines
General
Standard
1. Allow uses and activities (e.g. recreation, grazing, mineral leasing) only if they do
not degrade the characteristics for which the area was identified.
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standards
1. Prohibit removal of mineral materials.
2. Allow oil and gas leasing; however, no ground-disturbing oil and gas activities are
permitted.
Special Uses
Standard
1. Prohibit energy/utility corridors.
6.1 Rangeland with Broad Resource Emphasis
Theme
Management emphasizes a diversity of native plants and animals and ecological functions and
processes, while providing for livestock forage, a mix of other rangeland values and uses,
minerals and energy development, and recreation opportunities.
Desired Conditions
Vegetation composition and structure vary the across ecological sections to emphasize a broad
range of multiple-use values. Generally, composition and structure will vary according to the
following chart:
6.1a
Percent
mid to late seral
composition
80
6.1b
Management
Area
Vegetation Structure
(See Geographic Area for Specific Desired Structure)
High
Moderate
Low
85
High
Moderate
Low
6.1c
90
High
Moderate
Low
6.1d
90
High
Moderate
Low
D-48
Appendix D
7.1 Residential/Forest Intermix
Theme
Intermingled private and National Forest System lands are managed to build and maintain
cooperative relationships between the landowners and other governments with jurisdiction.
Desired Conditions
A variety of plant communities, structural stages and associated wildlife habitats are provided
through vegetative manipulation and natural processes. Natural openings, meadows, and other
plant communities are maintained to protect soil and water resources, and key wildlife habitat
areas. Timber harvest, livestock grazing, and prescribed fire may be used to attain a naturalappearing landscape, and to minimize the risks of catastrophic fires and epidemic levels of
insects and diseases.
In high-use recreation areas, human disturbance may limit the opportunity to view only those
wildlife that are common or accustomed to the presence of people. Recreational use of these
areas may be restricted to the extent necessary to reduce conflicts between landowners and
visitors. Firearm use or open fires are restricted, when conditions warrant. Property boundaries
are well marked. Trails link other management areas, developed sites, and other nearby trails.
Visitors expect to encounter residential developments on intermingled private land. Residents
encounter visitors and management activities. Landscape modifications and facilities may be
visible; however, they are mitigated to blend and harmonize with natural features as much as is
reasonable.
State and local governments and fire protection districts are consulted in developing fire-hazard
reduction plans and ordinances.
Standards and Guidelines
General
Guideline
1. Allow developments that complement natural features in the foreground.
Developments in middle ground and background must be subordinate to the
landscape and not obvious to the casual observer.
Fire
Guidelines
1. Treat management activity fuels to the required fire-intensity level within three
years after management activities cease.
2. When conducting fuel treatments along property boundaries, use methods that can
be controlled with direct attack.
Appendix D
D-49
3. Prioritize fuel treatment based on the following conditions:
•
Where there is an organization desiring to cooperate in fire-hazard reduction
along mutual boundaries.
•
National Forest System and adjacent lands having high values that are
vulnerable to fire.
8.3 Designated Utility Corridors: Existing and Potential
Theme
This area emphasizes management of existing and potential linear and non-linear right-of-way
corridors.
Desired Conditions
These corridors include major oil and gas pipelines, major water transmission systems (except
slurry pipelines), aerial and underground utility facilities for electronic transmissions, and major
communications systems, including telephone, microwave, and fixed sites, railroads and major
routes for highways and roads. Uses within the corridor are controlled by management of the
surrounding area. An extensive road system exists throughout most of the area for purposes of
allowing access for maintenance of the utility. Vegetation may be altered to meet the needs of
the site. Visitors can expect to see significant modification to general rangeland areas.
Standards and Guidelines
Fish and Wildlife
Guideline
1. Coordinate with the permittee to provide raptor nest sites where feasible.
Recreation
Standard
1. Prohibit developed recreation sites, except for interpretive sites.
8.4 Mineral Production and Development
Theme
These areas are managed for solid mineral operations.
D-50
Appendix D
Desired Conditions
Mineral operations of all types are emphasized to effectively and efficiently remove available
commercial mineral resources, concurrent with other ongoing resource uses and activities.
Operations include development and production of solid minerals, such as coal, bentonite,
uranium and hard rock, open-pit mines, stock-piled overburden and top soil, and various
ancillary facilities. Facilities and landscape modifications are visible but are reasonably
mitigated to blend and harmonize with natural features. Reclamation activities restore the area
to a reasonable level of its pre-mining condition.
Restrictions on public use occur to ensure public safety and to avoid unreasonable interference
with mineral operations. Visitors can experience frequent encounters with people, heavy
equipment and noise.
8.5 Nursery (Charles E. Bessey)
Theme
This area emphasizes production of planting stock and seed storage, while maintaining the
historical value and context of the site.
Desired Conditions
The nursery serves as the Forest Service’s and other clients’ seed extractory and storage facility
and provides transfer of technology to federal, state, tribal, private, and international governments, agencies and groups. Native vegetation seed and quality bare root and containerized
seedlings are produced to support Forest Service, tribal and cooperating states’ seedling
requirements.
Nursery operation features may include administrative buildings, storage facilities, greenhouses, seed beds, refrigerator units, and seed and seedling processing facilities. Historical
components of the nursery are enhanced through visitor information, interpretation, restoration,
and stabilization. Visitors can expect frequent encounters with people, heavy equipment and
noise. Few, if any, restrictions are placed on public use except to ensure public safety and to
avoid unreasonable interference with nursery operations. Nonmotorized dispersed recreation is
allowed to the extent that it will not interfere with nursery operations.
Insects and diseases are managed to protect vegetation on the nursery site. Trees that are not
nursery stock are managed to provide wind protection around buildings and seedbeds, aesthetics and shade. Trees will be removed if they pose a hazard to public health and safety.
Standards and Guidelines
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standards
1. Prohibit removal of mineral materials.
Appendix D
D-51
2. Allow oil and gas leasing; however, no ground-disturbing oil and gas activities are
permitted.
3. Withdraw the area from locatable mineral activity.
Livestock Grazing
Standard
1. Prohibit domestic livestock grazing.
8.6 Administrative Sites
Theme
This prescription emphasizes management of administrative sites.
Desired Conditions
Site features may include office buildings, parking lots, work centers and storage facilities.
Facilities provide adequate improvements to protect the health and safety of workers and
visitors.
Landscape modifications and facilities may be visible, but are reasonably mitigated to blend and
harmonize with natural features. Vegetation is managed to provide a pleasing appearance for
visitors.
Standards and Guidelines
Mineral and Energy Resources
Standard
1. Allow oil and gas leasing; however, no ground-disturbing oil and gas activities are
permitted.
D-52
Appendix D
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
Direction for Alternative 1 (No Action) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
Direction for Alternatives 1 and 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
Direction for Alternative 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Livestock Grazing Direction by Alternative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5
Alternative 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5
Alternative 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5
Alternative 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5
Alternative 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5
Alternative 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5
Noxious and Undesirable Plant Species Direction by Alternative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5
Alternatives 2, 3, 4, and 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5
Paleontological Resource Direction by Alternative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6
Alternative 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6
Alternatives 2, 3, and 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-6
Alternative 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7
Prairie Dog Direction by Alternative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8
Alternative 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8
Alternative 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8
Alternative 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-9
Alternative 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-10
Alternative 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-10
Recreation Direction by Alternative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-11
Alternative 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-11
Goals and Objectives for Alternative 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-11
Goals and Objectives for Alternative 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-13
Management Area Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-14
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-15
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-15
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-15
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-17
Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-17
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-18
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-19
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-19
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-19
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-21
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-21
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-22
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-23
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-23
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-24
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-24
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-25
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-25
Appendix D
D-53
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D-54
Appendix D
D-25
D-26
D-26
D-26
D-27
D-27
D-27
D-29
D-29
D-29
D-29
D-30
D-30
D-30
D-32
D-32
D-32
D-33
D-33
D-33
D-33
D-34
D-34
D-34
D-34
D-35
D-35
D-35
D-35
D-36
D-37
D-37
D-37
D-39
D-39
D-39
D-40
D-40
D-40
D-41
D-41
D-41
D-42
D-42
D-42
D-46
D-46
D-46
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-47
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-47
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-47
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-47
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-48
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-48
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-48
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-49
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-49
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-49
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-50
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-50
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-50
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-50
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-51
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-51
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-51
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-51
Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-52
Desired Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-52
Standards and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-52
Appendix D
D-55